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For those who live in colder climates where winters are longer and summers are shorter, you have probably had storm windows as all the added protection against severe weather conditions that your home can be subject to with all the snow and ice and rain. Besides the storm windows, you had to have weather-stripping that was placed around doors and windows to further deter the seepage of cold air or rain inside. Today you can get double paned windows that eliminate the need for storm windows because they are specially made to withstand harsh weather.
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For those who live in high wind areas where your home is subject to hurricanes or tornados, there are windows that have been specially reinforced to withstand the impact of these adverse conditions. These specialized windows can literally be the factor that saves your home from flying debris and high winds that would devastate your home. They have been tested to meet the much stricter building codes for hurricane or tornado zones and are usually just sold in areas that are more likely to have these weather conditions. You can get any style of window that meets these standards from skylights and casements to sliding doors and fixed pane windows. In addition, your insurance company may offer you a discount for having these windows as an added measure of protection.
In addition to being energy efficient, windows can be purchased that will reduce water spotting from rain or snow, thereby reducing the amount of cleaning necessary to make those windows shine clear and bright. With special coatings that contain titanium dioxide, the spotting is reduced considerably, making low maintenance another benefit to your investment. Many older windows are very difficult to get clean and are constantly showing streaks and spotting at any signs of moisture – even fog or the garden sprinklers.
With specialized framing materials made of vinyl and other high performance products, your windows will be more secure, thereby reducing the amount of air infiltration so common with older windows. Air is not the only thing to worry about with older or poor fitting windows as leaks can easily develop with any gaps or cracks that allow water to penetrate. Water seepage that can lead to the formation of mold or mildew can add other problems besides expensive heating or cooling costs.
Another benefit to newer windows is the reduction in noise from traffic and other outside disturbances. If you live near a road or other high traffic area, sometimes it is difficult to enjoy your home without a constant hum of activity that never stops. Many of the newer windows have been rated for their reduced air infiltration meaning that they significantly cut down on the noise penetration, giving you a more relaxing atmosphere when inside your home. Some residential areas might have lots of children playing outside or be located near a pool area or pedestrian walkways which can have high levels of conversation that will increase with the number of people participating in the unwanted noise.
Windows today are generally made of
fiberglass, vinyl or wood with all being good for insulation purposes, fiberglass retains its shape longer than the others though it is the most expensive of any of them. Aluminum also retains its shape well but it is one of the worst for insulation and should only be used in very mild climates. Installation is the key to getting the best value for your money.
Buying a good window and then not having it installed properly will defeat the whole purpose of purchasing new windows! Having a professional do the installation is the best way to go to ensure that you are getting the most out of your investment.
The United States Department of Energy has a program called ENERGY STAR, that works with the window industry to ensure that their
windows, doors and skylights are using the most energy efficient materials to produce their products, thus reducing heating and cooling costs for the consumer. In addition, these new windows are also environmentally friendly because they reduce pollution. With an estimated savings of approximately $350 per year for single paned windows and for those with double paned windows offering an additional $70 in savings per year, the ENERGY STAR windows are worthwhile. Any windows that have been approved with this rating will have a seal that designates them as energy efficient. So don’t hesitate any longer – look for that ENERGY STAR seal and purchase your new windows today!
Proper Installation of Replacement Windows Offers Energy Efficiency
Along With Cost Savings
When you are ready to replace a window in your home or building, it offers you the opportunity to increase its energy efficiency as well. Whether you are replacing a window because you are remodeling or because the window has been damaged, it pays to research what the best window replacement will be, taking your budget into consideration.
You also need to determine whether you need to replace just the window itself or the whole assembly unit which includes the surrounding frame, sill, flashing and trim. This will also depend on your reason to replace the window. Partial replacement can be done if you have no water damage or leakage and just want to
upgrade to a more energy efficient window. Many people choose to replace the window sash and track that comes in a kit that can be used as long as the existing frame is dry and in good condition. A partial replacement will reduce the cost for labor and materials while still providing you with more energy efficiency and a better look. However, if the original frame is not square it can reduce the size of the opening and might conflict with local code requirements.
If you have any damage to your current window it is unlikely that a partial
replacement will address those problems and might lead to a worse problem if you don’t replace the window correctly. You should check to see if the window was properly sealed to begin with and that the windowsill in particular is not damaged as that is a vulnerable place for water damage. By removing the trim around the sill you will be able to determine if there has been any leakage. The extent of the damage must be determined before you can proceed with your replacement window. It is important that the repair of the wall surrounding a window is plumbed and square as well as structurally sound before you can proceed with the replacement.
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Local estimate for installing replacement windows
or
call 888.784.6540
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The environmental factor will take into consideration whether you live in a warm climate but are subject to major storms such as hurricanes or tornados where there might be flying debris so that you might want to upgrade to windows that can withstand high impact and that are more durable during storms. Their assemblies include longer screws to provide optimum protection and laminated glass that can withstand these conditions. Homes or buildings that are subject to severe winter snow storms need added protection with thermal panes that can protect your home better during lower temperatures.
Framing materials offer several options that can add energy efficiency and give you long-term cost saving benefits as well by providing better insulation and protection from the environment. Fiberglass is often used because the frames can be filled with insulation without reducing their strength, thereby increasing the protection from weather. Another option is wood frames that are efficient as well and are usually better matched to older homes making it more aesthetically pleasing as well. If budget is a concern, vinyl is the best option and they have become more and more popular for that reason. Metal frames offer another choice and they provide the opportunity to increase the size of the glass pane that can be used. A composite frame is becoming more popular because it uses two or more materials – often wood with vinyl or aluminum. These frames look like wood but unlike wood they are less likely to warp or decay or suffer from moisture exposure while still retaining energy efficiencies.
One of the keys to a proper installation is ensuring that the flashing materials are properly aligned so that they overlap each other causing the water to run off rather into and underneath the building materials. Many installers overlook the necessity for ensuring that the flashing technique is correct. The flashing should be layered with other building material flashings so that they have the recommended width flap so that when water is forced uphill by the wind in a storm, it does not seep into the building. This can easily lead to water damage from leaks and have long-term monetary effects that will cost you much more than the savings you enjoyed from a hasty and improper installation as repairing it will require it to be completely replaced again.
Caulking and sealants can also provide additional barriers to water penetration but you should always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions as they can vary by manufacturer and types of windows so it pays to get help if you need it.
Single pane windows are almost a thing of the past but if you have an older home then it is likely that you have this type of window. They are responsible for up to 50% of energy loss in heating or cooling a home as they let the heat into the home in the summer and keep it out in the winter due to their lack of ability to provide insulation. An Energy Star label on a window will ensure that you are purchasing a window that will give you the optimum of energy efficiency. These Energy Star windows are tested on their ability to prevent heat from escaping in the winter and then block it in the summer. It also allows maximum light and is resistant to formation of condensation of its surface. These factors are all combined to offer the best efficiency based on the climate you live in.
It seems that
replacing a window isn’t quite as simple as you might think; however, it does offer you many opportunities to increase your energy efficiency and save you money which is something that everyone is looking to accomplish.
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