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Re: New Windows - Andersen, Viking, Milgard?From: millworksupport@aol.com
Category: Windows and Doors
Remote Name: 198.81.26.235
Date: 09 Nov 2002
Time: 04:55 PM
CommentsWhen it comes to choosing windows for your home the first thing you have to decide is how you want to install them. There are two basic ways of doing this. Either a retro-fit type installation or new construction method. The advantage of a retro fit installation it is less time consuming, easy to install and does not require repairing the exterior. The disadvantage is you may end up with a slightly smaller viewing area depending on how you choose to install it, you must maintain the caulking around the windows to ensure that water does not enter the building, and you usually end up with trim around your window on the exterior where you may not have any now. Once you decide how you want to install the window, there are 3 things to examine when purchasing windows (other than the asthetics of the window). First the warranty and service that the manufacturer provides. Second the NFRC ratings of the window which tell you the u-factor (how much heat is transferred through the window), SHGC (the percentage of incidental solar heat passes through the window) and the VLT (the amount of light that passes through the window. Ideally you want a VLT of .55 or more and if you are in an area where you are more concerned about the amount of heat you gain in the summer than the amount of heat you lose in the winter you would want the u-factor and SHGC to be below .40 too. The third thing that most people do not look for is the AAMA rating. This is the rating of the windows grade and class. This rating will tell you the amount of wind load the window will withstand along with air and water infiltration amounts. R=residential, LC=light commercial, C=commercial, HC=heavy commercial and A=Architectural, from lower to higher performing. Therefore a C-30 should outperform an R-15. The grades go from 15-200. Of course you have to like the way the windows look too. Just remember, think of the value of the home too, as it is an investment. If you have a older ranch style home that is on the medium to lower price range in your market it does not make economic sense to spend $20,000 or more on windows as they will not increase the value of the home that much. However, if the home is on the upper end of the market then a larger investment might be warranted. Good Luck. If you want to see how different windows in your home may influence your energy savings you can download a FREE computer modeling program developed by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory at www.windows.lbl.gov/software.
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