How To Choose Replacement Windows: Features To Focus On

Thinking about new windows?

You may want to choose replacement windows if your home is more than a handful of years old, and you’ve probably started seeing signs that time is taking its toll. If your home has reached multiple decades, it may need more than a paint touch-up. Issues like peeling paint, missing shingles, and windows that stick are all signs that your home needs some love if you want it to continue to stand strong for years to come.

Your windows help keep the heat out during the hot summer months we experience here in Sacramento, which is no small feat. They also help light up your rooms during the day and protect against wind and rain. Windows also keep pests and intruders out and can affect how hard your HVAC system has to work. Not too shabby for some panes of glass supported in a frame. If your windows stick, either when opened or closed, the frame is coming away from your house, or they’re only single-paned, it’s probably time to choose replacement windows. Here are some features to find to enjoy the best long-term quality for your money:

Framing Material

Modern windows are available with frames made from aluminum, vinyl, wood, and fiberglass, though wood frames are becoming less common because they aren’t quite as durable and require more upkeep. What you’ll want to look for in terms of the frame are durability, insulation, and cost. Aluminum frames are generally less expensive but don’t provide as much insulation as vinyl or fiberglass. Vinyl will typically be the next step up in terms of durability, followed by fiberglass.

Glass Factors

Double- or triple-paned glass provides much better insulation, to the point that it can greatly impact your monthly energy expenses. There are also window options filled with inert gas between the glass, warm-edge spacers, and multiple-chambered mainframes to provide even more insulating power. When comparing different replacement window options, consider the energy efficiency and how it can save you money.

Climate Considerations

The other significant factor to remember for windows is what your climate calls for. For example, here in the Sacramento area, keeping the cool air and heat out during the summer can be a hefty task. As a result, some window options come with a coating that helps block UV rays from entering your home without impeding the level of light. This means less likelihood that paint or art that sits in the sunlight all day will fade.

If you want to learn more about replacement window options, contact us for a free estimate.