Sunday, October 14th, 2007

What Makes a Difference in Vinyl Windows?

You may have never thought about vinyl windows before reaching this blog and then taking the time to read through this article. You probably thought all windows were the same and even thought the windows in your home were just fine. As long as they’re not rotting and falling apart or fogged up between the panes of glass, why even think about it?

Well there is a difference and picking the right window is a decision you’ll live with for years to come. Either you’ll pick a window that will need replacing 10 years later or a window you’ll be proud to keep in your home saving you money on energy costs for years to come. So what makes one window different than the other? With so many windows out there how in the world do you pick one and live with it? It can seem daunting and in fact is a quite a big sea in which to swim.

Here’s some things to think about that we hope will help the process.

Pick a window that looks good to you. Start off by looking the window over and seeing what kind of things you like aesthetically about the appearance of the window. Does it look cheap or does it look well put together? Does its design suit your style taste or even the decor of your home? Are their elements to the window that look like they could break off easily or are unsightly? Appearances can tell you something about a window and first impressions are important.
Does the window stand up thermally and structurally? Do you like the way the window is built and designed when it comes to withstanding years of exposure to the elements and use? Do the thermal numbers on the window come from a third party rating system? (For instance NFRC for thermal rating and AAMA for structural ratings). Do you know what the numbers mean and are they the best you can get for your dollar? Choosing thermally energy efficient windows is important. But when comparing thermal numbers think about what a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient is, as well U-Factors, R-Values and visible transmittance.
What kind of warranty are you getting and what kind of company are you getting it from? A good, thermal, vinyl window, should last a lifetime. That means the glass should never have fog or condensation between the panes, you should never experience rot of any kind, you should not be getting moisture or excessive draftiness in the house and even if something should go wrong with the components (tilt pins, sash locks, balances, vent locks etc) they should be serviced. Does the manufacturer carry a lifetime warranty on their product. In many cases even glass breakage is covered by most window manufacturers for a number of years. Do they have a long tack record of being in business for a number of years? What about the company that is providing you with these windows? Do they carry a lifetime labor warranty? Will they service the windows years later if something goes wrong? Are they reliable, easy to contact, and have a good reputation in the community they serve?

All of these issues are crucial in choosing the best replacement window for your money. If you want to settle for less, then these tips are of no use. But if you’re looking for window that will look good, keep your home energy efficient for years to come and save you the hassle of replacing them again, then ask yourself these questions as you’re looking through your various options for window replacement.

For more information or questions contact us at info@atlantawindows.com or visit our website http://atlantawindows.com