Windows are all around us, and yet, unless we need to replace them, most folks pay them very little mind.
While replacing barn windows may seem like a relatively straightforward task, there are hidden factors to take into consideration. They represent an investment both in the value of your property and the health of your horses. If you want to raise the sort of race-worthy thoroughbreds that factor into TwinSpires expert race predictions, you need to invest in the right infrastructure.
Let’s take a look at what factors go into a high-quality, effective barn window.
Windows as an Investment
One of the first things you’ll realize when you begin shopping for windows is that the price range varies pretty dramatically.
Generally, you can get a simple basic replacement window for a few hundred dollars, while a fully insulated, heat-resistant unit will cost one thousand dollars plus per unit.
The right option will depend on what you hope to accomplish. The regulatory environment is relatively lax where this particular consideration is concerned, which means that you should focus more on what you need from your windows.
Barn windows can help with energy costs, which are considerable. They can also help improve or sustain the health of your horses. Many respiratory illnesses in equines are directly caused by dramatic temperature fluctuations. In these ways, buying a high-quality window is a true investment.
What Are the Options?
There are a few common window treatment options that are used regularly in barn environments. All of them come with their own set of pros and cons.
In the next few headings, we take a look at what the strengths and weaknesses look like and help you determine what kind of barn windows might be right for you.
Tempered Glass Windows
Tempered glass windows are heat-treated, which means that they are up to five times stronger than standard glass.
They also just perform better than your basic entry-level window. They provide really good clarity, which admittedly is maybe not the first thing on the minds of most equines, but is an aesthetic pleasure that owners at least are sure to appreciate.
They’re also better for light transmission, which will benefit the horses, even if they don’t quite see the situation in those terms.
Light transmission quality is an important factor in contributing to their circadian rhythms, which is a major influencing factor on their overall well-being.
Tempered glass is generally considered easy to clean, and it’s also extremely durable, which is a worthwhile factor to keep in mind in a barn.
An interesting feature of tempered glass is also that when it breaks, it crumbles rather than shatters into shards. The crumbling pieces can still cut a horse, but the risk factor is considerably lower. Unfortunately, tempered glass is one of the most expensive options. The cost can be more than one thousand dollars per window.
So, you can accomplish something similar for less money, but if you want the best of the best, this is the direction you should go. Keep in mind also that it’s not all lost money. Good windows can increase the property value of your home.
Polycarbonate Windows
Polycarbonate is considered basically unbreakable and could withstand a direct kick from a horse without breaking, at least theoretically. That’s not a promise you want to put to the test, but it is a valuable factor nonetheless to keep in mind.
It’s also relatively cost-effective, coming in at a couple hundred dollars per window. There are a couple of cons that have kept this from being the universal standard.
For one thing, polycarbonate will yellow with time, usually at around the ten-year mark. It also requires careful framing, as the material can expand and contract with temperature fluctuations.
It’s a good and budget-friendly option for barn environments where the windows could potentially come into contact with physical damage, but do keep in mind the cons.
Wire-Reinforced Glass
Pretty much exactly what it sounds like, wire-reinforced glass has wire mesh embedded during the manufacturing process. It’s a strong option that holds the glass together even when it’s cracked and is noted for being secure in the context of break-in prevention.
It’s not necessarily a common barn option, and it’s also more expensive than polycarbonate. It’s a good option for environments where security is a concern, but is overkill in most other cases.
Decide on What Works Best for You
Be assured, at least, that the horses won’t complain no matter what you pick. All of the options we’ve described above are in some way suitable for the needs of equines. Safety assured.
The real choice you need to make is simply in determining what option makes the most sense for your immediate and long-term needs. Striking that balance is both tricky and most rewarding. When it comes to home improvement, or in this case barn improvement, there are always a range of considerations to keep in mind. Tempered glass, for example, costs more today but may ultimately be the cheapest long-term option.
Find the window that makes the most sense for your horses and your financial needs.
