When looking at windows to replace those currently in your home, variety is truly the spice of life.
“It’s getting tougher for the average consumer to keep up with the product improvements when it comes to replacement windows. The reason is most product improvements are smaller incremental improvements and are very subtle to the casual observer. The frame and materials for the frames have not made giant leaps forward recently; however, new technology is being incorporated into products to enhance their performance for homeowners. It’s easy for those improvements to slip under the radar because homeowners are familiar with windows, and as a result, are less inclined to study the products before a purchase. This can result in an inferior product selection relative to what the homeowner might prefer.”
Different Under The Surface
At first glance most insulated window glass looks virtually the same. However, the thermal performance levels vary significantly. If you look at one of THEBCO’s new products, the EnviroDesignWindow, it has qualities that are not perceptible to the naked eye, but are significant. Performance improvements include:
► Reduced heating and cooling costs. Enviro–12 Insulated Glass has 12 layers of a permanent titanium dioxide coating as part of the outer glass surface creating a lower U rating. It’s important for homeowners to compare NFRC ratings along with DP ratings to get a true picture of performance. (When comparing windows, it’s not what people say, but what they don’t say.) The lower the U VALUE, the more money homeowners can expect to save in terms of energy costs.
► Self cleaning windows are a by product of the window coating. The sun’s ultraviolet rays actually break down dirt and debris (such as bird droppings) on the glass. When it rains, the remaining residue will wash away with no streaking. The entire process is powered by nature.
Factors Improving Window Performance
“The features I listed are parts of a larger group of product improvements that affect the performance of windows,” Bobeck adds. There are technologies in place in the manufacturing process enhancing performance, including:
► Fibers woven in the frames to resist termites and rotting. The product includes strands of borax, and properly installed, it performs better than any past products.
► Sleek vinyl frame designs that create 30% more glass face. This means less expensive vinyl will deliver a trimmer, clean look, which it could not deliver in the past.
► Quality of the products— allows lifetime warranties to be non prorated and transferrable.
There are many variations of products on the market which can be challenging for the consumer. The most prudent thing to do is shop and be aware that the best place to go to get a complete story is froma dealer/contractor that carries multiple brands of product for every budget level in their showroom. Comparing and contrasting the options is the only way to select the best window for your needs. Single line dealers may not have the best options for you in terms of selection and budget.
“The best place to go to get a complete story is froma dealer or a contractor that carries multiple brands of product for every
budget level in their showroom.”
