Replacement Windows 101

When you are considering having replacement windows installed in San Jose, CA, but you’ve never replaced windows before, you may be at a loss about all the things you need to know before you make your choices and have your new windows installed.

Here is a brief summary of the things you need to consider and look for when you are shopping for replacement windows.

One thing that you’ll need to consider when you are looking at replacement windows is the type of windows you have now. Different types of materials used in windows manufacturing require different kinds of installations, so you’ll need to determine what materials your currents windows are made from.

You can certainly choose a different type of material for your replacement windows, but your windows company will want to know what kind of windows you currently have installed in your home.

The types of materials you have available for replacement windows is extensive. The most popular material for replacement windows is vinyl. That is because vinyl windows require no maintenance, have good insulation, and are very cost-effective.

Aluminum is another type of material that is used to manufacture replacement windows. Aluminum windows don’t have very good insulation, so you’ll need to choose a glass type that can offer you energy efficient insulation.

Fiberglass replacement windows are also very good at insulating your home and they require no maintenance, but they tend to be pricy.

Wood is another material that is used in manufacturing windows. The advantages of wood windows are that they can be custom-built and they offer good insulation. However, wood windows do require regular maintenance and how much they will cost will depend on how much customization you want to do.

The next thing that you’ll need to know is about the different kinds of window glass that are available. Single-glaze (single pane) windows tend to be the least effective at providing insulation, but there are options that can be added to better insulate them.

Dual-glaze (double pane) windows two panes of glass that are separated by a layer that is filled with an inert gas. This significantly enhances the insulating capability of the window.

Low emissivity (Low-E) coating is an optional treatment for single and double pane windows that will increase the energy efficient of the window and allow natural light to come into your home without ultraviolet (UV rays), which can damage your home’s contents.

You will need to make sure you know the terms of the manufacturer’s warranty for your replacement windows. You should know what is covered and for how long.

When you’re buying replacement windows, take your time to make sure you get what you want for your home. Look at your budget and look at what matters to you about replacement windows for your home. Make sure to consider all the options related to energy efficiency, so you maximize the money you are investing in replacement windows installation.

When you get to the decision about which replacement windows to have installed in your home and which replacement windows company to use, trust your gut. If a windows company gives you a deal that sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Be sure to do your homework so that you have a realistic idea about how much it will cost your home’s replacement windows project. If you go into your window replacement project with a realistic ballpark figure for how much it should cost everything you want, then you’ll make an informed decision about whether to go ahead with the project.

To learn more about replacement windows in San Jose, CA, you can speak with our knowledgeable staff at California Custom Creations.