Replacement Windows-Learn the Facts to Create an Educated Purchase

Five Tips to Ensure a Wise Window Purchase

1-Spending versus Investing

Most homeowners look at replacing their home's windows as an expense. That would be true if you were just replacing your old or faulty window for another old window. The reality is that your goal is most likely to upgrade your current windows with more energy efficient and safe with lower maintenance. If you look at the bottom line, you are probably experiencing a higher cost or expense in not replacing the windows than if they invest in new quality windows. Between the return on the resale value of one's home and the savings in energy costs, replacement windows will ultimately pay for themselves and save a homeowner money over the lifetime of the window. So, by undertaking a window upgrade, you, the homeowner are investing in your home and saving money.

2-Not all Windows (and Window Companies) are created Equal

In other words, you get what you pay for. If a window company proposes a price that is "too good to be true" you either put yourself at risk of buying a cheap window or cheap installation. Every window manufacturer will claim they are the best, but are they? Get down to the basics. Make sure you can trust that the company you choose to install your windows is providing a quality window with professional installation.

3-Choosing a Reputable Company

If your priority is to have an "honestly priced window properly installed" you may find yourself swimming in a sea of window companies. There are many ways to go about finding a company who will fulfill this requirement. Our number one recommendation is to choose a home improvement company who chooses to associate themselves with a product they will stand behind. Does the company warranty the product and their work? Do they have a customer service and service maintenance department? Do they have a physical location you can visit? Are they insured? Do they have references? Are they established in the community? If the answers to these questions are "yes", you are likely dealing with a reputable company.

4-Understand Cost Discrepancys

Often times the difference between window costs and window estimates is justifiable. Replacement windows come in varying forms. From glass types to frame styles from color choices to window shapes options make the difference when it comes to cost disparities. Anytime you add a feature or increase the quality of a window you are altering the cost of the window. However, be wary of companies who flaunt low prices, just to peak your interest. They tend to add on fees for standard options like screens or locks.

5-The Low-Down on Terminology

Window lingo can be intimidating. Low-E, R-Value, U-Value, and Solar Heat Gain Co-Efficiency may sound like window jargon, but if you are versed in the language you will be much more prepared to make an informed window purchase and get all the rebates and government tax credits available.

	Window Glossary
Awning Window	A hinged window that opens outwardly from the bottom
Argon Gas	An inert gas that is sealed between the panes of glass which acts as an insulator and slows the transfer of heat through a window
Bay Window	Typically made of three or more smaller windows to create the long of a larger window. They usually project out from the exterior wall.
Bow Window	Is a rounded bay window that projects out from the wall in the shape of an arc. They typically consist of five sashes.
Casement Window	Can be hinged from either side and open outwardly from the building.
Casing	Trim...an exposed molding around a window or door that covers the space between the window frame or jamb and the wall.
Double Hung Window	A vertical style window where both sashes move up and down.
Drip Cap	A horizontal molding to divert water from the top casing so water drips beyond the outside of the frame.
Fixed Window	a.k.a. picture window-a type of window that does not open nor does it provide ventilation
Frame	The entire area where the window sash and door panels are located
Garden Window	a.k.a. box window...projects out from the house and typically has a fixed glass top with operable sides for ventilating along with a removable shelf for display items or plants.
Glazing	Is the installation of glass in a window opening; a.k.a. fenestration of windows
Grid Bar	A bar that creates a grid pattern between the two layers of glass in an insulated unit which is also referred to as a mullion.
Head	The part of the window which lies across the top of the frame
Header	the supporting member or beam above a window opening which transfers building weight above to the supporting wall structure on each side of the window.
Hopper Window	An inward-opening sash hinged at the bottom typically see in basement applications
Jamb	Is a vertical member at the side of the window frame. Can also refer to the horizontal member at the top of a window frame, as in Head Jamb or Window Jamb
Low-E	Abbreviation for "Low Emissivity". Low-E measures how much heat a material radiates. Usually a type of metal oxide coating which reduces the amount of heat radiating from the glass.
Meeting Rail	Onen of the two horizontal members of a double hung sash which come together -a.k.a. lock rail
Mullion	A bar that divides window glass
Muntin Bar	The vertical and or horizontal member between window units also referred to as grids or colonial style window.
Pane	An individual unit of glass. Typically single or double or triple in strength.
Parting Bead	A vertical strip on each hamb that separates the sashes of a double hung window
R-Value	Indicates an insulations' resistance to heat flow. The HIGHER the R-Value the better. R-Value is dependent on insulation factors.
Sash	Framework of stiles and rails in which the lights of a window are set
Sealed Double Glass	Also known as insulated Glass Units - Two panes of glass which are separated by a sealed space.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient	(SHGC) measures how well a window blocks heat from sunlight. The SHGC is the fraction of the heat from the sun that enters through a window. SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The lower a windows SHGC, the les solar heat it transmits.
Side Light	A fixed, narrow glass window next to a door opening or window opening
Sill	A horizontal member at the bottom of the window frame - it can either slope away from the window to foster drainage or be flat
Single Hung Window	A window in which only the bottom sash moves upward.
Skylights	Fixed (sometimes operable) windows which are placed in roofs.
Slider Window	Horizontally moving window sashes.
Tempered Glass	Specially heat treated, high strength, safety glass which shatters into pebble sized particles and not harmful slivers. Typically used in automotive applications.
Transoms	A horizontal member separating a door from a window panel above the door or separating one window above another.
U-Value	A.K.A. U-factor - measures how much heat the window conducts. It's the opposite of R-Value. The LOWER the U-Value the Better.

Next >

[ Back ]