9 Questions On Replacement Windows
Are you planning on doing some home improvements in Los Angeles area? Home improvement in Los Angeles can be a big project to tackle, if you’re not sure how to go about it. And getting replacement windows is definitely a part of that uncertainty. So we’ve put together the top 9 replacement windows in Los Angeles questions here, to help you along with your project. Check them out.1. What are replacement windows?
Simply put, replacement windows are those designed to fit into the same structure that the old windows came out of. The idea of replacement windows is to get newer, more energy-efficient windows to help you lower your heating costs. When you’re replacing your windows, you’ll need to have exact measurements because, although there’s a small allowance for differences in measurements, the replacement windows should be the same size as the old windows, and fit into the frame with a minimum of adjustments.
2. What are my choices of materials in a replacement window frame?
Replacement window frames come in five basic types:
Aluminum – Many people like aluminum replacement windows
in Los Angeles because of their flexibility in custom designing.
However, they’re not the most energy-efficient, and they invite
condensation.
Fiberglass – Fiberglass replacement windows are a fairly new
addition to the industry. They’re also the most expensive. But
it’s the old “you get what you pay for” story, because they have
a very high R-value, which means you’ll save more on your
heating bill.
Vinyl – Vinyl replacement windows are very popular
because there are many styles and shapes to choose from. They’re
also very energy-efficient.
Wood – Wood replacement windows have great R-values,
because wood is a natural insulator. Also, condensation isn’t
much of a problem with wood windows. However, the maintenance is
high, with the requirement of periodic scraping and painting.
Fibrex – Fibrex replacement windows are a combination of
wood and vinyl, taking the best of both worlds and putting them
together to create a window that’s highly energy-efficient, but
still low-maintenance.
3. What does the R-value and the U-factor of a window refer
to when it comes to replacement windows?
The R-values and U-factors (or U-values) are ratings that
replacement window manufacturers assign to their windows to tell
you how efficient they are.
The R-value of a window tells you how well the window insulates.
It’s expressed as a number, ranging from 0.9 and up. A window
that insulates fairly well would have an R-value of about 3 or
more.
When you’re looking at the U-factor of a window, you’re looking
for a low number (from 1.1 to 0.3) – the lower the number, the
better the window is at keeping the heat in.
4. What’s the best type of glass in a replacement windows in
Los Angeles?
The first thing you need to look for in the glass in a
replacement window is whether it’s single- or double-pane.
Single-pane windows are ok for out-buildings, like detached
garages and sheds, where heat loss isn’t a factor.
However, if you want to keep your utility bills as low as
possible, you definitely want to get double-pane glass. It’s two
panes of glass, hermetically-sealed, with an airspace in
between. The result is a well-climatized environment in your
home. As far as the actual pane of glass is concerned, you have
three choices. One of the more popular types of glass is called
low-emissivity, or low-e glass, which uses a special coating to
keep heat either in or out, depending on the time of year.
Or you can get heat-absorbing glass, which keeps the solar
energy, and thus the heat, out. And it also prevents the sun
from “bleaching” your carpet, drapes and furniture. Your other
choice is reflective glass, which does the same job as
heat-absorbing glass, but uses a film to reflect the harmful UV
rays.
5. What are the easiest replacement windows to clean?
You’re probably familiar with the old saying, “I don’t do
windows.” That’s why window manufacturers are always looking for
easier ways for you to keep your windows clean. As far as
design goes, the latest double-hung windows are specifically
made for your cleaning “pleasure”. They tilt back and forth, and
lock into place, so you can get the replacement windows cleaned
quickly and move on!
6. Are custom replacement windows a good idea?
We’re back to the old “you get what you pay for” again. Custom
replacement windows in Los Angeles are the most efficient,
because they’re carefully measured to the exact specifications,
with a minimum of change to your interior and exterior walls.
And because they’re made to fit your window space exactly, the
possibility of heat loss or leakage is greatly reduced. So, in
the long run, your cost will be balanced out.
7. Will replacement windows fix my condensation problem?
Condensation is a problem that’s hard to get rid of. However,
there’s a very good solution available now. For a little extra
money, you can buy vinyl windows that actually keep the edges of
the window warm. And because condensation is created by the
temperature difference between inside and outside, this problem
is virtually eliminated.
8. Are replacement windows designed to keep out noise?
All windows reduce the amount of outside noise that you can hear
from inside. However, if you’re especially concerned about this,
you can get laminated insulating glass, which will reduce the
amount of outside noise by about a half.
In Conclusion
Replacement windows in Los Angeles are a big part of home
improvement. And, with all the focus on energy-efficiency these
days, you need to make the right choices when replacing your
windows. Contact our
replacement window experts today
