Replacment Windows Guide

Any guide to new replacement windows is not an exact science. It takes takes some effort to insure the replacement windows or new windows are of highest quality. It is also important to choose windows that blend in with the decor and style of your home.

The new replacement windows you choose will guide the entire appearance. What you may not know is how to choose energy efficient windows & how it improves your home. It is sometimes difficult to see what the differences are between the R-value and the U-factor. 

Window style Guide

Style. Some styles you choose of new replacement windows like casement windows are more energy-efficient than others. Casement open sideways on hinges, on one side of the window, by means of a metal crank that you turn. The sash fits tightly against the weather seal and when closed, the very tight. When the wind blows against a casement-type window, it pushes it against the glass, which makes it seal tightly. Casement windows can fit nicely with a contemporary design.

Another type of new replacement window you can choose is the double-hung window. It is a more traditional style with which you are probably familiar. They are built with a lower pane and an upper pane. When you open the window, you lift the lower pane upward. The seal that is used on double-hung windows becomes worn over time, which lets in more air than a new seal. However, double-hung windows can usually be tilted inward for cleaning, which makes them more convenient in this aspect. The third type of window is a sliding window. This is basically a double-hung window, but it slides from left to right, instead of up and down. It is subject to the same sort of abuse as a double-hung window, which makes it just as inefficient.

Window r-value Guide

R-value. This is the biggest factor in the energy-efficiency of your new windows. But the real question is - what in the world is R-value and how does it affect your windows? To put it simply, R-value is the measure of how much heat loss your windows are capable of preventing. Therefore, when you choose windows you want windows with the highest R-value possible. The lowest R-value that is acceptable if you are trying to build an efficient home is R-3. Of course, the higher the rating, the more efficient the window. The corollary to that is the higher the R-value, the more expensive the window will be. A good rule of thumb is to choose a window with the highest R-value that you can reasonably afford, in relation to the energy savings that you expect to receive. This is especially true if you live in a cold climate. Keep in mind that R-value is rated according to the window's efficiency in the center of the glass. The edges will be less energy-efficient than the R-value reflects.

U-factor. This is the second big factor to consider when choosing & replacing windows. U-factor is the measure of how well your window prevents air leaks between the sash and the f. U-factors less than 0.35 are considered energy-efficient. If you live in a climate that is cold and windy, you'll want to give just as much weight to the U-factor of your windows as the R-value. You may also want to consider relocating to somewhere that's warm and sunny all year-round!

Window Low-E Windows Guide

Low-E windows. This type of window is the gold standard when it comes to energy-efficient replacement windows. Low-E (also known as low emissivity) windows consist of an inner and outer pane of glass. The area between the two panes is filled with an inert (non-active) gas such as argon, which provides the ultimate in window insulation without compromising the clarity of the glass. A step down from low-E windows are single-glazed and double-glazed windows, which are coated with a transparent metallic oxide finish that prevents some heat loss. These are much less efficient than low-E windows, which is reflected in their lower R-values. Single-glazed windows are glazed on only one side, double-glazed are glazed on both the inside and outside. The least desirable windows, in terms of heat loss, are unglazed windows. Any unglazed window you choose is a simple sheet of glass with no coating or insulation. They are more efficient than an open window, but that's about it! Glazing can be combined with low-E windows for an even more energy-efficient solution.

Condensation prevention with replacement windows. Condensation happens when there is a great difference in air temperature between the inside of a window and the outside. If the temperature and the humidity inside your home are high, and the temperature outside is low, you will probably see condensation forming on your windows. Conversely, the same is true if the temperature outside is quite high and the indoor temperature is cool. Condensation is a problem for windows because when moisture frequently collects around the edges of your windows, over time it will cause damage to the f and weather seal. It's also a problem because it indicates that your windows are not insulating your home very well. To prevent condensation, look for windows with warm-air technology and high-quality metal spacers along the edges of the panes. The warm air keeps the temperature of the window closer to the air temperature of your home, which won't give condensation a chance to form.

Window guide to UV Guide

Solar (UV) penetration. This is an important consideration for anyone living in an especially warm climate. When the sun is constantly shining through your newreplacement windows, you'll notice that your carpet, furniture and anything else in the sun's path starts to look faded and worn prematurely. To keep this from happening, look for windows with an ultraviolet-blocking coating. This will allow the harmless rays of the sun to shine right through, while blocking the UV rays, which do the most damage.

New window placement. When you are choosing where to place the new windows in your home, consider the fact that south-facing windows let in heat without an undue amount of UV rays. Therefore, they can help warm your home during the colder months. North-facing windows, on the other hand, provide very little warmth and can actually be a hindrance to keeping your home warm. To illustrate this fact, just look at the driveways on your street after a snowstorm. Most likely, the driveways that face south will be melted and clear long before the ones that face north. Therefore, if you are set on floor-to-ceiling windows in your great room, put them on the south side of the house if at all possible.

Window building Requirements Guide

Building code requirements. Many states have adopted building code standards which regulate the type of new window replacements which you are allowed to choose in a new or remodeled home. Always check your local building code before purchasing or installing new windows. This is especially important if you are buying windows from an out-of-state source. The windows sold at a local store will most likely meet your state's building codes.