Windows are easy to overlook unless there’s something wrong with them, so it’s easy to assume there are no interesting facts about windows. However, this wasn’t always the case. The more windows a home has, the more luxurious it feels, even now. Windows are among the most important parts of your home. They help with energy efficiency, aesthetic appeal, functionality, and more. Since their inception thousands of years ago, they’ve undergone a lot of changes.
Here are some interesting facts about windows that you may not know.
#1. Windows Weren’t Always Made From Glass
Before glass was invented, windows were essentially holes in the wall of your home. They could also be in the roof of your home. As people evolved, windows evolved with them. Windows went from uncovered holes in the walls or roofs to being covered with greased paper, cloth, animal hide, thin slices of wood, and more. They helped with ventilation, and some of them let a bit of diffused light in, but for the most part, they were opaque.
#2. Romans Are Believed To Have Invented The First Glass Windows
Around 100 A.D., it’s believed that the Romans invented the first glass windows. These windows were so thick that they were pretty much impossible to see out of.
#3. Glass Windows Were A Status Symbol
This isn’t just one of those interesting facts about windows from times gone by. Even today, the more windows a home has, the more luxurious it is. Windows are a prized commodity even now.
However, glass used to be very highly prized. Glass windows were extremely rare and didn’t become commonplace in homes until the 17th century. Indeed, glass windows with so valued that people would have their windows taken down and stored away while they were travelling. Only the wealthiest members of society had glass windows, and typically only in the most important rooms of their house.
#4. There Was A Window Tax
In 1696 England, there used to be a tax imposed on the number of windows in a home. The more windows you had, the more taxes you had to pay. This caused people to board up their windows in order to avoid being taxed. However, this led to health problems from poor ventilation. The window tax ended up being repealed in 1851, after protestors called it a ‘tax on health’, as well as light.
This is one of the interesting facts about windows that is still somewhat applicable today, but in a different way. More windows can increase your property value, which could end up increasing your property taxes.
#5. Your Windows Are Essential For Your Home Insulation
You may think that the credit for home insulation goes to, well, the insulation padding your walls. However, your windows play a significant role in heat gain and loss. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, your windows can account for 25-30% of your home’s energy usage.
This makes ensuring that you have energy-efficient windows installed and that you stay on top of your windows’ maintenance essential. Your home’s comfort levels and being able to keep your energy bills down rely on it.
#6. The Average U.S. Home Has 8 Windows
This may not seem like the most interesting facts about windows, however, when compared to other buildings, it’s quite something!
- The White House has 147 windows.
- The Buckingham Palace has 760 windows.
- The Empire State Building has 6500 windows.
- The Winchester House has 10,000 windows, with many rooms having 13 windows.
- The Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, has 34,348 windows.
Talk about a sign of luxury!
#7. Stained Glass Windows Are Still Made The Same As They Were In The Middle Ages
You may presume that as times have changed, so too have the methods for making stained glass windows. One of the interesting facts about windows is that this isn’t the case. Stained glass windows may be mostly used in churches and other sacred buildings, but many homeowners opt to have stained glass windows installed in their homes for some color and personality.
Quality Windows In Northern Utah
Peak Windows provides quality window services in Northern Utah. There are so many interesting facts about windows that we couldn’t possibly include them all here – however, if you have any questions about your windows or our services, we’re happy to answer them! Contact us today to learn more about our window services.
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