Health Benefits of Indoor Natural Light

Innovative manufacturer Weather Shield Windows and Doors offers diverse finishes, stains, handles, and casements that combine to provide endless configurations. Weather Shield Windows and Doors is best-known for its product solutions that enable homeowners and developers to incorporate aspects of the ever-popular indoor/outdoor architectural style that can fill a room with natural light.

Increasing the amount of natural light that reaches the interior of a home has several known health benefits:

Lower stress: Sunlight can stimulate communication in areas of the brain that control emotional regulation. Further, sunlight triggers the production of neurotransmitters that cause an elevated mood, such as serotonin and endorphins.

Prevents SAD: A lack of exposure to natural light is one of the major contributors to seasonal affective disorder, which can cause lethargy and depression. Well-insulated, floor-to-ceiling windows or patio doors can introduce natural light without leaking indoor heating during the winter.

Increases vitamin D levels: Indoor/outdoor configurations make it easier for sunlight to reach interior living areas. Exposure to direct sunlight boosts vitamin D production, which is linked with immune system function and cardiovascular health.

The Differences Between Double-Hung and Casement Windows

Based in Wisconsin, Weather Shield Windows and Doors has been manufacturing and selling energy-efficient window and door products since 1955. A family-owned business, Weather Shield Windows and Doors has over 1,900 employees and sells a variety of window styles, from casement windows to double-hung windows.

Given the huge range of window styles available, many people get confused when it comes to choosing the best options for their home. The differences between these styles is perhaps most noticeable when comparing casement and double-hung windows. Both styles are popular options for tall window openings in a home.

Casement windows operate similarly to a door. They swing horizontally and employ a cranking mechanism that lets homeowners control how much they open the window. When opened all the way, homeowners can generally clean the exterior of casement windows, but this style does require that there is room outside the home to accommodate the space that the open window would occupy.

Conversely, double-hung windows slide up and down vertically. They consist of an upper and lower window pane unit, or sash, both of which are operable. This allows homeowners to open either just the top portion or bottom portion of the window if they don’t want to open the entire thing. Unlike casement windows, double-hung windows do not require much exterior space because they open vertically and not horizontally.

In addition to the exterior space required for both styles, homeowners must also consider their preferred view. Due to the construction of double-hung windows, they have a check rail that rests in the middle of the window. This obstructs the view of the outdoors, unlike casement windows, which have an unimpeded view. Casement windows also have a more airtight seal when closed than double-hung windows, but they do require more maintenance since they have more working parts than double-hung styles.