Check out a number of frames from the manufacturer you are considering and measure their thickness. The thicker and heavier the vinyl, the better. Keep in mind, thicker vinyl may cost more. Looking at the corners of the vinyl windows can tell you a lot. Some manufacturers use fusion-welding technology on the corners, which fuses the corners together to form an unbreakable joint. Other companies screen together corners or weld them together with chemicals and those corners can leak over time.
Choose the fusion-welding corners if at all possible. Once you get used to the ratings, you will start to see the differences and you will be able to judge which windows are better in terms of energy efficiency.
Key factors that affect the overall security of a window include its style and frame, locking system, thickness, and glazing. For example, many replacement windows come with pins and robust locking mechanisms that prevent the window from being opened from the outside.
Likewise, some offer built-in contact sensors that send alerts when the window is opened. For homeowners especially concerned about security, certain types of impact-resistant glass are virtually impenetrable. Reduced Noise Pollution — Replacement windows are available in a variety of thicknesses, including: single, double, and triple-pane.
The noise-stopping ability of a window is rated on a sound transmission class STC scale, with higher numbers corresponding to more noise reduction. An average single-pane window has an STC value of 27, while a double-pane window is rated marginally higher. Ease of Maintenance — Unlike traditional windows that need to be cleaned regularly and eventually repainted, modern windows incorporate many design features that allow for easy maintenance and cleaning.
When it comes to regular cleaning, many new window styles tilt inward, which allows the outside of the window to be cleaned from inside of the house. Functionality — Whereas older windows tend to have issues moving up and down or sliding side to side, properly-installed replacement windows will work as expected and require little effort to operate.
That said, in order to protect the value of the replacement windows and keep them working well over time, be sure to clean them regularly and perform yearly inspections. When cared for properly, new replacement windows will continue to function with ease as they age. Resale Value — Improved energy efficiency, home security, noise reduction, and curb appeal will all contribute to an increase in resale value.
The change in value will, of course, depend on the size of the home, number of windows replaced, and quality of the replacement windows used. Outside of the time and cost involved, there are few major drawbacks to consider when upgrading windows that actually need to be replaced.
Of course, there are pros and cons of different window types, materials, glass, and coatings, all of which are discussed in detail below. There are several considerations for a homeowner to balance when buying new replacement windows.
This section covers the most important factors to consider, including: replacement window types, frame materials, quality, and features that impact energy efficiency. It is natural to start the process of buying replacement windows by considering what the new windows might look like. There are many different styles to choose from.
While some have a specific look or add character to a house, others offer unique functions. Here are the most common styles of replacement windows. Double-hung windows look classic. They have operable lower and upper sashes that allows air to enter through the top and bottom of the window. Often, the sashes tilt inward; sometimes, however, the sashes slide vertically along a track instead.
This is one of the most popular styles of window, and it is available in a variety of styles, materials, colors, and cladding. One negative aspect of this window style is that the sashes can impede the view through the window. Single-hung windows have a similar appearance to double-hung windows, but differ in that they only offer a single operable sash.
The lower sash may tilt or slide vertically along a channel. Single hung windows tend to be more affordable than similar double hung windows. As with double-hung windows, the construction of the window can impede views to outside. Sliding windows are different from double and single-hung windows in that they move horizontally along the track, rather than vertically.
They have one or more panels that move and allow for half of the window to be open. Usually, only a single panel slides while the other remains fixed. Sliding windows can have the same view-obstruction problem that hung windows have.
Another downside to this style of window is that dirt and debris tend to gather along the bottom track, which can make the window difficult to open if it is not regularly cleaned and maintained.
This is one of the most affordable styles of windows. Casement windows are hinged on one side with the ability to pivot outward on the other side. They allow for a great deal of ventilation and are easy to open. Most window manufacturers offer these, as they are an extremely popular type of window. Since they open outward, homeowners should consider carefully where they choose to install these windows.
Installing these windows over patios or walkways could create an obstruction when the window is open. Awning windows are similar to casement windows, but they are hinged at the top instead of the side and open from the bottom. Awning windows are designed to prevent rain from entering a room when the window is open. Projection windows, such as bow left or bay right windows, project outward from the house.
The design features multiple fixed panels that complete the entire window and are positioned at various angles. This style allows an enormous amount of light to pass through, illuminating rooms in the daylight hours. These windows tend to be more expensive and are more difficult to install. Window frames come in a variety of materials which influence the look and durability of the window. The type of material used also impacts energy efficiency and required maintenance. Some window frame materials are better suited for particular climates, as high temperatures can affect the long term durability of some frames.
Homeowners and contractors should be mindful of the different materials that comprise a window, taking special notice of the quality and suitability of the materials for the project. Vinyl windows are an affordable replacement window option made from polyvinyl chloride PVC. They are rigid and possess hollow chambers inside that make them energy efficient by helping them resist both heat transfer and condensation. Vinyl windows need little maintenance as they do not require any kind of painting or finishing, and they do not fade, rot, chip, or peel.
Most companies will offer lifetime warranties on their vinyl options. The material does, however, limit the choice of colors to shades of white, black, gray, and brown. Also, vinyl windows can begin to warp when exposed to high temperatures and may expand and contract with temperature fluctuations. For these reasons, they may be better-suited for milder climates.
Fiberglass windows are a bit pricier, but when compared to vinyl windows, they are even more energy efficient and durable. Fiberglass windows are resistant to temperature changes that cause other materials to expand and contract, which means that hardly any air leaks around the frame.
Known for their strength, fiberglass is as low maintenance as vinyl. Although quite expensive, wood is an elegant replacement window option. Wood does not conduct as much heat as other materials do and does not allow for much condensation to build up. Wood does require substantial upkeep in order to prevent warping, rotting, and chipping, however. Additionally, for residents that live in an area with termites, working with a termite treatment company to develop a reliable prevention strategy is recommended.
Still, with proper care and refinishing as needed, wood can be an attractive choice for the right house. Aluminum is an inexpensive option for replacement windows. Aluminum windows are long-lasting because they resist corrosion, and give the window an industrial appearance. They are known to have issues with efficiency since metal does conduct heat; however, this issue can be resolved by selecting an aluminum window that has thermal breaks. Composite windows are a blend of materials that consists of resin and fiberglass.
The material is strong and lightweight and requires the same level of maintenance or lack thereof as do vinyl replacement windows. The profile of these window frames is narrow compared to the Tuscany series but presents a modern look that lets in lots of natural light to brighten up any home.
The series comes in a wide range of sizes within the various opening styles. The Style Line range is available in the following opening styles. Aluminum Milgard windows are made to be a lightweight, strong material that is rust-resistant and durable.
The characteristics of aluminum make it an ideal material for window frames. The process of anodization allows colors to be added to the aluminum that is long-lasting and fade-resistant. The corners of aluminum window frames where sides join are traditionally the weak points in these frames.
Milgard mechanically joins the corners and seals them to prevent this from becoming a problem in their aluminum frames. Aluminum does not sag or warp over the years, a common problem with wood window frames.
Milgard has developed their Thermally Improved Aluminum frame for regions with cold winter seasons, separating the internal part of the frame from the outer part with a thermal break. The thermal break is in the form of a polyurethane channel between the two.
This reduces heat transfer between the interior and the exterior, keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Even though the aluminum frames are corrosion resistant, these frames are not recommended for homes close to the sea.
The combination of salt in the air and saltwater can cause corrosion of the aluminum frames. The more than year experience of Milgard in the aluminum window and patio door industry has resulted in a quality aluminum window product rated as one of the best quality and innovative aluminum frame designs in the industry!
The quality of the frames helps to ensure smooth action of all the windows, and many of the locking and closing mechanisms are exclusive Milgard designs. The Milgard aluminum window frames are available in the following opening styles. Fiberglass is a versatile material, and like vinyl, it can be imbued with different characteristics depending on the processing it is put through.
The advantage of the fiberglass product is that it is durable, allowing it to hold large pieces of glass. Fiberglass is very low maintenance and can be manufactured to look like natural wood. Even though it is not necessary to paint the fiberglass window frames, the surface is paintable if you wish to change the color at some point. Fiberglass does not rot or corrode, and it is chemical resistant as well. This makes for a highly durable window frame that keeps its good looks for decades!
Is the window reinforced and with what? In short, do your research. One thing to remember is the best window you can afford is wothless if it is not installed properly. Regardless of who installs it, look at the mfg literature and make sure the window is installed properly some things like silicone caulk, stainless screws, properly flashed and waterproofed.
A good installation stops the water at the outside. Once water gets past the very very first seal it is in your house. The inner seals are important so dont ignore Good luck, Bruce. Okna, Polaris, Gorell, Soft lite, and Sunrise are the top 5 today.
Please remember that the installer is as important as the manufacturer. I did a lot of research on vinyl before buying PlyGem. No other decent mfgrs here except Milguard and I wasn't impressed with their stuff. However, our installation was a nightmare of sledge hammers and tons of filler and fixer after the fact. And I found out that the installer had never intalled the premium line of PlyGem and was afraid to do so. If we had it to do over, we would have just kept our old anodized aluminum windows.
Did you do energy star? Just wandering if that seems accurate. Hello, I am in Eastern Washington State. I did my homework.
All gave satisfactory answers. The windows I wanted were the top of the line Premium triple pane with the highest ratings of any PlyGem products. The highest rating the local installer had used were the middle grade. When I spoke to the regional assembler they said the only installer for the Premium windows were in the big city Seattle ares. They also confounded the process by building some of my triple panes wrong.
The installer had to come back and remove some of the windows to put in ones that met the energy ratings. The new ones they brought were not even the right size, so our house got messed up inside for a third time. The worst problem was that the original aluminum windows were finned and installed in the original construction.
The house has steel siding and getting the old ones out was difficult, but could have been done without knocking the bricks out of the front trim or tearing up the inside walls if a little finesse and the right tools had been used.
I looked at Milgard and it seemed to me it was inferior to PlyGem at a higher cost. We don't seem to have the expertice or competition that Easterners can get. You should be able to find a Simonton dealer as Simonton is pretty widely available in most parts of the U.
Just go to their website and use the "dealer locator" feature. Often it will only show wholesale distributors but you can contact them and ask for a referral for an installer.
The nearest Simonton dealer was about 60 miles from here and he didn't have a business licence to work here and didn't want to bother. Believe me I tried. Since Simontons are sold through almost all major supply houses, I would suggest a little more diligence. Fact is, any contractor or homeowner can usually get them. Perhaps you could go that route and then just find a good installer to put them in? Well it's too late for that. Our nightmare is over.
If our installer is "one of the best", I hate to think what else could have happened. I haven't given all the details here because it would fill a book, but there is a lot more that happened with no sign it was coming from all the references I checked.
Even the neighbor across the street recommended them. Building home and contractor is recommending Windgate by Alliance. Does anyone have any specific experience with these windows and sliding glass doors - are they great, average, bad? If not them, what would you recommend that's not off the chart expensive? Also, looking at some slides v. I would keep shopping and stay away myself. No idea what type home your building but I would use casements before a slider most definitely.
Where are you building? What type of home? What material are you looking for? On the Alliance windows - it's year-round cottage in Northern Wi. I don't want to spend a fortune on windows or upkeep of them; at same time, don't want to replace in 10 years. I don't know the expected life of vinyl windows or what I should be looking for. Would very much just like someone to guide to the top 3 or something; this is really complicated and there's a lot of marketing speak - I just want good solid windows that will work and hold up as expected.
All make a line-up of windows in varying degrees of quality and price, but you should be able to find something in their line-up that suits your needs.
Simonton, while not the best performing window nor the prettiest, is also a solid window and is likely more available than the other brands. Although all should be available to you unless you are in a very remote location. Make sure you spend the money and get the right product for your region and one that will stand up to the rigors of that weather. Triple pane is certainly a worthwhile option in this case and I highly suggest that you try to track down the brands that Eco mentioned in his post Soft-Lite, Sunrise, Okna, HiMark.
They will be a bit more expensive than the Simonton equivalent in most cases, but will be well worth it in a performance requiring application. I am a dealer for Sunrise in the Baltimore area, they have an excellent product.
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