Replacement windows

HOW TO BUY REPLACEMENT WINDOW

Replacement windows are an excellent investment, and there are a number of reasons why: energy efficiency is a top priority for many of our customers. Also, new windows operate more easily, are easier to clean, and improve the appearance of a home.

Whatever your reason, we understand that replacing your windows is a big decision and most customers want to feel more comfortable with the process before they start meeting with window companies. This article will give you a start.

When you decide to replace windows, you not only should choose the windows you like best, you should also choose the company in which you have the most confidence. Getting stuck with a company that doesn't offer the level of support and service you deserve could present a major problem for your home and your budget.

In your initial meeting with the window company representative, spend most of your time talking about construction. There are so many different ways that windows are built, and the quality of construction impacts energy efficiency, longevity, ease of operation, and the resale value of your home. Most window manufacturers ask for their products to be graded by independent labs and are willing to share the findings with you. Before choosing your manufacturer, visit energystar.gov, nfrc.org, or aamanet.org. All have very good information about their rating systems, and all list the manufacturers who have put their products through these rigorous tests.

The best way to judge quality for yourself is to visit a manufacturer's showroom or have the sales representative bring samples to your initial meeting. When you look at each product, first consider whether the style matches your home. Then, look at the joints and hardware; are they sturdy? Check to see if the windows are easy to open — and if they feel like they will be just as easy to open after years of use. Are the screens snug and well-made? Can the sashes be tilted for easy cleaning from inside of the house? Many people feel this is an important feature, especially in two-story homes where the exteriors cannot be cleaned from the ground floor.

Quality of installation is important, also, so ask questions about the work crews each company hires and whether or not the company will check the installation after the job is finished. Also keep in mind that not every replacement window company will build custom-sized windows to exactly fit the space left by your old windows; some produce only standard sizes and adjust the hole.

As stated earlier, energy efficiency is extremely important to consumers. The key factors that determine efficiency are quality of construction and the type of glass and glazing. Most companies today only manufacture double- or triple-paned windows. Eliminate those who don't. Most also use gas between the glass layers for added efficiency. Argon gas is standard for most brands. Others use krypton. (All window gas is non-toxic, odorless and colorless.) In addition, special coatings are used to create what is called "Low-E" glass. These coatings reduce the amount of radiant energy that passes through the glass, keeping heat inside during the winter and outside during the summer. Low-E coatings also protect furniture and carpet from the fading effect of ultraviolet light.

Window manufacturers offer a lot of options. You can make cosmetic choices, like adding window grids for a multi-pane look. With some manufacturers, you can order custom colors to match existing brick or stucco, or you can order windows that have wood on the inside. Talk to each company's sales rep about all the options they offer and the price for each.

Service and warranties are extremely important, too. You need to find out how each company will stand behind its product and how willing it is to fix or replace any windows that do not operate or fit well. This kind of information is readily available through rating services such as the Better Business Bureau or Angie's List. Also, a transferable warranty will be important if you think you will sell your home within a couple of years.

While quality construction and installation are critical for choosing a manufacturer, when it comes time to get a quote you will need to select the type of window you want in your home. "Double-hung" windows are the most common style. They have an upper sash and a lower sash that slide up and down. "Casement" windows swing out much like a door and provide more open glass space than other styles. "Gliders" move horizontally along a track and are most common in windows that are wider than they are tall. On "awning" windows, the top is fixed and the bottom swings out. "Fixed" windows are common in openings like picture windows or in areas such as two-story great rooms where the windows will never be opened. "Bay" and "bow" windows are decorative styles that extend outward beyond the walls of a home. They create more space inside and offer an expanded view of the outside. Some homeowners find that they need to use a couple of different styles in their home, depending on the openings they have. Prices vary for each style, so it's important to choose accordingly.

The most important thing to remember when buying replacement windows is this: You will only be happy with your new windows if you choose the company as carefully as you do the window itself.

Rosati Windows