Replacing or purchasing new windows is a significant investment that can enhance your home's aesthetics, energy efficiency, and security. Whether upgrading existing frames or selecting windows for a new build, understanding the various factors involved is crucial for making informed decisions. To help our customers find the perfect replacement windows for their homes, we cover the essential considerations, including window material choices, window operating types, energy efficiency, cost factors, maintenance requirements, and security features.
New and Replacement Window Options
Window material and operating style are important considerations for the product's longevity and the overall cost of your replacement window project. The choice of material affects the window's durability, maintenance requirements, and overall aesthetic. In contrast, the window operating style influences functionality, energy efficiency, and how well it complements your home's design. Understanding the available materials and styles will help you make informed decisions that enhance your home's beauty, performance, and value.
New or Replacement Window Materials
When choosing windows for your home, start by determining which frame material best suits your needs. If you have aluminum windows and are planning to replace them, fiberglass or vinyl windows can significantly improve the value of these products over your previous ones. While some continue to install aluminum windows for their modern style, fiberglass and vinyl are often better for energy efficiency and long-term durability, which is why they have become so prevalent.
Aluminum windows cost more than vinyl due to the increased installation costs, making vinyl the perfect choice for affordability and energy efficiency. Fiberglass would be the most expensive frame material, but it also has unmatched durability and customization because you can paint them after installation without voiding the warranty or causing issues with the intended product use.
New or Replacement Window Styles
Once you have chosen a new or replacement window material, the next decision is what style and type you want. Whether adding upgrades, building a new home, or simply replacing existing windows, it is essential to understand the benefits and drawbacks of different window styles available before purchasing.
Sliding windows are some of the most common windows. As the name suggests, they operate by sliding either horizontally or vertically. Although they debuted long ago, the modern horizontal sliding variety uses low-friction rolling sliders or balancers for vertical sliders that help move and hold the window against gravity. Vertical sliding windows are often also called single-hung windows when there's only one movable sash or double-hung when both sashes can be opened.
Picture Windows, much like the name suggests, picture windows act as pictures would. So long as you place them strategically, they can frame the outdoor view to seem like a picture straight out of a cutting-edge camera. Since picture windows are fixed (i.e., not operable), they are popular with homeowners looking for magnificent, unobstructed views. You can use them independently or alongside other window types, such as awning, sliding, and casement.
Casement Windows are another common window type for the San Diego market. They are hinged on the window frame side and open outwards by turning a crank. A casement stay is used to keep them in place when open. One of the perks of using casement windows is that they generally have minimal air leakage rates compared to sliding windows since the sash closes by pressing against the frame. They are also great for hot climate areas since they promote natural ventilation when opened by capturing a breeze and pulling it into the home.
Other window designs to look into include awning windows, bay and bow windows, radius windows, garden windows, and specialty windows for things like trapezoids or custom sizes and shapes.
Energy Efficiency of New and Replacement Windows
With modern windows, say hello to cooler summers and goodbye to cold winters. New window technology has evolved significantly, and a new set of windows could make your home much more energy-efficient. Almost all window manufacturers consider low E-glass the standard for all new windows. Upgrading Standard Low E to the new High-Performance Low E will ensure even greater energy efficiency.
These windows come with double or triple-glazed window sashes to meet the energy-efficient standards expected today. You can quickly recognize them by the ENERGY STAR rating stickers from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). These rating stickers allow homeowners and developers to determine and compare a window's performance with other suppliers' products.
Double and triple-glazed windows include two and three glass panes fixed in a sealed unit. These glass panes are separated by gaps filled with air or an inert gas like argon. The glass used to make such windows has low emissivity (low-E) and a thin metal oxide coat on one internal glass surface. This coating allows the sun's rays into a home and reflects heat, making it perfect for winter.
The optimum distance between the air gaps is 16mm, although smaller gaps may be a better solution in some instances. It is crucial to select windows with a low U-factor. U-factor refers to the rate at which windows conduct heat. The lower the U-factor, the better the thermal resistance, especially in colder climates. However, if you live in warmer areas like San Diego, select a window with a low SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient) to minimize heat gain during summer. SHGC is a measurement of solar energy absorbed through a window. That said, windows with low U-factors and low SHGCs are suitable for homes in temperate climates.
Pricing and Cost Factors for New and Replacement Windows
Calculating the cost of a new window can be difficult as a handful of factors contribute to the final price. The cost of new windows can vary greatly depending on what type of window you buy, how many you need, and the window size. The average price of replacing a window is influenced by several factors, including the material used for the frame and the company you choose to supply and install the window.
Budgeting for New or Replacement Windows
Replacing windows costs about the same as installing new ones, but the total price is usually lower because there is less work involved in installing an existing frame. The cost of the actual window may not be much higher, but the amount of work required to install a new window will make the price considerably more expensive than just replacing it due to the need to fully remove the existing frame and rebuild it with the new one. However, the installation type is not always an option. There are conditions where the original frame requires replacement due to it's condition.
Size is another factor that can determine the price of a window when purchasing new windows. Larger windows require more frame and glass material. You may also want to consider the R-value of each window, as it will indicate the cost of building materials needed. State and local regulations may require a specific energy efficiency value for replacement windows.
The final cost depends on the type of window you select and the size and shape of the new window. To get an exact price for your new windows in San Diego, you need to get a trusted expert to measure your windows at home so that they can provide you with a quote and recommend the best style and frame material.
Color also impacts the costs as some colors are standard, whereas others, like black windows, may cost extra. Depending on the frame materials, modern windows come in numerous colors, such as black, white, bronze, brown, silver, tan, etc. However, ensure your due diligence before purchasing to avoid quickly fading windows. The warranty may hint at the likelihood of fading as some colors may have restrictions on the longevity of their warranty.
Warranty and Installation
The first question that comes to mind in the new window market is: "How long does my warranty last?" If your new window should last about 25 years, you want it to be under warranty for that entire period. If you buy a replacement window, you may need to hire a professional replacement company to install the windows at home to ensure the warranty is valid. Choosing the window manufacturer that produces the cheapest windows is not ideal when you could select the window with the highest value and the best material for the cost.
If you are building a new house, scrutinizing your existing windows' condition, or considering replacing windows, it is worth fully understanding the window warranty. Warranty protection for new windows is crucial because you know that you can count on long-term support when purchasing what is likely to be a significant investment for your home. If something goes wrong with your new purchase, it is imperative to understand your warranty in detail.
Lifetime or lifetime limited warranties are the most common type of window warranty for new windows but may not cover all conditions. Furthermore, your installation company should also guarantee their installation. Finding a transferable guarantee to any new owners is one of the most important things to consider when looking for windows, as it provides additional value for your sale.
At US Window & Door, we've partnered with Milgard to offer our customers a Lifetime Limited Warranty so you don't just get the best windows in the market, but also the best protection available for your windows, so you can enjoy worry-free beautiful windows for decades to come.
Security Features
Did you know that windows are the best entry points of a house after doors? Burglars, especially the experienced ones, have a knack for finding weak points in people's homes and offices. People often leave their "inaccessible" windows unsecured or unfixed. On the other hand, some manufacturers produce subpar windows that even young children can easily crank open. That said, it is wise to invest in premium windows to avoid any break-ins or domestic accidents, especially where children are concerned.
In this day and age, there's no need to install a metallic grille outside your window. Safeguarding your home is relatively inexpensive and easy. For starters, consider replacing your standard windows with impact-resistant acrylic glazed windows. As a bonus, impact-resistant windows can also withstand debris during storms.
Some manufacturers also incorporate multi-point locking mechanisms into their sliding windows. Unlike standard locks, these high-tech ones hold the window or door in multiple locations, better preventing a break-in.
Cleaning and Maintenance Requirements for New and Replacement Windows
Another essential factor to consider when selecting replacement windows is how much maintenance you want to perform on the windows after installation. The type of material you choose can dictate how much work you need to do to keep them clean and maintained.
When purchasing new Windows, you would want your windows to be of high quality, require minimal upkeep, and be easy to clean. The good news is that many good options in the market will meet these criteria. Vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass windows are your best options because of the following;
- They require low-maintenance
- They are built for durability and strength
- Can withstand extreme weather conditions
- Do not need to be constantly updated
Materials such as wood and steel require constant upkeep, so most prefer high-quality and affordable vinyl. Unlike wood, vinyl windows are resistant to corrosion or warping, meaning they do not need repainting and are easier to clean and maintain. Regardless of which material you pick, windows will always require maintenance, especially for homes along the coastlines.
Salt spray is highly corrosive and can damage even the most robust materials like fiberglass. It would be best to diligently clean your windows approximately four times yearly to remove the salt build-up. Failure to do so could result in extensive rusting. A light cloth and some mild detergent should do the trick.
Whether made from vinyl, aluminum, or fiberglass, operable windows will often experience rusting in the tracks or parts if not regularly serviced. Since the tracks contain some metallic components, the runners need regular lubrication.
Fortunately, not much effort is required. Clean the runners using a damp cloth to remove any particles or dirt. Run a tiny brush along the track to force out any stubborn particles. When done, use a manufacturer-recommended spray to ensure the window slides smoothly.
Choosing the Right Windows for Your Home
Selecting the right windows involves a balance of aesthetics, functionality, and budget. By carefully evaluating materials, styles, energy efficiency ratings, and security features, you can make choices that enhance your home's appearance and contribute to long-term savings and safety. Additionally, understanding the cost factors and maintenance requirements ensures that your investment remains worthwhile for years. Whether you undertake the project in the bustling summer or the quieter winter, proper planning, and informed decision-making are key to a successful window replacement or purchase. Partnering with reputable manufacturers and installers, like US Window & Door, can ensure you receive high-quality products backed by reliable warranties, providing peace of mind and lasting value for your home.
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