Windows play a huge role in the aesthetic and functional aspects of a home, making them a worthwhile investment. In the past, homeowners didn’t place much thought into purchasing a window, other than its design–if it looked like a perfect match for the home, then nothing else mattered.
Today, however, buying a window involves more than just looking for a perfect design. Modern windows do so much more than just let in the cool breezes or warm sunshine. They can also reduce a home’s energy consumption and even add to its protection.
So, if you’re in the market for new windows, you should be prepared to see and seriously consider products that offer more than just a beautiful designs. In this post, you’ll learn the factors that you should look for when shopping for replacement windows.
The Brand: Why It Matters
Why buy a branded window when you can get one that although less known, can be purchased for the half the price? There are actually a number of reasons why you should only trust well-known names in the industry.
The first is because of quality. If you prefer not to invest in a new window every year, it would be wise to buy one that’s been manufactured using quality materials and industry-proven manufacturing standards and procedures.
Second, and perhaps the most important reason, is the warranty. Branded windows are expected to have a long lifespan, enabling manufacturers to offer long-term warranties, something which not-so-well-known companies are unable to do. If you’re looking to avoid headaches in the future, then buy a window with a warranty.
Last, when you buy a branded window, you can be assured that only a qualified installer will be sent to install the unit. While the handyman next door may be skilled in many trades, wouldn’t you want someone that’s focused specifically on installing the brand of windows you purchased and is trained by the manufacturer itself?
The Glass: What to Look For
The windows of today are able to reduce your home’s energy consumption because of the type of glass they are equipped with. Most modern windows have low-E, double pane, and gas-filled glass. Low-E glass means that the window has been treated with chemicals that reduce the number of UV rays and infrared heat that enter the home. With this, the home’s climate control system doesn’t need to use so much energy to keep the home’s temperature at an ideal setting.
These energy-efficient windows usually have a double-pane glass with a gas filling. Double pane glass, like the name suggests, are windows with two glass panes instead of just one. These provide a space for the inert gas fill that enhances the insulation properties of the glass.
The Frame: What’s the Best Option
In the past, choices were limited to wood or metal frames. While those materials offer their own sets of benefits, composite frames are more durable and stable.
Composite frames are tough, which means they’ll be able to withstand even the most severe weather conditions. A testament to their durability is that you’ll rarely find such type of frame in a dumpster or landfill. Should a home with a Fibrex frame need to be taken down, you can be sure that the contractor will remove the window and set it aside for further use.
Best of all, composite frames require less maintenance. Unlike other materials that you’ll need to repaint every year, composite frames have colors that will last a lifetime. This is because the color of the frame is embedded in the material during manufacture. Instead of using paint that can chip off or fade in time, the material itself is made of the chosen color, so requires no repainting, either.
Why Choose Fibrex®? 
Perhaps one of the best examples of a composite frame is Fibrex®. Manufactured by the most trusted name in the industry today, Renewal by Andersen®’s Fibrex® material offers many advantages over the most commonly chosen and used materials such as vinyl, wood, or metal.
For one, Fibrex® is more durable than vinyl. In fact, Fibrex® frames last twice as long even when exposed to severe weather. The material also adds to the energy-efficient properties of the windows because the composite frame blocks the transfer of heat.
Unlike wood, Fibrex® does not rot or decay. Most of all, a fungus cannot make the material its home, significantly reducing the areas where fungus can grow and create serious health issues.
Whether your home is in the cold regions of the north, in the middle of a hot desert, or is being hit by tropical storms every month of the year, Fibrex® frames will remain as sturdy as they were when they were brand new.
By carefully choosing the window brand and the glass and frame material, you can get windows that satisfy not only your design and style requirements but energy efficiency and longevity as well.
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Author Bio:
Kraig Mackett is the general manager of Renewal by Andersen® of Northwest Ohio, the region’s exclusive certified source for energy-efficient Renewal by Andersen® replacement windows and Andersen patio doors. His company offers top-quality door and window replacement for homes in the Toledo, Ohio area.
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