getting quality window replacement a comprehensive guide

GETTING QUALITY WINDOW REPLACEMENT: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE

PART I: THE PRODUCT & MATERIAL



PART 1: THE PRODUCT & MATERIAL

Getting window replacement right takes a lot of consideration. You have a number of options available to you, after all, each offering something for you and your home to enjoy. This guide is here to help you sift through all your choices and zero in on the best one.



Casement. This type of window pivots on hinges attached to the side of the window frame, basically opening like a door. Usually taller than wide, casement windows provide top-to-bottom ventilation when opened, and seals completely when closed.

Double Hung. Windows of this type slide up and down. Featuring a timeless design, double hungs offer a classic yet flexible look that makes them suitable for both traditional and contemporary homes.

Sliding or Gliding. As they slide horizontally, sliding or gliding windows are very easy to operate with a slight push. They also typically feature expansive glass areas, allowing them to offer unobstructed views of the outdoors.

WINDOW STYLE AND OPERATION

Choosing a window style is largely a personal preference, but it should also be taken as a design consideration that must be based on your homes style and overall appeal. Popular window styles include:



Bay and Bow. Bay and bow windows essentially look the same but differ in the number of window panels they incorporate; bay has three while bow typically uses four or five. These windows make a room feel spacious because they have a lot of glass that lets in a lot of natural light, and jut out of exterior walls to physically create added space.



Vinyl. Probably the most common and popular material today, vinyl is generally hailed for offering incredible value given its cost and the benefits it offers, like durability and ease of installation and maintenance.

Aluminum. Like vinyl, aluminum is durable. Unlike vinyl, it resists heat better, helping reduce thermal transfer into a home.

Fiberglass. Fiberglass too has incredible durability, which makes it last long. As a window frame material, it offers outstanding heat and cold resistance, making it a great choice for any kind of climate.

Composite. If you really like the look of wood but dont want to deal with its advantages, Fibrex, an example of composite framing material, may be what youre looking for. Why? Composite material can be made to mimic the look of wood but is resistant to moisture damage and easy to maintain.

FRAMING MATERIAL

Wood used to be standard in windows. However, thanks to technological advancements, alternatives have been developed, not just building upon what makes wood windows great but addressing their flaws as well. These alternatives to wood as framing material include:



GLASSLow-emissivity glass is quickly becoming the standard for window glass because of its many benefits. Low-E windows reflect away unnecessary heat while letting in as much visible light as possible. However, they block ultraviolet light, helping prevent fading inside the home. Look for double-pane construction too for enhanced insulative properties.

Your choice of window style, framing material, and glass come together to bring you the perfect window replacement. This is why its important that you carefully go over each consideration.

Finding the right window is just the first step. To ensure quality window replacement, you have to ensure proper installation. More on that in Part 2

of this e-book!



PART 2: THE WORK AND INSTALLER

After finding the replacement windows that fit your needs and aesthetic preferences, it is time to carefully consider another important aspect of window replacement: proper installation. In this post, we will take a deeper look at its importance and how you can achieve it by finding the right window contractor.


PART II: THE WORK AND INSTALLER

THE ADVANTAGES OF PROFESSIONAL WINDOW INSTALLATION

When not installed properly, replacement windows will bring problems sooner than later. Aside from helping ensure that you create conditions that will allow your replacement window to perform its best, hiring a professional is also beneficial for other reasons: Security and Safety. Handling windows is not

a joke. They may be built to last but windows can also be fragile as they contain glass. A professional will know exactly how to handle window replacements, thanks to proper training and experience.

Time Efficiency. Professionals understand that your time is valuable so they strive to finish projects at the soonest time possible, allowing you to get back into your daily grind quickly. However, that doesnt mean youll get a rushed job! Rather, they can carry out installations with precision, thanks to their expertise.

Proper Disposal of Old Windows. Have you ever wondered where do discarded building materials go? If you dont have an idea, thats a sign that you should leave the job to the pros. Professionals know of proper disposal methods, leaving no trace that you just had your windows replaced.

Certified and Guaranteed Job. Professionals take pride in being experts, a title they can only claim after being sufficiently trained in their fields. You know youre in good hands when even reputable manufacturers recognize a window installers expertise, as proven by certifications. In line with being proud of their work, professionals also provide their own warranties to cover craftsmanship quality.


PART II: THE WORK AND INSTALLER

FINDING THE RIGHT WINDOW CONTRACTORStart out by asking around, checking with friends and family from the area for recommendations. You can also check out testimonials online. There will be a lot of contractors in your area but those that offer the best service will certainly stand out. Dont forget to make sure that necessary licenses and permits are in place and that the professional you work with has been certified by the window manufacturer you are interested in to install their products. This will guarantee that your window replacement will be handled right.

Replacing your windows addresses a number of issues in your home, including energy efficiency. Head on over to Part 3 of this e-book to learn more

about energy-efficient window replacements.



PART 3: THE PLUS FACTOR -ENERGY EFFICIENCY

According to Environmental Protection Agencys energy conversation program ENERGY STAR, an average American household can spend at least $2,200 on energy expenses annually, with about half going to heating and cooling costs. Choosing energy-efficient windows can help you control these costs, taking advantage of advancements that contribute to cutting utility bills and making your home more comfortable. Energy-efficient window replacements are evaluated and rated accordingly, so you shouldnt have any problem choosing the right one for your needs. How to know youre looking at the right options? Check labels.


PART III: THE PLUS FACTOR - ENERGY EFFICIENCY

UNDERSTANDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY LABELSThere are two you can look at to determine if a window replacement is an energy-efficient option: one from ENERGY STAR and the other from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). By default, all windows under the ENERGY STAR program will have labels from the two so even without going into specific ratings, just seeing ENERGY STAR and NFRC labels mean youre on the right track.

Window energy efficiency performance vary depending climate. ENERGY STAR is meant to evaluate if a product was made and equipped with features that meet the energy efficiency requirements for a certain area. For instance, in the northern zone, windows must suit heating needs while the southern zone mostly requires cooling features. More specific energy efficiency ratings are provided in the NFRC label.

Before a window can get an ENERGY STAR sticker, it must first be independently tested, certified, and verified by the NFRC. While not all will appear in an NFRC label, the following criteria are used to rate windows:



U-Factor. This measures the rate of heat transfer that a window allows and how well it insulates. The values range between 0.25 and 1.25. The lower the U-factor, the better the window prevents indoor heat from getting out and outdoor heat from getting in.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. This measures the fraction of solar energy transmitted through a window, telling how well can the window block unnecessary heat gain. The values range from 0 to 1, and the lower the number, the less solar heat is allowed.

Air Leakage. This measures the rate of air passage through the joints of a window. It is measured in cubic feet of air passing through a square foot of window area per minute. A rating not beyond 0.30 is best for ensuring minimal air leakage.

Visible Transmittance. This measures the amount of light that the window lets in. The values range between 0.20 and 0.80. The higher the value, the more natural light a window lets in.

Condensation Resistance. This measures how well the window can resist water, moisture, and condensation buildup. The values range from 0 to 100. The higher the value, the better the window can resist condensation.



NEXT DOOR & WINDOW1-855-893-6100

718 E. Rand Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60004

1-888-313-3667(847) 398-8624

16W240 83RD St., Burr Ridge, IL 60527

(708) 297-9389(630) 323-6398

815 E. Ogden Ave., Naperville, IL 60563

(630) 239-2173(630) 355-0277

www.NextDoorAndWindow.com

getting quality window replacement a comprehensive guide

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