Are you considering replacing your old windows? You may have heard that new windows are a worthwhile investment in your home. You may have also heard that new windows can significantly reduce your energy bills. Both are true, among many other great reasons to upgrade your windows.
Do you know what to look for when choosing new windows? There are so many different types and styles of windows, it can be overwhelming when you try to choose. Start by looking for these 6 qualities of good replacement windows.
1. Durable Material
Windows are made primarily of glass, but the material that holds the glass in place is very important. There are many different window materials, such as wood, vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum. All of these materials have their advantages and disadvantages. But when it comes to investing in windows, you want them to be durable enough to last and make your investment worthwhile.
2. Quality Insulation
Good replacement windows have high quality insulation. Insulation is key to keeping warmth in or out, depending on the season. Are your old windows drafty? Do you feel colder when you’re near a window in the winter and warmer near a window in the summer? That’s a sign of insufficient window insulation, which is quite common for old windows. Make sure the new windows you choose are well-insulated.
3. High Efficiency
Window insulation is the biggest factor in efficiency. One of the ways window efficiency is measured is through solar heat gain coefficient (SHGF), which refers to the amount of heat that passes through the glass. It is expressed as a ratio or a decimal between 0 and 1. Look for an SHGF of 0.25 or less, according to Energy Star recommendations.
4. Low Maintenance
Do you want windows that constantly need to be painted, resealed, or repaired? Most likely your answer is no, which means good replacement windows are low maintenance. Ideally, windows should need to be cleaned only once a year, if that, depending on your personal cleanliness standards. Look for windows that can be tilted inward for easy cleaning. You don’t want to have to climb a ladder to clean the windows on your second floor. Durable window materials with quality insulation should not require resealing very often, maybe just every few years.
5. Beauty
You also want your windows to look beautiful and professional. High quality replacement windows will enhance the appearance of your home and improve curb appeal. If you have a historic house or a specific window style in mind, choose windows that will achieve the look you want for your home.
6. Value
Do you want your new windows to be affordable? It is possible to choose windows that are a good value. Value doesn’t necessarily mean the lowest priced windows you can find. It means getting the best possible windows for a reasonable price. If you want a certain type of window, get multiple quotes before choosing a brand and an installer. The highest price doesn’t always mean the best quality, and the lowest price doesn’t always suggest poor quality.
What Are the Best Replacement Windows?
Fiberglass edges out other popular window materials in essentially every category mentioned above. When it comes to durability, fiberglass is extremely strong, more so than vinyl or wood. Fiberglass provides the best insulation and efficiency of any other type, with an SHGF twice as low as Energy Star’s basic requirements. Fiberglass is low maintenance, only requiring occasional cleaning with soap and water. It provides the posh look of wood windows without the constant repainting that wood requires.
Zen Windows Twin Cities Offers the Best Value on Replacement Windows
In terms of value, you will find that fiberglass windows tend to be one of the most expensive options. However, when you compare other fiberglass windows with the ones we offer at Zen Windows, you’ll find that ours are more affordable. Our top quality fiberglass windows are on par with the price of the best quality vinyl windows from other window companies.
How do we offer top quality windows at such low prices? We don’t sacrifice quality to entice customers with lower prices. We wouldn’t stay in business long if we did. We operate our business efficiently with low overhead so that we can pass the savings on to you.
Call (763) 286-6871 today or request a 5 minute window quote. We look forward to helping you improve your home with beautiful replacement windows.
