Thinking about replacing windows?

1). Using windows with double-pane glass once was a good first step toward adding insulation value. But with the escalating energy costs over the last couple of years it is proven that triple pane glass is almost a necessity.

2). Select glass that is coated to reflect unwanted heat or cold. Reflectivity is measured in terms of "Low-E"-the lower the better. Most window replacement companies offer a Low-E coat on a single pane within a double glass unit. One company, Bristol Windows, adds multiple Low-E layers to two panes of their triple glass configurations. The use of a soft coating, as opposed to hard, improves the reflectivity even more so.

3). High-tech continuous thermal spacer systems should be placed between each piece of glass. If not, unwanted heat or cold can radiate inside.

4). To improve insulation properties even further, an inert gas can be placed in between the panes of gas. This gas does a better job of slowing down heat transfer.

5). While aluminum window frames are still made, they are known to radiate excess heat. For this reason many companies have turned to vinyl, which stops the heat. However, vinyl can loose its shape on a hot day, causing the frames to warp and not close properly. Vinyl replacement windows that use a combination of both vinyl and aluminum. The aluminum is totally concealed and thermally separated so as to prevent transfer of unwanted heat or cold to the inside.

6). If considering vinyl replacement windows, make sure they are not hollow. Vinyl needs to have chambers designed into the extrusions to provide sufficient wall strength.

7). The frame-to-wall interface must seal tightly, otherwise air can pour through. Look for a company that uses gaskets and weather stripping at crucial areas of the window and sash members.

8). Replacing windows correctly can be complicated. It is best to leave this job to the professionals.

9). When evaluating a window replacement company, be sure to consider the warranties. Longer is better.

10). Remember that you get what you pay for. You can spend less, but the windows will save you less. Some companies, on the high end of initial costs, claim to cut energy use almost in half. Over time, such replacement windows may provide the best bang for your buck.

1:23 PM - Jan. 26, 2007 - comments {2} - post comment

re: Thinking about replacing windows?

Well you are quite knowledgeable with replacement windows although I must tell you the thing with vinyl windows as you said they tend to bend out of shape after some years  that depends on the type of vinyl, you see there 2 different grades of vinyl that is normally sold to residential customer  first one is PVC(poly voly chloride) which is 60% vinyl and 40% chemicals you can compare it to  the lawn chair in your back yard that's PVC vinyl once the chemicals cook the vinyl gets week and turns yellow the higher grade of vinyl is UPVC(ultra poly voly chloride) which is 90% vinyl and 10% titanium its a much higher quality of vinyl.  Danny@vanderbiltwindowcorp.com

Danny - 8:17 PM - Jan. 27, 2007

---

re: Thinking about replacing windows?

Triple-pane windows aren't as popular as they used to be, mainly because the extra layer of glass adds significantly to the weight and cost while only marginally improving the efficiency. Today's double-panes, especially those with advanced low-E coatings, provide a comparable level of energy efficiency. In addition, triple-panes are very heavy and require thicker framing to support their weight, which means less light and view.

As far as warranty is concerned, it's best to go with a window with a lifetime warranty that is transferable to a new homeowner if you choose to sell the house. Many warranties advertise as "lifetime" but are in fact "pro-rated" over  the life of the warranty.

One company Alliance Vinyl Windows offers an Assurance Plus Lifetime Warranty. The Vinyl Extrusions, hardware, balances and insulated glass seals are guaranteed for life. Also, they will provide in home labor for repairs for 5 years.

odellcoleman@superiorsupply.biz

O. Coleman - 11:11 AM - Mar. 1, 2007

---

Write a Comment
Your Name:	RealTown Members: Click here to login
Your E-Mail:
Your Website:
Subject:
Your Comment:
Notifications:	Notify me by email when new comments have been posted to this entry.
Privacy:	Private Comment - Do not publish this comment to the public.
Verification:	To verify that you are a human and not a script, please enter the verification word from the image into the box on the right.

RSS Blog Feed

Categories

Favorite Links

Favorite Blogs