Windows Buying Guide

Learn the pros and cons of different types of windows, the various styles and latest trends.

By: John Riha

Exterior View of Pella Windows and Doors

Courtesy of Pella Windows and Doors

Courtesy of Pella Windows and Doors

The very good news about windows is that there are an incredible number of styles, options and prices to consider. The bad news? With all those possibilities, you may feel like you're adrift on an ocean of options. Take heart, fellow shopper: Here's what you need to know to navigate the world of windows.

Make Mine Energy Efficient

"These days, when it comes to windows, it's all about energy efficiency," says Lance Premeau, product and market analyst for Kolbe Windows and Doors. Capitalizing on keen public awareness, most manufactures have amped up the energy efficiency component of their marketing games, and consumers are benefitting. Features such as argon-filled glazing and low-E coatings have become commonplace, and the recent federal tax credit available for qualified window products has made upgrading windows one of the most popular of all home improvement projects.

Nevertheless, some types of windows claiming energy efficiency may not be all they're cracked up to be. A good guideline is to check if windows meet the performance levels created by the federal government's Energy Star program. If so, they'll carry the Energy Star label.

However, that label doesn't mean the windows automatically qualify for the federal tax credit. To be eligible, the window's U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient must both less than or equal to 0.30. The U-factor gauges the window's insulation value, and the solar heat gain coefficient measures how well a product blocks heat transfer from sunlight. These measurements are standardized by the National Fenestration Rating Council and appear on the product's NFRC performance label.

The federal tax credit is equal to 30 percent of the product cost or a maximum of $1,500. Installation is not covered by the credit. Note that qualifying windows must be purchased by Dec. 31, 2010. Currently, Congress is examining the possibility of extending the tax credits.

What Do They Cost?

You'll pay about $150 for a 3x4-foot double-hung, white vinyl window with insulating glass and low-E coating at a home improvement center. Upgrade to argon gas-filled triple glazing and fiberglass frame, and your price gets north of $400 for the same size window. Specialty coatings, custom grills and other options from a top manufacturer can nudge the price to $800.

Vinyl Pella Windows Used in Bedroom

Courtesy of Pella Windows and Doors

Courtesy of Pella Windows and Doors

Vinyl - Low Cost and a Debate

More vinyl windows are sold than all other types of window construction combined - about 67 percent of the residential window market. That's because vinyl combines low cost with durability, reliability and energy performance. Vinyl is virtually indestructible, impervious to moisture and insect- and rot-proof.

Vinyl is an inert material that's a poor thermal conductor, meaning it's a good insulator. It's tough and strong - stout enough that the sash is hollow, creating air-filled chambers with excellent insulating capabilities. Lightweight vinyl windows are relatively easy to install for professionals and DIYers alike.

One objection to vinyl is it's appearance - fusion-welded seams aren't attractive, and the material is decidedly synthetic. Colors extend throughout the vinyl, which helps camouflage scratches and nicks, but color choices for off-the-shelf vinyl windows typically are limited to white and tan. A simple palette of gray, green, red and a few other colors may be available through special order.

The jury is out on whether vinyl windows can be painted. Some experts suggest using an epoxy-based exterior paint, such as an automotive finish. Others say not to paint vinyl at all because paints don't adhere well - the material expands and contracts too much and can cause cracks in painted surfaces.

The sustainability of vinyl is another source of debate. On one hand, the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) produces toxins such as dioxin, and the material itself may last hundreds of years in landfills, disqualifying it from consideration in the minds of environmentalists. Nevertheless, the longevity of the material means durability, and the replacement cycle for vinyl is extremely long.

Integrity Fiberglass Marvin Windows and Doors

Courtesy of Marvin Windows

Courtesy of Marvin Windows

Fiberglass on the Rise

While only 3 percent of the window market comes from windows made with fiberglass, the material is fast gaining a reputation for being durable and blissfully maintenance-free. Combined with its middle-of-the-road price, fiberglass provides solid value. It's stronger than vinyl, and fiberglass windows won't warp, rot or crack. Expect to pay about double the price of a comparable vinyl window.

Fiberglass windows are manufactured in limited colors, but they can be painted and the surface provides excellent adhesion. Some brands come in a natural wood exterior finish that does a great job of mimicking the real thing. Also available: real wood interior frames and sashes that can be stained.

On the green front, some manufacturers fill the hollow fiberglass frames with foam insulation to enhance the product's thermal performance. In addition, fiberglass is relatively easy to fabricate, so fiberglass products have a low embedded energy, meaning they don't require a lot of energy to produce.

Aluminum: The Architect's Friend

Aluminum windows have been steadily losing market share to better, cheaper alternatives, such as fiberglass and vinyl. Nevertheless, aluminum windows have a number of distinct characteristics that make them attractive options.

Aluminum is extremely strong, meaning that windows can be fabricated with relatively thin frames and sash components. That provides more space in the window opening for glass and makes aluminum windows a favorite choice of architects. In addition, aluminum can be fabricated with an enormous variety of factory-applied color finishes that are extremely tough and long-lasting.

But in the competitive world of windows, aluminum's drawbacks stand out. Metal is a poor thermal performer, and it doesn't insulate well against heat and cold. The material expands and contracts rapidly relative to glass, putting stress on seals. And although it is impervious to moisture, insects and rot, aluminum is susceptible to the corrosive effects of salt air, so it's not a great choice for coastal climates.

A version of the all-aluminum window is the aluminum-clad variety, which features a wood core wrapped in an aluminum skin. Although these offer better insulating capabilities, they are outperformed by vinyl and fiberglass.

Wood Takes the High Road

Compared to other choices, all-wood windows aren't as durable, are susceptible to rot and insect attack, plus they require vigilant maintenance. In addition, they cost more. Still, wood has that je ne sais quoi - few building materials that can compare with its natural beauty and warmth. For discriminating homeowners, wood remains a top choice.

Wood is a fine insulator, and modern weather-stripping techniques and hardware components make drafty wood windows a thing of the past. Wood accepts paint and stain readily, and its workability makes wood ideal for custom applications. When renovating a historic home and matching the style of older, existing windows, wood is the ideal choice.

Unfortunately, wood doesn't stand up to harsh weather without constant maintenance. You'll need to inspect your wood windows every year for signs of wear and deterioration, and be prepared to repair any cracks or failures in paint and caulk.

If environmental responsibility is important, look for windows made from wood harvested by suppliers certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Many major window manufacturers now offer this option.

Back to the Future

Windows come in heaps of sizes and configurations, and custom capabilities can accommodate just about any over-active imagination, albeit at a custom price.

To put some pizzazz into window planning while keeping price reasonable, homeowners are exploring the possibilities with window styles other than standard double-hung and casements. Options include:

Pella Windows and Doors Used in Dining Area

Courtesy of Pella Windows and Doors

Courtesy of Pella Windows and Doors

Awning windows are hinged along their top edge, and the bottom swings out. They became synonymous with factory construction in the 1950s and 60s. Awning windows are great for providing ventilation while keeping out the elements. Fitted with privacy glass, awnings are ideal for bathroom installations. As an architectural statement, try a vertical column of awning windows stacked on top of each other.

Jalousie windows, also called louvered windows, feature glass slats that open and close in unison. They look like glass shutters, and recall the architecture of the American South. With their multiple panes, jalousies have been a challenge to seal completely, and they're recommended for mild climates. Nevertheless, modern manufacturing techniques have improved the performance of jalousies, and they provide big retro style points.

Glass block windows are composed of individual glass blocks sealed together into a unit and placed in a vinyl or aluminum frame. The windows can be fixed, or operable casement- and awning-type windows. They come ready-to-install, with frames and nailing flanges.

With choices of classic glass block styles, such as clear, wavy, fluted and frosted, glass block windows hark to the heyday of mid-century modern. These days, however, blocks can be made of either glass or lightweight acrylic, and modern manufacturing ensures tight seals and good thermal performance.

Cool Stuff

Sunlight- and temperature-sensitive windows from Denver-based Ravenbrick automatically darken on hot, bright days to block sunlight from a home's interior. On cool days, the windows stay clear to admit sunlight and allow solar gain. Although not yet available for residential application, the technology should add about 30 percent to the cost of a window and pay for itself in reduced energy bills within six years.

Spot-reducing titanium-dioxide coatings are supposed to reduce water's ability to organize itself into droplets that create spots and streaks. These self-washing windows are available from a few manufacturers, including Andersen.

Tilt-and-turn windows, popular in Europe, may soon be introduced into the U.S. market. These unique windows can be opened two ways: With a side hinge that lets the sash swing horizontally and with a bottom hinge that permits the window to be opened like an awning window. The dual-action offers interesting flexibility for cleaning and for interior design.

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