 When it comes to choosing a replacement window for your home, there are many choices. Don’t be fooled into thinking “a window is a window”. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. While many replacement windows can look very similar to an untrained eye, they can widely vary in energy efficiency, longevity, ease of operation and most importantly COST.
Fiberglass vs. Vinyl frames While vinyl windows still dominate the replacement window market, fiberglass windows have gained popularity in recent years. Fiberglass window companies boast about the superior strength of the frames compared to vinyl, which is unarguable, however, they are comparing fiberglass frames to HOLLOW vinyl frames. Hollow vinyl frames are notorious for warping, sagging, buckling and leading to seal failure (which allows condensation to form inside the glass unit). This led to the rise of fiberglass frames due to their added strength, but along with added strength came added cost. Fiberglass windows start at around $1000 per window with a basic glass unit for a small standard size opening and can soar to over $2000 per opening for a larger window or one with an upgraded highly efficient glass unit. Some vinyl windows, like the ones installed at Shelby Construction, are now available with steel reinforcement inside the vinyl frame. A steel reinforced vinyl window is now even stronger than a fiberglass window. The best part is that it still costs a fraction of what a fiberglass window costs. A steel reinforced vinyl window will not sag, bow, warp or lead to seal failure. The money saved by going with a steel reinforced vinyl window can now be better invested in upgrading your insulated glass unit. After all, 90% of the window is glass. Energy Efficient Glass Options Once you’ve selected the frame material and construction right for you, the next step, and most crucial, is deciding which glass unit to use. There are several different options for glass units, from double pane insulated glass, Low E glass, Triple pane glass, and glass units with special reflective coatings on them. The energy efficiency of a window’s glass unit is measured by its U-factor. U-factor is defined as the speed at which heat is lost through the glass. The lower the U-factor, the more energy efficient the glass unit is. In recent years it has become mandatory that window manufacturers have their glass tested by an independent group known as the NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) and clearly label every window with its U-factor, determined by the NFRC. The most basic insulated clear glass units will have a U-factor of around .40 while a highly efficient triple pane unit with reflective coatings will have a U-factor of around .22. These glass units can look very similar, almost identical, but can vary as much as 40% in the amount of energy savings they can provide. Energy Star recommends .22 or below for this region (Michigan). To truly get the most bang for their buck, smart consumers today are choosing “savings over hype” with a steel reinforced vinyl frame and upgrading the efficiency of the window’s glass unit with the savings by choosing reinforced vinyl. Remember, 90% of the window is glass. The glass is the most important part of the window. If you’re going to upgrade anything, start with the glass not the frame. Expert Assistance for Homeowners Considering upgrading your windows and not sure where to start? Are you located in Macomb County or anywhere within the Tri-County, Michigan area? If so, Shelby Construction, located in Clinton Twp, Michigan, not only offers Free estimates, but FREE Energy Evaluations as well. Schedule a window expert to stop by your home, for your evaluation and estimate with Shelby Construction Services. Most homeowners are shocked with the amount of energy they’re losing through their windows. The good news is the amount of substantial savings you could get by upgrading to energy efficient windows. PRO TIP: Your home improvements are only as good as the crew that installs them. Shelby Construction Services LLC takes pride in maintaining a Five Star Google Rating & A+ Rating with Better Business Bureau. Call 833-6-SHELBY or book a free estimate here and get an exclusive 15% off Comments are closed.
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