Replacing your windows can improve your home’s energy efficiency and comfort. Invest in ENERGY STAR-certified windows and you could save hundreds of dollars each year in returns on your energy bills.
Window replacement companies offer a wide variety of products. You can find the best one for your needs by researching reviews and pricing.
Impact Windows
When shopping for impact windows, look for manufacturers that manufacture them rather than distributors. This keeps costs down and provides you with a longer warranty. Also, choose companies with favorable reviews online and offline. It is a good idea to check the company’s warranty and terms of service.
Aside from protecting your home, impact windows can increase security and reduce energy bills. They also provide protection against burglary and vandalism. In addition, they protect against water damage and rot. They also prevent pressure changes that can cause cracks in your home’s foundation and roof.
Andersen is a reputable company that offers several lines of impact-resistant windows. Their Hurricane Shield series is the most popular and features three-layer, Energy Star-compliant glass for coastal zones. Their products are backed by their StormWatch Protection Guarantee.
Vinyl Windows
Many replacement windows shoppers choose vinyl because it’s a relatively new material that’s affordable. The frames are crafted from a polymer called PVC (Poly-Vinyl Chloride) and blended with additives that create their color, shape, and performance characteristics. They’re available in every imaginable style, including double-hung, casement, slider, awning, hopper, bay and bow.
Their biggest drawback is that the low-quality vinyl used by some companies can sag and misshape over time due to foundational shifting, and the sun’s degradation of the plastic can cause them to yellow and lose their luster. Also, the frames are thicker than other materials and can limit glass space.
To prevent this, look for a provider that uses only high-quality vinyl from brands like Milgard and Alcoa. Also, check for long product and installation warranties. Look for a local company with years or decades of experience to ensure it can seamlessly accommodate Carencro’s weather and homeowners’ needs.
Wood Windows
Wood replacement windows offer a traditional look that blends well in older homes. They can also be stained or painted different colors to match any design style. Wooden windows are highly energy efficient when paired with quality insulating glass. They are also less susceptible to expansion and contraction that new vinyl or aluminum window types may experience, which can result in gaps and drafts.
The only drawback to wood is that it needs more maintenance than other materials. Paint will protect wood, but it must be regularly reapplied. Some manufacturers have developed wood-clad windows that combine the beauty of wood with low maintenance.
JELD-WEN, for example, offers a wood interior with clad exterior options in both fiberglass and aluminum. It comes in a wide range of profiles, designs and details that other window products can’t match. They are also available in a variety of sizes to meet your specific needs.
Aluminum Windows
Aluminum windows can be coated with a wide variety of colors and durable finishes to match almost any home design. They can also be anodized or powder-coated to protect them from corrosion and moisture.
They’re a great choice for modern and contemporary buildings because they complement the building design, but they can also look good in traditional homes, too. The material is also very strong and works well with a range of mechanisms to enhance security.
Like vinyl, they offer great insulation and can save you money on energy bills over time. If you want to maximize their efficiency, look for ENERGY STAR-approved options with double or triple-pane glass and low-emissivity (low-E) coatings.
However, unlike vinyl, aluminum conducts heat more easily, which can lead to condensation. This can be a problem in areas with cold climates. To counter this, homeowners in colder regions should wipe down their frames regularly to avoid moisture build-up. This can also help prevent rust.