Popular Window Materials and Styles | Window Installers in Southlake, TX
Thinking of investing in new windows? Good home improvement project – not only will you get a good return on your investment but can also improve energy efficiency. So what choices are available in the market? What materials should you choose from and what style should you go with? Our expert window installers in Southlake, TX have put together the following guide. Read on to find out all that you should know when buying new windows.
According to our window installers in Southlake, buying new windows doesn’t only involve decisions about the materials and styles. You should consider other things as well, such as insulation, frame material, and of course, your budget. Obviously, you’ll have to pay more if you want a window with better insulative properties. But keep in mind that only the upfront costs are higher – in the long run, you’ll actually be saving money if you choose to invest in higher performance windows.
The frame of a window is made using many different materials. Among the available choices, wood, vinyl, fiberglass and metal are the most popular. Our expert window installers in Southlake highlight the pros and cons of some window materials. You also have different options for the pane such as single pane, double paned and filled panes.
Frame Materials
Vinyl
A vinyl frame is the most affordable option, suiting many different applications. Vinyl windows come in different qualities; lower quality windows feature a weather strip which is not so durable, and its components are more likely to break. Vinyl expands and contracts as temperature changes, which affects its sealing ability. Plus, if the temperatures are too hot, the frame can also warp.
However, higher quality vinyl windows can be a good investment. But they are less aesthetically appealing than other options out there. Still they can be painted in any color of your choice. Ensure that a primer is used before the paint so that the color lasts longer and is less prone to fading.
Wood
Wood is more costly than vinyl and often may need to be sealed with paint so are to prevent sun damage and decay. Window is a good insulative material, and is aesthetically appealing as well. But in humid areas, wood windows may not be the best choice.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass doesn’t contract and expand as much as vinyl, and so puts up a better performance. However, the frame has to be painted for greater durability.
Cladded
The life of a wood window can be increased if it is cladded with vinyl, fiberglass or aluminum. Aluminum can easily be painted into any color, but use a primer first. Fiberglass and tinted vinyl can also be painted in many shades. White vinyl is an exception, however.
Hard-baked painted windows are also available. Your chosen window installers in Southlake can provide you more information.
Other Choices
Composite, steel and timber are other choices for a window frame. Ask reputed window installers in Southlake to explain the pros and cons of these materials.
Styles
Tilt Out
Just as the name implies, a tilt out window can be tilted outside. According to our window installers in Southlake, this makes cleaning really easy. But make sure that the window is made from durable materials so that the hardware doesn’t break or come away as you move the window on its hinges.
Double hung
The team of window installers in Southlake state that double hung is another common style, which is popular because of its easy functioning and versatility. Such a window features many specialized components like the exterior sill and the interior stool.
The exterior sill is designed to be slightly inclined to allow water to run off. The inside sill, also known as the interior stool is flat, but wide enough for a small potted plant. Window installers in Southlake take particular care when fixing this kind of window into the opening. The partings stops and moldings must be aligned so that the window seals well, but the sashes can still be slid upwards and downwards easily.
Glazing
Single glazed window has only a single glass pane, and is the most affordable option for all. But performance is also on the lower side. Other options include double and triple glazed windows, which improve efficiency dramatically. Our window installers in Southlake state that double panes are the most popular options.
Ratings
Ratings are important for evaluating the performance levels and efficiency of your chosen windows. Consider the following values when making a decision.
- R Value: This factor measures how well a window can manage heat transfer, ensuring that the inside of your house is always at a comfortable temperature. Higher R values are more preferable.
- U Value: This factor is actually the inverse of a window’s R Value and measures how well a window can transfer heat. Go with windows that have lower U values.
- Solar gain: Solar gain or the solar gain coefficient measures the amount of heat that will fall upon the window when the sun shines brightly. For cold weather, solar gain is desirable, but during the summer season, it can increase your energy bills. So consider the average temperatures throughout the year and then make a decision. Keep in mind that heat gain is greater for higher values.
- Wind Resistance: This is a measure of air leakage, and is specified in cubic feet per minute or cfm. Every window is specified by two wind resistance values: one is for 70 degrees Fahrenheit and the other is for 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Both values should be on the lower side.
Storm Windows
New windows are a costly option. So in cases where your windows fail to perform simply because they have aged, you can invest in storm windows which are a more affordable option. According to reputed window installers in Southlake, storm windows improve insulative properties and can lower your energy bills significantly.
Want more information on windows, doors or siding? Visit our website and talk to one of our window installers in Southlake today!