In What Ways Are New Replacement Windows Better?
If your home windows are old and starting to deteriorate, then it makes sense to have them replaced. New windows work better because they are in better shape and have not suffered decades of wear and tear. However, replacement windows are also made better than the windows of yesteryear. Here are some of the key ways in which replacement windows are better than old-school windows.
Improved Materials
Years ago, windows were mostly framed in wood. Some were framed in plastics, but those plastics were not all that strong. Today's replacement windows are mostly framed in vinyl, which is better suited for use in windows. Vinyl bends a little, so it is less likely to crack in high winds and other elements. It won't rot when exposed to moisture, as windows generally are, and it is also a good insulator. As such, replacement windows made with vinyl tend to last longer, require fewer repairs, and save energy.
Low-E Glass
The glass in many replacement windows has been coated in a metallic film. This thin, metallic film does not change how the windows look, but it does make those windows better at reflecting heat. They're known as Low-E windows because they have a low emissivity — in other words, they don't absorb much heat. Low-E glass makes windows a lot more efficient. You get lower AC bills in the summer and lower heating bills in the winter as a result.
Better Lock Designs
Have the locks and latches on your old windows failed? This is common. Many window fasteners were made from aluminum in the past. As a result, they were flimsy and bent easily. Of course, the wood around them could deteriorate, too. Today's replacement windows have a better lock and latch design. Most are made from stainless steel, which is more durable, and the vinyl surrounding them does not break down as readily.
Double-Pane Glass
Double-pane glass consists of two panes of glass, one inside the other. This is how replacement windows have been made for several decades, but if you have really old windows, they might have only one pane of glass. Double-pane glass is very insulating as there is a layer of air between the glass. It will save you money on AC and heat, and it will keep your home more comfortable.
Replacement windows will change the way you think about your home's windows. Get in touch with a window replacement contractor soon.