Five Tips for Selecting the Right Windows

Selecting replacement windows for your home can be a daunting task. Like any specialized area, window technology is constantly changing and these essential home components can be difficult to understand. Before you make your decision and commit to what will likely be a substantial investment, read on and learn.

TIP 1: Become an educated consumer so that you can make smart deci¬sions about this major investment. You deserve the best value for your hard-earned dollars, and you want windows that you’ll never have to replace again.

TIP 2: Select windows with premium-grade vinyl frames and sashes. Technological advancements made over the past decade make vinyl the best material choice for energy efficiency, durability, low maintenance and beauty.

TIP 3: Choose “custom-made” windows. Though the initial purchase price may be higher than standard sized windows, they’re the best value in the long run because installation is faster and practically no “cosmetic” work to the inside or outside of your home is needed. Plus, an exact fit means better thermal performance and lower energy bills!

TIP 4: Replacing windows is the perfect time to try something different to give your home a fresh, new look. Consider all the various styles, shapes and colors in which windows are now available. Today, window options offer new benefits—from enhanced security and protection against damaging UV light to sound or energy control and new-found comfort for your home.

TIP 5: Select Energy Star qualified windows and doors from a manufac¬turer that participates in the Energy Star program. 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.

TIP 6: Choose replacement windows from a specialty dealer who represents a reputable manufacturer. Consider the growth and stability. What do others, including past purchasers, say about the company? What kind of warranty does it provide?

What is U-Value

Our last Blog we explained R-value, windows also can have a U-value.

U-Value is the measurement of the rate of heat loss through a material.  Which means that in all aspects of home design one should strive for the lowest U Values possible because the lower the U Value, the less heat will be needlessly escaping. It is the measure of a window's ability to reduce heat loss during indirect radiation exposure; such as during the winter months in moderating climates.Lower U-values translate into less indirect heat lost from the interior of the home resulting in lower heating costs.

U-value is the inverse of R-value (a more common term used in the insulation business). To find a correlating R-value from a given U-value, simply divide the number 1 by the U-value. Lower U-values correlate to higher R-values. For example: 1 divided by a .50 U-value gives us an R-value of 2.00.

Lower U-values are important because many municipalities are adopting the 2006 version of the International Residential Code (IRC 06 for short). This code mandates all energy efficient window and exterior door units with IG to carry a minimum U-Value of .40, translating to an R-value of 2.5.

This may sound like a low insulating value but even the finest energy efficient windows today carry U-values hovering in the .22 through .30 ranges; thus correlating to R-values of 4.55 through 3.33.

And given the fact most exterior wall cavities are a minimum R-13 (with standard 2 x 4 framing) to R-19 (with 2 x 6 framing), the most energy efficient windows are 3 to 4 times less efficient than the wall they're installed in; thus the significance to upgrade building codes with regard to window glazing applications.

So, even with the large disparity between the wall vs. window insulating factor, improving U-values greatly increases the energy efficiency of the home.

What is R-Value

Shopping for New Windows can be confusing especially when it comes to R-Values.  We wanted to share a guide that will help you understand what R-values are and why they are so import.

What is a Window's R-Value?

The R-value (or R-factor) of a window is a rating system used in the building and construction industry that indicates a window's thermal resistance. It is based on a set of standards as outlined by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). The higher the R-value number, the better the window is at resisting heat. This is similar to, but not to be confused with, the R-value of home insulation.

How is R-Value Determined?

R-values are determined by five primary factors. These include:

• The number of layers of glass used
• The amount of air space between the layers of glass
• The type of glazing material used
• The tightness of the installation
• The thermal resistance level of the materials used including the spacers and frame

What Part of the Window does the R-Value Relate To?

The R-value is the heat resistance capabilities determined for the entire window – glass, frame and all.

What is the Difference Between a Window's R-Value and Its U-Value?

Whereas the R-value rates the window's resistance to heat, the U-value rates the window's tendency to let heat enter or exit. A well-insulated window will feature a high R-value and a low U-value. Typical R-values range between 0.9 and 3.0 and U-values are usually between 1.1 and 0.3.

3rd Avenue Window Supply

3rd Avenue Window Supply is proud to celebrate 14 years of service in New York City, established in  1998.  Mike Laucella is the owner, he and his crew make up over 40 years of combined experience. Since they only install the highest quality windows, doors, iron railings and gates, they have earned the reputation of being the company to go to for getting the job done right. 

Many companies sell glass, windows and doors but they believe their employees are what make the difference, they believe in offering quality products, backed by professional service and expertise. 

3rd Avenue Window Supply has been listed in the Builder's Blue Book since 2008.  Proud Affiliations include:

• N & A Contracting Inc.
• Trice Contracting Inc.
• Dawn Waterproofing
• Glass Town (Replacement Glass)
• Monda Windows (Aluminum & Vinyl Windows)
• Anderson (Wood Windows)
• New Sun Glass (Provide Storefront Products)

3rd Avenue Window Supply is proud to serve New York City, call for a Free estimate for all your  Residential, Commercial and Industrial needs (718) 220-0015.