If you are fortunate enough to be building your dream home or just have a strong desire to upgrade the home you already have there is simply nothing better than addressing the issue of what type of window you will use. However, it is important to choose the appropriate window for the weather wherever you reside. I have compiled some information to assist in your search which will enable you to purchase windows suited to your climate. The following are pointers that can enable the proper selection of window wherever you reside!

Whether you are involved in new construction or simply renovating, new windows make your home less drafty, quieter and easier to clean. Also, and this is a big one, eventually they will truly save on energy costs. However, it is important to choose windows appropriate for your climate. There are abundant choices available between brands and then framing and material selections to consider, as well. Recent Consumer Reports testing found which windows best repel rain and wind without leaking. Working with an outside lab they examined windows subjected to heavy, wind-driven rain and winds topping fifty miles-per-hour with outdoor temperatures from 0 to 70 degrees F. In particular, if your home is exposed to high winds and below normal cold temperatures look for windows rated for acceptable low-temperature wind resistance.

For example, if you live in a cold and rainy climate avoid windows constructed of aluminum. It has poor insulating properties and is unable to avert cold air from infiltrating into your home. Consumer Reports found the best choice for a window frame would be fiberglass; it is easier to maintain and sometimes even more attractive than vinyl frames. If you reside in a rainy environment be sure to choose windows and frames that repel moisture. Again, fiberglass provides superior protection against water, wood rot and over expansion. Picking incorrect windows for your climate may eventually find you dealing with frequent issues that excess moisture brings such as mold, mildew and staining. So, whether you reside in a cold or cold and rainy/windy area choose windows with two panes of glass. These double pane windows block extreme temperatures, add insulation and are filled with a Argon gas which specializes in protection for the elements.

Should you reside in a hot climate be sure to choose windows with a reliable UV coating. This protects the rays from the sun entering your windows and overheating the environment. It also protects from sun damage on your floors and furniture. Well insulated windows are also able to keep the cool air inside while the temperature increases outside. In the heat you want to be certain to choose framing materials that do not warp or peel under intense sun and high temperatures. Double pane windows also provide insulation from higher than normal temperatures outdoors. When paying premium prices for air conditioning best to keep the hot air out and the cooler air in.

It is always wise to seriously look at several factors prior to either replacing or purchasing new windows. Genuinely think about where you live, the position of the windows in your home and what outdoor elements might affect them the most. What to select is entirely personal however, with these suggestions your purchase will provide many years of beautiful and efficient windows for you and your family to enjoy!

In my home there are many walls with beautiful windows. However, one small room, in the front of the house, has an unusual shape, little light and one small window. After much research and assessing my finances I realized it would be less expensive and totally feasible to install a new, bay window. This opened a line of research unfamiliar to me; bay versus bow windows. I simply did not know what the difference was. I did recognize one easy way to enhance the entire feel of the room though. By installing either a bay or bow window I would add much needed light into the room, increase the room’s dimension and totally transform what was an uninviting space into it’s own delightful and unique area.

A new bay or bow window can utterly transfigure both the interior and exterior of a home. I know it did mine. By adding the new bay window I increased the interior feel of the room and added a focal point to the exterior of my home. Bay or bow windows are not your everyday windows. They consist of a shell projecting outside the home which contains three or more panels of glass. Traditionally they are placed in either family or living rooms but can also be a beautiful addition to a den or bedroom.

I learned the difference between a bay and bow window was slight; they actually can look a great deal alike. Both types of window will introduce into your room more light, additional dimension and a shade of added charm. Some of the main differences between the two types of window include openings. A bay window has three openings with angled projections whereas a bow window has more that three openings; usually four or five. A bay’s structure conforms to a main picture window with two additional windows, sometimes smaller, on either side. A bow window is curved creating a more rounded appearance. Both types of windows can be used for many architectural purposes however, the angular lines of the bay window enhance more contemporary or modern homes while the bow window’s lines lend themselves more to the traditional home.

There are a few other contrasts that differentiate the bay from the bow window. Bay’s protrude farther into exterior space while bow’s are more amenable to curving design additions. For example, bow windows can be wrapped around a building’s or home’s corner forming a unique and captivating turret shape. This also creates an interesting and distinctive interior space. Bow windows allow more light than the bay as they typically have more glass panels. However, if space is an issue the bay may be right for your project as it not as wide as a bow window.

Other considerations when looking to replace or purchase a bay or bow window are the differences in costs both for the widows themselves and for the savings in energy realized after installation. The cost of a bow window can be two to three times more than a similar sized flat window. Due to it’s shape the bow window usually costs a bit more than a bay. Pricing obviously varies depending upon the project. The cost of installation is generally between $1000 to $4000 dollars for both. However, with the new Energy Star window panes available you can realize a huge savings in energy costs. Additionally you will raise the value of your home even as you save money on heating and cooling bills.

Whether to choose a bay window or a bow window is certainly a very personal choice. There are many considerations to contemplate when deciding which to choose and the selection depends entirely upon your individual taste, the architecture of your home and what available space you have to utilize. Either way and whatever choice you select, a new bay or bow window will make a huge difference on the style and eventual value of your home!

Windows are one of the the first things seen when viewing your home. They are necessary, they keep out the weather, lighten your environment, freshen your air and have the ability to greatly enhance your home’s appearance. The windows of yesteryear, generally made of wood, could be difficult to open. They were heavy, sticky, pulley’s would break and often they leaked air from inside and out. In other words they were a pain and not entirely efficient. However, today’s wooden windows enjoy newer technology, are still solidly built and also remain the gold standard when either replacing old windows or purchasing new ones. Let’s take a look at what the application of using wood for your new windows might encompass. For example, new wood windows glide easily and maintaining them is not difficult at all. Technology has produced wooden windows that are energy efficient, ecologically sound and can be custom tailored to accommodate just about any design.

Another consideration when considering what materials to use for new windows are the high-performance insulating units made from wood currently on the market. Did you know these wooden windows are able to cut energy costs by almost 25%? Wood is truly an amazing insulator, it is reasonably priced, enjoys government tax credits and can be milled into an almost unlimited array of shapes, sizes and profiles. With proper care wood windows can last a lifetime. So, if new windows are in your future let’s explore both the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing wood windows for the next investment you make on your home.

There are many advantages to choosing wood windows when replacement is necessary. Also, new construction offers challenges that the use of wood can answer. Wood can be milled into just about any shape and can also be crafted to fit any space. This invites a great degree of creativity in design and can add an architectural statement unique to only your home. Windows can be painted any color, can be stained any hue and all that can be changed as the times and designs change. In terms of being able to change as the years pass, wood has it all over either fiberglass or vinyl. Wood is also ecologically compatible. It is a natural material, beautiful to look at and can be a great option to man-made materials. Wood is also able to expand and contract more than man-made material windows. This can come in handy when paying those high energy costs. Well built wooden windows can save up to 25% on energy expenses as they are a natural at efficient insulation.

There are some disadvantages when using wood for new windows, though not many. Weather can be a problem and wood is vulnerable to a great deal of moisture from either rain or melting snow. Wood is an excellent insulator but it must also be able to withstand natural elements efficiently. It does repel temperature changes however, wood must be either stained or painted in order to battle the detrimental effects of weather. After all, wood is a natural living material that can decompose if not cared for. Proper maintenance can be another drawback however far outweighed by the benefits of wood windows. There is a newer product also out on the market that combines wood and another material such as aluminum, vinyl or fiberglass. This is called Clad-wood. Not for everyone, especially if you are married to the idea of pure wood, Clad-wood windows are still constructed of wood but are layered on the exterior with either aluminum, vinyl or fiberglass. This leaves the inside still able to be painted or stained while the outside enjoys the durability of the man-made materials.

Knowing when to replace old windows or what type of a new window to use when building is not always as clear a choice as it may seem. However, whatever your choice, wood is always a beautiful solution for so many reasons. It is durable, efficient and avails itself to a great deal of creativity in terms of color and design!

As the weather changes to cooler temperatures, now is a great time to consider getting replacement windows. The few things that might convince you is lost energy which turns into lost money. Your home is an investment that can also cost you a pretty penny when not properly insulated.

If your home is a bit older and still uses single pane windows you might want to consider saving on energy costs by replacing them with the newer and more highly efficient Energy Star double pane windows. These windows pay for themselves in energy savings, are quickly installed and aesthetically pleasing. The alternative would be repairing your windows or simply insulating them better. (not a viable option).

There are a couple of other problems associated with aging windows. The first is operating efficiency; the ease of opening and closing. Certain times of the year can make it difficult for you to operate your windows. In older homes excess paint, older fittings or even swollen wood can hinder operating efficiency. Windows let in fresh air, they cool an over heated home but they also provide a safety component, too. In a fire they need to function as your family needs to exit quickly. Then there’s the problem of noise. Do you live under an airport, on a busy avenue or next to neighbors with many barking dogs? If so, controlling the noise that leaks into your home can also be controlled by installing new, double pane windows. As glass does not reduce sound itself, newer windows contain sound damping materials designed to absorb and dissipate sound waves. The inside of your home remains peaceful and quiet.

Last, but never least, older windows can be dangerous. Contractors prior to the late 1970’s commonly used all lead-based paint. Children have been known to chew on window sills. Even if they don’t ingest paint, they can be harmed from the lead by simply breathing the air containing unsafe lead-filled air particles. Long term lead exposure affects vital organ function and can damage the brain. Replacing these older windows is an absolute must.

It is always an important choice when it comes to considering saving money and energy, having peace and quiet, and even looking out for your family’s safety. All of this can be accomplished by replacing those outdated windows with newer, energy efficient double pane windows. The decision to do so is important and requires much consideration. However, investing in your home is investing in your future and Fall is the perfect time to begin a new project that will save you money. It usually takes just one year of saved energy costs to pay for every single window in your home to be replaced.