Are your exterior window frames on your New Jersey or New York home starting to rot or show other moisture damage? Are you noticing that the drafts around your window edges are getting worse? Perhaps your windows are sticking or won’t close all the way. If you have any of these issues, it may be time to take a serious look at replacement windows.
When people start their replacement window shopping journey, many wonder which part of the window unit is the most important. Which replacement windows should you buy if you’re looking for ways to improve energy efficiency or protect your investment from harsh weather conditions? Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey and New York Metro is ready with answers to all of your replacement window questions –starting with:
Which Replacement Window Part is Most Important?
Is glass choice the most important element for energy-efficiency?
If you live in an older home with single-pane windows, any modern double-pane window unit will be more energy-efficient than what you are living with now. However, not all double-pane windows are created equal. Spacer placement, material and shape all play a role in how well the replacement window performs. Argon gas between the panes improves energy performance compared to insulated window units that only have an air-fill. And, superior sealants will ensure your windows don’t fail prematurely.
Having said that, glass choices also impact how much natural light enters through your windows, whether you can effectively take advantage of solar heat gain during the winter and the level of UV rays that pass through that could prematurely age your indoor fabrics – upholstery, carpet and the canvas beneath your favorite wall art. Your glass selection does so much more than simply ensure a crystal clear view or add some artistic touch with patterned glass that diffuses sunlight.
How important is the replacement window frame material?
A clad window is definitely more stable, more durable and more energy efficient than a vinyl or thin aluminum frame, but clad windows can sometimes fail, and you won’t even notice it until the damage is significant – and costly to repair. This happens when moisture seeps in through improperly sealed seams and joints and causes the wood inside to rot, mold or develop mildew. High-quality composite frames – like Fibrex – are durable and strong like solid wood, but will never absorb moisture, which could damage interior walls and floors. Plus, the color-fast factory finishes are guaranteed not to fade or need resurfacing due to scorching summer sun or fluctuations in temperature. And, the insulation provided by Fibrex adds another layer of protection against uncontrolled heat loss and solar heat gain through your window. Frame material is decidedly an important factor.
What makes one style better than others when it comes to maintenance and upkeep?
Although every replacement window style in the Renewal by Andersen portfolio is designed to save you time and money you may otherwise spend on keeping your new windows beautiful and 100% functional, there are a few things to consider. Any style that involves “sliding” a sash across weather-stripping – think, gliding windows and both single- and double-hung styles – may show age from wear and tear faster than styles like casements that are designed to press against the weather-stripping. A fixed window (one that doesn’t open) should never fail, or require any maintenance beyond cleaning – barring damage from flying debris or abuse, such as drilling into the window. Most operable windows in the Renewal by Andersen line allow you to clean both surfaces from inside your home, and come with factory applied technology that eliminates 99% of water spots caused by rain or water splashes. If you are concerned about how much time you’ll have to spend on maintenance and upkeep, choose styles that complement your family activities and Fibrex frames that, by design, reduce maintenance and upkeep requirements.
Can hardware and accessory choices really impact your return on investment?
Hardware and accessories are truly personal choices. The operational levers and handles you choose are typically a reflection of your decorating preferences. Grilles and insect screens allow you to enhance the beauty and comfort in your home. This choice is important, but probably not the most important design element for everyone.
So, which replacement window component is most important?
That question is easy to answer – every decision you make when designing high-performance replacement windows is vital to achieving your vision, and boosting functionality. Without the right glass choice, you may not reduce your heating and air conditioning bills as much as you want. Without the right frame, you may spend needless hours repairing water damage and repainting – or replacing damaged frames. Without a best-fit style, your home won’t be as comfortable and probably won’t look or feel the way you envisioned it would.