Best Replacement Windows

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The best replacement windows: reviews and comparison

Finding the perfect replacement window for your home can be difficult, especially when you have so many options to choose from. To choose the best option for your needs, you need to consider factors such as material type, window style, frame type, energy efficiency, and cost. This handy guide covers the best replacement window options, so you can choose the right one for your home.

What Makes Replacement Windows The Best?

Consider the following factors when weighing replacement window options.

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Price

When selecting a replacement window, make sure you have a set budget in mind. Window prices typically range from $ 200 to $ 1500, depending on the type of frame material and window style you choose. The most common window frames include:

Wooden frame: They are generally expensive, but offer exceptional aesthetic value. With proper maintenance, these windows can last for years, while offering excellent thermal insulation to help you save on energy costs.

Vinyl frame: Vinyl frames are cheaper than wooden frames and resistant to moisture. These frames are available in different shapes and sizes, but most of them cannot be painted. However, there is a range of standard colors that you can choose from to match the window with the aesthetics of your home.

Composite frame: Composite frames are the least expensive of the three frame options. These frames are cfiberglass composites or organic materials, which make them strong and energy efficient. Like other frames, composite frames are available in different sizes and shapes.

When selecting replacement windows, you also need to factor in installation costs, which can range from $ 300 to $ 2,000 per window, including labor charges.

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characteristics

Consider the following features to make sure your window replacements are in line with your upgrade requirements:

Window design: The double sash window is the most popular window design, with two panes that can be moved up and down. These windows often come with tilt-down sashes so you can tilt the moving part of the window for easy cleaning. Other design options include simple pendants, drop type and canopy style, all of which come with different operating mechanisms and frame designs.

Glass panels: You should also consider the number of glass panels required for proper insulation. Most brands offer argon gas filled double pane glass that enhances the insulating properties of the window. You can also get triple pane glass, which costs more but is ideal for those who live in extremely cold regions. The three layers of glass also muffle noise.

Energy efficiency: Make sure the replacement windows you choose are energy efficient. Look for windows with an Energy Star label to make sure they are compliant minimum insulation standard defined by the Environmental Protection Agency. Low-E (low emissivity) coated windows further improve the efficiency of glass by reflecting heat and allowing light to pass through.

Other energy efficiency metrics include:

• U factor, which indicates how well the window prevents heat from being transferred to the outside. The U value varies between 0.20 and 1.20. The lower the number, the better the efficiency.

• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) it is a measure of the window’s effectiveness in blocking heat from the sun. The SHGC number ranges from 0 to 1. Windows with a low SHGC value are ideal for hot climates.

• Visible Light Transmittance (VT) indicates the amount of light that the window lets through, which ranges from 0 to 1. A high VT number means that you will receive more light inside your home.

Customer Support

When selecting a particular brand of window, make sure it offers quality customer service. Most of the big name brands offer trained professionals who help homeowners through the selection and installation process. These company-managed programs ensure that your windows fit properly while meeting your energy-saving goals.

Customer rating

Another great way to determine the quality of potential replacement windows is through customer feedback. Most of the reputable brands provide testimonials about their products on their website. These critics they are a great way to verify the claims of companies about their products.

Guarantee

Warranties are another great way to identify the quality of your windows. Most window manufacturers offer a 20-year warranty on glass and a 10-year warranty on other parts. However, you should also look for windows that offer an option to transfer warranties, so that when you move in, the new owner has peace of mind. Many independent brands and distributors also offer installation guarantees, so if something goes wrong within the warranty period, repair costs are covered.

Best replacement windows

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The following list outlines our top five replacement window recommendations.

Andersen Windows

Andersen is the largest window company in North America, offering a range of energy efficient replacement window options. The company classifies window product lines into the 100, 200 and 400 series, with the 100 series being the most affordable and the 400 series being the highest quality. Andersen also offers Architectural collection windows, which are comparatively expensive but offer aesthetic value to your home. The company includes a 20-year transferable warranty on glass and a 10-year transferable warranty for other parts on all of its product lines.

Prices: Prices vary depending on the style of the window, the type of frame and where you live, from $ 200 to $ 2000.

Pella Windows

Lump is one of the oldest trusted brands offering high-quality, energy-efficient windows for home improvement. You can choose from a variety of styles, color options, and feature sets to match the aesthetics and needs of your home. The company also offers impact resistant glass, which is ideal for homes located in hurricane-prone regions. Additionally, Pella offers excellent warranty coverage for its products. For example, wooden windows come with a limited lifetime warranty on glass and coating. The company also offers a two-year limited warranty on labor, which is transferable. Fiberglass and vinyl windows include 20 year warranty on glass and a limited lifetime warranty on all non-glass components.

Prices: Prices for Pella windows range from $ 100 to $ 800, depending on the type of frame and the style of the window.

Simonton windows

Simonton is another trusted brand that makes vinyl windows and patio doors. The manufacturer offers a range of energy efficient window styles and color options. All products are Energy Star rated. Simonton also offers a 20 year warranty on glass and a non-transferable lifetime warranty on other window parts like vinyl, hardware and screens.

Prices: Simonton windows cost between $ 200 and $ 350, depending on the style and type of frame.

Milgard windows

In the industry for more than 50 years, Milgard is a popular brand offering replacement wood, fiber, vinyl and aluminum windows at affordable prices. These energy efficient custom windows come in many different styles and color options. The company also offers triple-glazed windows under the Quiet Line Series, which provide superior sound control. Milgard includes a non-transferable full lifetime warranty on all products.

Prices: Milgard window prices range from $ 270 to $ 350, depending on the style of the window and the type of frame.

Atrium windows

Atrium offers a wide range of vinyl windows in different sizes and colors. These windows are also Energy Star certified and offer excellent energy savings compared to old drafty windows. The company offers a Limited lifetime warranty on non-glass parts and a 25-year insulating glass warranty.

Prices: Atrium windows cost between $ 100 and $ 1,000, depending on the style you choose.