When searching for a replacement window, would you want one that’s similar in quality to the window you’re replacing or would you prefer a higher-quality window? Unless you intend to preserve as much of the home as possible (in which case you would be better off restoring the window rather than replacing it) it’s more likely that you would want a window with better quality in all aspects. However, how do you determine which are the best windows for your home? How can you distinguish them from the rest of the windows on the market? If you’re not already aware, there are dozens of window manufacturers and they all offer different products, and not all of them are created the same. So, to ensure you’re buying the best window, search for the qualities that we talk about in this ebook.
PART 1: THE MATERIALS
The key to a high-quality window is the material it’s made of. Windows not only need to be durable enough to withstand any type of weather conditions, they must also be aesthetically appealing. Fibrex, a window frame material, is touted as one of the best available materials on the market today ., When coupled with low-e glass, Fibrex ensures lasting and efficient window units. WHAT IS FIBREX? Fibrex is a composite window framing material exclusively manufactured and used by Andersen Windows and Renewal by Andersen. While it is a relatively new material that is made up of 40% wood fiber and 60% thermoplastic polymer, Fibrex has proven to be stronger and more energy-efficient than vinyl, and has the ability to block energy transfer, as well.
Fibrex frames are highly durable and come in different options to match your home’s style. Some other benefits include: • does not peel or flake; making repainting unnecessary • does not expand, contract or warp when exposed to changing weather conditions. • resists fungal growth, does not decay and will not rot like wood.
PART 1: THE MATERIALS
LOW-E GLASS: WHY IT MATTERS A high-quality window should also be fitted with low-e glass to make it energy-efficient. Low-e glass prevents infrared heat and UV rays from passing through the window. During summer, less heat from the sun passes through the glass, thus saving on cooling costs. In winter, less heat is transferred from the home, which saves on heating costs. Although the major benefit of low-e glass is its energy-efficient properties, the material also has other advantages to offer, such as enhanced safety. Since low-E glass has a thin transparent coating, it will not shatter into bits even when hit by a hard object, making it somewhat similar to the windshield glass on cars. LITTLE THINGS MATTER, TOO: HARDWARE AND ACCESSORIES The two major materials of a window are the frame and glass, but windows also feature hardware and accessories -- and a quality window certainly would not be complete without high-quality accessories. Always make sure that any hinges, handles and locks are made of a reliable metal, rather than cheap plastic material.
PART 1: THE MATERIALS
When searching for quality windows on the market, make sure that whatever window you choose has -- at the very least -- the properties mentioned above. Regardless of your design choices, if you’re looking for windows that will last for years throughout any type of weather conditions, then always make top-quality frames, glass and accessories your priorities.
In the next post, we’ll take a look at the features that replacement windows should have. Stay tuned!
PART 2: THE FEATURES
When searching for a window, You might not place too much thought into the window’s features. After all, windows perform a basic function, right? ? Well you might want to revisit your thinking a bit. While it used to be that traditional windows didn’t offer much in terms of features, the windows of today are so much more than ventilation devices. You might be surprised to learn the many newfangled features that modern windows have to offer. To make the most of these features, you should first know what exactly to look for. ENERGY EFFICIENCY Most homes require air conditioning to stay cool during summer and warm in winter. Some homes also have heaters (or a heating system) to supplement the warmth of a traditional fireplace, which unfortunately no longer suffices in heating the entire home by itself. Unfortunately, heating and cooling requires a lot of energy. In fact, these devices contribute to over 50% of the home’s energy use, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. With the ever-increasing cost of energy, it’s imperative that every part of the home conserves energy as much as possible. Energy is usually lost because of poor wall insulation, roof insulation and through doors and windows.
PART 2: THE FEATURES
Modern windows are now made to be energy-efficient in the sense that they have the ability to reduce the home’s energy consumption. They prevent the loss of energy by preventing extra heat from coming in or being lost through the glass panel and frame. Today’s windows usually have at least two gas-filled glass panels and a low-E coating, which are features designed specifically to reduce unwanted energy loss. The additional panels, gas and coating all contribute to the energy-efficient properties of the window. RATING ENERGY EFFICIENCY: THE NFRC RATINGS As you might have guessed, not all energy-efficient windows have the same rating. This means that not every type of window can save you the same amount of money on your energy bills. To identify the window with the highest energy-efficient rating, you’ll need to search for the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) Label. The label usually has four parts: U-factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, Air Leakage (lower ratings indicate a more energy-efficient product) and Visible Transmittance, where you’ll want to look for the highest number. This measures the amount of light that is allowed to pass through the window, so the higher the rating, the better.
PART 2: THE FEATURES
DURABILITY Aside from energy efficiency, the other features that you’ll need to look for in modern windows is durability, and you will get this from highquality frames, made from materials such as Fibrex. Fibrex frames are highly durable and are designed to withstand all weather conditions. More importantly, Fibrex frames require less maintenance, and won’t lose their luster and beauty even after years of service.
Now that you know what features to look for, it’s time to learn where to look! Tune in for the next post.
PART 3: THE BRAND/MANUFACTURER
Just as with any other product, quality is usually synonymous with the brand. Manufacturers that truly care about the quality of their products will ensure that every one of their products is designed and manufactured with high-quality materials. In the first and second part of this blog series, we discussed how to determine if a window is the best unit for your home. If you find a product with the aforementioned qualities, then the manufacturer of that product is definitely bound to be a cut above the rest. But in a world where competition is tough and manufacturers that produce high-quality products duke it out in claiming to be the best, how do you reliably determine that you’re dealing with the best manufacturers out there? WARRANTIES First, you’ll need to look at the product warranty. Manufacturing a window is a highly complex process, and even though the process is automated and the company has strict quality assurance departments, defective products can somehow end up on the market. The warranty will protect you should buy a defective unit.
PART 3: THE BRAND/MANUFACTURER
Defects in modern windows aren’t always obvious. In fact, sometimes it takes a few months for the defect to appear. Manufacturers will usually provide a warranty that states that they will replace the product if found defective within a certain time frame. Manufacturers that truly trust their products will be fearless enough to provide a lifetime warranty. Some manufacturers will even go so far as to give homeowners transferrable warranties -- because they are confident enough to back up their product. Should your house be sold, the new owner can still take advantage of the warranty -- a fact that can even boost your home’s resale value. WELL-REVIEWED Warranties are all very well and good, but how can you tell if the company consistently honors their warranties? The best way to tell if a certain manufacturer remains true to their word is to read customer reviews. If the company has been around for quite some time, you’ll likely be able to find dozens of reviews that back up their reputation. However, be careful when searching for reviews because many of today’s reviews are paid reviews. You’ll need to find honest reviews from customers that were either happy about the product or dissatisfied with its performance.
PART 3: THE BRAND/MANUFACTURER
WORKS WITH TRUSTED CONTRACTORS As you would only hire a reliable window contractor to install your new windows, a reputable brand will also entrust the installation of their products only to equally reputable local window contractors. This ensures quality control, and makes fulfilling warranties easier and faster.
Now that you have all the information needed to get the best replacement windows out there, you can begin shopping for windows with some level of confidence. To make the process easier, work with a trusted window contractor in your area that can recommend the best windows for your home and needs.
Renewal by Andersen – Milwaukee 1510 Paramount Drive, Waukesha WI 53186 10972 N. Port Washington Rd, Mequon WI 53092 (262) 522-1001 www.rbamilwaukee.com