Replacement Windows Checklist

Replacement windows in San Jose, CA will provide functional improvement, curb appeal, and energy efficiency to your home. However, Three areas will impact which replacement windows you decide to go with.

The first item on your windows replacement checklist will be the style of the window. Different styles of replacement windows may work better in some rooms than in others, while some window styles complement each other. The most popular replacement window styles are:

• Double hung windows. These windows work well in just about any room in the house. They are constructed with two moving sashes that slide vertically and tilt inward (making cleaning them very easy).
• Casement windows. These windows have a hinge on the right or on the left of the window and are cranked open out from the house. These are a good choice for people who may have a hard time raising and lowering windows and for optimal ventilation.
• Awning windows. These windows have a hinge at the top of the window and they open out from the house. These windows can be installed above stationary windows to facilitate ventilation.
• Sliding windows. These windows, which may consist of two or three sashes, are opened and closed horizontally. These are a good choice for basements, bathrooms, or for larger windows where good ventilation is important.
• Bay and picture windows. These are stationary windows that are used to create a focal point in a room or to highlight a picturesque view outside the home.

Window replacement materials include vinyl, wood, aluminum, fiberglass, or a composite material. With this checklist item, you should consider customization, durability, and maintenance. Of all these materials, for example, wood requires the most maintenance, but it also offers the most customization.

The material you choose for your replacement windows should work well in your home and in the climate that you live in. Vinyl, fiberglass, and composite materials work well in just about any home or climate, because they’re constructed to withstand harsh and wet weather and they require very little maintenance.

The next thing to consider on your checklist is how the window performs. You’re considering replacement windows because your current windows are not performing well, and you may have air leaks, or windows that will not close and/or lock.

One of the performance factors for replacement windows is the type of glass. Single glass pane windows will not perform as well for insulation purposes as double pane or triple pane glass windows. Adding low emissivity (Low-E) coating to a double pane or triple pane glass window will further insulate it and make it easier to maintain a consistent and comfortable temperature inside your home.

Another performance factor is the energy efficiency of the window. Replacement windows will have labels that include values for U-factor, solar heat gain coefficient, and visible light transmittance. It’s a good idea to understand what each of these mean and the range of values that indicate higher energy efficiency.

Two other performance factors are sound reduction and ultraviolet (UV) ray resistance. Double and triple pane glass windows are excellent choices to decrease the amount of outside noise that comes into your home. Adding a UV coating to your replacement window will reduce the damage done to furniture and floors by UV rays over time.

To learn more about replacement windows in San Jose, CA, you can speak with our knowledgeable staff at California Custom Creations. You can contact us at (408) 316-6293 to make an appointment for a free in-home consultation.