The Ultimate Window Shopping Checklist

The Ultimate Window Shopping Checklist


The right kind of windows can reduce your household’s energy consumption, enhance your home’s curb appeal, and offer reliable year-round protection against the elements. But are you choosing the best windows for your home?

In this e-book, we’ll guide you through the different window options available

on the market today.


PART 1MATERIALS


Window materials play a direct role in the functionality and value of the entire window system. Materials used in modern window manufacturing vary vastly in terms of:

LIFESPAN

The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) offers the following lifespan estimates for some of the most common window materials:

They do, however, note that these are only general estimates. Factors such as workmanship, material quality, weather, and usage will affect the life expectancy of your windows, which is why regular maintenance is a must regardless of material.

COST

Generally speaking, unit price and labor cost both follow the same trend:

Aluminum: 15 to 20 years

Fiberglass: 20 to 40 years

Vinyl: 20 to 40 years

Wood: 30+ years

Vinyl Aluminum Wood Fiberglass

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Part One: Materials


Homewyse, a vendor-neutral construction industry reference, offers cost estimates for the installation of different types of windows in different U.S. zip codes.

In Colorado (80223), estimates for a single-unit, vendor-supplied, midgrade window installation are as follows:

Installation costs also vary widely, this time according to factors like location, manufacturer, window material, product quality, type of exterior wall, and type of labor (manufacturer-supplied vs. third-party).

AESTHETICS

Because windows have a huge impact on both curb appeal and interior décor, they need to look good. Aluminum, vinyl, and fiberglass windows are all available in a wide range of finishes suitable for practically any architectural style. But for many American homeowners, wood windows are still the gold standard in terms of aesthetic appeal.

Next up: fixed, casement, sash, or sliding? The choice of window design and operation can make the window shopping process extra tricky. We’ll cover that in Part Two of this e-book.

Vinyl: $502.64 to $673.42

Aluminum: $530.63 to $724.28

Wood: $691.10 to $948.54

Fiberglass: $760.04 to $1,025.13

Part One: Materials


PART 2DESIGN &

OPERATION

Design and operation are another important consideration when choosing window products. You want your windows to be easy to operate, functional, and easy to maintain. Below are some of your options:


FIXED WINDOW

Operation: N/A (cannot be opened)Function: daylightingMaintenance: difficult; requires outside work(+)Advantages: security, energy efficiency, unobstructed views, versatility, price(-)Disadvantages: cannot be used for ventilation or emergency egress

CASEMENT WINDOW

Operation: hinged on one side; opened with cranks, levers, or cam handlesFunction: daylighting, ventilationMaintenance: easy; allows access to the whole pane (inside and outside) when open; hinges, cranks, and handles require occasional lubrication(+)Advantages: energy efficiency, traditional appeal, versatility(-)Disadvantages: not good for areas with outside foot traffic; side-by-side installation can be problematic; cranking mechanism can fail over time

Part Two: Design and Operation


AWNING WINDOW

Operation: hinged at the top; opened outward with cranks, levers, or cam handlesFunction: daylighting, ventilationMaintenance: same as casement windows(+)Advantages: same as casement windows; can be positioned over doors and other windows; can be left open even when raining(-)Disadvantages: unique look may not suit all tastes

HOPPER WINDOW

Operation: hinged at the bottom; opened inward with cranks, levers, or cam handlesFunction: daylighting, ventilationMaintenance: same as casement windows, but easier to clean because the movable surface opens inward(+)Advantages: same as casement windows; can be positioned over doors and other windows(-)Disadvantages: cannot be used with window treatments; cannot be left open when raining; requires sturdier locking devices for security



SLIDING WINDOW

Operation: has 2 or more sashes that slide horizontally past each otherFunction: daylighting, ventilationMaintenance: moderately difficult; outside surfaces can be accessed from inside, but some models completely block one sash when another sash is slid open; track requires occasional lubrication(+)Advantages: no space constraints; has few movable parts(-)Disadvantages: does not offer full ventilation; not as energy-efficient as fixed or hinged windows

SASH WINDOW

Operation: has 1 or 2 sashes that move verticallyFunction: daylighting, ventilationMaintenance: moderately easy; some models have tilt-in or removable sashes to facilitate cleaning; balance mechanism requires occasional adjustment and lubrication(+)Advantages: no space constraints, air conditioner and screen-friendly(-)Disadvantages: has several movable parts; does not offer full ventilation; not as energy-efficient as fixed or hinged windows



PART 3ENERGY

EFFICIENCY

Next up: not all windows are created alike. In the third and final chapter of this e-book, we’ll talk about the basic energy performance benchmarks and how they should factor into

your choice of window product.


To wrap up this e-book, we’ll discuss the last and most important consideration in choosing windows for your home: energy efficiency.

Among the organizations that concern themselves with window energy efficiency, ENERGY STAR and the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) have the most say. The NFRC offers unbiased third-party ratings of window energy performance, which ENERGY STAR uses to set minimum performance standards for different climate zones.

U-factorA measure of how much heat is transferred through a window. A low U-factor means less heat can escape your home, which is important for winter heating in colder climates.

Solar Heat Gain CoefficientA measure of how much solar heat is blocked by a window. A low SHGC means less heat enters your home, which is important for summer cooling in warmer climates.

Visible TransmittanceA measure of how much daylight is transmitted through a window. A high VT rating means more daylight is let in.

ENERGY PERFORMANCE BENCHMARKS

Part Three: Energy Efficiency


Air Leakage A measure of how much air a window lets in. A low AL rating mean less air leakage (i.e. drafts). Testing for air leakage is optional.

Condensation Resistance A measure of how well a window resists condensation formation. A higher CR rating means better condensation resistance. Also optional.

In addition to the five energy performance benchmarks listed above, your home’s climate zone should also factor into your choice of window products. For instance, while homes in hot Southern climates can benefit from low-SHGC windows, homes in the North may benefit more from high-SHGC windows, which can assist in daytime heating during winter.

OTHER ENERGY EFFICIENCY CONSIDERATIONS



Factors like your home’s orientation in relation to the sun, proximity to trees and other buildings, and your use of window treatments will also affect your windows’ real-world performance. The bottom line is you shouldn’t go solely by what is shown on the window sticker.

FINAL THOUGHTS

In this e-book, we attempted to cover all the basic facts you’d need to make an informed choice about your windows. But there’s still a lot of ground left uncovered—topics like structural performance, security, water infiltration, acoustical performance, and warranties, each of which can fill up chapter upon chapter on their own.

To get a better picture of what kind of windows will best suit your needs, nothing beats an onsite assessment by a professional. Don’t hesitate to call a trusted contractor for a consultation and estimate. These services are often offered free of charge and with no strings attached.

Good luck with your window shopping!



RENEWAL BY ANDERSEN OF DENVER & COLORADO SPRINGS

1401 W Bayaud Ave #5 Denver, CO 80223

Denver (303) 968-3287

Colorado Springs-(719) 313-5403

www.LoveYourWindows.com

http://www.LoveYourWindows.com

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The Ultimate Window Shopping Checklist