Recenly I was speaking with a homeowner about replacing his window. He has a lovly classic 10960's rambler that is well taken care of. They want to replace the windows but don't want to loose the charachter by purchasing the wrong windows. When selecting new windows and doors, there are several key things to keep in mind.
• Choose a style that emphasizes your home’s character, including its overall design and other important architectural features.
• Try to match the general construction quality and the price point to that of the existing structure. It typically does not make financial sense to put high-end materials in an entry-level home or budget products in a luxury property.
• Choose frame materials and special features (such as upgraded glass, multiple panes or inert gas fillings) that are suited to the climate in your area.
What You’ll Get for Your Money
$ Most Affordable— Products made of vinyl (or PVC) provide good insulation, require little maintenance and are resistant to moisture. Good-quality vinyl windows stand up to temperature extremes and are less likely to crack or warp.
$ $ More Costly— Fiberglass or composite window frames offer plenty of insulation and are highly durable. They are also dimensionally stable, since they generally do not swell or shrink as temperatures fluctuate. They can be textured, painted or stained to look like wood.
$ $ $ Priciest Options— The look of natural wood works well with the classic styling of traditional or upscale homes, but it can deteriorate due to moisture and insect damage. Today’s modern clad wood designs have wood on the inside and metal, vinyl or fiberglass on the exterior to maximize durability and reduce maintenance.
Learn the Lingo
U-Factor: a measurement of how well the window keeps warm or cool air from flowing between the inside and outside of the home; a lower number (typically between 0.20 and 1.20) means the window insulates better and is more energy efficient.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): a ratio between 0.25 and 0.80 that indicates how well the window blocks heat caused by sunlight; a lower ratio is best in warm climates.
Low-Emissivity (Low-E) Glass: a metallic coating that lets in light but reflects UV rays, reducing the amount of heat that passes through the glass.
Energy Star-qualified: a product that meets certain performance standards and is labeled to specify which of the four U.S. climate zones (northern, north central, south central, and southern) it’s most suited for, based on the listed U-factor and the SHGC.
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