Vinyl Window Buying Guide What To Consider When Buying New Windows

Are you ready to replace drafty, leaky, or just plain old ugly windows? Make every dollar count by choosing Energy Star qualified windows. They will lower your heating and cooling bills, make a dramatic difference in the appearance of your home, and keep it cozy in all weather conditions.

How much money can you save? If you replace up to 300 square feet of your home's single pane windows with Energy Star qualified vinyl windows, you can pocket an estimated $465 in energy savings per year. Keep in mind that this savings range is based on Energy Star calculations.

Whether you're building, remodeling, or simply replacing old windows, the first thing to consider is the type of window needed to complete your project.  

Windows designed for all project types are perfect for new construction or renovation applications. These windows contain a nailing fin that allows you to attach the window directly to the frame of the house.

Replacement windows are easily installed within the frame of an existing wood window. Using exact fit replacement windows mean you won't have to disturb the window trim, paint, or the home's exterior which will save you money and time. They're perfect when you simply want to improve energy efficiency and don't plan on a significant remodeling project.

 

Window frames come in a variety of materials. Before you start your project, ask yourself a few key questions. Are you looking for a window that provides design flexibility to match your home decor? Is exceptional energy efficiency your main goal? Or, is the best answer, a window that offers energy efficiency at a great value.

Your window material choices:

Vinyl Windows: offer excellent insulation, energy efficiency, easy maintenance and tremendous value. Vinyl windows are most often white but are available in a variety of colors. They're typically easily installed and maintained.

Wood Windows: give a warm feeling and can be finished to perfectly match interior trim or coordinate with interior decor. Wood is also a natural insulator to keep out winter cold and summer heat. But wood windows require occasional maintenance.

Wood Clad Windows: offer the traditional beauty and insulating qualities of a wood frame window but exterior surfaces are protected with a low maintenance covering of vinyl, aluminum, or composite material. They come with interior surfaces unfinished, primed, or pre-finished. Wood clad windows offer the flexibility to match the interior surfaces to any decor while exterior surfaces come in a variety of pleasing colors. 

Aluminum Windows: are strong, durable, and last a long time. But they don't offer the insulating value of windows made from other materials.

(GSL PAINTING LLC highly recommends vinyl windows, the preferred choice of many satisfied customer.)

Choose your style from the following:

Double Hung Windows: Have top and bottom sashes that slide open for ventilation in any weather. Both sashes tilt open for easy cleaning on both sides of the glass.

Single Hung Windows: Have upper and lower sashes, but only the bottom sash opens and tilts for easy cleaning. The top sash remains stationary.

Sliding Windows: Have two vertical sashes, with one sash that slides left or right to provide ventilation. Sliding windows are perfect for difficult to reach areas such as over a bathtub or a kitchen sink.

Casement Windows: Have vertical sashes that crank open outward to a 90-degree angle, similar to a door. This makes for easier cleaning from the outside and allows for more glass per window making for better views. Casement window screens are inside the window frame for easy cleaning and removal. An easily accessible crank makes this style window also great for above kitchen sinks.

Awing Windows: Have a horizontal lower sash that swings outward from the bottom, allowing ventilation but keeping out rain and wind.

Bay Windows: Are banks of decorative casement windows, usually three or more that protrude out from the home's exterior walls at 30, 45, or 90-degree angles.

Similarly Bow Windows are a series of 4-5 casement windows, joined together to form a slight curve of 12.5 degrees.

Specialty Shaped Windows: Make a bold architectural statement. Manufacturers custom design these windows for a unique appearance.

Windows are not only allowed to bring the outdoors in, but they provide light and ventilation to your home. Because the style you choose affects how your window opens or closes, it's important to consider the window locations in your home when choosing your new windows.