A Buyer's Guide to Windows - Fine ...

When you roll up to a house for the first time, you can&#;t help but notice the windows. Their size, style, and placement determine if they&#;re appropriate to the architectural style and, to some degree, if the house will be a pleasure to be in.

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For most people, that&#;s as much thought as they give to windows. And that&#;s too bad, because picking the right windows can lower heating and/or cooling costs, improve comfort inside the house, and improve indoor-air quality by dramatically limiting condensation.

To buy the best-performing windows for your house, though, you need to know a bit about how they work and what they need to do.

A window has four basic jobs

The first thing a window has to do is control heat gain and loss. Technically, these temperature changes take place through conduction, convection, and radiation. As a practical matter, these temperature changes affect your comfort. If you&#;re sitting next to a window, you&#;ll experience conduction and convection when the glass acts as a cold radiator in the winter; and you&#;ll experience radiation on a sunny day when you feel like an ant trapped under a magnifying glass.

Second, a window must control solar-heat gain. I say control because heat gain isn&#;t always bad. If you live in a heating climate &#; generally speaking, anything north of Oklahoma with the exception of California &#; you should take advantage of the free heat windows can provide.

Third, windows need to regulate airflow. They should be airtight when closed and also offer fresh air when you want it. Finally, windows provide natural light and frame views both near and far.

What makes a good frame?

When most people choose windows, they begin by considering the frame material. They might be predisposed to traditional wood or low maintenance vinyl. However, according to Nils Petermann at the Efficient Windows Collaborative, the most important factor to consider is the frame&#;s durability. This is where I&#;d like to refer you to an independent organization that provides unbiased durability ratings for window frames. Unfortunately, there isn&#;t one.

You can make educated guesses about durability based on the frame material. But whether it&#;s wood, vinyl, fiberglass, aluminium, or clad, a well constructed window lasts longer and performs better than a poorly constructed one regardless of the relative benefits of its frame material.

The best way to get a sense of window quality is to read all the product literature you can get your hands on and to look at actual windows &#; a lot of them. Go to the big-box store and the local building supply, and open and close the windows on display, paying attention to how the corners are joined, how well the sashes seal, and how rigid the unit is.

On vinyl windows, look for continuous thermally-welded corners. Examine the corner cutaway displays of aluminum windows for a continuous thermal break in both frame and sash. On a clad window, the cladding should have well-sealed corners and gaskets to prevent water from getting behind the cladding. Aluminum is an excellent heat conductor, so be sure that aluminum cladding doesn&#;t contact conditioned interior air at any point.

Another way to sift through the options is to talk to reputable builders and architects in your area. Ask what windows they use and how long they have been using them. They won&#;t stick with windows that make their clients unhappy.

Thirty years ago, when single-pane windows were the rule rather than the exception, companies looking to improve window performance focused their research on insulating glass. It was the lowest-hanging fruit. They&#;ve done such a good job that the R-value of insulated glass is good enough to make the window frame the weak link in the thermal chain. That&#;s one reason why manufacturers list performance data for relatively large windows, say, 4 ft. by 5 ft. (When you&#;re comparing windows, make sure the performance data are for windows of the same size.) Windows with large areas of glass yield better performance numbers because the frame is a smaller percentage of the window area. Savvy window designers understand this and tweak their windows accordingly for optimal performance. By using strong materials that permit low-profile sills, sashes, and jambs, they minimize the size of the conductive frame while being sure to incorporate materials that reduce air leakage.

Frame material can also influence how long a window stays airtight. Like most building materials, windows expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. When you see a window with moisture between panes, it&#;s likely that movement between the glass and the sash broke the insulating seal. By choosing stable materials, you can reduce stress on the seal and increase the window&#;s longevity. Fiberglass expands at the rate of glass, while aluminum and vinyl expand respectively 3 times and 7 times more than glass. Wood moves in response to humidity changes rather than temperature.

Insulated glass reduces heat loss

Manufacturers typically refer to glass as glazing. Using glazing as a noun is a bit pretentious, like referring to a window as a fenestration, but it does give the sense that glass assemblies in today&#;s windows are a far cry from the single-pane windows installed in the s.

Those single-pane windows have been abandoned in most heating climates because glass is a horrible insulator. A standard window today relies on an insulated glass unit (sometimes called an IG). This unit is a sealed sandwich of two or three pieces of glass with an airspace between the panes. IG units are manufactured by a handful of glass companies that supply the hundreds of window manufacturers in North America.

The airspace between glass panes, usually 1&#;2 in. to 2&#;3 in. thick, serves as insulation by reducing the transfer of heat through conduction. A single clear pane has a U-factor of 1.04, but a sealed double-pane unit has a U-factor of 0.5 (see &#;What&#;s a U-factor?&#; right). Adding a third pane improves the U-factor to 0.3.

Replacing the air with gas improves the insulating value of the window. Manufacturers use argon or krypton gases because they&#;re inert&#;chemically stable and nonreactive&#;and because they reduce heat loss, as they are less conductive than air. Argon and krypton also reduce convective losses because the gases are heavier than air, reducing gas movement within the insulating space.

Krypton performs slightly better than argon, but its bigger advantage is that the optimal spacing between krypton-filled panes is narrower than what&#;s required for argon. That means less stress on the sashes, particularly in triple-pane windows.

Spacers are potential weak points

Spacers between glass panes perform three functions: They maintain a uniform separation between pieces of glass, they provide a good adhesive surface for the glass, and they create an airtight seal for the insulating cavity.

Although you should choose windows based on their overall performance ratings, the spacer, while small, substantially impacts a window&#;s U-factor and condensation resistance.

The spacer&#;s job is complicated by the fact that it&#;s in contact with both the inside and outside surfaces of the window, forming a bridge between indoor and outdoor environments. Because the spacer is more conductive than the air or gas fill, it changes the temperature of a 21&#;2-in.-wide band around the edge of the glass. As a consequence, the window&#;s overall U-factor is affected. In smaller windows, the 21&#;2-in. temperature band is a larger percentage of the window and has a greater effect on the window&#;s U-factor. While spacers can be considered the Achilles&#; heel of all windows, a casement window performs slightly better than a double-hung of the same size because the former has less spacer area. Likewise, the thermal performance of true divided-lite windows made up of multiple IG units suffers because of all the spacer area in the window. (Simulated divided lites can also affect U-factor if the grille creates a thermal bridge between the panes.)

Spacers are made of aluminum, steel, fiberglass, foam, and thermoplastics, often in some combination. Foam spacers have the lowest U-factor, while aluminum has the highest. Today, quality windows use &#;warm-edge&#; spacers. (It&#;s worth noting that warm-edge means only that it&#;s less conductive than aluminum.) A good warm-edge spacer raises the interior surface temperature of the glass along the perimeter of the window. This is especially important at the window&#;s bottom edge, which is most subject to condensation. At 0°F outside, a good spacer increases the temperature at the bottom of the inside glass pane by 6°F to 8°F. As a result, a more comfortable relative-humidity level indoors is possible during the winter without window condensation.

Coatings improve performance

Energy-efficient windows were developed during the previous energy crisis. When Jimmy Carter was installing solar panels on the White House and making conservation a priority, the Department of Energy&#;s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory was charged with finding ways to conserve energy. Windows were among their targets. The insulating windows of that era allowed an inordinate amount of heat to escape. The lab&#;s scientists concluded that by using existing technologies to deposit a virtually invisible metal or metal-oxide coating on the glass, insulating windows could be dramatically more efficient. This coating is transparent to visible light, but blocks long- and short-wave radiation by reflecting it. Known as a low-e (for low-emissivity) coating, it&#;s common today even on low-cost windows.

Depending on the nature of this thin coating and which window surface it is applied to, the coating can reflect heat back into the room to conserve it or filter sunlight to keep heat out. Using a coating on two different glass panes can fine-tune the amount of heat that&#;s retained in each direction.

The measure of the amount of the sun&#;s heat a window lets through is the solar heat gain coefficient. SHGC in shorthand, it ranges from 0 to 1, where 1 is uninterrupted heat gain. A clear-glass, two-pane insulated window has an SHGC between 0.56 and 0.68, depending on the frame material and construction. The size of the air gap, which is influenced by frame design, and the amount of light blocked by the frame and grille affect the SHGC.

Films create super windows

Another way to control the flow of heat through a window is with suspended films. These films come in two varieties: high solar gain and low solar gain. Because these films (similar to mylar) are so lightweight and thin, as many as three films can be suspended between two glass panes. The additional insulating spaces increase the insulating ability of the window, replicating the performance of three-, four, or five-pane windows without the weight. Serious Windows

uses this approach to create high-performance windows with both high and low solar-gain properties. The company&#;s premium fixed window has an insulating value of R-11.1 (U-factor 0.09), nearly rivaling many wall insulations. The operable version of the window is R-7.1 (U-factor 0.14). Considering that the average insulating window is the equivalent of R-1 to R-3, Serious Windows live up to their name.

Let the light shine in

Solar gain and insulating values aren&#;t the only ways that windows save energy and keep you comfortable. Windows also control the view and the amount of natural light. Daylighting, or window-placement strategies to maximize natural light, save money by reducing the need for electric lighting. Although placement is a design issue, window styles and glass properties

affect the amount of light infiltration. The visible transmittance (VT) rating on the National Fenestration Rating Council&#;s (NFRC) label (see p. 77) allows you to compare the amount of light that passes through windows, taking into account the light blocked by frames and grilles.

Impact-resistant glass offers protection

Although they don&#;t affect a window&#;s energy performance, a handful of options can make you safer. Tempered glass, for example, can be specified for windows located where someone could potentially fall into one. Many of these locations are covered by code and include windows within 18 in. of the floor, next to doors, in showers or bath areas, and along decks, patios, and walkways.

If you live in a coastal area particularly along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, where building codes demand protection during hurricanes or in a tornado-prone area, you can specify impact-resistant glass. Using the same technology as car windshields, a plastic sheet is laminated between two pieces of glass so that the window maintains its integrity after the glass is broken.

Window frames can also be reinforced to withstand impact. Available in three different strengths (impact zones 2, 3, and 4), the toughest windows in impact zone 4 must withstand strikes from at least two 8-ft.-long 2x4s traveling at 50 ft. per second, followed by cycles of negative and positive pressure simulating hurricane force winds.

Windows that keep the world at bay

Manufacturers also offer variations of pebbled, frosted, and wavy glass that add privacy to bathrooms, bedrooms, and other sensitive spaces.

If you live near a busy road, near train tracks, or under a flight path, acoustic windows can take the edge off loud or constant noise. Even if they don&#;t readily advertise the fact, many window companies sell sound-attenuating windows. Residential &#;quiet&#; windows are likely to be rated with a sound transmission coefficient (STC). A typical double-pane window has an STC of 25 to 27. Every increase of 10 in the STC cuts the amount of sound transmitted by half. Companies such as Milgard, Atrium, Marvin, and Serious Windows have windows in the 40 to 47 STC range.

Self-cleaning windows reduce maintenance demands

For those of you who say, &#;I don&#;t do windows,&#; technology has finally caught up with your sentiment. Several big glass companies market coated glass that resists the buildup of dirt. Product names include Neat Glass by Cardinal, Activ by Pilkington, and PPG&#;s SunClear.

By making the glass smoother and hydrophilic, rainwater collects in sheets on the surface and slides off the glass quickly, cleaning the window. Some windows include a titanium-dioxide layer that reacts with UV-light to help organic materials decompose, so dirt washes away more easily.

Frame materials dictate performance, maintenance, and cost

Aluminum

Aluminum frames are strong, durable, inexpensive, and require little maintenance. However, they are available in limited colors, and aluminum is highly conductive. To achieve even modest insulating levels, the frame and sashes must be carefully engineered with thermal breaks. Even then, they are best in mild desert climates or on impact-resistant windows in hurricane zones.

Wood

The only choice for some traditionalists, wood offers your pick of colors (and it can be changed later on). Wood frames are moderately priced and have good insulating value and structural strength, but they&#;re not low maintenance; they require periodic cleaning and painting, which adds to their overall cost.

Clad

Windows with aluminum-, vinyl-, or fiberglass-clad wood frames are the most expensive. A clad unit offers the low-maintenance durability of aluminum, vinyl, or fiberglass on the outside, and the thermal resistance and appeal of wood on the inside. Well-engineered aluminum cladding should strengthen the window. Custom colors for aluminum cladding can match any paint chip at an additional cost.

Vinyl

Vinyl frames are formed of extruded PVC. Multiple chambers in the frames and sashes add rigidity. These chambers also act as insulation in the same way as the airspace between glass panes; some manufacturers fill the chambers with foam insulation to improve the frame&#;s insulating ability. While it&#;s typically the least expensive window, vinyl is available in only a handful of colors, generally white and some variation on almond. Darker colors absorb too much heat, causing vinyl to deform and degrade.

Fiberglass

The best you can get if you want to maximize a frame&#;s insulating ability, fiberglass is the least conductive material, and the frame can be insulated with foam. More expensive than aluminum, vinyl, or wood, fiberglass requires little maintenance and is durable and extremely strong. It can be extruded in low-profile frames and sashes in several colors and is paintable. Another advantage is that as the temperature changes, fiberglass expands and contracts at a rate almost identical to the glass. This helps to prevent seals along the glass from failing.

Windows need to insulate

Sealed airspaces improve insulation. The more insulating spaces in the glass unit, the better the performance; triple-glazed windows are among the most energy efficient you can buy. Aluminum, vinyl, and fiberglass frames use extruded chambers both for strength and as a thermal break. Filling these cavities with foam provides additional insulation. Solid-wood frames are about as efficient as vinyl.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Window DNA

The NFRC label by the numbers

U-factor A measure of the insulating value. U-factor is the nonsolar heat flow through all parts of the window (glass, frame, and sash). A lower number means better insulation and greater performance.

Visible transmittance (VT) A measure of the amount of visible light that passes through the window. Values range from 0 to 1 (a higher number equals more light). However, most ratings are between 0.3 and 0.8 because they take into account the light blocked by the frame. Choose windows with higher VT to maximize daylight and views.

Condensation resistance A relative scale from 0 to 100 based on the window&#;s properties. It predicts the likelihood of condensation, with higher numbers indicating less condensation.

Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) The percentage of the sun&#;s solar heat that passes through the window. Higher numbers mean more passive solar-heating potential.

Air leakage (AL) A measure of the amount of air passing through the window assembly; a source of heat gain and loss. This optional rating is expressed in cubic feet per minute through a square foot of window. Look for ratings under 0.3; lower is better.

What&#;s a U-factor?

U-factor rates a window&#;s insulating properties by measuring the flow of nonsolar heat through the window. You can think of it as the rate of conduction; the lower the U-factor, the less heat will flow through the window. (U-factor is the reciprocal of the more familiar R-value used to rate insulation. R-value measures resistance, so higher numbers are desirable.) Although we tend to think of a window as primarily glass, the frame makes up 20% to 30% of the unit.

U-factors are measured for the edge of the glass area, the center of the glass area, and the frame; but the important U-factor is for the entire window unit. Buying decisions should be based on this number, which appears on the NFRC label (above).  U-factors for operable windows range from 0.14 for a super-insulating suspended-film unit to 0.5 or so for a basic double-pane window from a big-box store. Lower U-factors correlate with higher prices.

Window styles

Double-hung Traditional window composed of two sashes that slide vertically. A single-hung window looks identical, but the top sash is fixed.

Pros: Available with a wide variety of grille patterns to match different architectural styles. Sashes usually tilt in for easy cleaning of the exterior.

Cons: Sashes rely on draftier sliding-style weatherstripping. The bottom edge of the upper sash is exposed to outdoor temperatures on two faces, increasing surface area for thermal bridging. Two sashes increase spacer area, increasing U-factor. Less than half the window area can be open for ventilation.

 

 

 

 

Awning Top-hinged window that usually opens outward with a crank.

Pros: Good-sealing compression-style weatherstripping. Single glass unit and recessed sash improve U-factor. Provides ventilation while it&#;s raining. Often used above and/or below large fixed windows for ventilation and additional daylight.

Cons: Screen on inside of window. Open window can present a hazard if installed along a walkway, deck, patio, or porch.

 

Tilt-and-turn Dual-action window that can swing in like a door or tilt from the bottom like a hopper window for ventilation.

Pros: Ventilation options. Secure multipoint locking. Compression weatherstripping. Large egress area and easy cleaning.

Cons: Shades and drapes can interfere with operation.

Casement Side-hinged window that usually opens outward with a crank. In-swing versions are available.

Pros: Compression-style weatherstripping. Single large glass unit and recessed sash improve U-factor. Largest ventilation area of any window style. Opening can be oriented to &#;scoop&#; prevailing breeze.

Cons: Screen on inside of window. Hinge design might not allow outside of window to be cleaned from inside. Open window can present a hazard if installed along a walkway, deck, patio, or porch.

 

Horizontal slider The two sashes slide past one another on tracks like a sliding patio door.

Pros: Can be easier to open than other sliding styles, especially when placed over a counter.

Cons: Sliding weatherstripping and greater sash area lower U-factor and airtightness ratings.

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed An inoperative window available in shapes that match operable windows, or as accent windows such as half-rounds to create Palladian windows and octagons.

Pros: Improved airtightness. Can be made in nonstandard, custom shapes.

Cons: Doesn&#;t satisfy egress requirements.

 

 

Hopper Tilt-in bottom-hinged window.

 

 

Pros: Compression-style weatherstripping. Single glass unit and recessed sash improve U-factor.

Cons: Hazardous if installed at head height or lower.

 

 

R­eplacement ­windows

You have three choices for replacing existing windows: a sash-only replacement; an insert-style frame and sash replacement window; or a new-construction window. If the existing frames have water damage, the only choice is a new construction window (photos, p. 74).

If you&#;re looking to improve comfort or energy performance, replacing the sashes or using a frame insert can help. They&#;re a good choice on older homes where you want to preserve period trim, but from an energy and comfort standpoint, they&#;re not the best option.

Replacement windows that leave the existing frame in place don&#;t stop air leakage. If you&#;ve ever pulled out an old window, then you&#;ve seen fiberglass insulation stuffed between the window and the rough opening. Typically, the insulation is dirty. It wasn&#;t dirty when it was put there; dirt was filtered out of the air moving through and around the window frame.

Another negative is that insert-style frame and sash replacement windows

reduce the glass area because the unit fits inside the existing frame. You might be willing to live with diminished views, but are you willing to pay for that privilege every year? In a southern climate, the reduced glass area does not affect heating bills, but in northern heating climates, reducing the south-facing glass area gives away a lot of free heat.

An insert-style frame and sash replacement window is generally a bit pricier than a new-construction window. Installation costs are lower, however, because it leaves the existing trim in place and doesn&#;t require any siding removal.

Regardless of the type you choose, replacement windows are expensive.

If you&#;re trying to save on energy expenses, new windows shouldn&#;t be considered until you have improved the insulation and the air tightness of the rest of the building envelope.

 

For more photos and details, click the View PDF button below:

 

For more Ultra-slim edge Casement Aluminum Windowsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

As human beings, we are hardwired to enjoy the sunlight. It&#;s actually in our DNA to crave the warmth and light from the sun. Windows make this possible whether we are at home or at work. 

Because windows serve a massively important role in our lives, choosing a window for our home becomes a significant decision. 

Not only are they a large investment and a focal point of the design, but they are key to bringing light, air, comfort, and warmth to our space. 

Why Are Windows Used in a House? 

Pull back the curtains, and the value of windows is instantly realized. In fact, natural light is key in improving both physical and mental health and well-being.

In , a study showed that natural light from a large window was so important it actually helped hospital patients heal faster than those left in enclosed rooms.

More modern studies show that natural light slows neuron response to pain. A window can actually bind our wounds and heal our pain. Clearly, this is an essential part of your home that should be chosen and placed intentionally.

Types of Window Styles

There are dozens of window styles to choose from, but the following six styles are the most popular and commonly used for residential homes today.

1. Single-Hung: This window type has been used for generations. They open vertically from the bottom while the upper sash remains stationary.

2. Double-Hung: This window opens from both the top and the bottom and is quickly becoming the most popular choice of homeowners.

3. Sliding: A sliding window is basically a horizontal single-hung window. It opens from one side sliding over the top of the other.

4. Casement: This type of window swings either out to the side or up to open. Each side of the window can open and close independently.

5. Bay: A bay window is a flat set into an angled frame built out of the home. Typically, a bay window consists of a center window and two side windows.

6. Bow: Similar to a bay window, a bow window is custom curved, rather than simply angled. They create a beautiful circular area along the outside of the home.

These six window styles are the most common, but there are a dozen more when choosing the function and style for your home.

Check out all 18 styles of residential window types here.

Types of Frames

A window frame is what holds the glass in place and keeps the window firmly inside the wall of a building.

There are four basic materials used to manufacture quality window frames.

• Wood

  : Wood brings a beautiful, warm, and classic appearance. 

• Vinyl

  : Vinyl is the main player in the window frame market today. It is made of UV-resistant PVC and is both durable and affordable.

• Aluminum

  : Aluminum provides both a slim profile and excellent durability while staying affordable for large projects. 

• Fiberglass

  : This is an extremely strong material that requires very little maintenance but is often more expensive than other window frame types. 

Window frames are an essential piece of both your window and your overall structure.

Learn more about window frame material and installation here.

Types of Window Glass

There are several different types of window glass. Each fulfills a unique purpose for your window. While almost all glass will let in some light, each type of glass is specifically designed for different applications in the home.

1. Tinted Glass:

   A tinted glass window allows less heat and light to be transmitted into the room and increases privacy. Tinted glass also saves energy by keeping your space cool.

2. Tempered Glass

   :

   Tempered glass is an extra-strong glass that is known for durability. Typically, tempered glass is four times stronger than normal glass and heat resistant, making it one of the most popular for home and furniture applications. 

3. Toughened Glass:

   Toughened glass is a member of the tempered glass family. It is known for being extremely clear with very low visibility and is often used as a protective layer.

4. Stained Glass:

   Stained glass creates a beautiful focal piece by combining glass and art. It also provides increased privacy because of its intricate patterns and colors.

5. Laminated Glass

   : This is several panes of glass sealed together with a clear, durable laminate layer in between. Laminated glass is also known as safety glass because it will remain in the frame, even when broken.

Types of Windowpanes

A windowpane is another name for the individual panels of glass within your window. There are three different types of windowpanes in most residential housing today.

• Single-pane: A single-pane window is simply one piece of glass in the window frame. 

• Double-pane

  : This is two glass panes separated by a gas. This is the most common type of residential window.

• Triple-pane:

  This is three glass panes separated by gas in between each pane. These are used for homes in colder climates.

A double-pane and triple-pane window typically use Argon gas as filler, which is colorless, odorless, and completely non-toxic. It is essential for keeping an even temperature across the windowpanes. More panes mean more insulation for your home.

Important Parts of a Window 

The lingo for parts of a window can be helpful in working with manufacturers and installers to find the windows you need for your home.

1. Glass/Glazing

   : The glass panes make up 70 percent of the window. The type of glass or glazing you choose often determines the durability and energy efficiency of your window. 

2. Sash

   : The sash is the area inside the window frame. It holds the panes and frame around the glass. Within the sash, you have additional parts like the stiles, rails, and grids. 

3. Rails

   : Rails are the horizontal parts of the window sash. They are located at the top and bottom of the frame. 

4. Frame

   : This is the outermost area of the window that keeps the entire structure stable. 

5. Casement

   : The casement is the decorative molding around a window that covers the frame at the wall. 

Sign You Need to Repair Your Window

Over time our windows can be exposed to the elements and suffer general wear and tear. These items are often things that can be repaired or replaced without installing a new window.

• Rotten Window Frame

  :

  Discoloration, crumbling wood, or soft spots are common signs of a rotting window frame. If not treated, rot can move from the window frame and travel throughout your home.

• Rotting Drip Cap

  :

  The drip cap is responsible for stopping moisture from seeping into your house. If it is damaged or rotting, it leaves your entire window susceptible to damage.

• Paint Peeling from Window

  :

  Chipping and peeling paint not only makes your home look run-down but also increases the risk of wood rot. You will need to sand and re-paint regularly.

• Worn Caulking

  : Repairing the caulking seals gaps and prevents drafts, bugs, and humidity from sneaking into your home.  

• Water Leakage Through the Window

  : Any moisture allowed inside the home is a breeding ground for mold, cracks, and if left untreated can lead to structural issues. 

• Foggy Window

  : This is usually a sign of unsealed windows, which also means your HVAC system is working overtime.

• Difficulty Opening and Closing the Window

  :

  Difficulty opening and closing is also a sign of additional damage such as warping, gaps, or cracks. 

• Visible Insects and Bugs in the House

  :

  A compromised window frame or screen can quickly let bugs and insects in your home.

• Crack Window

  :

  Any visible cracks in your window glass or frame are a clear sign that air and moisture are being let in and the window should be repaired or replaced.  

Signs You Need a Replacement

Perhaps your windows have been obviously damaged, or maybe the wear and tear are more subtle. Whether your windows aren&#;t functioning as they should, or they just no longer fit the style of your home &#; here are some signs to look for when a replacement window is needed.

• Outside Sound Audible

  : The new window is insulated against outside noise. If you can hear more of what is going on outside, it may be a sign that your windows should be replaced. 

• You Can Feel a Breeze:

  Do you feel a breeze from your window when they&#;re closed? If so, it could be due to poor installation or faulty seals. This can drastically change the overall temperature of your home.

• Window Frames Are Rotten and Damaged

  : Over time, unprotected wooden window frames can be compromised by rot. Any window frames that are rotten and damaged should be replaced before the rot travels into other areas of the home.

• High Energy Bills

  :

  Energy-efficient windows reduce wear on your furnace and air conditioner, helping you to save money every month. 

• Decaying Frames:

  Signs of cracking, warping, or other decay in the window frame should be replaced as soon as possible to protect the integrity of the window.

• Leaky Window:

  If you notice an increase in your utility bills it may be because your windows are leaking air. Replacing your window can save between 30 and 50 percent on your energy bills each month. 

Benefits Of New Windows

Windows themselves aren&#;t much to look at, but the benefits of new windows go much deeper than eye level. A new window can save up to 30 percent on your heating and cooling bill and can provide numerous benefits for your home and family.

1. Easy To Maintain

   : A new window requires very little maintenance and is easier to clean with innovative tilt-in features. 

2. Better Soundproof

   : Today&#;s window insulates significantly better than old windows, minimizing drafts, temperature fluctuations, and noise. 

3. Increase Your Home Value

   : Many homeowners will receive up to 80 percent return on investment. A new window also provides a faster and more lucrative sale.

4. Improve Home Security and Safety

   : Windows that are difficult to open can be a serious safety hazard if you need to escape the home quickly. A loose window that doesn&#;t lock can also be equally dangerous. A new window provides the best of both worlds and keeps your family safe.

5. Reduced Dust and Allergens

   : A new window can reduce allergens in the home and reduce the collection of dust.

6. Improved Home Comfort

   : A new window makes your living environment consistently comfortable and lowers your energy costs. 

7. Reduce Energy Bills

   : Energy-efficient windows reduce the usage of your furnace and air conditioner, helping you to save money every month. 

8. UV Protection

   : Natural light is beautiful, but excessive UV rays can cause fading on your indoor furniture, carpet, artwork, and paint. A new window with added protection from UV rays acts like sunscreen for your home. 

9. Keep Out Moisture

   : A new window ensures all moisture is being kept out of your home throughout the year. 

Installation Process

We always recommend using a qualified contractor in Fort Wayne, IN to install your new windows. Although it seems simple, the process for window installation is detailed and meticulous. 

A simple mismeasurement or misstep could either damage your home or render your new window.

Step 1- Find Experienced Window Installers

• If you&#;re replacing your existing window but want to make changes to the style or size of your window &#; that is important to know before your job gets started. If you&#;re designing a new home, decide what type of windows you&#;d like to use and if you want any specialty windows like a bow or garden window. 

• Always check for workers&#; compensation and liability insurance to prevent costly damage during your project.

• Be sure to ask your contractor about how the process works and what to expect.

• You don&#;t even have to go with the initial estimate, shop around and always read the fine print if something seems too good to be true.

 Step 2 &#; Measure Your Window for Replacement

• Inspect each window, looking for details in the casings or frames that may affect the new replacement.

• Measure the width at the top, bottom, and middle. Measure the height at either side and the center.

• Use the smallest dimensions for ordering and adjust for fitting

• Order your windows and be prepared to wait for a couple of weeks (sometimes longer) for delivery.

 Step 3 &#; Removing an Old Window

• If you have a storm window, your contractor will remove those first.

• Mark the window frame and remove it with a putty knife or pry bar.

• Most windows have a weather-resistant barrier that keeps moisture out, this barrier must be cut and removed.

• If your window has sash weights or springs, those will be removed next.

• Locate and score the stops that are often present in older wooden windows.

• After all the stops are removed, the top sash and lower sash are removed.

• Any sealant used to keep the old window in place must be removed using a cutting knife or powerful cleaning products.

• Lastly, it&#;s important to recycle old pieces and trash any material.

Step 4 &#; Trimming and Weatherproofing the Exterior

• The first step to the new window installation is to install flashing from the bottom up.

• Next, seal the weather-resistant flashing and prepare the space for the window.

• Insulate around the window unit using spray foam or fiberglass insulation.

• Install exterior trim with nails and caulk to create a clean look.

 Step 5 &#; Final Installation

• Clean the window opening to ensure all debris is removed and provide a clean surface.

• Install flashing tape to prevent moisture from penetrating the inside of the opening. 

• Inspect the windowsill to ensure it is level and doesn&#;t have any bowing.

• Test the window before sealing to ensure it is the right size.

• Install the window with caulk around the bottom and top and drill into the frame to secure it in place.

• Check the work to ensure everything is level and lines up properly.

• Secure the window with screws or nails, add additional flashing if necessary.

Cost of a New Window

The total average cost for an entire home of windows is anywhere from $3,000 to $13,000. There is a huge range in windows because of all the factors that go into pricing. 

First, the average replacement window costs $150 to $750 for just the window alone. Labor costs vary by geographic area but can average another $100 to $250. The rest of the cost estimate is determined by the following factors:

• Brand

  : As with any other appliance , furniture, or electronics &#; window brands carry some weight and with them, an additional price. If you choose a name-brand window you will pay more for them.

• Quality

  : More reliable products go through rigorous testing and may cost more than other windows of lesser quality. 

• Material

  : The cost of the raw materials used in manufacturing plays a large role in the final cost of your window. Aluminum is the cheapest material, while wood is typically the most expensive. 

• Dimensions

  : A larger window costs more than smaller ones because they simply use more glass and framing materials. 

10 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Home Replacement Windows

1. Not asking enough questions

   . Be sure you understand how your replacement window will be installed, how long it will take, and what the process looks like.  

2. Not focusing on style and type

   . Most homeowners miss out on a huge opportunity by simply re-ordering the exact same styles and types of windows they already have.

3. Choosing a window-based solely on price

   . You will only replace your windows one or two times throughout your life. Stay within your budget but weigh the long-term benefits carefully before choosing the cheapest option. 

4. Ignoring security and functionality

   . Make sure the window you choose

   is

   the best option for your area and keep your family safe. 

5. Not preparing for maintenance.

   Different windows require different levels of maintenance. What looks beautiful in the showroom might take extensive work to keep looking beautiful. Think about the long-term costs of maintenance when choosing your window material. 

6. Replacing it yourself.

   Window installation is a meticulous process, it is not just fitting a frame into the hole in the wall. We always recommend using a window contractor. 

7. Overlooking your home&#;s design.

   A beautiful showroom window might not look the same in your home. Make sure your new window matches your current home style. 

8. Not considering your climate.

   Not all window materials perform the same in different climates. Discuss with a certified contractor what materials work best in your area. 

9. Not getting educated

   . Make sure to do your homework so you don&#;t end up making a purchase that doesn&#;t meet your needs.

10. Not hiring the right contractor.

    Take your time in finding a contractor who will answer your questions, provide clarity, and be someone you can trust.  

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FAQs About Windows