Book your exterior remodeling contractor now because it’s going to get busy around your neighborhood!
Many home- and business-owners turn their attention to replacing exterior window after a long winter dealing with drafts, condensation between the glass panes, arthritic sashes that no longer go up-and-down, casements that have become too cranky to crank open, or any combination of the above.
Happily, along with better warmth, comfort, and ease of operation, new windows can help you realize significant energy-cost savings. To help ensure that’s the case, pay close attention to various Industry ratings that measure the relative energy-efficiency of whatever new windows someone is trying to sell you.
Probably the two most important ratings are U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), which are briefly reviewed below. Others are Visible Light Transmittance (VT), Air Leakage (AL), and Condensation Resistance (CR), which you can find out about here.
U-factor
U-factor is the rate at which the window assembly passes heat in either direction. The lower the number, the better the window’s insulating properties. High-performance double-pane windows can have U-factors of 0.30 or lower. Some triple-pane windows boast U-factors as low as 0.15
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
SHGC quantifies the amount of solar radiation allowed into a room by a window, some by direct passage through the window, and some that is initially absorbed by the window and slowly released into the room. SHGC numbers are between zero and one, and the lower the number the better the window.
New or Replacement?
One of the first decisions you must make when replacing exterior windows is between new windows and replacement windows.
- Replacement windows are specified when you only want to remove your old or poor-quality windows without disturbing the surrounding trim and/or frame. The replacement window is designed to fit the existing opening.
- New windows are specified if you wish to change the dimensions of the openings to accommodate completely new window styles and shapes. Their appeal is that you can transform the appearance of your home or business—both its exterior and interior.
You can learn more about new vs. replacement windows here.
What style new or replacement window is for you?
- Single- and double-hung windows are the most common. They’re composed of two separate frames, called “sashes,” each of which contains a glass pane. If both sashes can move up and down, the window is called “double-hung.” If only the bottom sash can be moved, it’s called “single-hung.”
- Casement windows are probably the second-most common. They’re typically composed of a large framed pane, taller than it’s wide, and hinged along one side. They open by swinging door-like, controlled with a hand crank, lever, or similar mechanism.
- Slider windows—also known as “gliders”—have no springs, pulleys, or other mechanisms for opening and closing, making them a low-maintenance, cost-effective choice for residential homes. You just release a latch and slide the window open.
Learn more about various window styles here.
Make sure your exterior remodeling contractor is an expert
Exterior windows must provide security, weather-proofing, and aesthetic appeal to your home or business. So it’s important that they be of high quality and properly installed. Genesis Exteriors offers you nearly a decade of award-winning service and expertise installing windows and doors at homes and businesses throughout South Central Wisconsin. Find out more.
Did You Know?
Genesis Exteriors craftsmen have been providing quality remodeling services to Dane County and South Central Wisconsin homeowners and businesses since 2004, having completed over 1000 exterior remodeling projects in the last five years alone: roofs, siding, windows, doors, and gutters.
Our crew supervisors have a minimum of 15 years experience each. In addition we are:
- Licensed, bonded, and insured in the State of Wisconsin
- Recipient of the Angie’s List® Super Service Award in 2010 and 2011 and 2012
- Registered in Wisconsin under the S & B Building Contractor Program, which ensures that all work completed at your home or business will meet the latest state codes and building requirements (registration #10657 d.b.a. Everyday Interiors)
