Welcome to our Replacement Window Website. Below you will
the latest articles and resources about window replacement.
Replacement Windows – the Basics
If your windows are more than
ten to fifteen years old, or are in poor shape, installing replacement
windows can add value to your home and make it less expensive to heat and
cool. If your windows are single-pane, if they’re poorly insulated, if the
wood frames are warped or cracked, or you can feel a draft when you walk by,
it’s time to consider replacement windows.
There are several types of frames you can choose from when you buy
replacement windows. You can purchase windows made of vinyl, wood, aluminum,
or fiberglass composite frames. Wood is an excellent choice if you enjoy the
finish and feel of wood grain. Wood clad with aluminum or vinyl is a great
choice if your region has high humidity or damp weather. Vinyl is a good
choice for homes in high moisture regions, like on a lake or the shore.
Vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass windows are also a great choice if you’re
interested in a low-maintenance replacement window, since you won’t have to
worry about periodically painting or staining them.
Costs vary widely: you can buy a simple 32” x 62’” double-hung vinyl
replacement window for less than $130 at stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s.
On the other hand, you can spend over $400 for the same window with double
glazing, beveled glass, and oak or cherry wood construction. Before you
start shopping, determine the size(s) of your current windows, what type of
construction you want, and what amenities you want (like beveled glass, or
an easy to clean tilt-window feature), and then shop around based on the
specifications you decide are most important to you.
Almost all replacement windows use double-pane technology. A double pane or
double glazed style has an air space (often filled with argon gas instead of
simply air) between the two panes of glass. This glass-air-glass “sandwich”
reduces the energy loss through the glass: in the winter it holds heat in
better, and in the summer it keeps cool air inside. Some replacement windows
use panes of glass coated with a film (sometimes called a glaze) that helps
to provide additional energy savings.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right replacement windows:
Purchase high-quality products with a reliable warranty. Your replacement
windows should be expected to last 40 or more years.
Choose models with low-e glass. They may require a slightly higher
investment, but you’ll save money in the long run on home heating and
cooling costs.
In cooler climates, choose either double glazed styles or gas-filled double
glazed models for even greater energy efficiency.
Check the magazine and website reviews about the various kinds of windows.
The top brand names come at a price. You may find excellent engineering and
craftsmanship in lesser-known brands that will provide you with excellent
service for much less money.
Look for windows that are NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council)
certified to help you compare the insulation properties of the windows
you’re considering purchasing. You can use their ratings to help you
directly compare the energy efficiency of various brands of windows.
Check with your local utility company to see if they provide installment
payment plans for energy efficient home upgrades. They may help subsidize
the cost of your replacement windows (and other improvements that create
energy savings.)
If you’d like to get more information about replacement windows before you
start shopping, here are some links to major manufacturers:
Andersen Windows
Milgard Windows
Pozzi Wood Windows
Weather Shield Windows
Pella Windows
Marvin Windows
Amsco Windows
Maestro Windows
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