I often tell my readers, and clients, that buildings possess many of the same attributes as the human body. They breathe, have a nervous system, a bone structure, plumbing, skin, etc. Now add to that list that your home, indeed, has gas. For several years now, windows have been made as sealed, double- and triple-paned units set into frames. Some of the better-made units have no indication of the gas inside, since the process involves hermetically sealing the units as the panes are brought together under pressure against the internal frame. Your doors, quite possibly, were made using this method. The rivets you described are the plugs to keep the gas in during an injection process, and I, too, wonder how much gas remains between the glass with this procedure.Different manufacturers use argon or nitrogen, which is completely dry and eliminates moisture from condensation between the panes, to slow the process of conducting heat to the outside from your toasty-warm indoor rooms. These gases are slightly denser than oxygen and have a lower thermal conductivity, which makes the windows' insulating value greater. There is no simple way you can test for the presence of any of these gases in your windows, so I usually recommend more well-established window manufacturers, especially national brands, or to verify where the glazing for your vinyl windows came from. Many window fabricators get their glazing from the same place as the bigger, more advertised companies. Just remember, filling windows with gas does not eliminate heat loss, but only slows it down. Windows lose more heat than insulated walls. Interestingly, the Department of Energy has set a goal of "no heat loss" windows by the year 2015. The windows you just replaced may end up being recycled, since windows will be filled with solid gels that will be clear, but with the touch of a switch will be able to turn colors, become translucent or even opaque, eliminating the use of blinds. Skyscrapers will become large billboards, with color corporate logos and advertisements hundreds of feet tall, all with the added feature of less heat loss. So stay warm this winter and enjoy your windows, but use the blinds until the new technology arrives!Readers are encouraged to send questions to: HERALD Homes379 Central Avenue, P.O. Box 220, Lawrence, N.Y. 11559-0220Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
