Insider Info on Replacing Your Windows or Glass

After many years of being a window and glass contractor, the glaziers here at Superior Replacement Windows have learned a thing or two about upgrading or retrofitting windows and sliding glass doors. If you are looking for some straight answers to help make your window remodeling project go smooth, below are some basics to consider that will save you time and money.

Various Types of Windows to Consider

Window Replacement Options for Glendale Homes

Single and Double Hung Windows

According to Greeley Window Company, the most popular and trendy windows are single and double hung windows. They are also the most common and can be operated easily by moving the bottom window panel. To meet fire code, there needs to be one egress window in bedrooms and rooms that are closed off to the other escape routes in the home. For rooms where an egress window is not required, a lot of homeowners, especially in the Glendale, AZ area are choosing to have picture windows that are immovable.

Picture Windows

Picture windows allow unobstructed views of the mountains or other scenic environments surrounding the home.  Large, square and rectangular windows best fit cubic structures that is popular in the foothills and mountainous areas of Glendale. Frank Lloyd Wright was famous for designing minimal homes that adapt to the desert environment of the Glendale area.

Casement Windows

To allow your desert home to breath and circulate air during the winter months when the temperature allows it, you should consider is casement windows that swing out to the side or up to be opened. This helps offer a less obstructed view of the outside, creating a transparent atmosphere in your home.

Sliding Glass Doors

Sliding glass doors are very popular in the back of the home where living spaces lead to patios. Sliding patio doors add a touch of modernity to any home and allow unobstructed views of the backyard landscape. Typical sliding glass doors have two sections that are actually made from single windows and are made from tempered glass to avoid injuries when broken. One of them slides horizontally over the other to be opened or closed and the design can be expanded to include multiple sections to open up a larger section of the wall.

Skylights

Skylight windows, meanwhile, are also fashionable and desirable in any modern home. They help you add more natural light to the room they are placed in. It is especially helpful when you have limited choices with your exterior walls. It is usually placed on the roof at a slant and requires window installation similar to a roof vent.

PVC vs Aluminum Window Frames

They help improve the thermal resistance of your home, contributing to the overall energy efficiency of your house. The most common type is aluminum or metal frames. While they look good and add personality, they conduct heat very rapidly, resulting in poor insulation for your home.

If you are looking for excellent insulation and energy efficient windows, fiberglass and vinyl frames are your best bets. The former is extremely stable and have air cavities that are filled with insulation. Vinyl frames also have hollow cavities, making them great for insulation.

Glass Options

Glass type, color and coatings are also quite important if you take into account energy efficiency. Making a good choice depends on a number of factors, with climate being the most important one. Insulated window glazing is best for those in extreme climates where hot and cold temperatures vary widely over the course of the four seasons. UV coatings or low-e coatings work brilliantly for warmer climates as they filter out about 40 to 70 percent of the heat. In Glendale, having low-e coatings is necessary on all windows that receive direct sunlight. Clear glass may still be used for windows that are shaded or in patio areas.

Retrofit Window Installation

This is entirely dependent on your home. If you live in an old or a historical house and want to preserve its style, it is a better idea to retrofit new windows. This means that exterior materials do not need to be removed. It is much easier on the budget and requires far less time.

New window installation requires the removal of exterior materials from your home, letting the builder place a new frame and related materials in it. While this allows you to be creative about the sizing and shape of your new windows, it requires a lot of time and energy and the help of a professional. It is very difficult to do this by yourself. Always ask for advice from a window installation professional; they will tell you which one is best for your home.

If you have any questions regarding selection of windows or to schedule a free consultation with one of our window replacement experts, please contact us.