The Homeowner’s Complete Guide to Window Materials

We demand a lot from our home’s windows. They not only usher in fresh air and natural light but also help keep out the wet and cold. And we expect them to function well for decades. For centuries, windows were only made from wood. Today, consumers have many options to choose from, including aluminum, fiberglass, and vinyl.

Here’s a look at the differences between these four materials, along with the pros and cons of how they perform.

Wood Windows

Wood is a traditional material choice for windows. Attractive and durable, they offer excellent insulation. But they also require regular maintenance to keep them looking and performing their best.

Disadvantages to wood windows include:

• Paint and stain touchups and weather barrier coatings are often needed to protect wood from warping and rotting due to natural elements exposure.
• They’re also not the best choice for homes located near a coastline, as the salt air can cause pitting and staining.
• Termites love wood windows, which makes it doubly important to keep up on maintenance.

Wood windows are also the most expensive option, but they don’t rust and can last a lifetime — as long as you’re willing and able to maintain them.

Aluminum Windows

When they hear “aluminum windows,” most people think back to the cheap, flimsy models of the 1960s to 1980s. Today’s aluminum windows are a lot stronger and can last a long time if properly maintained. They’re less expensive than wood but cost more compared to vinyl.

One of the top-selling points of aluminum windows is their low maintenance. A major downside is they’re not as energy-efficient as other windows, as aluminum conducts heat more than any other building material. That can be a problem if you live in an area that experiences freezing temperatures in the winter.

While aluminum isn’t prone to warping, it can eventually corrode, especially if installed in coastal area homes. Corrosion-resistant paint can lessen the risk of decay.

Fiberglass Windows

Lighter and stiffer than wood and as low-maintenance as vinyl, fiberglass replacement windows are unaffected by temperature fluctuations. They’re available in custom sizes, have durable UV-blocking coatings, and a wide color selection. Built to last, they come with similar options and offer similar energy efficiency ratings as most vinyl windows. However, fiberglass windows do typically carry a higher price tag than vinyl models. But if you don’t mind spending a bit more, fiberglass windows are a great choice.

Vinyl Windows

When you’re looking for attractive, durable, and low-maintenance replacement windows, you don’t need to search further than vinyl. Made from an incredibly strong plastic material called PVC, vinyl doesn’t rust, corrode, or separate.

Advantages of vinyl windows include:

• They come in an abundance of sizes, styles, and exterior colors and can be manufactured to mimic a classic wood look.
• Vinyl frame corners and sashes are airtight, which keeps your utility bills low and your home comfortable all year long.
• They’re practically maintenance-free. You don’t need to touch them up with paint or stain, and you can easily clean them with just a little soap and water.

Vinyl windows also deliver the biggest bang for your buck. Properly installed, they’re designed to last and offer excellent energy efficiency, particularly if you choose our double-pane windows with high-performance low-E coatings.

Which Window Material Is Best for Your Home?

When choosing a replacement window material, it helps to make a list of which features matter most to you, always keeping in mind the level of upkeep and maintenance you’ll need to do.

All Zen Windows locations offer vinyl windows, and some offer fiberglass windows as well. We offer these materials because we believe they offer the best balance of form and function. We’d be happy to tell you more about these durable, efficient materials; contact your closest location to find out more! Our team is ready to answer any questions you might have about window materials and options.

How to Choose Energy-Efficient Windows

Winter is right around the corner, and if your home has older windows, that often means chilly drafts, cold spots, and condensation problems. More importantly, it means higher heating costs and a less comfortable home for your family. If you are considering replacement windows to address these issues, here are a few tips that can help you choose the most efficient windows for your needs.

Select the Best Glass for Your Climate

The type of glass in your windows can have a huge impact on their energy efficiency. When possible, choose dual- or triple-pane glass. These windows have more than one pane of glass with an air pocket between them, creating an insulating layer that is far more effective as a buffer against the cold than a single pane of glass. Filling that space with an inert gas like argon increases the insulating effect even more, keeping your home comfortable for longer with less energy. Low-E glass is another way to increase the efficiency of your windows. It reduces the amount of infrared radiation that can pass through your windows, which keeps your home cooler in the summer.

To maximize your energy savings, look for windows with a low U-factor, which represents the amount of heat that can be physically conducted through the window. In hot climates, choose a window with a low solar heat gain coefficient, or SHGC, which indicates how much heat you can expect to gain from the sun. In cool climates where passive heating is desired during the winter, look for windows with a high SHGC.

Choosing the Best Window Frames

Wood window frames offer decent insulation, but they can easily warp, twist, and rot with exposure to the elements, and they need constant repainting and upkeep to avoid damage. Aluminum windows conduct heat easily into and out of your home. For the best efficiency, consider vinyl or fiberglass windows. Both offer great thermal performance and air sealing, plus they are low maintenance. Choose windows with insulated frames and quality warm-edge seals for the best efficiency, and choose fusion-welded frames for the best seal and greatest durability.

Selecting the Most Efficient Window Styles

If you want to keep out drafts, windows that do not open, like picture windows, are a great choice, but many homeowners enjoy a bit of a breeze and some fresh air during nice weather. For the most efficient operable windows, choose casement windows, awning windows, or hopper windows, as their seals are reliably simple and effective. Double-hung windows are more complex and require several seals to block air infiltration, as they only have one operable sash to seal.

Other Tips to Increase the Efficiency of Your Windows

Adding heavy curtains or drapes to your windows can help to seal out drafts and prevent heat loss during the winter. Simply close them at night to keep the heat contained, then open them during sunny days to take advantage of free solar heating. Inspect weatherstripping on doors and windows often and replace it as necessary to keep out drafts.

Energy-Efficient Replacement Windows From Zen Windows

Are you ready to upgrade your windows? Choose energy-efficient vinyl or fiberglass replacement windows from our team at Zen Windows. We offer a range of frame and glass options to maximize the performance of the windows for your climate, and we make the buying process as easy as possible with fast, free quotes, a hassle-free sales process,[DisplayIfSet group=”Additional_Pages” setting=”financing”] great financing options with no money down,[/DisplayIfSet][DisplayIfSet group=”Additional_Pages” setting=”warranties”] and a lifetime warranty on all our replacement windows[/DisplayIfSet].

Call Zen Windows today or contact us online to request your free, no-obligation window replacement quote from your closest Zen Windows distributor.

Why Is There Condensation on My Windows?

Ideally, the windows in your home will provide a great view while keeping the interior warm in the winter and cool in the summer. So, when you see condensation on your windows, which happens when humid air meets a cool surface, you may wonder if they are effectively keeping the cold at bay.

What Causes Condensation?

Condensation is a natural phenomenon that occurs when hot, humid air meets a cool surface. Hot air can absorb more moisture than cool air, so when hot, humid air cools rapidly, it leaves behind liquid water. This happens frequently in bathrooms during a shower, where the cooler surface of the mirror will cause water to condense out of the air.

Condensation can happen anywhere there is a cooler surface and moisture in the air. Inside your home, the air is constantly being filled with moisture from activities like showering, cooking, or simply breathing. Because windows are located on the exterior walls and they have less insulation than the wall itself, they tend to be colder than the rest of the room, creating a natural spot for condensation to form. Even the best windows will lose some heat to the outside during cool weather, and every window is a balance between great views and energy efficiency.

Interior vs. Exterior Condensation

Condensation on the inside of the windows occurs due to humid air inside the home and colder temperatures outside. If it happens often, it may be a sign that your home has significant humidity and ventilation problems, or that your windows are poorly insulated. Excessive condensation can lead to water damage and mold growth, so it is a good idea to tackle any humidity problems promptly.

Condensation can also form on the outside of your windows in rare cases where the air is warmer and just a bit humid outside and your windows are cooler than the air temperature. This shows that your windows are working well to limit heat transfer between the interior and exterior.

If condensation forms between the panes of glass in your windows, this shows that the seals in your windows are faulty. Dual-pane and triple-pane windows feature a sealed space between the panes that is filled with an inert gas like argon or krypton. This acts as an insulating layer to reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. If these seals have failed, it is best to repair or replace the window.

How to Reduce Condensation in Your Home

Reducing humidity can go a long way toward preventing condensation. Use the exhaust fan in the bathroom when you are showering or bathing, and turn on the exhaust hood when you are cooking. If your home does not have an exhaust fan in the bathroom or a hood over the kitchen stove, it is wise to install one. Meanwhile, open windows as necessary to improve ventilation when bathing or cooking. Make sure that your HVAC system is serviced and working properly as well, as it helps to control humidity, and if humidity is still a problem, consider adding a dehumidifier.

If old, damaged, or inefficient windows are the primary cause of the condensation problem, replace the weatherstripping and make sure they are insulated and caulked properly. Otherwise, consider upgrading your windows to modern, energy-efficient replacement windows. Choose quality windows for the greatest performance, and select a skilled, professional contractor to make sure that they are installed and insulated properly.

A quality installation can improve the performance of any window, and at Zen Widows, we offer both top-quality replacement windows and energy-efficient, professional window installations.

Quality Replacement Windows for Your Home

Our team at Zen Windows makes the process of buying replacement windows easy with fast quotes, quality products, and great financing options. Our company features:

• Top-quality vinyl and fiberglass replacement windows
• Fast, accurate, free window replacement quotes
• Energy-efficient, professional window installations
[DisplayIfSet group=”Additional_Pages” setting=”financing”]
• Impressive financing options with no money down
[/DisplayIfSet] [DisplayIfSet group=”Additional_Pages” setting=”warranties”]
• Lifetime material and labor warranties on all our windows
{/DisplayIfSet]

Are you ready to upgrade your old, inefficient windows? Call today or contact your local Zen Windows dealer to request a free, no-obligation window replacement quote!

What Makes a Window Energy-Efficient?

Energy-efficient windows keep your home comfortably warm or cool while saving you money for decades after they’re installed. Replacing your home’s windows with energy-efficient models not only improves comfort but also filters out damaging ultraviolet light. New ENERGY STAR® qualified windows can also save you hundreds of dollars a year in heating and cooling costs.

For the greatest energy savings, you want to choose replacement windows that are best suited to your climate.

Energy-Efficient Terms You Should Know

• Heat gain and loss refers to direct transfer through the glass, heat radiation into your home, and air leakage through windows and skylights.
• IGUs, or insulated glass units, are two or three window glass panes in one frame. Each pane is separated by a transparent, odorless, and inert gas, typically argon, krypton, or both, minimizing heat gain and loss.
• Low-E refers to low-emissivity coatings, invisible layers that are applied to windows during the manufacturing process. They provide insulation and control heat transfer. While more expensive than windows without the coating, low-E windows can reduce energy loss by 30%-50%, making them a cost-effective investment.
• SHGC, or solar heat gain coefficient ratings, measure the fraction of transmitted solar energy transmitted and let you know how well the window blocks the sun’s heat. The lower an SHGC rating, the less solar heat the window transmits.
• U-factor rates a window’s performance by measuring its heat transfer rate and tells you how well the window insulates. The lower the U-factor, the better the window insulates. A window’s U-factor is affected by the window frame material, glazing, and low-E coatings.

How Windows are Insulated

Technology plays a big role in how energy-efficient windows work.

Glass coatings or glazing

Low-emissivity glass helps block 90% of the sun’s UV rays, keeping heat inside when it’s cold and outside when it’s hot. Glazing options include tints, gas fills, and reflective coatings, and all are designed to help save you money on your heating and cooling costs.

Spacer systems

Instead of metal, 100% polymer structural foam is now used to help keep windows thermally efficient and condensation-free. Spacers can lower the U-factor by .01%.

Window technology

Other advanced technologies that improve window energy efficiency include double and triple-paned windows and filling the space between insulated glass panes with Krypton gas to reduce heat transfer further.

Signs Your Windows Aren’t Energy-Efficient

Heat loss and gain through windows is one of the primary ways energy usage increases in homes. Signs your home’s windows aren’t energy-efficient enough include:

• Inability to open or close windows easily or entirely
• Reduced indoor comfort from drafts
• Higher energy bills
• Improper installation
• High volume outdoor noise
• Damage such as fog, broken glass, or rotted frames

Maintenance Tips For Maximum Energy Efficiency

Routine maintenance increases windows’ life span and keeps them as energy-efficient as possible. Together with periodic window inspections, here’s how to ensure your windows are operating at peak performance.

Keep them clean

Environmental factors can damage your windows and leave them less efficient. Though vinyl window frames aren’t necessarily affected by salt, the area around them can be. Washing it away is always a good idea.

Window caulk and weatherstripping

Heat and cold air can easily enter your home through gaps between the glass, frame, and window sash. Caulk or weatherstripping seal off drafts. Check them once a year to ensure they’re still providing adequate protection.

Window treatments and awnings

Insulated draperies and outdoor awnings can reduce the amount of solar heat gain by up to 65%. Awnings installed on western-facing windows can reduce heat gain by nearly 80%. Indoors, shades and drapes used together maximize sun protection and prevent heat loss.

10 Neat Facts About Windows You Might Not Know

They let natural light into our homes, allow us to enjoy the outdoor views, and keep the house cross-ventilated. Windows are a fundamental part of our lives, but we so often hardly notice them — that is, until we need to clean them or one gets broken! We thought it’d be fun to do a little research and learn more about the history of these essential home elements.

We never suspected windows could be so fascinating!

The History of Windows

The first use of glass windows dates back to 100 A.D. and is typically credited to the Romans. Before then, different civilizations used cloth, paper, animal hides, or even thin marble slices as window coverings. It wasn’t long before glass for windows became the norm, with the process continually evolving into what we’re familiar with today. It wasn’t until the 1800s, though, that double glazing came into use when the Scottish wanted to combat their perpetually harsh winters. The version in use today dates to around 1940.

Fun Facts About Windows

Ready for some more fun and handy facts about windows? Here we go.

1. The English word “window” is derived from the Old Norse word “vindauga,” a combination of wind and eye. It was first recorded in the early 13th century and described as a roof hole. The Old English version of window literally translates to eye-hole or eye-door.
2. There was a window tax in England until 1851. Homes with fewer than 10 windows were exempt from the tax. When people started boarding up their windows to avoid the tax, it was repealed. In Amsterdam, homeowners were taxed based on the number and size of their front windows.
3. A window’s R-value reflects its resistance to heat flow; the higher the R-value, the more efficient the window.
4. Windows make up about 15% of the average home’s wall space! That might not sound like a lot, but it starts to add up when you consider how much energy you lose through poorly insulated windows.
5. England’s Buckingham Palace has 760 windows in 775 rooms. The U.S. White House has 147 windows in 132 rooms. The tallest building in the world, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, has over 34,000 windows!
6. Stained glass windows get their unique colors from added metallic salts incorporated into the glass.
7. When glass breaks, the cracks move at 3,000 miles per hour. That’s five times faster than the average airplane! Shatterproof glass in windows gives your home an extra level of security.
8. Glass is a sustainable material that can be endlessly recycled without losing its purity or quality.
9. When you Google “windows,” the top results are for Microsoft’s Windows operating system. Be sure to type in “Zen Windows” to get all the information you need!
10. Windows have a long life, but most experts agree you should replace them after about 20 years or so. Failing window signs include draftiness and interior condensation buildup.

4 Advantages of Vinyl Replacement Windows

Vinyl window frames do not require painting and have good moisture resistance. The hollow cavities of vinyl frames can be filled with insulation, which makes them thermally superior to standard vinyl and wood frames.

—Energy.gov

If you’re considering replacement windows, you’re looking at styles, maintenance, energy efficiency, and materials. You might be surprised to learn that vinyl windows score well on all these fronts.

There are lots of vinyl windows available, and some are expensive. Some are (and look) cheap. How do you tell the difference in quality?

Here are four things to look for in the best vinyl replacement windows.

1. Superior Energy Efficiency

ENERGY STAR® says when looking for replacement vinyl windows, you should make U-factor one of your biggest considerations. The U-factor is the rate of heat loss during cold weather and heat gain during warm weather.

The lower the U-factor, the better your window’s energy efficiency and thermal performance. The U-factor rating is included on your window’s NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) label and is a number between 0 and 1.

Another energy rating to consider when buying replacement vinyl windows is SHGC (solar heat gain coefficient). This measures how much solar radiation passes through your window and heats your home. Again, the rating is between 0 and 1, and the lower the number the better.

Replacement windows deliver a measurable ROI (return on investment) for your property. Your vinyl replacement windows can return as much as 77.5% of your cost. You may also be eligible for tax credits with ENERGY STAR® rated Zen Windows installations. Call or request a free quote from Zen Windows.

2. Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is the attractiveness of your property when viewed from the street. A lot of factors contribute to your home’s curb appeal: landscaping, entrance, paint or siding, and of course, windows.

Your home is probably your biggest investment. It just makes sense to protect it and make choices that will increase your property value. Zen Windows offer the styles, colors, and options that will work with your home’s architecture.

First impressions do matter. Zen Windows will increase your curb appeal. And Zen Windows warranties surpass industry standards. That’s just a part of the Zen difference you’ve heard about. Call or contact Zen Windows today.

3. Reasonable Value

A “reasonable value” for replacement windows considers the quality of materials and installation, price, and return on investment. So, the lowest price may not offer reasonable value in replacement windows. Zen Windows offers superior value and return on your investment.

The national average per-window cost for upgrades is $500/window. Depending on where you live, the cost can be from $200-$850/window. Costs vary by region because materials and labor are different within U.S. states. You can use a ZIP code calculator to find median prices for windows.

For the best price and the best value in replacement windows, find a Zen Windows professional near you. Call or request a free quote.

4. Professional Installation

Even the best vinyl replacement windows you can buy are useless if they’re improperly installed. It’s imperative your windows be professionally installed by a company with a proven track record for good workmanship.

Look for:

• Ability to customize/work with special window requirements
• Company transparency
• Energy efficiency
• Financing options
• Hassle-free quote – No mandatory visit to your home, no upselling, no bait-and-switch or high-pressure sales
• Knowledge and experience
• Local business commitment/investment
• No upfront fees or deposits
• Testimonials and customer reviews
• Transferrable warranties
• Warranties

From your first connection through installation, you’ll be glad you partnered with Zen Windows. Why wait? Call or request a free quote.