Whether you are building your home or renovating it, one area that you don’t want to overlook is the windows. Windows are often an area of the home that can result in energy inefficiencies when the wrong type of materials are selected.
How to choose windows that are best suited for your home requires determining your needs, budget, and aesthetic needs. There are also several factors to consider, including:
New vs. Replacement Windows
New windows are well-suited for new construction, home additions, and when existing window frames need to be replaced. A new window and frame are installed into the opening where the existing window is located. The existing frame also must be removed before installing new windows.
Replacement windows are better suited when the existing frame is in decent shape. The replacement windows should fit neatly into the existing space where the current windows are located. The current windows are removed and then the replacements are installed.
The costs for new windows can be more than replacement windows since you must remove the existing window frame. It may also be necessary to remove siding and other exterior materials to remove the old frame, which can increase costs.
Select the Right Window Style
Once you decide whether you want new or replacement windows, you will need to choose the right window style. There are all sorts of window styles to choose from, such as picture windows, single and dual-hung windows, casement windows, bay windows, awning windows, and pull-out windows.
The key to selecting the right window style is finding the ones that will fit into the existing space if you are getting replacement windows. With new windows, you have a bit more flexibility for new construction and major renovation projects.
Select the Right Window Material
Windows are offered in different types of materials that will affect their overall performance and appearance. Some of the more popular materials include:
- Wrought Iron Windows
- Steel Windows
- Wood Windows
- Fiberglass Windows
- Composite Windows
- Aluminum Windows
- Vinyl Windows
Each of these materials has its own pros and cons. It is worthwhile to do some research to find out which material is best for your home and your needs.
Select the Right Glass
The glass is probably the most important part of choosing the best new or replacement windows for your home. Your primary objective is to look for glass that has thermal properties to resist heat loss. Glass can have an E-rating, which is how well it resists heat loss. Other windows can have a U-value, which is another measure used to rate heat loss resistance.
You want windows with low E-ratings and U-values. You also want to look at the SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient) rating on the windows. This is how well the glass stops solar heat from entering the home. Again, you want windows with a low SHGC rating.
Other Considerations
As you narrow down your selections, there are a few other considerations to keep in mind. The first is cost. You want to make sure that the window will provide the energy-saving features you want, so cost should not be your main deciding factor.
Next, you want to match your windows to fit with the climate where you live. In northern states, you want windows that have superior thermal protection and the lowest heat-loss glass ratings. In southern states, where solar heat can quickly heat homes, you want glass with the lowest SHGC ratings.
Last, focus on the features and options that will add to your property value while increasing the energy efficiency of your home. For example, wrought iron windows will boost your property value and offers energy-efficient features.
For further information about wrought iron windows, steel windows, wrought iron doors, and related products, please feel free to browse online or contact Universal Iron Doors at 818-771-1003 today! We hand-craft each product using tried and trusted traditional methods and also offer custom-designed solutions.
