Windows. They’re all the same. It’s glass surrounded by frame material, right?
Wrong. We get a lot of great questions from listeners on the cusp of making an investment in new windows and if there is one thing we’ve learned, it’s that few people understand the nuance of the product, the installers, and the selling retailer.
Quality products, properly installed, should last decades with very little maintenance, so it pays to shop for the right units from the best installers you can find.
Consider the frame. A lot is being made regarding the type of material you should seek. Is it strong enough to hold an elephant? Does it matter?
“My husband and I are considering new windows for our thirty-year old house. Is there a good reason we should not purchase a vinyl frame?”
Today, you can obtain windows in a variety of frame materials including various wood species, vinyl, fiberglass, and fiberglass composites. Higher-end vinyl windows are made of “first-use” or virgin vinyl. In some cases, the extrusions are reinforced with a fiberglass thread. Virgin vinyl is more consistent in color, density, and strength and holds welds extremely well.
We would not hesitate to invest in a quality vinyl frame product from a great retailer.
“Isn’t the glass all the same no matter what window you buy?”
No, it is not. Thicker panes are offered by some retailers that provide more sound reduction and are stronger over time.
“One company we spoke with made a big deal out of the spacer between the pieces of glass. What difference does a spacer make?”
In a double-pane window the two pieces of glass are separated and sealed at the edges by a spacer. Less expensive units will use aluminum versus a softer material that flexes with temperature change and provides better thermal insulation.
“I keep reading about these various elements they seal in a double-pane window. Does it make any difference?”
Yes, glass is not thermally efficient — it lets a lot of heat move through it. We slow that down with multiple panes and films placed on the glass to reduce heat transfer. We also use gases like Argon to accomplish the same thing because heat will be conducted less quickly through this material.
“Aren’t all replacement windows built specifically for the opening they will occupy?”
No, they are not. Some companies pre-build standard-sized units they can make fit in openings by increasing the size of trim and caulk while decreasing the effective glass size — this saves them money and, arguably, makes the completed installation less attractive.
“Tempered glass is expensive. Can we opt out of using it for our new windows and patio door?”
No, you cannot. The law requires use of tempered glass in specific applications like larger units, door walls, windows proximate to doors or floors, etc. This is a safety issue that cannot be compromised.
“How important is the installation process. When the house was built, didn’t the framing crew install all the windows and doors?”
Professional installation is critical to the long-term performance of windows.
There are basically two types of replacement, a full pocket where they completely remove the old unit and replace it, or the more common removal of the sashes where you leave the old window frame in place and don’t touch existing trims inside or out. In this second scenario, you will lose a little glass area depending on the installing company.
Proper sizing and installation are critical aspects of the procedure that impact aesthetics and function. Specialized crews should be employed for such tasks and the expertise demonstrated will affect the windows for many years.
All of this leads to the warranty supplied by the retailer. It should be furnished directly by them and should be clear regarding what is, and is not, covered. Read it carefully. One of the criteria The Guys look for with our preferred vendors is a lifetime, non-prorated warranty that covers any potential product failure and, in some cases, even owner abuse.
If you have questions or concerns after the installation, you want to deal directly with the people that sold and installed the product.
Just one more great reason to deal only with professionals like those you can find every day at Insideoutsideguys.com
Listen to the Inside Outside Guys every Saturday and Sunday on AM 760-WJR from 10 a.m.-noon or contact us at insideoutsideguys.com.
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: The Inside Outside Guys: How to pick the right windows for your home
Reporting by Ken Calverley and Chuck Breidenstein, The Inside Outside Guys / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Ken Calverley and Chuck Breidenstein, The Inside Outside Guys | USA TODAY Network
