High-performance Windows
(Page 4 of 5)
December/January 2005
By Greg Pahl
Framing the Debate
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Because the sash and frame account for between 10 percent and 30 percent of the total window unit (depending on its overall size), the thermal characteristics of the materials used to make them are important. The industry continues to debate which window frame material is the best. The most popular materials are wood and vinyl, followed by aluminum, fiberglass and an increasing number of hybrids and composites. Each of these materials has its advantages and disadvantages. Generally, wood and vinyl perform equally well from a thermal standpoint. Aluminum is less effective, but adding a thermal break can improve its performance. Complicating things even further, most wood windows are clad with aluminum or vinyl for easier exterior maintenance, making it difficult to tell what the window is made of simply by looking at it. Fiberglass frames are strong and stable, and like vinyl, they can contain air cavities. When the cavities are filled with insulation, fiberglass frames can have a thermal performance better than wood or vinyl.
Do It Right
Even the best window on the market may not perform as advertised if it is improperly installed. “If windows are not properly installed, you can get air leaks around the outside of the frame or, even worse, you can get water intrusion into your walls, which will eventually rot the wall,” Prindle says. (See “Install Your Own Windows.” — MOTHER) Proper installation is key, and regardless of who installs the window, it’s important to know the manufacturer’s specifications for installation in order to get the best results.
If you hire a window installer, it’s important to understand that window renovation projects arranged through big-name home-improvement organizations will not necessarily be any better than those completed by small contractors.
“Some of the big companies profit from their name recognition, but they tend to charge relatively high markups to cover their marketing expenses and subcontracting fees for the actual installers,” Prindle says. “Going with a reputable local contractor can result in an equal or better product at a better price.” It’s always a good idea to ask for references and to check with previous customers to make sure they were happy with their installation before you proceed with any window project, regardless of who the contractor is — and don’t forget to check the warranty.
“Warranty provisions on windows range from the simple to the sublime,” Mathis says. “If it says ‘lifetime warranty,’ it makes me nervous because ‘lifetime’ is usually written in big, bold letters. But as the old saying goes, ‘The large print giveth, while the small print taketh away.’” A high-quality warranty, however, will address these worries because the manufacturer will stand behind its products.
Although more choices of windows are available now than ever before, the decision to invest in energy-efficient windows is not a difficult one. They help save on heating and cooling bills, conserve your home’s energy, increase the value of your home, make it more comfortable — plus they look great. With careful planning, you’ll only have to buy them once in your life. Once they’re installed, just sit back and enjoy the view!
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