Choosing replacement windows can be a daunting experience in light of all of the options available, as well as the various ratings. Knowing the answers to these three common questions means you have all the basic information you need to evaluate window choices.
1. Is U-value the most important factor to determine energy-efficient windows?
U-value is defined as the measurement of the amount of heat transfer through the window. The lower the window’s U-value, the less heat is transferred across the window. While it is a good measure for the window, the U-value is only one factor used to determine the energy performance of a window. If you live in a colder climate you will want the lowest U-value you can find. A low U-value means that the heat inside the house will stay inside.
2. Is vinyl the only window type available for replacements windows?
While vinyl is a very popular material used in replacement window frames today, there are other options. If you live in an older home you, have might want to replace your old wood windows with new, energy efficient wood windows which have a low-maintenance exterior cladding. These windows can often be installed in the existing window openings without having to tear the wall apart or even disturb the existing trim. These windows have a clad exterior, usually vinyl or aluminum that protect the windows from the elements, and a wood interior to keep with the look of your existing windows.
Fiberglass is another material available for replacement windows. It has thermal properties similar to wood windows (wood being the best insulator available), and it is stronger than vinyl or aluminum. Fiberglass is very durable and is hard to dent or scratch. The material is also paintable which gives you more color options.
You will pay more to have wood or fiberglass replacement windows than you will for vinyl, but remember that vinyl is not suited to every application. Vinyl windows were designed to be used in extremely cold climates where wood would dry out and crack and metal would freeze. Vinyl isn’t affected by all the side effects found with cold weather. However, in warm weather, vinyl is not the best choice. It will heat up and warp where wood and metal won’t.
3. Will replacing my windows mean an extensive remodeling project
Many people are hesitant to undertake a window replacement project because they are afraid that it will require tearing out brick, stucco, sheet rock and more to have the windows replaced. Usually this is not the case. Most good window installers can replace a window without disturbing the surrounding structure at all. This is nice because it limits the amount of finish work needed at the end of the job.
To find out more about how to move forward on your replacement windows and doors, just give us a call at Window Outfitters, we are glad to help make it easy for you. 952-746-6661
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
