Before installing your windows, you should understand the key elements of your new window. Because windows are the last line of defense against water damage, they need to be installed by a trained professional.
Wood windows require regular maintenance to keep up look and function and often have limited warranty and high product cost. However, aluminum cladding can reduce maintenance but will lower thermal performance. Aluminum windows, on the other hand, have high conductivity with low energy efficiency and are prone to denting, condensation, fading, and more. Thus, it would be best to look for metal frames with a thermal break for improved performance. Composite windows are made from wood byproducts, sometimes mixed with a plastic polymer, though they have limited warranty and are far more expensive than vinyl. Fiberglass windows have rigid frame material and limited customization options, though they have better energy efficiency than wood. New construction vinyl windows have many perks, including low maintenance upkeep, superior moisture resistance, superior warranty, highly customizable, and better energy efficiency.
Most commonly found operational windows operate through sashes sliding past each other, though windows that close by pressing against the frame lower air leakage and increase energy efficiency. Additional window panes create an insulated air space that slows heat and sound transfer for better performance. Window coatings are designed for hot, sunny climates and can reduce solar heat gain and increase energy efficiency.
Poor insulation leads to costly energy loss, so informative window selection can lead to savings. In fact, the average U.S. home between 1,700 and 2,600 square feet loses hundreds of dollars annually just by not replacing its windows. Moreover, up to 30 percent of a home’s heated or cooled air escapes through gaps around the windows. Make an informed decision for optimal energy efficiency and savings.
