Replacing your home windows is a great way to add curb appeal and improve its energy efficiency. The right window installation company will help you select the best options to match your style and budget.
Look for a company with a long history and local experience. It should work with trusted brands and offer energy-efficient options.
Low-E Glass
Low-E glass is made with a special coating that reduces the amount of heat that passes through a window while still allowing visible light to pass through. This can help to lower energy bills and protect furniture, flooring material, and fabrics from harmful UV rays.
As the sun comes in through your windows, it emits short and long wavelength radiation. The coating on Low E glass reflects the longer wavelengths of the sunlight while letting the shorter wavelengths through.
This means you’ll stay cooler in the summer and warm in the winter. It’s an investment, but one that can pay for itself in future heating and cooling costs. You can also opt for triple pane windows with Argon gas that provide even more insulation.
Solar Control Glass
Solar control glass reduces the amount of heat that enters the building by reflecting sunlight. This type of glass can be used on large glazed areas, facades, roofs and skylights. It can be tinted in various shades or have a clear appearance, depending on your design preferences.
It helps keep spaces cooler and can help reduce the load on air conditioning systems, which in turn leads to energy savings. It also protects furnishings from damage and fading due to prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
This type of window is available in both insert and retrofit installations. With the insert installation, the new window is fitted into the existing frame, which makes it less invasive and more affordable than replacing an entire door or wall.
Triple Pane Windows
Having triple-pane windows reduces your energy costs, giving you a warmer home and lower utility bills in the winter. This makes them one of the best investments you can make for your home.
These windows have three panes of glass with a spacer between each that is filled with gas, such as argon or krypton. This gas improves insulation and helps to decrease noise from outside. It also decreases condensation and a window’s U-factor, which can help to lower your energy bill.
They’re usually more expensive than double-pane windows, but they will pay for themselves with energy savings over time. If you’re considering installing them in your home, consider how long you’ll be living there and if the climate will benefit from the additional insulating properties of triple-pane windows.
Insert Windows
Window inserts, also known as pocket windows, are designed to nestle within your home’s existing wood frame. This allows the exterior and interior trim to remain undisturbed, greatly reducing the overall cost of replacement.
If your home’s original frames are in good condition with minimal rot, this installation method is the most cost-effective for replacing windows. It also helps to maintain the integrity of the structure while increasing energy efficiency and curb appeal.
However, you should note that you will have less visible glass area with this install, and it can be difficult to address any lingering issues like rotting, drafts, and low insulation. For this reason, it’s best to find an experienced local provider that understands Ferndale homeowners’ needs and challenges. The right company will help you mitigate problems like low efficiency and water damage with the right materials and installation methods.
Retrofit Windows
Often called “insert windows” or a sash-only replacement, retrofit windows offer a cost-effective window replacement solution for Ferndale homes that don’t need a new frame. They work well in existing frames that are insulated and weatherproof.
Local window installation experts can help you select the right frame material, operating style and glass glazing options to reduce energy consumption and costs in your home. They can also explain regional energy rebates and tax credits that may apply to your installation project.
When comparing quotes for window replacement in Ferndale, be sure to consider whether or not the company will replace the brickmoulds and jamb extensions along with the windows. This type of full-frame replacement will mitigate moisture, rot and other problems that can lead to costly repairs later on.