There are three major considerations when choosing replacement windows. They are frame material, glass package, and installation.
Frame Material When it comes to frame material, you can choose from wood, fiberglass, aluminum, or vinyl. Here weāll discuss the advantages of vinyl replacement windows.
- Because vinyl is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), it provides a substantial amount of insulation which is reflected in its high R-value. It helps reduce heating and cooling usage resulting in lower energy bills.
- Vinyl replacement windows donāt have to be painted, scraped, or stained, and theyāre resistant to the elements.
- Vinyl is the least expensive of available window materials, but thatās not the same as saying theyāre cheap or low quality.
- The variety of color, size, and style options is wide-ranging, and they can easily be custom made.
Double pane windows If your home still has single pane windows, thereās no question youāll benefit by upgrading to dual pane windows. Double pane windows have two panes of glass set into each frame which creates a small space between them. This intentionally created air pocket offers insulation you donāt get with your old single pane, and if you upgrade from air to inert gas like argon or krypton, youāll increase the insulation even more. An unexpected benefit from upgrading to dual pane windows is their ability to reduce noise intrusion from the outside. Itās that extra pane of glass, and for homeowners in areas with high traffic, railroad tracks, or airports, a third pane of glass is added specifically to keep the outside noise out. Double pane windows increase your comfort, reduce your utility costs, and increase the value of your property.
The Combination of Vinyl Double Pane Replacement Windows Increases the Benefits of Each Attribute First, letās not exaggerate the amount of money youāll save on your utility bills by installing vinyl double pane replacement windows. Youāll save money, but they certainly wonāt pay for themselves. Your cost-benefit analysis should include a number of areas, like:
- The savings, although minimal, on your utilities
- The comfort level of your interior environment
- The variety of color options available
- The low maintenance of vinyl
- The noise reduction from upgrading to double pane windows
- The increased curb appeal of your home
- The return on investment (ROI) youāll see when you sell
Vinyl double pane replacement windows are a good investment, but like most home improvements, itās what you get out of them as the homeowner that counts more than whether or not they pay for themselves.
Who Can Help Bring it All Together? Well, if youāre in the Houston area, Houston Window Experts is ready, willing, and able to guide you through what may seem like a maze of choices. Not only will we begin by answering your questions, weāll provide an on-site assessment and estimate. Should you choose us as your contractor, youāll benefit from our extensive experience, the 18 window brands we represent, our Master Window Installers, and our affordable pricing. Weāre a family-owned and operated company proudly serving Houston families.
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