If you are facing high energy bills, it may be time for new replacement windows. In New Jersey, you have several options. These choices can give your home a unique aesthetic appeal and save money on those utility bills.
Here are a few replacement window selections that you should consider for your home.
Pick the Right Window for Your Home’s Design
Windows are essential to your home’s design. They can impact the look of your exterior and interior spaces. For a great appearance, you should never count out the look of standard windows. These windows offer a variety of styles and options to meet your home’s needs.
Those high-quality windows come at a higher cost. However, they can improve your home’s aesthetics and provide significant energy savings. High-performance glass in these windows can reduce your heat transfer by up to 65 percent. In simple terms, that means your home will maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the year.
You should always look for a replacement window with the Energy Star label. For a product to have green certification, it must meet all the government requirements. When you see an Energy Star label, you know it has met the standards for energy savings.
Window Insulation
If you want to improve your home’s insulation, you might want to choose a multi-pane glass. However, many modern window glasses now feature a low-emissivity (low-E) coating that can reduce the sun’s rays by 13 percent. These new low-E glasses can lower your monthly energy costs as they minimize heat gain throughout the year. Windows with better insulation do cost more money, but you can save on your monthly utility bills. Over time, you will be able to recoup the expenses of the windows.
There are other rating systems in the marketplace. You should check out the rating guide of the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). Like the Energy Star system, they do have the same procedures in place to rate windows. However, this system grades energy efficiency and the ability to withstand extreme weather for every window. Windows that have earned these ratings can perform in areas with temperatures between -20º F to 180º F. They can also handle wind speeds up to 155 mph.
Materials for Your Replacement Windows
Some of the materials used for a window frame can determine its thermal characteristics. For example, wood frames are known for their aesthetic appeal. You can get them in a wide range of sizes and shapes. Wood frames also perform well in thermal resistance tests. Properly maintained wood frames could last the lifetime of your home, and they have a high R-value for thermal resistance. A wood-clad window offers the same benefits as a wooden window without all the maintenance issues. With these window frames, you will have better weather resistance as you enjoy the beauty of a wooden frame.
Aluminum window frames are durable, strong, and lightweight. For many homes, they are
cheaper than wood-framed options. However, there are not many options for different styles. Unfortunately, they perform poorly on many levels. Aluminum window frames are susceptible to condensation and can lead to a buildup of mold.
Vinyl window frames are made with long-lasting and low-maintenance materials. They cost less than wood and will resist moisture around your home. These frames come in a variety of colors for your home. Another option is the fiberglass composite. These materials are an excellent choice for those who want the look of wood without any of the issues. Fiberglass composite windows can withstand extreme window conditions, such as high heat or freezing cold.
Finally, composite window frames are made from a mixture of organic and plastic materials. These window frames are energy-efficient and durable. You can even order them in custom colors to match your home.
Choose Your Window Design
Once you have decided on the window frame type, you will need to select your window design. These different types of windows have various structures and operating mechanisms. Single-hung and double-hung windows are the most common types of designs. The first choice allows you to get ventilation through the lower half of the window. You can open the top or bottom of a double-hung window. A casement window is hinged like a door, and you can open this window from the side. Top-opening casement windows have a crank that allows you to open the window.
Sliding windows run along a metal or plastic track, and you can move them horizontally. These windows also have two sashes that can be opened or closed. If you want to open your window from a top hinge, you might want to select an awning window. These options have one pane of glass, and they can work with other styles of windows.
Radius windows are also called arched windows. They have a fixed arch at the top and come in a variety of sizes. A bow window is made of several similar-sized panels that can be formed into a bow or arch. These options protrude from the wall rather than staying flush against the surface. Finally, a bay window is another projecting window that features angled side panes with a large central window.
The Right Replacement Window for Your Home
You want to choose the right window that will complement the style of your home. It should be the right proportion to the size of your overall structure. Your replacement windows need to be balanced and symmetrical. If you fail to achieve this with your new windows, your home will look out of place. For a professional opinion, you can always ask for advice from a reputable roofing company. They are experts who can help you select the right size and type of replacement window for your New Jersey home.
Let Us Help You Choose the Right Windows
If you need window replacements in New Jersey, make sure to contact the team at RGB Construction. We can help you find the best choices for your home. If you like to schedule a consultation, please call the office at 856-264-9093.