When you’re having a window replacement project done for your home, homeowners such as yourself will never want for window materials. After all, there are plenty of materials available on the market that you can consider, such as wood, aluminum, or even fiber cement. However, while these are all good materials to consider, there is another one that you shouldn’t forget about: vinyl windows.
According to experts, vinyl is one of the most popular window materials you can consider because not only are they affordable but they’re durable as well. Apart from that, they can also help you make your home more energy-efficient. However, when choosing vinyl windows, you shouldn’t just pick the first one you see. In fact, window industry pros say that there are plenty of things you need to consider first when picking vinyl windows.
In this article, window installation expert STL Windows Direct lists the six things you should consider when picking vinyl windows for your home.
- Color – Every homeowner knows that the windows can easily impact their home’s overall aesthetic appeal and value. After all, your windows are one of the first things that people notice whenever they see your home. With that in mind, apart from the material of the window, it’s also recommended that you carefully consider the color of your vinyl windows. This is because depending on the style of your home, it’s possible that some colors may not suit your home and therefore, they should be avoided for your windows. That way, you can maintain the look of your property.
For assistance and advice in picking the right color for your windows, don’t hesitate to turn to STL Windows Direct, the pros to turn to when it comes to installing Direct windows and doors.
- Construction – As stated before, your windows don’t just affect your home’s appearance but its energy efficiency as well. And as such, you’ll want a window that can last for as long as possible even with minimal care. According to experts, the best vinyl windows have additives that can protect it against brittleness, yellowing, or fading. Their sash and frame extrusions, on the other hand, should also have welded corners and internal air chambers to give it increased strength, rigidity, and insulation. By installing such a vinyl window in your home, it’s guaranteed that it’ll last for years to come.
- Warranty – According to window installation pros, a warranty is a good asset for any homeowner to have. This is because by having an ironclad and comprehensive warranty, you can have the vinyl windows repaired or replaced at no cost to your own should it fail earlier than expected due to defects in the manufacturing or installation. When looking at window warranties, window installers recommend that you look for one that has a “double lifetime” warranty so it’ll also cover performance problems on top of the manufacturing and installation defects. Other than that, by picking a window with a double lifetime warranty, you can also transfer them to the next homeowner in case you ever sell your home to move to a new one, thereby ensuring that the window remains protected with the next homeowner.
- Glass Options – Your vinyl window’s glass can easily minimize the amount of heat that your home loses or gains, which in turn can affect your home’s energy efficiency. Therefore, experts strongly recommend that you take a good look at your glass options and pick the one that’s right for you and your home. Often, these include vinyl windows that not only sandwich inert gas between the panes but also ones that have “warm-edge” spacers between the double panes. Window glass with Low-E coatings are also good choices as they can reflect heat and prevent it from entering your home, allowing you to protect your furnishings from fading at the same time.
- Maintenance Requirements – On the other hand, if you lead a busy lifestyle and you find it difficult to make time to maintain your vinyl windows, experts recommend that you pick windows that don’t require much to maintain as your window replacement material. To do this, check every window style’s care instructions to determine if they’re the right window for you and your home. According to window experts, double-hung windows that tilt in are the easiest windows to clean as you don’t need to use a ladder to clean them. Double pane vinyl windows with grilles sandwiched between them are also good, low maintenance windows to consider for your home.
To pick the right, low maintenance windows for your home, don’t hesitate to turn to the pros of STL Windows Direct for their advice and assistance.
- The Fine Print – Finally, you should also carefully examine the fine print of a potential vinyl window. As much as possible, only pick ENERGY STAR® qualified units as their efficiency and airtightness have been verified by the National Fenestration Rating Council, meaning that they’re more likely to be an energy-efficient window that can help you save a significant amount on your monthly energy bills. Other than that, only choose vinyl windows that have a Gold Seal Certification from the American Architectural Manufacturers Association as windows with this seal will most likely have passed strict tests to determine the window’s structural integrity.
Other Things to Keep in Mind When Replacing Windows
When you’re having your old windows replaced with newer vinyl windows, avoid trying to DIY the job as much as possible. That way, you can prevent mistakes that can be incredibly costly to rectify. Instead, make it a point to hire a consummate professional to get the job done for you. By doing so, your windows can be installed in an efficient manner, ensuring that it performs well for a long time.
Want to install eco-smart 365 Innovations windows in your home? Look no further than STL Windows Direct. With years of experience in the window industry, we are the number one pros to turn to when it comes to installing Direct windows and doors. We are dedicated to giving homeowners nothing but the best products and services. You can rely on us! Give us a call at (314) 690-5800 or fill out our contact form to get in touch with us and request a free estimate today!