Opinionated Thought

A Lesson in Windows…

Last Updated on Monday, 18 May 2009 20:23
Written by Someone Friday, 15 May 2009 19:15

Real Estate - Remodeling

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Types of windows – Wood, Aluminum or Vinyl

Wood Windows – A very nice choice for a high end home. They look absolutely beautiful for about 5 years at which point they become a maintenance headache that a high end homeowner can afford to pay for. Let’s not forget about the bi-annual painting and the weather that will cause them to swell making them difficult to open and close.

Aluminum Windows – Common synonyms include junk, trash or trailer inserts. Aluminum is a light weight metal that expands and contracts with temperature. With this constant expansion and contraction comes a gap. Gaps allow water, dirt, bugs and moisture in. That is why most aluminum windows include a storm window to help combat this.

Vinyl Windows – First generation vinyl only please. Second generation vinyl also known as recycled vinyl turns ashy and chalky over time. For an example of this chalky effect go check out that white plastic vinyl patio set you have had sitting out back since you moved in.

Single pane or dual pane?

Dual pane windows are the best but how thick is the glass? The common thickness for dual pane windows is 1/8 of an inch thick per pane. A 1/4 inch thick pane is better for multiple reasons and I highly recommend them. The thicker paned windows are more thermally sound, harder to break and a little more expensive in the short term.

What is in between those two panes of glass?
In cheap windows the answer to that question is just air. Quality windows usually have a gas called argon. Top shelf windows will use a gas called krypton. After all no one wants superman just dropping in unannounced. The difference between the three is remarkable when it comes to thermal ratings. But at the bare minimum argon in your best bet because krypton filled windows can get expensive really quick.

The quality of the seal between the two pieces of glass is very important. For dual pane windows if that seal breaks not only will your gas escape but air will get in. With air comes moisture. Ever seen a foggy window at some ones house? Now you know why. Most quality windows come with a warranty to cover this phenomenon.

What is Low-E?

Low-emissivity is a coating that they use to lower the amount of heat transferred through the glass of your windows. It reflects heat, not light and yes, I recommend it.

Anything else that I need to know?

Yes.

Window frames – Vinyl window frames can come insulated or un-insulated. Since the walls of your home are heavily insulated does having un-insulated window frames even make sense?

New Construction vs Remodel Windows – New construction windows contain a nail fin as they are meant to be installed after the home is framed and before the siding goes on. For this reason they are not meant to be installed in an existing home. Yes they are cheaper but no, you will not be able to get them installed properly.

Project management – There is no reason to replace all your windows all at once. If you have a large house with say 38 windows than that can be a very expensive bill. Start with replacing one room at a time or one side of the house at a time. It’s better to have quality windows and multiple small projects then crappy windows all done at once.

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