Although quite expensive, wood is an elegant replacement window option. Wood does not conduct as much heat as other materials do and does not allow for much condensation to build up. Wood does require substantial upkeep in order to prevent warping, rotting, and chipping, however. Additionally, for residents that live in an area with termites, working with a termite treatment company to develop a reliable prevention strategy is recommended.
Still, with proper care and refinishing as needed, wood can be an attractive choice for the right house. Aluminum is an inexpensive option for replacement windows. Aluminum windows are long-lasting because they resist corrosion, and give the window an industrial appearance. They are known to have issues with efficiency since metal does conduct heat; however, this issue can be resolved by selecting an aluminum window that has thermal breaks.
Composite windows are a blend of materials that consists of resin and fiberglass. The material is strong and lightweight and requires the same level of maintenance or lack thereof as do vinyl replacement windows. While composite windows share similar features of vinyl and fiberglass windows, they actually mimic the appearance of wood windows, and they are priced in between vinyl and wood options.
Clad windows exist for individuals who want the durability that vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum windows offer, combined with the artistry of wood. These are windows that have wood on the interior of the home, and one of the aforementioned materials on the exterior of the home. They require less maintenance since the wood only exists on half of the window, and they offer the same level of protection as vinyl or fiberglass options.
The performance of a replacement window, or lack thereof, can have a direct impact on the cost of heating and cooling a home as well as the durability of the window over time. Here are some tips to help determine whether a window is a quality product, or cheaply made:.
The hardware of a window consists of all of the components used to open and close a window. Quality hardware is made from solid steel that is cut on laser machines, while cheap hardware is made from stamped metal parts or folded metal sheets. While other materials can rust over time, parts made from sturdy materials, like stainless steel, will allow the window unit to operate smoothly.
Also, windows that have a stable transition from the locked and unlocked position are an indication of quality. Some windows are designed to hide and protect the gear mechanisms from dust, which ultimately improves the longevity of the parts. Finally, handles and locks made from plastic do not offer the same level of quality as those made from nickel and other metals. When shopping for replacement windows, it is helpful to look at cutouts that allow you to see the internal structure of the window.
Look for a window that is constructed from thick walls and multiple chambers or pockets. Reinforcement, using metal or wood, is used to provide structural rigidity to a window. Reinforcing members can be included inside the window, in various window components, or in-between window units. Reinforcement is often necessary for very large window units, but can also indicate that a smaller window unit may have been made poorly, as small windows should not need reinforcement.
Wood reinforcements may also indicate poor construction as they compromise the energy efficiency of the window. Similarly, metal reinforcements conduct heat, which also inhibits the energy efficiency of the window. Look for a window that is constructed from thick walls and does not require the use of reinforcements except for with large applications, where the use of reinforcements is unavoidable.
A quality window has a high degree of rigidity without the need to add additional reinforcement. Compression seals are used to protect against drafts and keep rain and other elements from entering the home.
They are placed between the sashes and frames of a window. For sliding windows, weatherstripping is used, and for casement or awning windows, bulb seals are used. High-quality windows will feature three seals, while low-quality windows might only have one or two seals.
Quality seals are made from Santoprene rubber, which acts as an effective insulator. It is a durable material and will keep a window properly sealed for many years. On the other hand, cheap seals are made from PVC, which breaks easily and will lose its sealing power after only a couple of years. For many homeowners, energy efficiency is the most popular selling point for replacement windows. The National Association of Home Builders NAHB listed home energy efficiency as the second most likely quality to influence a purchase decision behind community safety.
As different climates require more or less insulation from the sun, performance criteria varies from region to region. In addition to measures of heat transfer and sun-blocking, the NFRC tests visible transmittance, air leakage, and condensation resistance.
An NFRC label will not, on its own, indicate a good or bad window. See the table below for help interpreting the NFRC label when comparing multiple energy efficient replacement window options.
Low emissivity, or low-E coatings are thin and transparent coatings that increase the energy efficiency of replacement window glass by reflecting heat while still allowing light to enter. The effectiveness of low-E coatings and their ability to regulate the temperature inside a home are shown on the NFRC label, so pay close attention to the values when comparing multiple products. Insulated glass makes a home more energy efficient through the use of multiple panes and an insulating medium.
Double-glazed refers to a window that uses two glass panes, while triple-glazed refers to a window that uses three glass panes. The panes are separated along their edges by foam or metal spacers, and the space in-between is filled with an insulating medium, such as air, argon, or krypton gas, that works to slow the transfer of heat through the window.
In summary, energy efficiency is a desirable characteristic for most homeowners when looking to purchase new replacement windows. Lastly, remember that there are additional fixtures that can be added to replacement windows to further reduce energy usage in the home. To learn more about additional ways to improve the energy efficiency of replacement windows, see the section on improving energy efficiency below.
Another important thing to look for, as a buyer, is whether the company that sells or manufactures the window offers installation. Several companies that offer replacement windows also have professionals available to install the new windows. Even for homeowners who are capable of performing the replacement on their own, paying the company who produced the window has benefits. Aside from saving time and effort, professional installation usually includes warranties that protect the homeowner from the cost of damages that result in faulty installation.
Warranties vary in their coverage and might only be valid for a certain amount of time. How a warranty is defined can also vary across manufacturers. For example, the term lifetime can mean different things depending on the company, but most commonly refers to either the life of the owner or the expected lifespan of the window.
With that in mind, here are the most common types of available warranties:. The coverage that a warranty will include also differs between manufacturers.
Be mindful of any exclusions the warranty may note. All of the companies listed in this guide score well across these categories and have received strong reviews from their customers. Replacement windows vary significantly in price depending on the type of material, style of window, method of installation, and other factors. The cost of replacement windows varies drastically depending on a number of conditions.
Some of the most influential factors that affect the cost include the material, style, and installation. Other factors that have an impact include the location in the house, window size, and energy efficiency rating. Fortunately, government incentives and local rebates can help reduce the cost associated with the purchase of replacement windows. In addition to influencing the look, performance, durability, and required maintenance of replacement windows, material is one of the main factors that determines the cost.
Aluminum windows are generally the cheapest, while wood or materials that give a wood-like appearance, such as fiberglass or composite, tend to be much more expensive.
The table below summarizes the range of costs for popular window frame materials. Another key decision when selecting replacement windows is determining which window style or styles to use throughout a home. Keep in mind that window styles requiring a high level of skill to install can increase the installation time and labor costs. The table below summarizes the range of costs for popular replacement window styles not including labor.
After picking out the right replacement windows, a homeowner must decide on a method of installation: hire a professional contractor or DIY do-it-yourself.
The cost of labor is greatly influenced by the window size, style, complexity of the installation, accessibility to the installation site, and overall time required to install the replacement. In addition, labor costs more in expensive urban areas than in smaller, less expensive locations. One way to reduce the cost of labor is to replace many windows at once. While most homeowners do not have the necessary skills required to install replacement windows, some will want to tackle the project themselves.
Those that do have the skill set should read installation guides to help simplify the job. Set a realistic schedule to read through the guides and perform the work before tackling replacement window installation.
The cost of purchasing and installing new replacement windows adds up quickly, especially when replacing all of the windows in a home at once. However, rebates offered by the government as well as local utility companies do exist to help lower the cost associated with purchasing replacement windows. Rebates can ultimately save a homeowner hundreds or even thousands of dollars when buying new replacement windows, so be sure to look into these incentives before making a purchase.
In addition to the material, style, and method of installation, several other factors influence the cost of replacement windows. Depending on the location or room in the house where replacement windows are necessary, the price of labor can vary. For instance, installing windows on a second-story floor is more expensive than installing windows on a ground-level floor.
Likewise, larger windows will be more expensive than smaller windows due to increased material costs and longer installation times. Windows that are double- or triple-glazed and contain insulating gasses are also more expensive than single pane windows with less insulation. Finally, any unforeseen structural deficiencies that make the job more time-consuming are going to increase the overall cost of replacement windows.
Below is a list of the best replacement window companies with reviews of their product offerings, costs, available styles, installation options, warranties, and more. Each of these companies rates highly on all of these factors.
Andersen is the most searched for replacement window company. They have extensive style and material options with different levels of energy efficiency, security, and quality to meet the different needs of all homeowners. Here is a summary of the different series of windows offered by Andersen, listed from most to least expensive:.
Andersen offers premium, high-quality replacement windows, but also has low-cost options that are still great quality. This creates a powerful greenhouse effect that keeps a home extra warm during the coldest months of the year. Energy-efficient windows will often have gas fills between window panes which help insulate your new home windows better.
There are argon, krypton, and other gases that can be filled inside, all of which are non-toxic, odorless, and colorless. When there are spacers installed on windows at the perfect distance apart in-between glass panes. There are non metal and metal hybrid spacers insulate the window pane edges which in turn reduces heat transfer and improves energy efficiency. The VT visible transmittance rating of a window shows how much visible light can pass through the windows.
For windows on a darker room, like a home theater, the VT rating should be low, but for brighter spaces, like your kitchen windows, you will want to avoid low VT levels. Low-e coatings are slightly tinted and when you get several of them—or other special glass treatments—you can actually block quite a bit of light from your home overall. The added layers of glass, even when they are clear, can block out quite a bit of light.
This adds up and you will ultimately lose a lot of free visible light, requiring you to rely on electric lights more often during the day. Energy efficient windows are only a good investment when they are installed properly, so take the time to find a reputable installation technician. Do your research by reading reviews and talking with potential installers before hiring—and always get an estimate before you move forward with a job.
And finally, make sure that the installer handles the type of windows that you want on your home. Some manufacturers will include installation, and all installers should offer some type of warranty on their work.
A local home window installer in your area will be able to help you plan your window installation in correlation with your budget for energy efficient windows.
Best of all, they will be offsetting your carbon footprint, which means that by choosing energy efficient windows, you are living a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Going green has never been so appealing! The big takeaway here is that efficient windows will be a better investment in some homes than others, especially when paired with other energy-saving improvements like air sealing and insulation.
However, if you already have double pane windows installed in your home, upgrading to ENERGY STAR windows does not offer the best savings—especially compared with the cost-to-value benefits you will get with attic insulation, for instance. Energy efficient windows might make a huge difference in one home, and have much less impact in the next.
That is where audits come in. A home energy audit can help you assess the different parts of your home that can affect your overall energy consumption—and prioritize the improvements you need. That way, if you do choose to install energy efficient windows, you will not be losing all the benefits to leaky seals or bad insulation.
How it works. Plan Your Project. Home Accessibility. Home Security. Home Warranty. Hot Tubs. Kitchen Remodel. Medical Alerts. Stair Lifts. Walk In Tubs. Find local contractors. I'm a contractor. Manage your Project. Ready to start your project? Enter your zip to find local pros. As already seen, there are many different types of replacement windows to consider.
Both single-hung and double-hung windows consist of two windowpane units. These are some of the most popular replacement windows of all time.
Not only do they look great, but they are versatile too. Single-hung windows are easy to manufacture and are reasonably priced.
They have a fixed top sash with a lower sash that can open. When both sashes are able to open independently, this is known as a traditional double-hung. Double-hung windows are slightly more popular and they are also easier to clean.
A casement window is a framed window pane unit designed to open horizontally with one-sided hinges and an interior crank. They can be arranged in groups to form various complex designs. To make it easier to understand, consider that a Bow window consists of 3 casement windows.
Bow windows are a less common form of bay windows. Bay windows project beyond the exterior wall of a building and consist of 3 casement windows joined together.
Awning windows open from the bottom upwards and outwards, allowing them to remain open while it rains. The hopper is the ideal window for small spaces. They more often than not form part of basement windows or small bathroom windows. More importantly, they can open either outward or inward, making them ideal for tight spaces.
These windows are large windows and are usually installed in living or dining rooms. They are made up of one pane of glass and provide clear views of the outside. Are you interested in the cost of replacing your windows? Comparing estimates from the top professionals in your area is the fastest way to figure out how much your installation is going to cost. Let us help you find the best prices on windows today.
You can go ahead and check the prices now. There are absolutely no hidden costs or any obligations. Best Replacement Windows Replacing old, drafty, or damaged windows is part and parcel of being a homeowner.
Fortunately, very few industries have responded as enthusiastically as the window industry. New windows come in a myriad of different styles, colors, and framing materials. This competitive market has lead to one massive advantage. The Top 10 Replacement Window Brands For Have you started to consider replacing your old windows but still unsure of how to get the most out of your investment? Why Should I Choose Anderson? Pella Windows Pella is another leader in the window industry with an extremely good reputation and quality replacement windows to match.
Series Material Ave. Why Should I Choose Pella? Milgard Windows Milgard started fabricating aluminum in and has since then become another household name in the window replacement industry.
Series Material Min. Why Choose Milgard? Simonton Windows Simonton has been manufacturing windows since and in this company was voted number 1 for quality in a study by Builder magazine. ProFinish Brickmould — For those interested in a more traditional look DaylightMax — Offer a unique, energy-efficient, low-profile frame style Madeira — Energy-efficient design for classical-styled homes Verona — High-quality, low-maintenance design Why Should I Choose Simonton? Alside Windows Alside is undoubtedly one of the most trusted names in windows today with more than 65 years of experience.
Why Should I Choose Alside? Atrium Windows Atrium Windows and Doors opened for business in with a strong set of core values. However, based on average costs, you should consider the following: Style Ave. Low per Window Ave. Weather Shield Windows Founded in , Weather Shield has evolved to become one of the most trusted names in windows.
Harvey Windows Harvey Windows is a wholesale distributor and they do not sell directly to the public. Types of Replacement Windows To Consider As already seen, there are many different types of replacement windows to consider. Casement Windows A casement window is a framed window pane unit designed to open horizontally with one-sided hinges and an interior crank. Bay and Bow Windows Bow windows are a less common form of bay windows. Bow windows combine four or more casement windows to form an arch.
Awning Windows Awning windows open from the bottom upwards and outwards, allowing them to remain open while it rains. They often form part of a set of four or more windows. Fixed Windows Fixed windows cannot be opened. They are perfect for opening up your home and channel in the natural light.
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