Perhaps, your old windows were damaged in a storm, are falling short of the mark on energy efficiency, or are just beginning to show their age? You’ve decided that it’s time for replacement windows but aren’t sure which ones to invest in yet or who to call on for installation.
Here are 5 key tips to take into account in your search for the best replacement windows for your home:
1. Look For Efficiency
In Amarillo, there are usually extreme daily temperature fluctuations, and seasonal differences can also be stark. Thus, your windows need to be able to consistently keep in the cool or the heat, as the situation demands. This calls for replacement windows with high energy ratings.
Specifically, look for low U-factors, which indicate relatively little heat loss through the window. A U-factor .15 is about the lowest, while some windows range as high as 1.20. Also, look for a low SHGC (solar heat gain coefficient), which indicates the window’s ability to block heat from entering your home – SHGC scores vary between 0 and 1.
And of course, the Energy Star label will indicate an all-around energy efficient window.
2. Demand A Sturdy Build
It is possible, of course, to have a highly energy-efficient window that is, nonetheless, flimsy and easily damaged – not what you want! Welded and multi-chambered windows are particularly sturdy in build, and you need a strong material that is “smartly” fastened together.
Using the right contractor is also important when it comes to window sturdiness because it’s up to the installer to reinforce the sash, put the window in level and plumb, and use the proper types of screws, nails, and other fasteners.
3. Think About Impact Resistance
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the storms! In the Amarillo area, impact-resistant windows make perfect sense.
UPVC (unplasticized PVC), for example, is much more impact-resistant than ordinary PVC. Wood can cope with impacts well, but wood requires periodic sanding and repainting. Choosing high impact-resistant vinyl with a woodgrain look is a low-maintenance alternative.
4. Consider Fade-resistant Colors
Years in the hot Texas sun may result in fading of certain windows’ finish. But there are fade-resistant colors, paints, and materials used on modern windows that can stand up to even the most extreme heat and sun over long periods of time without significant fading.
Fitting your window color and style into the rest of your home’s exterior doesn’t have to mean accepting fading. Ask a local window expert for help in choosing a fade-resistant window!
5. Use A Local, Reputable Contractor
No one likes wandering helplessly through the aisles of a big-box window store, bewildered by the abundance of choices but not feeling adequately helped by the attendee’s advice. What you really want is the advice of an expert who works with windows every day and who can deliver your new windows direct to your home and expertly install them!
In small towns like Amarillo, local reputation means everything – and it gets around fast by word of mouth. Look for a local contractor who can guide you through the window-selection process, remove and dispose of your old windows, custom-install your replacement windows, and keep it punctual and professional throughout the process.
In and around Amarillo, Texas, Double J Siding & Windows is your go-to window installation expert. Contact us today for answers to all your questions about modern windows or for a free, no-obligation quote. Feel free to discuss with us your replacement window needs, as we offer you a variety of effective, efficient solutions!
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