Window Replacement Guide

Window Materials 

Window frames can be constructed out of wood that could be clad with aluminum or vinyl, vinyl, fiberglass, or even metal. Higher-quality, more expensive windows have better weather stripping to prevent air from filtering in around the sashes. The window glass may be double, single, or even triple-paned. Also, it may be treated with a coating that prevents warmth inside during the winter and outside during the summer. Typically, you will pay more for a window that has better insulating properties and holds up against the elements better. It is typically the most cost-effective in the long run to install the best window you can buy.

Vinyl is used as a protective cladding for its wood core windows. This combination of the strength of a solid wood frame, a weather-resistant vinyl exterior, and the beauty of a wood interior performs way better than what vinyl can achieve on its own.

Wood-aluminum clad offers incredible strength as well as durability. You get an aluminum frame window that has the warm, comforting aesthetics of real wood.

Fiberglass is a weather-resistant, tough material. It is used to make exteriors maintenance-free. You can combine it with beautiful wood interiors too.

Composite windows have been around longer than vinyl windows. These windows are made from a mix of materials that are similar to what your vehicle’s bumper is made of. This includes resin and fiberglass. Similar to a car bumper, the window frame is flexible but strong.

Window Options 

Your house is a complex reflection of your personal style, and choosing the right styles and accessories for your windows is one of the first parts of creating the exact look that you are after. With a wide and ever-expanding array of glass options, hardware choices, grille styles and more, you are sure to find what you need to personalize your beloved home.

Exterior/Interior Colors:  Remember, whether you are selecting a color for the interior or exterior of your home, the color will likely be there for many years. If you have decent wood windows, then you will need to be able to replicate the color so that you can provide regular maintenance. I do not want to discourage you from choosing bold colors, but make sure to select them wisely.

Glass Types:  If you are thinking about buying new or replacement windows for your house, then you will probably want to do your research to make sure that you select the right kind. Make sure to know basic terminology about windows, and how many different kinds are produced.

Tempered Glass: Tempered glass is like annealed glass with increased strength. Tempered glass cannot be cut, so the tempering procedure takes place only after the annealed glass is sliced and finished in your desired size. The glass is exposed to around 1200 degrees Fahrenheit and then quickly cooled.

Laminate Glass for Soundproofing:  Laminated glass is a super, security-enhanced glass that is created by fusing at least two panes around an inner layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB). The procedure involves a high heat and pressure fusion process to produce a super-strong panel. If you want the glass to stay put in a frame if it is broken, then this options is ideal.

Triple-Pane Glass:  Houses that have all triple glass windows are more comfortable because triple-pane windows are within a degree or two of the wall temperature. This leads to a high level of occupant comfort and reduces convection drafts and currents.Low-E Glass Coating:  Low emissivity glass is coated to reflect a large percentage of the thermal radiation that comes from the sun. The low-E coating keeps infrared rays away while light continues to filter through. During summer, heat is pushed away from your home, and in the winter, your home’s indoor heat is kept in your home.

Window Styles

You will need to consider the basic styles of windows. Also, it important to know the set of advantages and disadvantages of each style of windows. There are more common window style variations and some styles that are variations or combinations of other styles. Most homes will feature multiple styles of window. However, most designers will tell you to not mix too many different styles in one home because that creates an odd look.

Double Hung: This window style is probably the one that you are most familiar with. Double-hung windows include two large sashes which are frame units that surround glass and slide up and down on tracks. In older styles of windows, the sashes are counterbalanced by hidden weights in wall pockets behind case moldings. However, in modern, double-hung windows, it is much more common for the sashes to be counterbalanced by hidden springs in the side tracks.

Casement windows: windows that crank open horizontally on hinges that are mounted on one side at the bottom and top. One side stays in a stationary position, while the other side of the window opens, or pivots, like a door. This type of window is very common, and are second only to double-hung windows in terms of popularity.

Slider windows:  Sliders have a simple design. They consist of side-by-side windows that slide horizontally along the bottom and top tracks. In some styles, one window is fixed, but the other moves side to side.

Picture/Fixed windows:  The best way to completely enjoy your view is with picture windows. They are large window types that do not have any visible or breaks frames. This results in a beautiful, unobstructed view.

Awning windows:  They function the same way as casement windows, but the exception is that they have mechanical cranks that open and close them. Awning windows open from the bottom when cranked, and the top edge is fixed in place while the bottom pivots up and outward.

Bow or bay window:  a combination of windows that form a unit that extends outwardly from the wall surface of the home. These windows are called bay when the shape of the extension is a square shape. Also, they are known as a bow when the shape is curved.

Energy Efficiency & Ratings

U-Factor:  The heat loss rate is determined in terms of the U-factor (U-value) of a window. The lower the U-factor, the higher a window’s resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating properties will be. High-performance, double-pane windows can have U-factors of 0.30 or lower, but some triple-pane windows can have U-factors as low as 0.15.

R-value:  (also known as R-factor) is determined in terms of the insulation used around the window during the installation. This includes the use of insulation and caulking around a window where it touches the walls of a building. The higher the R-value of something, the higher the insulating value will be.

STC:  means Sound Transmission Class. STC ratings are basically an established way to average how much sound is stopped by something else. STC ratings are commonly used for doors, windows, walls and most building materials too. STC ratings can range from 18 to 38 for windows.

Top Window Manufacturers

Andersen Corporation:  An international door and window manufacturing enterprise employing around 12,000 people at more than 30 logistic, manufacturing centers and company-owned retail locations. Andersen is a private company, and its headquarters is in Bayport, Minnesota.

Marvin:  What began as a family company built on hard work, an old-fashioned code of honesty and service to their neighbors is now one of the world’s top window and door companies. Their three unique brands are Marvin, Integrity, and Infinity. Each brand’s unique offerings of performance and customization will provide a solution to any job or project.

Pella Corporation:  An American door and window manufacturing company. It was founded in 1925 as the Rolscreen Company. It is headquartered in Pella, Iowa. The company employs 41% of Pella’s population. The company is most widely known for its “disappearing” Rolscreen window screen. It is an insect screen that rolls out of sight when not in use.

Timeline For Window Replacement

Knowing the window replacement timeline will help you prepare for the process properly.

Getting a Quote – Give us a call and we will schedule a time that is convenient for you.  One of our team members will swing by your property, listen to your needs, inspect your current situation, and give you a quote.

Once you decide on the correct windows, you will sign your quote.  Contracts usually include a 50% down payment.

Placing the Window Order – The field supervisor assigned to your job will visit your home to take window measurements that are exact. They will then compile a list of materials that the team will need to complete the installation. The window manufacturer will get an order acknowledgment and will start the window production process. You will receive a pre-construction contact from our Production Team that will explain what you can expect on installation day and what part you will need to play to make sure there is a successful and smooth project.

Manufacturers typically take 4-8 weeks to make the windows. When your order arrives in the warehouse, a Production Team member will contact you to schedule the window installation at a time that is convenient for you.

Scheduling a Day for Installation – Our team will tell you when they are free. Then, you should check your calendar and make sure you pick the right day or days for the installation.

Installing the Windows – The window installation crew will show up on time and install each window in a skillful manner. The crew will then remove installation debris after installing each window. Everything will be stacked neatly in a designated area. Near the end of the window installation process, the crew will remove all of the debris from the job site and will leave your house clean.

After the Installation – The crew’s leader will do a final walkthrough and will make sure that the interior and exterior of your home is clean.  You may be asked to leave a review too, which we always appreciate to help get our story out!

Please give us a call for your free inspection and quote.
Thank you!

Ryan Engelbrecht
President
Storm Guard Roofing and Construction
608-497-3301