Replacement Windows in Your Maryland Home – How to Compare Your Options

Casement Windows MD

Windows MD – Energy efficient replacement windows are a great way to cut down your monthly utility bills while also giving your home a fresh new look. Like most areas of home improvement technology, replacement windows are constantly changing. Replacing your windows is a substantial investment that shouldn’t be made without doing your homework. Become an educated consumer to know which type and style of window best suits your Maryland home. Technological advances in windows over the past decade show that vinyl is the best material choice for energy efficient, durable, low maintenance windows. Vinyl replacement windows provide energy savings because of their moderate to high R-values, which mean they are resistant to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the resistance and the greater the energy efficiency; which equates to more energy savings for you. This applies to both heating and cooling costs. High quality vinyl windows should never need to be replaced again and offer many characteristics their older counterparts cannot. With continuously rising energy costs, high-performance products will keep your heating and cooling bills lower and provide a greater level of comfort for your home.

When comparing your replacement window options it is important to note that not all vinyl windows are the same. Many replacement window contractors use vinyl windows that may cost you less up front but over the long haul could wind up costing you much, much more. Lower quality vinyl windows can sag, or even soften over time thus losing their shape. Higher quality vinyl sashes are engineered to withstand the heat that causes these deformations. S&K Roofing, Siding and Windows only uses the highest quality vinyl replacement windows from manufacturers such as Viwinco, BF Rich, Pella, Andersen and Velux and encourages homeowners to research what makes these windows special. Factors such as quality of the material, number of chambers (the higher the number of chambers, the higher the quality) and how the windows are assembled are very important. A great tip for determining the quality of a vinyl window is to look for blue tinting. Frequently, manufacturers of lower quality windows will tint the vinyl blue to buy time before the product fades.

There are many types of replacement windows. Let’s first take a look at single hung and double hung windows. A single hung window has a fixed top sash with a bottom sash that can be opened. Many single hung windows have a bottom sash that tilts in for easy cleaning. A double hung window has a top sash that can be lowered and a bottom sash that can be raised. Many double hung windows offer the added benefit of both windows tilting in. Single and double hung windows are the most common windows found in homes today.

Other types of replacement windows offered by S&K are;

Awning Windows: These windows are used to provide extra light and are usually installed on top of larger windows or patio doors. Awning windows are hinged at the top and open out from the bottom.

Sliding Windows: Sliding windows have one fixed window sash, and another that slides open from side to side.

Bay and Bow Windows: Bay windows consist of three windows joined together, while bow windows consist of four or more windows joined together to form a curve for maximum view from the inside and curb appeal from the outside.

Garden Windows: Primarily used in one’s kitchen area, garden windows are ideal for growing herbs, showcasing small flowers and starting plants for late spring planting.

Skylights: Skylights are built in roof windows providing a unique lighting function.

Casement Windows: Casement windows are windows that are hinged at the side, and open outward from either side. Casement windows are ideal for sunrooms and additions, as they offer views unobstructed by sashes and grids.

Specialty Shapes: These windows often use curves and rectangles to accent architecture.

Specialty Windows: Specialty windows offer unique combinations of shapes, styles and features, include those that open for ventilation.

Comparing options when it comes to replacing your windows can be a challenging task. After all, there many manufacturers and products that claim to be the “best”. By becoming educated on the subject your choice will become exponentially easier. Choosing the perfect window can easily be ruined by choosing the wrong installation “expert”. Be sure these two choices go hand in hand and choose an installer that is licensed, insured and can provide you with not only written testimonials but also customer references. Be sure to compare not only prices, but quality and features such as R Value and U Value (the amount of heat that escapes through the window). Also consider windows that are Energy Star® rated. These windows not only cut energy costs but help the environment as well. Another important consideration is choosing a window that is classified as a Low E window. Low E or low emissivity is the action of reflecting light passing through glass. A low emissivity window will filter out more than 50% of damaging UV light. Becoming an educated consumer can be difficult and time consuming, but your extra effort will undoubtedly pay off.

S&K Roofing, Siding and Windows have been installing high quality replacement windows for more than 30 years. Whether you are looking to give your home a more beautiful appearance or simply trying to cut down on pesky energy costs, replacing your old, out dated windows is a great place to start. S&K offers a great Window Buying Guide at www.SKRoofing.com. This comprehensive guide will show you everything you need to know when choosing to replace your windows. From choosing the perfect contractor to making the most educated window choice the S&K Window Buying Guide will walk you step by step through the entire process. So, when you’re deciding what to do with your tax refund or simply trying to find a way to curb energy costs, remember to check your windows this spring and contact S&K Roofing, Siding and Windows to schedule a no-hassle no-obligation replacement window estimate.