Replacing Windows
If you are considering replacement windows for your home, vinyl windows are very popular. They do not require much maintenance, do not have to be scraped, painted or replaced as often as wooden windows and they are easier to open and close in high humidity and in areas with great temperature fluctuation. You can get custom sizes which means that you do not have to change the size of the opening in the exterior wall of your home in order to accommodate a new window (and that is a big savings). Though the custom windows may be more expensive, they are still cheaper than doing major construction on an exterior wall of your home. If you like the look of wood, you can even get a vinyl finish that simulates the look of oak, cherry or other wood finishes. Wooden windows are made of solid wood or wood products in composite. You can order these with a brick mold trim, or a custom trim if you need to match existing trim, or you can choose to order them with no exterior trim. You can get them with a coat of primer, a finish coat or no paint or finish. Wooden windows are a favorite for some, but you will have to refinish and/or repaint the exterior frames every five years or so. Aluminum cladding windows have a layer of aluminum (usually over a wood foundation) to provide durability. You do not have the same variety of color options you may have with vinyl or wood. True aluminum windows are made aluminum with no wooden core. The insulating value is not great, so you will not find many people using these solid aluminum window frames. Like aluminum cladding, vinyl cladding windows are vinyl coated (typically over wood) and these are quite durable. When you shop for windows, look at the ‘U value’ of the window (the metric of heat loss and heat gain) and try to find the lowest U value. You don’t need the most expensive windows on the market. But there is a range of quality in windows, so be sure to talk to your supplier about the quality and life span of the window you are considering. To achieve an ‘Energy Star’ certification, a window



must be tested and certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council, for each of the three climates specified in the U.S. . Installing a window is not something you will want to undertake as a novice. The window must be square, plumb and level. When you get a price for the windows you are ordering, you can usually also get a price for installation and you may wish to take this opportunity. The job will be finished more quickly by employees who have been trained to install a certain type of window and understand the factory standards and installation guidelines. If you plan to install your own windows, you will have to remove the old window, including the jamb and all parts so that only the wall framing is exposed. Measure the wall thickness (2 x 4 or 2 x 6, typically) and order the appropriate size jambs. You will also need to order one or more sashes (depending on the window). While every window opening may not allow for a wide choice of window options, there ARE many types of windows from which to choose: - a single window consists of side jambs, a top jam, a sill and the operating devices to open and close the window. - a double hung window has two sashes that slide along the side jambs. The bottom sash closes down on the windowsill and the top sash closes up, sitting flush against the top jamb. - slide windows are similar but the mechanisms are turned sideways so that they are horizontal instead of vertical. Casement windows have only one sash and opens outward by a crank handle or bar. - awning windows have a sash, which is hinged at the top jamb or sill and tilts out to open. - a transom window is a short awning window or a fixed sash window that is mounted on a casement or double hung window. - bay windows consist of one or more center sashes with a frame to push the window out beyond the depth of the wall at an angle. - bow windows are like bays but the window forms an arc that is gradual and rounded rather than coming out from the side of the structure at an angle or perpendicular to the house.


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