Window and Door Replacement

As your home ages, the windows and doors begin to deteriorate and leak air over time, and it just makes good financial sense to replace them.  Many people have saved up to 30% on their home heating bills just by changing out the right windows.  This month we feature replacement windows and doors, and provide you with a good overview of the types of windows and the material choices to choose from.

Types of windows –

Casement – A window that is hinged at the side and cranks outward.

Awning – Hinged at the top and swings out

Double hung – this is a typical wall window where the upper and lower sash moves up and down.

Single hung – same as a double hung window except only the bottom sash is movable.

Slider – typically a window over a kitchen sink that will slide back and forth.

Specialty – Today’s manufacturers will create any type/size/shape of window that you are looking for, the possibilities are endless.

For a free window consultation call 314-210-5472, or check out our website at http://www.barkerconstruct.com/.

Window Material –

Vinyl Windows –

The most popular today are vinyl windows made of PVC (poly vinyl chloride).  This type of window is completely maintenance free, will last forever and is probably the least expensive of all the choices.  The downside is that the color cannot be changed or painted over, and when a house begins to shift, the vinyl window is not strong enough to remain square and may twist and warp.

Wood Windows –

A wood window has a rich, beautiful aesthetic look and appeal to it.  In addition to the natural beauty of wood, it can be painted different colors, and it’s great in older homes.  Wood windows will require some type of paint or sealant over time, they are a little more expensive and if they are not taken care of, may crack, peel or warp.

Extruded Aluminum –

People choose aluminum windows for their strength and durability.  Tougher than most, an aluminum window will not crack, warp or distort, and it can be painted.  The downside to aluminum is the energy and moisture transfer.  In the extreme heat and cold of the seasons, aluminum windows will condense moisture in the summer and give away heat in the winter.  An aluminum window is also going to be a little pricier than other choices.

Composite, clad and fiberglass –

The remainder of choices in windows consists of a combination of composite, clad and fiberglass.  These types of windows can be ordered with wood on the outside and vinyl on the inside.  Clad windows are made of resins and epoxies made to resemble wood.  All of these can be painted and have good insulating qualities.  Fiberglass windows are very strong and maintenance free.  All of these windows are going to be on the upper end of the price scale.

Doors –

Doors are very similar to windows in the construction and types of material used.  They have a few more choices that need to be determined such as side lights, art glass, hardware and grills.  Security is always a decision when contemplating a door replacement.  Steel doors with dead bolt locks will be the safest.  Patio doors and sliding glass doors come in a thousand different shapes, sizes and colors.

For a free door consultation call 314.210-5472, or click here for a free estimate.

Cost and quality –

Each window manufacturer produces windows in differing levels of quality and cost.  Depending on the application, not everyone wants the highest quality in a window.  Most manufacturers have at least 3 or 4 different levels, or series of windows (series 1000, series 2000, series 3000), ranging from least expensive, to their highest quality level.  Quality in a window has to do with the following factors;

1.       Welded frames and joints are sturdier than joints that have been screwed or pressed together.

2.       Some windows are angled so that water is directed to the outside.

3.       Some windows have tilt in sashes for ease of cleaning.

4.       Insulating factors are a big price point in any window selection, argon gas, low E, etc.

5.       The amount of weather stripping in a window is a huge factor of quality and price.

For help picking the right type of window for your home call 314-210-5472 and talk to a window expert at Barker & Son - Design, Construction and Outdoor Living.

Window performance characteristics –

Windows come in standard sizes or they can be customer ordered to fit.  Windows can be ordered with many grill patterns, all types of hardware and can be created with single, double or triple pane glass in them.  Another decision is whether or not to order Low-E windows with argon gas between the panes.  Performance in a window is measured by two items; the U-factor and the SHGC (solar heat gain coefficient).  U-factor tells you how well the window insulates, and the SHGC factor tells you how effective the window is at blocking the suns radiant heat.  Both of these factors must rate below (.30) in order to qualify for tax credits.

2011 Energy Tax credits -  (feature article)

Beginning January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011, replace your home’s old windows and doors, and you may qualify for a tax credit on your tax return called the “Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act” (H.R. 4853).  Contact Barker & Son – Design, Construction and Outdoor Living for details.

Easy clean double hung window –  (feature article)

Brand new, vinyl, double hung windows are a joy to own, both in terms of easy cleaning and safety.  If you have a two story home, a tilt-in double hung window is a must for ease of cleaning.  All you do is press in side buttons and the window tilts inward for an easy clean.  Safety is certainly a concern as well, and a new vinyl or wood double hung window means no more ladders or heights to deal with.  Give Barker & Son a call today for a free window consultation at 314-210-5472.  Get one installed today!