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Many people are drawn to the windows of a home when making their purchasing decision, choosing a home with plenty of natural light and aesthetic appeal. However, when the time comes to replace them, your windows can be a source of confusion. With so many different materials and styles available, how can you narrow down the pack and find the best windows to suit your needs? 

Here is a look at some of the main factors to consider when you are selecting frame materials for replacement windows.

Appearance

For many homeowners, the appearance of their home is the primary consideration when choosing their frame materials. These days, there are many different materials on the market that can give you the look you desire. It is also possible to customize certain affordable window frame materials to give them the look of higher-end materials.

Homeowners who have a specific color in mind will need to choose one of the window frame materials that can be painted or stained to the shade they desire.

Price

The biggest factor that will determine how much you spend on a window replacement project is the number of windows you need and their size. However, the material of your frame is another important consideration from a price standpoint. 

While those working on historical renovations might prioritize matching the home’s original frames as much as possible, those who are simply replacing windows to improve their home’s energy efficiency or resale prospects will look toward value-oriented materials such as vinyl.

Maintenance Requirements

While some people enjoy spending time maintaining their home and enhancing its appearance, others wish to steer clear of materials that require a lot of upkeep. Those looking for windows that can hold up well to all types of climates and do not need much maintenance should consider vinyl or fiberglass. Wood windows tend to require significantly more maintenance.

With these crucial factors in mind, here is a look at how some of the most popular window frame materials stack up.

Vinyl

Vinyl is widely considered the most affordable type of window frame, making it an extremely popular choice among budget-conscious homeowners. Although higher-quality vinyl can be very sturdy, lower-quality vinyl tends to come with flimsy weather stripping and plastic parts. 

It is also important to keep in mind that windows made of vinyl will contract and expand as temperatures change, which can compromise its sealing ability. Moreover, it is prone to warping when exposed to hot sunlight, making it a poor choice for extremely hot climates.

When it comes to aesthetics, vinyl is available in a range of colors and styles to suit various tastes but does not always go well with historic or wooden homes. However, it resists fading and is virtually maintenance-free.  

Wood

Wood is a more expensive window frame option but remains a popular choice for people with historic homes. Prices vary depending on the species of wood, window style and manufacturer. It has natural insulating properties and loads of aesthetic appeal. Moreover, you can easily change the look of wood windows by staining or painting them.

However, it does need to be sealed with finish or paint from time to time to prevent sun damage and rotting. Nevertheless, with proper maintenance, homeowners can expect wood windows to last for more than 50 years.

Aluminum

In the past, aluminum was not considered a good material for window frames because it conducts heat. However, newer models have a thermal break that stops heat transference and improves energy efficiency. It is a strong, lightweight and attractive option that is very easy to maintain, and the frames are easy to clean and very resistant. However, this material is not as energy-efficient as other options.

Fiberglass

The most energy-efficient and strongest window frame material is fiberglass, which is made up of glass fibers that have been mixed with resin and additives. Although it is low-maintenance, weather-resistant and moisture-resistant, it comes in limited color and design options and is more difficult to find in some areas.

Clad

One popular option is wood clad window frames, which are made using a wooden frame and sash that has a thin layer of aluminum wrapped around its exterior frame to protect the wood from the elements while giving homeowners a wood interior that they can stain or paint as desired. It is sold by many top brands in a range of cladding options so homeowners can get the look they want, although its price is on the higher end.

Discuss Your Window Replacement Project with Adelphia Exteriors

When choosing replacement windows, frame material is just one of many factors to keep in mind.  If you are considering a window replacement project, reach out to the Northern Virginia window replacement specialists or call us at (703) 386-7357 at Adelphia Exteriors for guidance on the right windows to suit your needs and to learn more about our services.

It is difficult to imagine living in a home without windows to let air and sunshine in. There is no question that they greatly enhance your enjoyment of your home, but old windows also can have structural issues that create leaks for your home to lose energy.

If you have old windows, here are some things you may not know about them and how they are affecting your house.

Know The Lifespan Of Your Windows

Most windows have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. If your home is older, there is a good chance your old windows have already outlived this time frame. While it might not be visually obvious that your windows are past their expiration date, there is a good chance this is evident in your energy bills and comfort level.

Old Windows Can Be Responsible for Significant Heat Loss

Old single-pane windows can account for a significant amount of the heat that is lost in a home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the heat that is gained and lost through windows accounts for as much as 30% of residential cooling and heating energy use.

This means that replacing old windows with newer and more energy-efficient models can result in significant energy savings on your bills over time, allowing the investment to pay for itself in many cases.

Old Windows Are Often a Source of Drafts

Cold and drafty homes can be very uncomfortable, particularly in the winter months. Old windows are one of the first spots in a home where gaps will begin forming. Glass warps over time, and as the rubber gaskets and adhesives in an old window may start to break down, the outside air will find its way into the home.

If you notice a cold draft in the winter or find insects crawling into the home through a crack in your window frame in summer, your old window needs to be replaced.

Old Windows Can Cause Your HVAC System to Work Overtime

Not only can drafts make a room uncomfortable, but they can also bring down the overall temperature in the room. This can cause your HVAC system to run more often, which can raise your energy bills and cause the type of wear on the system that can reduce its lifespan.

Old Windows Can Compromise Your Home’s Security

Older wooden-framed windows with traditional glass panes can be surprisingly easy for burglars to breach. It is not very difficult for a would-be intruder to break right through a single pane of glass in an old window.

Newer windows, in contrast, are much stronger and more secure, often featuring very robust latches and locks. Upgrading to newer windows can enhance your home’s security dramatically.

Old Windows Pose a Safety Risk

The ease with which old single-pane glass windows can be broken also makes them a danger to your home’s inhabitants. They are not difficult to accidentally break, whether you hit one the wrong way while moving furniture or your children accidentally break one playing sports.

A broken single-pane window is a major safety risk, with the sharp shards of glass having the potential to cause deep cuts and lacerations. Double-pane and triple-pane windows, in contrast, can stand strong against the rigors of daily living.

Old Windows Could Contain Toxins Such as Lead or Asbestos

Many people make a great effort to ensure their home is as safe as possible, but sometimes the biggest dangers are the ones that cannot be seen. If you have old windows in your home, they could contain toxic materials such as asbestos or lead paint, both of which were commonly used in construction materials in the past before their health dangers were more widely understood.

Therefore, it is important to have your home tested for these toxins if you have older windows and replace them with newer and safer varieties as soon as possible.

Old Windows Are Affecting Your Home’s Value

Your old windows might still look like they are in relatively decent shape, but if you go to sell your home, you may find that its value is lower than you expect due to outdated windows. Many real estate agents report that switching old single-pane windows for newer double-pane windows can increase a home’s value and selling price.

Condensation on Your Windows Is Not Normal

You may have become accustomed to seeing condensation on the inside of your windows, but that does not mean this is normal. Regardless of the weather outdoors, you should not be finding any condensation on your windows.

Its presence is an indication that a window seal could be broken. Replacing seals is a major job that requires removing the entire window frame, which presents a good opportunity to replace the entire window with a more modern variety that is not vulnerable to condensation.

Contact the Northern Virginia Window Replacement Professionals

To learn more about how high-quality, efficient windows can improve your home’s comfort and reduce energy bills or to schedule a free window replacement estimate, reach out to the experienced window replacement team at Adelphia Exteriors.

When it is time to replace the windows in your home, you will be faced with a vast array of options. Many of the windows you encounter will likely boast an energy efficiency rating.

You will quickly notice that the more energy-efficient windows tend to come with higher price tags. Is it worth paying more for windows that have better energy efficiency? Here is a look at what you need to know.

How Much Money Can You Save with Energy-Efficient Windows?

The first question on most homeowners’ minds is how much money they will be able to save by installing energy-efficient windows. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that homeowners can save between $125 and $465 each year by replacing older windows in their homes with more energy-efficient varieties.

Homeowners who switch to energy-efficient windows typically save around 12% on their electricity bills per year. This means that those homeowners who spend around $200 a month heating their homes would be able to shave $24 off of their bills each month.

Your precise savings, however, will depend on the age and type of windows you are replacing and the climate where you live.

Which Factors Can Make a Window More Energy Efficient?

If you have decided that you would like to take advantage of the energy bill savings provided by energy-efficient windows, you will encounter many different ratings that aim to describe a window’s efficiency. Here is what you need to know when making a decision about which windows to invest in.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)

The solar heat gain coefficient, or SHGC, is a figure noting the fraction of solar radiation that can pass through a window, either by being absorbed or directly transmitted and then released to your home as heat. Energy-efficient windows with lower SCHC numbers provide better shading and can reduce solar heat transmission.

U-Factor

Another important rating is the U-factor, which indicates the rate that a window loses non-solar heat. A lower U factor is better as this means the energy-efficient window has superior heat flow resistance and greater insulating properties.

Low-E Glass

Many energy-efficient windows contain low-E coatings that reduce the amount of ultraviolet radiation that can make its way through the window and minimize the rate at which energy is lost through the window’s glass.

Air Leakage

This is a measurement of the airflow through the window joints. Energy-efficient windows with a lower number will experience less air leakage.

Condensation Resistance

When it comes to condensation resistance, higher numbers mean that the windows are better able to resist condensation.

Glazing

When shopping for energy-efficient models, it is best to invest in windows with as many panes as you can afford. Triple-pane windows are the most energy-efficient windows by far, offering three panes of glass with two layers of insulative gas.

If your budget cannot accommodate triple-pane windows, it is best to opt for double-pane windows as single-pane windows do not offer much in the way of energy efficiency.

Gas Fills

Windows that are equipped with multiple panes of glass, such as double-pane or triple-pane windows, generally use gas fills between the panes to enhance their insulating performance. One of the most popular gas fills is argon gas, which can provide windows with superior protection against the elements.

ENERGY STAR Ratings

An ENERGY STAR rating shows how well a specific window compares to others when it comes to energy efficiency. Energy-efficient windows must perform better in energy savings than 75% or more of their competitors to be awarded an ENERGY STAR rating.

The system was created by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and is considered the gold standard in window ratings.

Other Features that Make Energy-Efficient Windows a Worthwhile Investment

Although energy bill savings are a top concern for many homeowners, there are many other benefits you can enjoy by opting for energy-efficient windows. Because these windows help to regulate indoor temperatures, they reduce the demand on your HVAC system, possibly extending its lifespan.

In addition, energy-efficient windows can reduce the amount of outside noise that makes its way into your home, creating a more peaceful environment indoors. The difference can be particularly noticeable for those who live in urban areas or close to a busy road.

Reach Out to the Experienced Window Replacement Team at Adelphia Exteriors

The quality of installation has a notable impact on the effectiveness and energy efficiency of windows. This means that to get the most out of your investment in energy-efficient windows, it is important to have professionals install them properly.

The window replacement team at Adelphia Exteriors has considerable experience and knowledge when it comes to the installation of energy-efficient windows in the Northern Virginia area. Contact our experts today to learn more about the services we offer or request a free estimate for your window replacement project.

Window replacement may seem like a straightforward task on the surface, especially for someone who is relatively handy, but is actually a lot more involved than it first appears. The professionals at Adelphia have come together to answer the question – “is it difficult to replace my own windows”?

Replacing a window requires having a good understanding of how the original window was installed, as well as knowing how to take proper measurements.

You must also be prepared to deal with the common issues that can arise during window replacement, such as working with openings that are no longer a perfect square.

Here is a closer look at some of the trickier parts of the window replacement process so you can decide whether you are up to the task.

How Do I Replace My Own Windows?

First, it is important to understand how a replacement window works. Most window replacements are inserted, or pocket-type type, installations. This means that the interior and exterior trim of the window will remain in place, as will the original rough opening.

The new window is simply placed inside the rough opening. This is in contrast to a full frame replacement, which is more complicated and should not be attempted on your own.

Many times, in a pocket-type window installation, the windows will need to be moved around inside of an opening that has changed through the years, perhaps by shifting or losing its original shape.

This means you may need to use shims to help the new window fit in the available opening and operate smoothly.

Keep in mind, however, that insert windows can reduce the overall glass exposure of your window because there is an additional frame component.

This means that the window’s overall glass exposure can shrink by as much as three inches when these windows are inserted.

Choosing the Materials For Your Window Replacement

It is important to note that insert replacement windows work best when you are replacing a standard double or single-hung window that opens and closes vertically.

Casement windows that pivot open in a horizontal fashion and sliders cannot be replaced in this manner; it is best to call a professional in these cases.

Measuring and Ordering the Right Window

It is important to make sure that you measure correctly and choose the right size as insert replacement windows are made to fit snugly, with only a very small gap to facilitate tighter insertion in the existing frame.

Window manufacturers will provide instructions on how to measure the window frame, and this will usually be done in 1/16-inch increments. The insert window unit that you choose should be around 1/8 inch shorter and narrower than the opening you have available.

If you are choosing a vinyl or vinyl clad insert window, you can order the window to match your existing trim’s color. If a good match is not available, choose a type that can be painted.

Removing Pocket Weights

Another challenging aspect of the window replacement process is removing the heavy pocket weights found in older double-hung windows that counterbalance the sashes.

In many cases, these weights are made out of the lead, which means they must be disposed of following safety regulations and cannot be thrown into your trash. You may have to deliver these lead weights to a drop-off center that can accommodate hazardous materials.

Removing the Window Stops

One of the trickiest steps in the window replacement process comes right at the beginning: the removal of the window stops. You will need to use a pry bar and a hammer to pry the window-stop molding away from the top and sides of your window frame. In some cases, the moldings might be secured using screws.

If your molding has been painted into place, you will need to use a utility knife to cut through the paint before you can pry it away from the frame.

If you remove stop moldings carefully, you might be able to reuse them after your new insert window is replaced. However, if these moldings are brittle or aging, it is best to replace them.

It can also be tricky to remove the parting stop moldings that keep the inner window separated from the outer window sash. However, it is okay if you need to break them to get them off of the window frame because they will not be reused.

Insulation For Windows

Another step to keep in mind when deciding if you can handle this task yourself is insulating the weight pockets. This requires filling the weight pockets using loosely packed fiberglass insulation to help improve the window’s energy efficiency. If you are uncomfortable working with insulation, you should opt for a professional window replacement.

Caulking Materials Designed For Windows

Another important consideration is your caulking skill level. The top reason that replacement windows fail is moisture seepage, and this can be avoided if you caulk the replacement window carefully using high-quality silicone caulk.

Some windows need a gap at the bottom sill to allow for drainage, so you’ll need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Reach Out to the Window Replacement Specialists

Although you may be able to replace your own windows if you have intermediate to advanced DIY skills, the best way to ensure you enjoy a long lifespan and maximum window energy efficiency from your investment in new windows is by having professionals carry out the job.

The team at Adelphia Exteriors has the knowledge and experience needed to ensure your window replacements are installed properly. Contact us today to request a free estimate.