When it comes to your choice of material for your windows’ frames, it can’t be stressed enough how much that choice will affect all the different characteristics of your window. Things like how long you can expect your windows to last, what kind of care and maintenance your windows will need, whether or not you’ll need to regularly scrape and repaint your windows, etc. – all these are determined, in large part, by your choice of window frame material.

Because of the wide-reaching effects of your choice of window frame material, it’s important from the very start to choose the right one – the best one – for your windows. To get the very best energy efficiency and performance from your windows, you need to seriously consider top-of-the-line products, such as Fibrex™.

What makes Fibrex stand out? For one thing, the material is known to combine the strength and stability of wood with the ease of care of vinyl. In terms of energy efficiency, the superior qualities of Fibrex’s composite material allows it to be crafted into thinner window frames without sacrificing structural integrity. Though substantially less material is used to make the window frames, it provides a tighter seal between the glass and the window frame than ever before, keeping the heat in during the winter and helping to reduce your heating bills.

PART I: THE FRAME

Another benefit is that, by using less material in the window frame, you’re able to use more glass in your windows, letting in more light. This allows you to take advantage of greater amounts of natural light in your home. Through the strategic positioning of your windows in the rooms which naturally see more sunlight during the day, you can reduce your dependence on electrical light to illuminate your home. Not only do you spend less on heating and cooling, but you spend less overall on lighting as well!

Choosing a composite such as Fibrex for its energy efficiency benefits more than just you, however; it benefits the environment as well. About 40% of the raw material used in its manufacture is reclaimed wood fiber; thus, by choosing Fibrex, you help conserve our natural resources and reduce our overall carbon footprint. You simply can’t go wrong with a material that’s great for your home, great for your wallet, and also great for the planet.

The frame is just one part of your window’s overall energy efficiency. See what choosing the right glass can do for you in Part II.

PART I: THE FRAME

At first glance, choosing the right window glass for your replacement windows can be overwhelming; you might be thinking, “can’t I just get some good ol’ normal glass anymore?” Well, the long and short of it is, if you’re thinking old, single-pane glass, then, you might still be able to get it. However, you ought to know that your old-fashioned single-pane glass is, without a doubt, your worst choice for energy-efficiency.

MULTIPLE GLASS PANES

Today’s energy-efficient windows require at least two panes of glass for any sort of actual energy efficiency; in colder climates, up to three panes can be used in windows. This is because the air between the multiple panes of glass, in conjunction with the glass itself, acts as a buffer that reduces the amount of heat that is transferred from the outside to within your house as sunlight passes through the window glass. The entire thing is sealed against air leakage, which also has the added benefit of reducing outside noise filtering into your home.

INERT GAS FILLS

To further reduce the amount of heat transfer from outside to inside, the space between the window panes can be filled with an inert gas, such as argon or krypton. Argon is the more common of the two, and provides superior insulation when compared with normal air. Krypton, similarly, provides even more insulation than argon when used to fill the spaces between your window panes.

PART II: THE GLASS

GLASS QUALITIES

The glass itself that is used in windows can have many different characteristics built into it. Low-emissivity, or low-e, glass, for example, comes with a microscopically-thin coating of a metal oxide that further increases the insulating properties of the glass, reducing heat transfer between your home and the outside environment. Other options include heat-absorbing tinting, which is designed to reduce both heat transfer and glare, and reflective coatings, which are geared more towards reducing the penetration of radiant light than blocking heat transfer.

How, exactly, does this work out in actual numbers? SmartSun glass, the newest offering from Renewal By Andersen, for instance, is 45% more efficient in the winter and 70% more during the summer, when compared to regular dual-pane glass. This means that, by choosing SmartSun glass, you can reduce your heating bills by 45% more than the current industry standard in the winter, and 70% more than the same industry standard during the summer.

Your window’s frame and glass, no matter how advanced, won’t count for much if they’re not part of a properly-installed window. More in Part III.

PART II: THE GLASS

Proper window installation is a process that benefits from skill and experience; this is one of the biggest reasons do-it-yourself window installations fail. Skilled window installers are like master craftsmen – years of experience in the field allows professionals to tailor the installation process to your specific needs and situation.

PROPER COMMUNICATION AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL

One of the things that really makes a difference in the installation process is the initial home consultation. No two customers’ needs are exactly alike, just as no two homes are ever exactly alike. That’s why it’s important that you have the opportunity to communicate your specific window needs, and have your installer properly inspect your current window situation. Doing so will allow your installer to identify any specific installation challenges unique to your situation and advise you on how to make the most of your new windows.

EASE OF REPLACEMENT

Ideally, your installer of choice should manufacture all their own windows themselves. This will mean that you’ll never have to worry about proper replacement parts, even on window models or designs that they’ve discontinued. At Renewal By Andersen, for example, as part of their commitment to properly servicing customers’ needs, replacement parts for all windows are kept in stock; some of the parts have even been in storage for over fifty years.

PART III: PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION

CUSTOM-BUILT WINDOWS

When manufacturers build their own windows themselves, they are able to take the extra step to customize all the windows to customers’ needs. There’s no such thing as an off-the-shelf window; rather, every window installed is tailored to your specific needs. The window installed in your living room is made specifically for that, just as the window installed your bedroom will be. By taking the time to pick a manufacturer who can tailor your new windows to your home, you can rest easy knowing you’re getting the best product your money can buy.

SUPERIOR WARRANTY COVERAGE

Manufacturers that are confident in the quality and excellence of their products can also offer you warranty coverage you’re not likely to find elsewhere. RBA, for one, offers up to 20 years’ coverage on glass, components, and installation; you can also take advantage of their Owner-2-Owner warranty, passing on coverage to your home’s next owner should you choose to sell your home.

PART III: PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION

Renewal by Andersen of Rhode Island Southeastern

Masachusetts

26 Albion RoadLincoln, RI 02865

401-473-2739

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