Many homeowners are looking to replace their worn-out windows with new windows that operate and perform better, are more durable, require considerably less maintenance and are more energy efficient than the wood, steel or aluminum windows that were used when their homes were built.
Most people look at new windows as an expense, they're not.
New windows are an investment in your home.
An investment which, if made wisely, not only increases the value of your home, but at the same time, cuts your energy bills, increases your comfort and reduces maintenance cost.
However, like any investment decision, you need to determine what gives you the greatest value, not necessarily the lowest price.
You need to educate yourself so you really understand what you are getting for your money.
This is why it is important for a homeowner to work with someone they trust who walks them through the various options so they can make an educated buying decision.
In most cases, style is already determined by the architecture of the house and the type of windows that are presently there.
However, it is possible to change window styles, change opening sizes, add bays and bows, or do a variety of other things that will dramatically change the appearance of your home inside and out.
Since it represents the largest area of the window, glass obviously has the biggest impact on energy loss.
Glass technology has made tremendous strides over the last few years.
Things like low conductivity spacers, low emissivity, or Low-E, coatings and gas filling have drastically cut the amount of energy that flows through the glass.
Low-E is an almost invisible metallic coating that works like a one-way mirror, reflecting heat back into your home during the winter and reflecting it out during the summer.
There are different types of Low-E coatings with different performance levels.
Better performing coatings, like Titanium, cost a little more, but are well worth the money.
Don't settle for products made with regular clear glass that is not coated.
Inert gases, like argon and krypton, are also used to improve the energy efficiency of the glass.
They are less conductive than normal air, reducing energy losses across the air space between the two panes of glass.
Warm edge spacers that separate the glass pains decrease heat loss through the spacer channel and also reduce condensation on the edges of the glass compared to conventional metal spacers.
Windows are also available with different framing materials.
Overall, vinyl is the most widely used material for most residential applications.
Today's vinyl compounds have great weather-ability, are easy to clean, and are virtually maintenance free.
The low thermal conductivity of vinyl also makes it a great material for minimizing energy loss through the framing materials.
By itself, vinyl tends not to be as strong as some other materials, and screws in vinyl tend to loosen under stress.
However, if the vinyl shapes are designed with multi-hollow cavities for stiffness, and properly reinforced with aluminum in all the major structural areas, it does a great job.
Vinyl's market share continues to grow while those of other framing materials are falling.
Other window framing materials have features that appeal to some people.
For example, wood has great warmth and visual appeal, but long-term maintenance and durability can be a concern.
Wood windows with exterior cladding materials can improve their exterior durability.
There are a number of other design details to consider.
For example, be sure the windows are custom made to precisely fit the existing openings in your home.
How easy is the window for you to open and operate for cleaning? How are the windows weather-stripped? Is it trapped in a track or does it try to seal on an edge, which makes the quality of the installation more critical.
Make sure that you are also clear about the details of the installation.
Find out about the interior and exterior trim packages.
Is all the exposed wood on the exterior covered with custom formed trim? What about the interior? There are a wide variety of options available depending upon the look you want, and the price that fits your budget.
Make sure that fiberglass batt insulation is added in any space created between the new window and the frame of the opening.
Doing this cuts air leakage around the window and insulates the space.
Even things that appear to be insignificant, such as the quality of the caulking, are important.
Be sure you are getting the total job, and that there are no hidden charges, like delivery or clean up.
But even worse than hidden charges are things that were ignored to reduce the price.
Even though it costs you a little more money to do the job right initially, you will be much better off in the long run.
Make sure that everything you are getting is clearly spelled out on the contract or a spec sheet linked to the contract.
Under no circumstances should you accept a proposal written on the back of a business card.
Not only are all windows not the same, but there are also huge differences in window companies.
It is important for you to have trust and confidence in the company and the people with whom you are going to be doing business.
Clearly understand from whom you are getting your windows.
You could actually be buying your windows from three different companies; the sales organization, the company who actually makes the windows, and a subcontractor who installs them.
While this may not seem like a big deal initially, it can be a real issue after the products are installed.
Generally, it makes sense to do business with one company who has control over all three aspects of the business.
There are many other things that you need to understand and consider before you commit to anyone.
Is the company a member of reputable industry organizations focused on customer satisfaction, like the Better Business Bureau, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Certified Contractors Network? Do they have solid references? Is the company insured and bonded? Do they carry liability insurance? Do they use subcontractors? If they do, are they covered with Workman's Compensation Insurance? This is important for your protection! Warranties are also very important.
Be sure you understand them fully.
Just because it says Lifetime don't assume every component of the window and installation is covered forever.
And remember, the warranty is only as good as the people who back it.
Having one company responsible for the whole process is probably preferable compared to having split responsibilities, which is typical of the replacement window business.
A good sales consultant's responsibility is to listen so they understand the homeowner needs in order to educate the homeowner on the various products and options that provide the right solution.
While price is always important, even more important is the value you receive for what you paid.
All things being equal, selecting the lowest price makes sense.
But in almost every transaction we make as consumers, things are not equal.
We need to fully understand these differences so we can make an educated buying decision.
Bottom line; take the time to understand what you're getting for your money.
Take the time to look for the investment that gives you the greatest value, not the lowest price.
It's also important that all concerned buying parties be present for any discussions.
It eliminates confusion and allows everyone to be clear on what you are getting and agree on what options make your investment complete.