Replacement Windows Basics

There are some basic things you should know about Santa Clara, CA windows replacement to help you make the best replacement windows decision for your home. These guidelines will help you navigate the process of choosing which type of windows replacement you want, the style of windows replacement that works best for your house, and what windows replacement does for your home.  

Windows replacement can make your house more soundproof, more elegant, and more energy-efficient. Most windows replacement options require little maintenance other than regular cleaning, which is an additional benefit.  

The first thing that you need to know about windows replacement is that price doesn’t always indicate performance. Sometimes, a more expensive window replacement doesn’t mean you’ll get better performance out of the window. There are plenty of ways to get performance ratings on different types and styles of windows, and you can find the one that fits your budget and also performs well.  

The second thing you need to know about windows replacement is that the windows you choose need to match the climate you live in. There are some types of replacement windows, for example, that perform better in extreme temperatures, more tropical climates, and high-wind areas.  

The third thing that you need to know about windows replacement is that you can pick and choose the options that come with your windows. The most economical way to choose windows replacements is to only include options that add value to your replacement windows. For example, Low-E coating will improve your home’s energy efficiency, but having triple-glazed panes is a benefit only if you live in an extremely cold climate.  

Another thing that you need to know is the basic anatomy of a replacement window. A window frame is the structure of the replacement window itself. Insulated glass means that replacement windows have been double-glazed and they have a sealed space between two panes of glass that is filled with air or gas for insulation. A sash is the moving part of the replacement window that allows you to raise it up and down. Cladding is made of a synthetic material that will protect the exterior of the replacement window. Low-E is a transparent coating that improves the efficiency of the replacement window glass. Grilles are decorative additions that can be matched to fit the rest of the decor, architecturally, of the rest of your home.  

The last thing you’ll need to know about windows replacement is how to read the efficiency rating numbers. There are two labels that you are likely to see on replacement windows. One of these is an Energy Star label. The other is the National Fenestration Rating Council label. You will see common terms on both labels.   

One of these terms is U-factor or U-value. This number typically will be between .20 and 1.20.   The lower the number is, the better the replacement window will be at retaining heat inside the house. Another term you will see on these labels is solar heat gain coefficient. This number is between 0 and 1 and it indicates how well the replacement window blocks heat from the sun. A lower number means better heat blocking. The third term you will see is visible transmittance. This number, which is also between 0 and 1, indicates how much light the replacement window will let in. The higher the number is, the more light the replacement window will let in.  

If you would like to learn more about Santa Clara, CA windows replacement, you can talk with one of our knowledgeable staff members at California Custom Creations. You can contact us at (408) 316-6293 to schedule a free in-home consultation.