Everything You Ever Needed to Know About Windows

If you’re looking for new windows, you’ll soon find far more information than most know how to effectively process. Should you get single or double hung? Vinyl, aluminum, wood or fiberglass? What about casement windows? Well, never fear – you’ll find many of the answers you need right here.

Replacement vs. New Construction
There’s no denying that replacement windows are cheaper than new construction and a much quicker remedy. Additionally, you can utilize the old frame of the original window, since replacements are usually custom made. Another benefit is that you’ll have little to do to make everything look uniform after the windows are in, because there will be little or no painting and the exterior of your home won’t be altered.

Of course, there are several disadvantages to getting replacement windows. First, replacements most always come in vinyl only. While you can do many things to try and get the windows to match the style of your home, they still may not look quite right. Additionally, if there are issues with the insulation around windows, replacements won’t fix this problem.

Vinyl replacement windows give you less viewing surface and are also limited in style (only single and double hung options) and color. While they may be an easier and cheaper fix, they’re not the best idea for all homes. They’re ideal for older, smaller homes or single family rental properties, but definitely aren’t the best option for larger homes, especially those in which you want to maintain the highest quality.

Keeping Temperatures Where They Belong
Regardless of whether you have HA Construction build or replace windows, most all windows come with the same quality glass insulation. Usually this is a combination of two elements: low-e coated glazes and gas fills.

Argon is most commonly used for gas fills in window glass because it is more cost efficient and provides optimal thermal performance. It is a colorless, odorless, inert gas that is non-flammable, non-reactive and denser than air. The gas is put between double pane windows to prevent the loss of desired temperatures within the home by reducing the transfer of heat conductively and convectively.

Low emission (low-e) coating is a thin, transparent material made of microscopic metal and metallic oxide layers and placed on the inside of window panes. This coating allows the short-wave energy from the sun to enter a room, while preventing the escape of the internal warm (or cool) air.

Types of Window Materials
There are four essential materials used for windows, each with their benefits and disadvantages.

Vinyl – Vinyl windows are the cheapest, making them the most common. The quality continues to show improvements, but vinyl still has a reputation for being flimsy compared to other materials. They can often become brittle and see fading over time.

Aluminum Clad – Aluminum clad windows are more commonly used in commercial properties because they provide more strength than the other materials, but not without sacrificing the retention of heat.

Fiberglass – The construction of fiberglass windows closely resembles that of modern boats. It’s ideal for larger window spaces. While there were initial concerns over strength, durability and resistance to temperatures, those concerns are diminishing.

Wood – Wood is structurally sound, but you want to avoid exposed wood on the exterior of the window. Wood is prone to damage when left out in the elements and requires frequent painting maintenance. If you opt for wood, get aluminum clad on the exterior.

Window Styles
Replacement windows are usually either single hung or double hung. These styles have less viewing surface area over all and you can only open half of the window at a time. However, there are several benefits to these styles. Specifically single and double hung windows:

• Have hardware that is less prone to failure
• Are more durable
• Have more standard sizes available

The other style option is casement windows, which have far more viewing capacity available. Additionally, casements offer the following benefits:

• An interior screen that is removable
• More versatility in sizing for every possible opening
• Allow you to open the whole window

That said, casement windows are more prone to hardware failure, jamming and losing their fit to the window opening. So, which style of window you choose is totally dependent on your desired look and special needs.

Finally, as you keep all of this information in mind when exploring new window options, it’s important to also compare warranties offered by window and construction companies. Some warranties are far better than others, with companies offering a lifetime replacement, even if your son purposely chucks a rock through your window. Others may only offer a warranty on manufacturer defaults.

If in doubt, give Andy at HA Construction a call and have him come out and explore your window options with you. Sometimes an outsider’s perspective is all it takes to gain a clear understanding of the best options for your home and budget.