A Guide for the Consumer for Ratings & Reviews,
on Aluminum, Wood, and Vinyl Replacement Windows.

Windows: The value of perception
You may think that you have no intention of selling your home, but the best way to take care of it is still to keep it in the tip-top shape you would want if you were intending to sell it next week—and wanted the highest possible offer. A potential buyer will perceive that the house is higher in value than it may actually be—and will expect to pay more accordingly. One of the biggest factors in this perception of value is the appearance of modern, appropriately trimmed, sparkling windows.
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Conversely, even homes that are actually well kept on the inside create an appearance of being "handy-man specials" if their windows appear old, dirty, and in need of repair.

There are additional reasons for replacing old windows, however. If you have an older house with single pane windows, you are losing a significant amount of energy—both for cooling and heating—through the glass. Just standing next to the window on a cold day will give you some idea of the heat loss. Window dressings such as curtains help, obviously, but you will put money back in your pocket by replacing the windows with new, vinyl, double glazed windows. Also, today's windows are much easier to clean than the old wood framed panes. No longer do you have to hire someone with a ladder to climb up and clean the second story windows. Today's vinyl windows can be completely cleaned from the inside, making them not only energy efficient but also convenient to maintain.

Replacements: An opportunity for creativity
By far the most popular replacement windows are vinyl, primarily because they are easy to install, come in a variety of colors, and never need to be painted. However, you can also purchase wood, fiberglass or aluminum if you prefer. Regardless of the type of framing you select, a new window is an opportunity to get creative. Instead of the rectangular windows you may have had, be sure to check out the possibility of bow or bay windows, windows with side lights or with curved tops. In fact, you can purchase windows that are actually rectangular—to fit your opening, but that are designed such that they appear to be domed. You could also select glazing with frosted sections and many other designs that will give your home a whole new look.

How to shop for windows
With so many choices on the market, the hardest part of buying replacement windows is choosing the best type for your home. Unless you are handy with that sort of thing yourself, it would be worth your time—and even a few dollars out of your pocket—to have a professional window installer take a look at your home and tell you what type of windows would work best for your type of home and for your geographic area. There may also be building codes that must be observed which such a person would be aware of. Furthermore, an expert will be able to visualize and illustrate stunning possibilities that will make your home look like new. Even if you are capable of installing the windows yourself, a few minutes with a professional can help you avoid costly errors.

Once you know what kind of windows you need, visit some showrooms of companies that actually have the windows on display. Experiment with the way they open and close, and ask questions about how to maintain them, about their energy ratings, and about their warranties.

During your investigation, don't forget to check out the company themselves. Do they perform the installation on their own product or hire a third party to do the actual work? Who is actually responsible for repairs in the event of an installation error or material defect? Although the new windows are supposed to arrive in pristine condition with no defects and are supposed to be installed perfectly to avoid moisture leaks and other problems, they are built and installed by people. Mistakes and defects happen with even the best of companies. Although you don't expect such problems, it's to your benefit to know how to resolve such an issue if it does happen.

May we also recommend
It's a good idea to request certification information from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) for any window products you are interested in. This information will assist you in comparing the energy efficiency of the different styles and brands. You will also want to look for the AAMA Certification Label. This label can be found on many new residential windows, including manufacturers such as Pella and Anderson, and indicates a high performance standard.

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