SHGC is a term that many homeowners are unfamiliar with. It stands for solar heat gain coefficient. It sounds pretty technical but it is very important to understand what it is if you want the best possible windows for your home. In today’s post, window and roof replacement experts Pritchett Roofing Inc. explains what SHGC is and why it is important when it comes to your windows.
Solar heat gain coefficient is the fraction of solar radiation admitted through your doors, windows and skylights that are either transmitted directly or absorbed. The lower the SHGC value of your windows is, the less heat it transmits.
Simply put, solar heat gain can provide free heat during the winter months but can cause your home to overheat during the summer. SHGC is measured by a number between 0 and 1. Window and siding contractors recommend getting replacement windows with a value that is as close to zero as possible if you want your home to be more energy-efficient.
The National Fenestration Rating Council or NFRC is a non-profit organization that sponsors an energy efficiency certification and labeling program for windows, doors, and skylights. The NFRC provides homeowners and builders with a reliable way to determine a product’s energy efficiency so that they can compare brands and make smart, energy-saving decisions.
The NFRC label can be found on all Energy Star-rated windows but if you have an older home with the original windows still installed, they probably lack this label and there is no way for you to tell how energy-efficient they really are. If this is the case, consider upgrading them to modern windows with a low SHGC rating.
From roof repair to window installation and everything in between, when it comes to exterior home improvements, the team of experts at Pritchett Roofing Inc. has the skills and experience to exceed all your expectations. If you are a homeowner in Canton, GA, or its surrounding communities, please feel free to give us a call at (770) 345-1622 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with one of our experts today.
