There are many types of windows to choose from. You can get bow, bay, awning, round top, casement, special shaped, and double hung windows. You can get most of these styles of windows in four different styles: aluminum, vinyl, wood, and fiberglass. With a little research, you can decide what type of replacement windows you want for your house.
The best way to choose someone to install replacement windows is to contact 2 or 3 companies. Get each company to tell you replacement window prices for your house, and ask about their policies. This way, you can get a range of replacement window cost and services, and start narrowing down your choices. Also, don’t forget to check them with the Better Business Bureau.
The contractor you hire to install replacement windows should be able to replace your existing windows with any style and type you want. Some customization may be needed, so you’ll have to be prepared to add that cost, but you can still get the windows you want.
The window contractor you choose should be able to switch out multiple double hung windows with a large horizontal slider, or replace them with a bay or bow window.
You should always consider replacement windows that are Energy Star rated, or at least close, and strong. Look for window joints that interlock to increase window strength and energy efficiency. To reduce outside noise, look for windows that have an interlock system where the lower and upper sashes overlap. This will also help make the windows more energy efficient.
Talk to your contractor first about energy efficient replacement windows. You can also contact the National Fenestration Rating Council and the American Architectural Manufacturer’s Association. These organizations can help you with your decision too. And, as always, look for the Energy Star rating.
Your Replacement Windows are 15% frame and 85% glass. Glass is a terrible insulator. So, look at energy efficiency for both the frame and the glass. If the frame is properly sealed, it will retain much more heat than a leaky frame. Also, if you get double pane windows, the seal between the panes in your replacement windows will create an insulation factor.
Fiberglass is a great insulator in your house because, in the walls, it traps air, creating an insulation factor. Fiberglass in a replacement window frame is compressed and sealed, so it can’t trap air. This keeps it from insulating. It will transfer cold and heat 3 to 4 times more quickly than vinyl.
Oddly enough, vinyl replacement windows have a higher energy efficiency rating, and they’re less expensive, too. Based on this, the vinyl is certainly the better choice. The next decision is whether or not to upgrade to insulated glass in your replacement windows.
OSHA has tested the product and ruled that, while construction workers can develop breathing problems by breathing fiberglass dust, there is a very low risk of health issues associated with fiberglass, especially in replacement windows.