Windows serve important roles in your home beyond the function of ventilation. These include energy-saving and aesthetic functions, which are increasing as modern technology has seen a rise in the number of designs and materials available in the market.
As a buyer today, you can be more thoughtful in your selection of the right window for your home. Four tips highlighted here can get you started whether you are looking for new or replacement windows:
Know Your Options in Window Design
You can only pick the right window if you know the options beforehand and what each of these entail. Popular window options include:
- Double-hung Windows – include a spring-mounted mechanism which allows them to be opened from the top or bottom. They are excellent when you want to create excellent airflow in the home and can be handy in preventing a baby from climbing out the lower part of a window while it’s open.
- Casement Windows – open outwards using a lever or a crank with hinges that hold them in place. They are preferred in places with high winds as they seal themselves tight. They offer premier ventilation, but require high maintenance.
- Sliding Windows – a cost-effective option which requires little maintenance and is well suited for structures with little or no extra space outside to open the windows. They are, however, poor at ventilation.
Know the Architectural Style of Your House
Your home has a distinct architectural style based on your preferences and, at times, the location. Your choice of windows should reflect and compliment that style, even when you add new windows. For instance, it would be incohesive for you to opt for contemporary floor-to-ceiling glass windows in a classic Tudor-style home.
Along with considering the architectural style, you should also pay attention to how new windows will impact your exterior and interior design. Primary focus typically goes to the exterior, but you should remember that windows affect the interior as well, including the view and how natural light enters the room.
Select a Suitable Window Frame
Window frames come in a variety of material options, each with its attractions. There are six main options in today’s market:
- Wood has the best insulation value but requires a lot of maintenance. There is also the risk of rot, but high-quality woods can last decades.
- Vinyl is a budget friendly option and uses insulated glass and tight construction for excellent energy efficiency. Limited in colors, the look of the material can be unflattering to some.
- Aluminum is prime for humid and rainy climates and offers structural strength but has poor insulation properties.
- Composite material mimics the look and feel of wood, is maintenance-free and also eco-friendly.
- Wood-clad offers the advantages of vinyl or aluminum on the exterior, making it maintenance-free, and the insulating advantages of wood for the interior. It is, however, susceptible to water intrusion, thus waterproofing measures must be taken during insulation.
- Fiberglass is the most expensive material but has numerous advantages, such as being highly energy efficient. This option won’t warp or twist, making the most durable and strongest window frame material, and you can repaint several times.
Familiarize Yourself with a Window’s Energy Efficiency
Windows affect the energy efficiency of the whole space, and one of the major factors here is the type of glass that comes with your window. However, before heading off to buy an expensive triple-pane window, remember to match the window with your climate and the test results there.
This is where the expertise of a window contractor can be helpful. There are three ratings you want to check on the glass to determine its suitability to your needs:
- R-Value indicates the energy efficiency of the window’s insulation; the higher the value, the better.
- U-value indicates the window’s resistance to heat; the lower the value, the better.
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures how much non-solar heat the window conducts; the lower the value, the better the window.
Conclusion
Your efforts count for nothing if you use a poor contractor, even if you have the right windows. Poor window installation will end up costing you more and affect the integrity of certain sections of your home. A professional and reputable window installer will help you choose the right window for your home and budget, and you can take advantage of their expertise to match the window to your preferences.
Ripcord Construction is the premier window contractor in Southeast Michigan, and on top of the promise of quality and professional services, you can enjoy lifetime warranties and premium materials. Call today and get your free same-day estimate for your project.
