How to Select the Best Windows

Introduction:

From a curb view as well as the interior, windows are the most significant attribute of your home. They are expensive and can either make or break the beauty of a home. They also can be a great energy savings if the correct window is chosen. Before you buy a good quality window you need to know how to select the best windows. To do this you need to know about windows styles, the materials that windows are made of and there energy ratings and savings.

Midrange vinyl windows:

Midrange windows have vinyl frame which are wood framed with the exterior clad in vinyl or aluminum.

Upscale vinyl windows:

The upscale vinyl windows have simulated mullions and wood-grain interior, custom-color exterior, low-E coated glass.

Upscale wood windows:

The upscale wood window has simulated mullions, hardwood interior, custom-color, aluminum-clad exterior, low-E glass.
Selecting a window is all about energy efficiency. There are two critical ratios you need to know:

The U-factor:

The lower the number (0.25 to 1.25) the better the window insulates and the greater the energy savings it will produce in climates where heating cost is a primary factor in the energy bill.

The solar heat gain coefficient:

The lower the SHGC (0.25 to 0.80) the better the window blocks heat caused by sunlight and the greater the savings in climates where cooling is a primary factor in the energy bill.

Energy Star-qualified windows are labeled to indicate to which of four U.S. climate zones (northern, north central, south central and southern) a window is best suited, based on its U-factor and SHGC, which are also shown.

Materials that windows are made of and their cost range:

Using the average cost of a 3-by-5-foot, double-hung window unit, not including installation, is used as an example.

1. Vinyl ($225 to $825)
This is virtually a maintenance free window.
It will provide good insulation (especially when air cavities in frames are filled) and are moisture-resistant. Better-quality vinyl windows are more stable as they swell and shrink less at extreme temperatures and resist yellowing, cracking and warping. Unfortunately the colors and textures may be limited. Shop for paintable or stainable surface treatments and hybrids with interior, wood-veneer finishes.

2. Composite Windows ($575 to $900)
The composite window is made of wood and polymer, which resembles wood in terms of strength and insulating value but resists moisture and decay better. May be textured, stained or painted. It is a great window material with quality and long service durability.

3. Fiberglass windows ($800 to $1,250)
This is a very strong, durable and dimensionally stable window. It may be painted or made to simulate wood. When air cavities are filled, insulating value is similar to wood and insulated vinyl. Unfortunately there are few manufactures of fiberglass windows.

4. Wood and clad wood ($900 to $1,600)
These windows are dimensionally stable, naturally insulating and aesthetically appealing. However, they are susceptible to moisture and insect damage. Look for treatments designed to increase durability and reduce maintenance, including exterior metal or vinyl cladding.

Now that you know how to select the best windows for your home I recommend that you visit a window supply center and review what is available in your area. The sales person can provide you with all the vital information on the window. Most supply center have cut-away windows on display so you can see how they are constructed.

Exterior Window Shutters

What You Need to Know About Replacement Windows

For more DIY information Check out these Resources