Vinyl
Replacement WindowsNine Things You Need To Know About Replacement Windows
Questions You Should Ask
Are you planning on doing some home improvements in the Hillsboro area?
Home improvement in Hillsboro, Oregon can be a big project to tackle, if
you’re not sure how to go about it. And getting replacement windows is
definitely a part of that uncertainty. So we’ve put together the top 9
replacement windows in Oregon questions here, to help you along with your
project. Check them out.
1. What are replacement windows?
Simply put, replacement windows are those designed to fit into the same
structure that the old windows came out of. The idea of replacement windows
is to get newer, more energy-efficient windows to help you lower your
heating costs. When you’re replacing your windows, you’ll need to have exact
measurements because, although there’s a small allowance for differences in
measurements, the replacement windows should be the same size as the old
windows, and fit into the frame with a minimum of adjustments.
2. What are my choices of materials in a
replacement window frame?
Replacement window frames come in five basic types:
Aluminum – Many people like aluminum
replacement windows in Oregon because of their flexibility in custom
designing. However, they’re not the most energy-efficient, and they invite
condensation.
Fiberglass – Fiberglass replacement
windows are a fairly new addition to the industry. They’re also the most
expensive. But it’s the old “you get what you pay for” story, because they
have a very high R-value, which means you’ll save more on your heating bill.
Vinyl – Vinyl replacement windows are
very popular because there are many styles and shapes to choose from.
They’re also very energy-efficient.
Wood – Wood replacement windows have
great R-values, because wood is a natural insulator. Also, condensation
isn’t much of a problem with wood windows. However, the maintenance is high,
with the requirement of periodic scraping and painting.
Fibrex – Fibrex replacement windows are
a combination of wood and vinyl, taking the best of both worlds and putting
them together to create a window that’s highly energy-efficient, but still
low-maintenance.
3. What does the R-value and the U-factor of a
window refer to when it comes to replacement windows?
The R-values and U-factors (or U-values) are ratings that replacement window
manufacturers assign to their windows to tell you how efficient they are.
The R-value of a window tells you how well the window insulates. It’s
expressed as a number, ranging from 0.9 and up. A window that insulates
fairly well would have an R-value of about 3 or more.
When you’re looking at the U-factor of a window, you’re looking for a low
number (from 1.1 to 0.3) – the lower the number, the better the window is at
keeping the heat in.
4. What’s the best type of glass in a replacement
windows in Hillsboro, Oregon?
The first thing you need to look for in the glass in a replacement window is
whether it’s single- or double-pane. Single-pane windows are ok for
out-buildings, like detached garages and sheds, where heat loss isn’t a
factor.
However, if you want to keep your utility bills as low as possible, you
definitely want to get double-pane glass. It’s two panes of glass,
hermetically-sealed, with an airspace in between. The result is a well-climatized
environment in your home. As far as the actual pane of glass is concerned,
you have three choices. One of the more popular types of glass is called
low-emissivity, or low-e glass, which uses a special coating to keep heat
either in or out, depending on the time of year.
Or you can get heat-absorbing glass, which keeps the solar energy, and thus
the heat, out. And it also prevents the sun from “bleaching” your carpet,
drapes and furniture. Your other choice is reflective glass, which does the
same job as heat-absorbing glass, but uses a film to reflect the harmful UV
rays.
5. What are the easiest replacement windows to
clean?
You’re probably familiar with the old saying, “I don’t do windows.” That’s
why window manufacturers are always looking for easier ways for you to keep
your windows clean. As far as design goes, the latest double-hung windows
are specifically made for your cleaning “pleasure”. They tilt back and
forth, and lock into place, so you can get the replacement windows cleaned
quickly and move on!
6. Are custom replacement windows a good idea?
We’re back to the old “you get what you pay for” again. Custom replacement
windows in Oregon are the most efficient, because they’re carefully measured
to the exact specifications, with a minimum of change to your interior and
exterior walls. And because they’re made to fit your window space exactly,
the possibility of heat loss or leakage is greatly reduced. So, in the long
run, your cost will be balanced out.
7. Will replacement windows fix my condensation
problem?
Condensation is a problem that’s hard to get rid of. However, there’s a very
good solution available now. For a little extra money, you can buy vinyl
windows that actually keep the edges of the window warm. And because
condensation is created by the temperature difference between inside and
outside, this problem is virtually eliminated.
8. Are replacement windows designed to keep out
noise?
All windows reduce the amount of outside noise that you can hear from
inside. However, if you’re especially concerned about this, you can get
laminated insulating glass, which will reduce the amount of outside noise by
about a half.
In Conclusion
Replacement windows in the Hillsboro area are a big part of home
improvement. And, with all the focus on energy-efficiency these days, you
need to make the right choices when replacing your windows. Contact our
replacement window experts today