Replacement Windows: Which Glass Should you Consider?

It's vital to choose the best kind of replacement window glass for your climate. The NFRC label on a window includes information about the glass and every contractor or window retailer uses this label to rate a window. This label will tell you how well your window would be, both energy efficient wise and how well it will hold up in the long run.

• Double-paned (double-glazed) windows have two layered panes of glass. The air in the space between the panes serves as insulation. All single pane windows are a thing of the past now.

• Triple-glazed windows have three layered panes and provide even better insulation.

• Gas-filled windows are double- or triple-paned and have a gas like argon or krypton filling the space between the panes of glass; the gas provides better insulation than just a layer of air does, because the gas is heavier than air. The NFRC label will list what type of gas in used for that particular window.

• Warm-edge spacers (sometimes called warm-edge technology) hold the panes of glass in a double- or triple-paned window apart. They are made of a material that reduces heat transfer and improves insulation. Foam is sometimes used as insulation as well.

• Low-E (low-emissivity) glass is coated with a transparent metal film that reflects heat. Low-E coatings reflect radiant heat off the inside of the windows and back into the house to help keep it warm in the winter. Most low-E coatings also reflect some of the sun's heat off the outside of the windows, limiting how much of it enters the house.

• High-performance glazing is glass that has several features designed to make it more energy efficient, such as two or three low-E gas-filled panes with warm-edge spacers.

• Visible transmittance measures how much visible light comes through a window on a scale of 0 to 1.The higher the number, the more visible light you'll receive. You can find the (VT) on the NFRC label.

                         Have a few more questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact us:

 

 

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The Advantage of Double-Hung Windows

There are many options to consider when purchasing replacement windows for your home. If you’re looking for windows that provide great ventilation, frame a fantastic view and are classic, then consider double-hung windows.

The movable sashes, of the double-hung window, move either up or down to provide the best ventilation for your home. Opening from the top or the bottom, they are also a safe window for children, because you can leave the top open and have the bottom sash closed.

Double-hung windows are a classic window style that looks great with a wide variety of homes. We also offer accessories such as different types of interior finishes, hardware and grilles to add design appeal to your windows.

At Aspen Home Improvements, our double-hung windows are offered with either a dual glaze or triple glaze, and have one of the lowest U-Values on the market. While some double-hung windows can be a hassle to clean, our replacement double-hung windows are created to tilt in for easy maintenance and cleaning.

If you would like to learn more about double-hung windows, please contact us:

What Options to Consider when Shopping for New Windows

Shopping for New Windows?

    

There are plenty of options to consider when replacing your old windows in your home. The different styles of windows and the materials that they are composed of will impact how energy efficient they are. Read a window’s NFRC label, also known as it’s “report card” which will tell you how efficient your window is.

·        Are New Windows Cost Effective?

·        Window Options

·        Check the Label

·        Where do I Learn More?

 Are New Windows Cost Effective?

Window companies will sometimes exaggerate the truth when they say that their windows will help to lower your utility bill. The truth is the money you could save depends on several factors:

·        how well your home is insulated

·        how large your home is, how high the ceilings are and how many windows it has

·        the amount of shade surrounding your home

·        the climate your home is located in

Depending on the materials and features you choose, will determine how well your window will save you money and help to lower your utility bills.

Window Options

The materials, style, glazing, and installation that you choose could have a big impact on your utility bill. And some features, like low maintenance, make new replacement windows more appealing to older ones you may have.

Materials

Different window frame materials can affect the appearance, durability, and insulation of your window. For instance, Vinyl-frame windows insulate well, and require no painting.

Style

The style of a window can affect how much energy you can save and add curb appeal to your home. Double-hung, and sliding windows leak more air than casement, awning windows, but will provide better ventilation.

Glazing and Glass Technologies

Certain window glazes and glass help to reduce condensation and provide better insulation. For example, our windows with low-emissivity (low-e) coatings are often are more energy efficient than windows without it. Our replacement windows also offer 11 layers of heat reflective coatings to provide better insulation for your home.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Some materials, like tilt-in sashes found with double-hung windows, make windows easier to care for. Vinyl and composite frames are also low maintenance and easy to clean.

Installation

Insulation in new windows is key on saving you energy for your home. Our windows are installed with foam filled insulated extrusions, as well as our Heatseal Spacer to provide better insulation for your home.

Check the Label

Look for the National Fenestration Rating Council’s window label when you’re shopping for new replacement windows. It can help you compare how well a window blocks cold/heat, provides ventilation; allows sunlight to filter in; and reduces condensation.

 

These ratings measure how well a window blocks cold, heat and outside air:

·        U-factor: Rates how well a window prevents heat from escaping through a window. Ours is one of the lowest on the market at a .25.

·        Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): Rates how much heat from the sun is allowed in.

·        Air Leakage: The closer this number is to 0.1, the more outside air leaks in. Range: 0.1 — 0.3

Visible Transmittance ratings measure how well a window allows light to filter in:

·        The closer this number is to 1 the more light the window lets in. Range: 0 — 1

Condensation Resistance ratings measure how well a window reduces condensation:

·        The closer this number is to 100, the better the window is at resisting condensation. Range: 1 — 100

Where Do I Find More Information?

For any questions you may have, please contact us at: 

 

Custom Replacement Windows

Summer is finally here, and getting the most of that wonderful sun without allowing all of its heat to filter into your house is important. Custom replacement windows can help allow the sunlight to enter into any room, while keeping your home nice and cool.

Custom replacement windows are designed to fit each window opening in your home so that each window fits in perfectly with your room’s style. Using custom replacement windows can help you change the interior look of the room to best suit your design style, from a traditional and cozy bay window nook, complete with a window seat, to beautiful double-hung windows with decorative grilles.

Our selection of custom windows comes with many design features, both exterior and interior to suit your needs. You can choose from several interior/exterior color combinations, beautiful hardware finishes, such as Brushed Nickel, and a wide selection of grille patterns.

Learn more about our custom replacement window options by contacting us:

The Benefits of Replacement Windows

Return on Investment

Replacement windows are one of the largest return on investment (ROI) of any home improvement project. According to Remodeling Magazine Cost Value Report 2013, ROI is about 71.2% for replacement windows nation wide, if you decide to sell your house. When your home is sold, you are able to see an increase in your home’s value

2.  Home Comfort

When it comes to thermal efficiency, replacement windows are one of the best ways to achieve this. A home that is cool in the summer is an often overlooked element of comfort when deciding to purchase replacement windows.

Did you know that Energy Star rated windows offer protection from the sun’s intense rays during the hot summer months? With the right replacement windows, you will be able to reduce the level of the sun’s rays into your home, allowing your utility bill to drop by 40%.

3.  Energy Savings

Replacing your old windows, with double plane and dual or triple glazed glass, you can reduce the loss of energy from the windows. Reducing this energy loss will save money with the utility bills that you pay.

5.  Curb Appeal

Replacement windows can increase your home’s curb appeal and add value to it. New windows are sought after feature by prospective buyers and will set your home apart from the rest because they are one of the first items that a potential buyer would see. Old windows can possibly need a great deal of intensive maintenance, which can put off potential buyers. Beautiful replacement windows only add to your home’s aesthetics

6.  Low Maintenance

The problem with many of the older model windows is that they require great deal of upkeep. New replacement windows offer many different assortments of styles and designs in window types that require very low maintenance. These windows are also designed to last a lifetime.


For any other questions you may have, please contact us:

Window Treatments- The Most Energy Efficient

Exterior Blinds

Made of wood, steel, aluminum, or vinyl, exterior blinds are constructed above the replacement window.  When you lower the blinds, their slats come together and allow for shade. When raised, the blinds allow ventilation and sunlight to filter in through the replacement windows.

Draperies

To either reduce heat loss during the summer months or gain it during winter depends on fabric type (closed or open weave) and color. With such a wide variety of draperies available, it's easy to find draperies that will help save you energy.

During summer days, you should close draperies on windows receiving direct sunlight to prevent heat gain. Because of their pleats that let out heat, draperies are one of the best energy efficient window treatments for the summer.

Mesh Window Screens

Mesh window screens can reduce heat gain caused by sunlight during the summer months. Screens should cover the entire window have found to be very effective on replacement windows facing both east and west.

Overhangs

Roof overhangs can shade south-facing windows from the heat of the summer. If displayed properly, overhangs will allow the sunlight to filter in through the replacement windows during the winter, allowing warmth to enter your home.

Window awnings, or lattice-type panels can be great alternatives for existing homes, because unfortunately adding a roof overhang to an already constructed house can be quite difficult.

Shades

An effective and low cost energy saver would be shades.
Shades should be mounted as close to the glass as possible with the sides of the shade held close to the wall to establish a sealed air space. You should lower shades on sunlit windows in the summer.

Dual shades—white on one side and dark on the other-- that can be reversed for summer versus winter. The reflective surface (white) faces the warmest side—outward during winter and inward during summer.

To be effective, they should be drawn when the window is not in use.
Quilted roller shades and  Roman shades control ventilation more effectively than other window treatments, due to the fabric that they are comprised of.

Shutters

Window shutters—both interior and exterior—can help reduce heat from entering your home.
Interior shutters open on either side of the window, so you’ll need to have that portion of the wall clear.

Shutters require hardware that is attached to the replacement window jams or trim. Exterior shutters provide the best window insulation system and they have a few benefits like security and protection against the weather.

Exterior shutters have to be built into your home's structure and their mounting and hinging will require a consultant’s opinion for new construction.
Like window blinds, louvered shutters are most beneficial in the summer months. Movable or fixed louvers provide ventilation and sunlight to filter into a room, but block the sun’s intense rays

For greater insulation, combine shutters with other window treatments like draperies.

For any other questions you may have, please contact us:

Different types of Replacement Windows

Don't know which type of window would best suit your home? Here is a variety of different styles of replacement windows that you could select from.

Awning WindowsAwning windows are designed to both let in sunlight and a breeze. Awnings can also be opened slightly to allow ventilation.

Casement WindowsCasement windows open outward, as opposed to sliding up and down, and let in fresh air. They're tightly sealed for energy efficiency and are designed for those hard-to-reach places, for instance in the kitchen over the sink.

Double Hung WindowsDouble hung windows allow for the top of the window to be open, while the bottom pane stays closed. They provide great ventilation and are easy to clean, because they tilt in.

.Picture WindowsPicture windows provide great views of the outdoors because they are mostly composed of glass. They're best in areas of your home where ventilation isn't a concern, because they are permanently sealed shut against your walls.

Bay WindowsBay windows multiple views allow light to come in from a variety of angles. In addition, the sides of the bay window can be opened for air circulation into your home.

Sliding Windows
Sliding windows are a great space saver for your home and easily slide either left or right to let in a breeze. They provide great ventilation and let in sunlight.

We hope you've found what you're searching for. We advise you to consult with a professional for installation of replacement windows. Please feel free to contact us for any questions you may have:

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.

















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