|
Why
replace your windows or doors?
There are a number of reasons to replace your windows.
Sometimes it's obvious and sometimes it's not.
Warping: When windows and doors
begin to warp or bend they can become difficult to operate and
can leak air and water into your home. Water trapped in the
walls may not be visible until there is damage to the sheet rock
or sill. Check below and around your windows and doors for
stains and soft spots in the sheet rock - sure signs of water
damage.
Poor Installation: Old single pane
windows are inefficient, often making rooms uncomfortable and
increases the expense of both heating and cooling your home. In
addition, condensation forms on the inside of windows with low
insulation. This condensation is often the cause of mold and dry
rot that not only damages your home but can also effect your
family's health.
Aesthetics: Windows and doors
should add value, character and comfort to your home. If windows
and doors aren't being used because they are in poor condition,
you're not getting all that you should out of your home. Don't
be afraid to change things up a bit, changing window styles or
sizes is not as difficult as you may believe.
When you do decide it's time for new windows or doors, invest
some time in pre-planning, an often overlooked stage that will
dramatically increase your satisfaction with the final product.
Choosing
the right windows or doors
There are hundreds of door and window manufactures
ranging in price, quality, options and materials. Deciding which
of these qualities are most important to you is a big part of
your decision. Below is some information to help you in your
search for new windows and doors.
Materials: Window frames are
constructed from several materials including vinyl, wood and
aluminum. Products utilizing a combination of these materials
are referred to as Vinyl clad or Aluminum Clad.
Vinyl
Windows: are more energy efficient than aluminum or wood
windows and therefore are the most common windows for today's
retrofits and new construction. Vinyl windows range greatly in
quality and cost. The best vinyl windows will have insulated
frames with a high R-Factor*. Vinyl's greatest disadvantage is
that it can not be painted and generally only available in a few
colors. Companies generally offer white, sand, and brown. Wood
grain is also available but usually for interiors only.
Wood
Windows: More expensive than vinyl windows, wood windows
and doors are used generally to achieve a certain look within a
home. Most wood windows and doors are also produced with a vinyl
or aluminum clad on the exterior. These products allow for a
stained or painted interior with the protection of an aluminum
or vinyl exterior. Shapes, sizes and types of windows are often
limited with quality wood products.
Aluminum
Windows: This is what most people are replacing. Aluminum
framed windows are the least efficient material (have the lowest
R-Factor*). Condensation on the inside of windows and on
windowsills is the common result of a lack of insulation in
aluminum windows. If price is your only concern, these will be
your least expensive option.
* R-Factor or R-Value is
used as the standard of measurement of insulation ratings for
things such as walls, doors and windows. A higher R-Factor means
better energy efficiency and lower heating and cooling expenses.
Options
for Vinyl Windows
Muntin
Options:
Standard
Colonial |
Diamond |
Brass |
Diamond
Etched |
Colonial
Etched |
Options
for Vinyl Windows
Colors:
White |
Tan |
Medium
Oak |
Dark
Oak
|
|
Parts
of a Vinyl Window
Welded
Corners
for
superior strength and performance
|
 |
Sash
Limit Locks
allows
partial opening for ventilation &
security |
 |
Heavy
Duty Sash Lock
for
added security |
 |
|
Extruded
Lift Rail |
|
|
Intercept
Glass |
|
|
Over &
Under Interlock
prevents air infiltration |
|
|
Tru-position
Balance System |
|
|
