Trending: Double Hung Windows

Are you planning to replace your windows soon?

Windows are very susceptible to wear and tear due to constant use. If you want more durable and easy to use windows, take a look at some of the advantages of choosing double hung windows for your home.

Ease of Use

Due to its flexible sash design, double-hung windows are very easy to use. You can tilt each side without the worry of damaging or breaking the glass.

Aspen Home Improvements uses the latest window technology from Starmark and Insul-tec 500 that makes the glass materials durable and resistant to breakage or damage.

A Wide Range Of Styles

Double-hung windows come in variety of styles and designs that cater to a wider range of customers who have unique window needs.

Whether you have a modern, conventional, or a stylish home, you will be able to find a replacement window that will be the best match for your style preferences, complementing the look of your home.

Simple Cleaning & Maintenance

Another great advantage of double-hung windows are that they give homeowner the ease of window maintenance.

You can easily rotate and tilt the upper and lower sash of each double hung window, making it easier to clean the surface - even from inside your home!

Are you ready for an upgrade your home with double hung windows? Let our experts at Aspen Home Improvements help you choose the perfect selection for your home!

And don’t forget about our Fall Special: Buy 4 Windows, Get 1 Free! Hurry, this deal won’t last much longer. Set up your consultation today!

Low-E and Argon Gas for Energy Efficient Windows

What is Low E and Argon Gas and why is it important for windows?

Low-E stands for low emissivity and is a new advancement in glass technology. Low E is composed of  transparent layers of metal oxide, that is then applied to the glass of the windows. In warmer temperatures, Low E helps to protect you from excess heat and harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun, therefore keeping your home cooler. In colder temperatures, the Low E coating allows heat rays from the sun to pass through, helping to warm your home. Regardless of the outside temperature, Low E glass helps reduce the costs needed to heat or cool your home.

Argon gas is a colorless, odorless gas found in our atmosphere. Argon gas is denser than air therefore, by replacing the air inside of the sealed insulating glass window with Argon, the gas provides better insulation for your home.

 

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Replacement Window Safety

Replacement windows are a vital part of your home – they provide great views, let in sunshine, and are a great way to enjoy a summer breeze. However, windows can also help save lives.

Windows provide an escape route from your home in the case of an emergency. Here are some important safety tips you should consider:

• One way to provide a safe landing when exiting through a window is plant shrubs under windows when landscaping. The soft shrubs could help to break a fall if you need to use the windows to exit a house fire.
• Make sure your windows are closed and locked, especially if your home has children.
• If you need ventilation, and have a double hung window, open just the upper portion of the window, so that your children cannot reach it.
• Keep any beds or furniture away from the window, so that young children will not be able to climb on them near the window. These objects could also interfere with your ability to exit a home in case of an emergency.
• Keep all window treatments, out of your child’s reach.

In addition to window safety, follow general safety rules for you and your family. Determine a family escape plan and practice it regularly. Also, check your smoke detectors often and consider adding a carbon monoxide detector to help keep you and your family safe.

For more home safety tips and information, visit the National Safety Council. Enjoy your windows safely!

Have any questions? Please feel free to contact us:

Aspen Home Improvements Announces iPad Giveaway!

GIVEAWAY: Receive a FREE iPad with the purchase of 7 windows, installed by Aspen Home Improvements!

 

Visit our site: http://aspenwindows.com/offers.html for information about our iPad giveaway.

Historic Renovation with Replacement Windows

Renovating a historic building has some great benefits, but also a few challenges along the way. Here’s a quick and helpful guide to help you with your project:

Historical Research

Familiarize yourself with your home’s architectural style and in which period it was built. Learn about the different types and styles of windows, doors and other details that were used at that time. Your local library or historical society might have some information and records of your home and community.

Check Local and Federal Laws

Every state has a Historic Preservation Office (HPO) that has information on restoration. The HPO will also have info about procedures and compliance for local building codes. Contact your local building department for info on Home Preservation Laws and to answer any questions you may have.

National Register of Historic Places

Is your home a part of the National Register of Historic Places? This list is composed of buildings, cities, districts and sites, significant to American history. You may need to follow federal regulations about preservation and may be eligible for additional benefits, such as tax credits, if your building is registered.

Find a Contractor

Research and locate restoration experts in your area. Make sure to check their references and ask to view some of their other homes that they have restored.

Look for Funding

You may qualify for a grant or loan or reservation easement. Research your options and contact your local accountant for advice on different funding options and tax incentives. Aspen Home Improvements offers a wide variety of replacement windows and custom front doors to make your renovation perfect and more energy efficient. We can also match colors and styles, depending upon what you require for your historical renovation.

Energy Efficiency

Upgrading your single-pane windows to double-pane improves efficiency and lowers utility bills. Also having a composite or vinyl window frame instead of wood, allows you to not have to worry about your windows peeling or rotting and makes them easy to clean.

 

For more information please contact us at http://aspenwindows.com/contact-us.html for any questions you may have.

Cleaning your Windows

Summer is just around the corner and it’s important to make sure that your windows sparkle and let in sunlight to your home. To make sure that your replacement windows shine, here are a few tips as you go about your cleaning chores:

1)      Make sure that you select a cloudy day for your window cleaning because direct sunlight can dry the cleaning solution, causing streaks on your windows.

2)      Wash both the interior and exterior panes of the replacement window for a thorough cleaning!

3)      Instead of using cloth or paper towels for cleaning, choose a rubber-edged squeegee for a more effective and faster method of cleaning.

4)      Once you have begun washing the window, start from the top to avoid any drips.

5)      Place a cloth at the bottom of the window to catch any drips and protect the replacement window frame.

6)      Wash one side of the window with horizontal strokes and the exterior of the window with vertical ones to determine if the window has any streaks.

7)      After you have finished washing your window, dry the sills with cloth to help protect the frame.

We understand that window cleaning can be tedious, that’s why Aspen Home Improvements has made sure that our replacement windows are easy to clean and are low maintenance. Learn more about our replacement windows on our site, http://www.aspenwindows.com/windows.html

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When Should you Consider Replacing your Windows?

Are your windows still working properly or are they ready to be replaced? How do you know when it’s time to replace your home’s windows? You should consider exchanging your windows for newer ones if:

1.    Your heating/cooling bills have increased

Advancements in technology in the past few decades has given homeowners much more improved energy-efficient options. Our quality replacement windows offer significant energy savings and help to lower your utility bill costs.

2.       It’s difficult to open/close your windows

A window that is hard to open or close could be because of warping, wood rot or water damage. These problems are hard to fix and in these instances, replacement windows would be a better option.

3.       Your windows are only single-pane

Single pane windows lack the technology, insulation and energy-efficiency of double-pane windows. The Low-E gas in between the 2 panes of glass helps to keep a home warm during the winter and cool during the summer. Installing double-pane windows will automatically lower your utility bill and reduce any noise from outdoors.

4.       Your home is overly warm in the summer and cold in the winter

Replacement windows that are technologically advanced help to eliminate drafts in winter and keep your house cool in the summer. The glass of replacement windows also reduces sun exposure in the summer, as to not allow any sun bleaching of your furniture.

5.       Your existing windows are difficult to maintain

Older windows are high maintenance and may require repainting or repairing. Replacement windows are easy to maintain and clean. Composite and vinyl windows also will not rot or peel.

 Aspen Home Improvements is always available for any questions you may have. Visit our website for more information: http://www.aspenwindows.com/index.html

How can I Prevent Condensation on my Windows?

Condensation forms on windows when the window is at a lower temperature than that of the dew point in the air. If condensation forms on your windows in the summer it is usually only a temporary problem that will go away once the temperature rises outside during the morning. But if it occurs during winter, detrimental problems can occur such as, warping, mold and wood rot around your frames.

 

Here is a list of tips that can help you prevent this from happening:

1  1)   Open the Window Treatments: Opening any window treatments that you have, allows sunlight to filter in and warm you window, preventing condensation.

2  2)   Let Warm Air Contact the Window: By having either a heater or air vents below the window, the interior of the window will warm up and therefore discourage condensation

3  3)   Dehumidifiers & Humidifiers: If condensation is forming on your windows, turn your humidifiers off to let the air dry out in your home. You can also use a dehumidifier to draw out the moisture from a room.

4  4)   Air Infiltration: Inspect your windows for any cracks that allow air in from outside. Caulking areas that have this problem will help to prevent condensation from forming.

5  5)   Replacement Windows: Replacing your old windows with more technologically advanced ones helps to keep your home better insulated and stops air infiltration from happening. By installing replacement windows that are double-pane, instead of single-pane, reduces the condensation from forming because the glass on the interior is warmer than the exterior glass on the outside of the home.

In some cases condensation cannot be prevented, and in this situation, replacement windows should be installed.  Our experts at Aspen Home Improvements will show you how we can make your home more energy-efficient – and free of condensation – with our replacement windows. For any other questions you may have, www.aspenwindows.com would be glad to help!

Frequent Questions asked about Replacement Windows

Considering a window replacement project? Here are a few common questions answered

1)      Question: What is a replacement window?

This is a custom built window that is engineered to fill the opening of the existing window. It is built in a way that it fills the space perfectly, and can be installed without disturbing the area around the window.

Because custom built replacement windows are created to fill the space perfectly, they provide better insulation which lends to a reduction in energy costs. Replacement windows are made in accordance to the consumers needs and come in a variety of designs and styles.

By installing custom replacement windows instead of stock windows, you don’t have to tear out siding or brick to fit the window to the existing space.

Overall, replacement windows are more energy efficient, easier to maintain and will help lower your energy costs.

2)      Question: Do replacement windows really pay for themselves over time?

If you select energy-efficient and high-quality windows, they will save you money. Our windows have been tested to save over 45% in heating/cooling costs for your home because they are custom built to provide you with the best efficiency. Composite or vinyl replacement windows are also easy to clean and require very little maintenance.

These maintenance and energy savings allow you a return on your investment for the purchase of your replacement windows and will increase the value of your home.

3)      Question: How are replacement windows easier to clean than older windows?

Most of today’s high-quality windows are designed to be easier to clean. An example of this is our double-hung replacement windows which allow a homeowner to move both sashes up and down for easy cleaning. They also tilt in so that you are able to clean both panels of glass. These newer replacement windows are quite different from older ones which don’t tilt in and only have one sash that moves up and down.

 

For any other questions you may have, please feel free to contact us at www.aspenwindows.com or email us at aspenwindows@gmail.com

How to Read a Replacement Window Label

Each replacement window that you select for your home has a label from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) that provides ratings of energy performance. The NFRC is a non-profit organization that “administers the only uniform, independent rating and labeling system for the energy performance of windows, doors, skylights, and attachments.”   (www.nfrc.org)

1)      U-Factor

This measures how well a window is insulated and how energy-efficient it is. This includes the window frame, spacer and glazing. The lower the U-factor, the more energy-efficient the window is. For example, a U-factor of .30 is the minimum requirement for a window to be considered efficient. Anything above .30 is not efficient and will cost you more money in the long run. For instance, our windows have a U-factor of .25, one of the lowest and most energy-efficient rated windows on the market.

2)      Solar Heat Gain Coefficient

The (SHGC) measures how well the window blocks heat caused by sunlight from entering your home. This number is between 0 and 1, and the lower the SHGC, the less heat will filter into your home.

3)      Visible Transmittance

(VT) measures how much light is allowed to enter through the window and is expressed between 0 and 1. The higher the VT number, the more light will be able to filter through the replacement window.

4)      Air Leakage

The lower the Air Leakage rating, the less air flows through the openings of the replacement window assembly. This is not always shown.

5)      Condensation Resistance

The CR measures how well the replacement window repels condensation forming on its interior panels. The CR is indicated by a number between 0 and 100, and the higher the rating, the better the window is considered at repelling condensation. This also is not always shown on the label.

6)      C.E.C Air Infiltration Standards

CEC stands for the California Energy Commission, the state’s energy policy agency that through appliance and building standards, promotes energy-efficiency.

7)      WDMA

This stands for Window & Door Manufacturers Association and defines the standards of superiority for the window, door and skylight industry. The WDMA provides excellent resources and professional programs to help businesses in the industry provide greater value to consumers.

8)      Hallmark Certified

The WDMA Hallmark is considered a mark of superior work among contractors and architects and is accepted throughout the industry.

 

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What is a Replacement Window Comprised of? Window Anatomy

What is a window made up of? Read on for the anatomy of our windows, whether they be double hung windows, vinyl sliding windows or casement windows.

Style:

Awning: These windows open out from the bottom, and swing upward. They are also are hinged at the top.

Bay: A replacement bay window has a center panel, parallel to the wall with side panels that are stationed at 30 to 45 degree angles.

Bow- This window has 4 or more adjoining windows that are installed in a way that gives the appearance of a rounded wall.

Casement: Offering the most ventilation, these windows are hinged on either the left or right, and open outward.

Double-hung: Double hung replacement windows have a lower and upper sash that slide alongside one another, providing ventilation for both the top and bottom of the window frame. The upper and lower slash can also tilt in, which makes  vinyl double hung windows easy to clean.

Fixed: Fixed windows, also known as “picture” windows, come in a wide variety of shapes and can be paired alongside other windows.

Single-hung: This window is composed of a stationary upper slash, while the lower slash has the ability to move upward.

Sliding: Vinyl sliding windows have one sash that will not be able to move, while the other sash moves either right or left on tracks.

Material:

Aluminum: A cost effective alternative to wood, aluminum is both lightweight and strong. It does well in most climates and is corrosion-resistant.

Composite: A combination of pvc polymers and wood fiber, the composite window is strong, durable, requires no painting and will not rot.

Vinyl: Known for its durability, it will withstand most climates and is energy efficient. It will also never fade, peel or rot like other materials might.

Wood: Made from fir, mahogany, alder or pine, each has their own unique characteristic.

Clad-Wood: A casing of metal surrounds the wood, keeping these windows low maintenance and requires no painting.

Have other questions about the anatomy of a replacement window? Contact us: www.aspenwindows.com and we'll be sure to help!

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What is a Double Hung Window?

A double hung window has both a lower and an upper sash in one frame. A double hung replacement window has the ability to have both its upper and lower slash slide vertically against one another, allowing the upper and lower part of the window frame to be open. The space that double hung windows create in their frame allows for an increase in ventilation for the home.


These windows are popular because they are versatile in both appearance and use. Aspen's double hung windows, made by Starmark,  are composed of either vinyl or composite. They are easy to maintain because they require no paint and have the ability to be cleaned from both the inside and out. Aspen Home Improvement, who is experienced in replacement windows for Lancaster Pa, will also install your vinyl double hung windows efficiently. These energy-efficient and low maintenance windows are also stylish as well. They are ideal for homes with large walls, as they can be used in groups of 2 or 3 and come with the availability of grilles. Aspen's vinyl double hung windows can also be paired along with picture windows for a different look all together.

















Check out our site for any other questions you may have: http://www.aspenwindows.com/index.html