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As an architect who purchased a 1929 fixer-upper I am replacing all of the windows in my house. Being that I have natural gas heat I am very concerend about energy efficiency.
I had a very good base knowledge of windows going into this project, but I wanted to know as much as possible before I made any decisions.
Regardless of brand (we'll get to that)Aluminum clad wood windows are the best replacement windows. The garbage about aluminum shrinking and expanding is just that, garbage. This type of construction will last the longest, but typically cost the most.
Vinyl clad wood windows come in second as the vinyl can get chalky and it IS actually more suseptable to expansion and contraction, especially if you install them where they get direct sunlight, however, they are better that straight vinyl windows. Vinyl windows will offer money savings up front and they're more than likely much more efficient than your current windows, but they can warp and deform over time. I'm expereincing that now with two windows in my house that were replaced with vinyl windows by the previous owners. The sashes are starting to warp.
There are a number of things that can effect the pricing of your windows once you decide what to get. Do you want true divided lites or simulated divided lights or none at all. True divided is most expensive, but nicer looking.
Tips on Options:
Get Argon (or other inert gas) filled windows. This cuts the U value (inverse of R value) dramitically making them more efficient. It's not expensive either.
Also, get the low-E coating. It keeps the heat in during the winter months and the heat out in the summer months.
Casements are great, but in general cost a more than double hung.
Manufacturers: (note: I am not affiliated with any particular manufacturer and my recommnendation is based solely on my research and experience)
Almost everyone has heard of Anderson, Pella, and Marvin. They are main names in residential window manufacturing. I did all of my research and I found that a company called Weathershield had the best repalcement window in terms of quality and pricing. I am paying, on average about $400 per window. That's double hung, aluminum clad wood window, with simulated divided lites, argon filled, low-E. I know it's not the cheapest window, but the average would go down had I no divided lites at all to about $325-$350. Last fall I replaced a number of windows on my second floor and the rooms I did were noticably warmer last winter than the rooms I didn't do as of yet. I'm about to place another order for four more windows for the first floor. I have to do it in phases too as I'm also on a budget.
Anyway, I hope this helps. Feel free to ask me any questions as I'm glad to be any help.
Check out the link from Fine Homebuildings Website.
Good luck,
PhillySaaber
posted by 68.162.8...
FHB article on window efficiency
, Fri, 7 Oct 2005 21:30:07
, Thu, 6 Oct 2005 21:59:09
, Thu, 6 Oct 2005 20:44:39
, Thu, 6 Oct 2005 16:42:00
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