There
are many misconceptions that homeowners have about Storm
windows that can keep them
from choosing to replace their windows. The four misconceptions below touch on
a few (but major) issues that are commonly brought up by people hesitant to
replace their windows. By dispelling these misconceptions about replacement
windows, homeowners will feel more comfortable making the decision to start a
window replacement project.
1. U-value is the most
important factor to determine energy efficient windows
U-value is defined as
the measurement of the amount of heat transfer through the window. The lower
the U-value, the less heat is transferred across the window. While it is a good
measure for the window, the U-value is only one factor used to determine the
energy performance of a window. Other measures like the Solar Heat Gain
Coefficient (SHGC) and the visible light transmittance are also used to
determine the performance of the window.
In addition, the
climate you live in will also determine how important U-value is to your
situation. If you live in a colder climate you will want the lowest U-value you
can find. A low U-value means that the heat inside the house will stay inside.
However, if you live in a warmer climate, the solar heat gain coefficient is
more important because it measures how much of the sun's radiant heat is
transferred across the window. The lower the SHGC the better the window is in a
warmer climate.
In a colder climate
you want to try and capture as much of the sun's radiant heat as you can so a
better SHGC number is not as important as a good U-value rating. While U-value
is important when selecting a replacement window, it is not the most important
factor when determining energy efficiency.
While vinyl is the
most popular material used in replacement window frames today, there are other
options for replacement windows. If you live in an older home you have the
option of replacing your old wood windows with new, energy efficient clad/wood
windows. These windows can often times be installed inside the
"pocket" of your old windows without having to tear into the house or
disturb the existing trim. The windows have a clad exterior, usually vinyl or
aluminum that protect the windows from the elements, and a wood interior to
keep with the look of your existing windows.
Fiberglass is a newer
material available for replacement windows. It has thermal properties similar
to wood window (wood is the best insulator available) and it is stronger than
vinyl or aluminum. Fiberglass is very durable and is hard to dent or scratch.
The material is also paintable which gives you options other than the standard
white and tan offered by most vinyl window manufacturers.
You will pay more to
have wood or fiberglass replacement windows. Vinyl is the least expensive of
the three, but you also have product limitations, and quality issues with vinyl
that you do not see as much in clad/wood or fiberglass replacement windows. You
should always look at all of your options for replacement windows because vinyl
is not the only choice.
3. Replacing windows
will require extensive renovation to your home
Many people are
hesitant to undertake a window replacement project because they are afraid that
it will require tearing out brick, stucco, sheet rock and more to have the
windows replaced. Usually this is not the case. Most good window installers can
replace a window without disturbing the existing structure. This is nice because
it limits the amount of finish work required and it allows the project to be
done fairly quickly.
Most window
installation projects are complete within two days and do not require any
additional masonry, stucco, or sheet rock work. Find a window installer that is
comfortable explaining their installation process to you so that you know what
to expect when they start installing windows.
4. Anyone can install
a replacement window
This, unfortunately,
is the biggest misconception people have about installing replacement windows:
anyone can do it. While it is not rocket science, installing windows is an
acquired skill, and the better you are at it, the better the installation will
be. There are many contractors out there that say they can install windows, but
few that will say they can do it well. It is important that you determine your
window installers comfort level with installing replacement windows before you
hire them to do the work.
A window will only
perform well if it was installed correctly. A poorly installed window can be
difficult to open and close, it can leak, it can be drafty, just to name a few.
It is as important to find the right window installer as it is to find the
right replacement window for your project. Take the time to find the right
window installer and ask the right questions before they start the work. This
will insure a well executed window replacement project and long term
performance of your replacement windows.
Summary
There are a hundred
other misconceptions that homeowners have about replacement windows, but these
four detail some of the most common. The process for replacing windows is not
that difficult, however, it pays to know the facts about the product and the
process. Research for yourself before you select a replacement window, and you
will be sure to make the right decisions, from energy efficiency, to product
choice, to how they are installed, to, finally, who installs them for you.
