"We got granite countertops for our kitchen from this company. We went and chose the sample. Then when the guy came in to measure it, he brought a sample, but it didn't seem as pretty as the first one I'd…"Called because we had 2 spots in our natural gas lines of our home that were leaking (butler did not do the initial work). The gentleman I spoke to on the phone was very friendly and…" "It's with a great pleasure I'm recommending Helping Hands Family Movers Inc. To anyone looking to move. They moved me last April from our house in St Albert to East of Calgary. It was a big and tough…" "We just purchased a home and had an inspection done by Ron of "executive home inspection". He was VERY thorough, professional and answered any and all questions we had (at one point he explained an issue and…" Through The Looking Glass: What We Found To find out which windows are best at keeping your home comfortable and dry, we tested more than two dozen double-hung and casement-style windows for air and water leakage.
We found significant differences between brands in types and frame materials. Working with an outside lab, we subjected the windows to heavy, wind-driven rain, and winds of 25 and 50 mph at outdoor temperatures of 0°F and 70°F. Given the high cost of replacing windows, the more you know, the more informed choice you can make. Don’t rely on a contractor to choose for you. If your existing frames and sills are still sound and square, you’ll save money on materials and labor by using partial replacement units. They're also known as “pocket replacements” and fit into the existing frames. Otherwise, you'll need full-replacement windows. These include the frame, sill, jambs, and usually what’s known as a nailing flange, which attaches the window to the outside wall around the opening. Federal tax credits are available for windows installed in 2016 (and retroactive purchases made in 2015) for Energy Star-qualified windows. Some utilities and city and state programs also offer rebates or incentives if you buy Energy Star windows.
Go to stores and check out the windows, inspect the frames, and try the handles. Even the best windows won't deliver the look or comfort you expect if they're installed poorly. Many major window manufacturers train and certify installers for their specific products. Using the same contractor for purchase and installation can minimize the chances of problems arising later. Look online for certification from the American Window and Door Institute or InstallationMasters—and get multiple bids. They should include specifics such as window brand, number of windows, size and type, plus any add-on features. Installation details should be noted, and labor and material costs should be broken out. Glass Housings: Window Materials Wood window frames and all-vinyl are popular. We also tested all-fiberglass. You may still find some all-aluminum windows, but their popularity decreased with the development of vinyl. Our tests found that the material doesn't guarantee performance and neither does price, and there are excellent and mediocre double-hung wood-frame and vinyl-frame windows.
Most are solid wood, though some may include composite materials (e.g., plastic with wood fibers embedded in it). You can choose from a variety of hardware finishes, allowing you to pick a style that matches your home. They're typically the least expensive and do not need to be painted or stained, but most are white and usually they can't be painted. There are also fewer hardware options. Among casement windows, there was little difference between vinyl and wood frames.While you won't have to paint them, they can be painted. Fiberglass needles embed the plastic to make it stronger and stiffer, but there aren't many brands available. We tested Integrity from Marvin Ultrex and Pella Impervia. The Glass Menagerie: Types of Windows In addition to materials, window variables include the number of panes, how they are hinged, how they operate, and how much ventilation they offer. Here's a look at the various window types. Providing an unobstructed view, casement windows are hinged on one side, like a door, and a crank lets you open them outward.
When fully open, casements allow good ventilation and easy cleaning. They're usually more airtight than double-hung because the sash locks against the frame to close. The casements we tested excelled at keeping out cold air and rain and can be used in any area of the country. Note, however, that window air conditioners cannot be installed in casement windows. Casement Style Windows RatingsThe lower inside sash slides up and an upper outside sash slides down, improving air circulation and making full screens ideal. Double-hung are easy to clean since you can tilt the sash on any of the windows in our tests. They're also a smart choice if you plan to install a window air conditioner, though most now have a fairly high trim on the sill that may require significant shimming to stabilize the air conditioner. Some double-hung windows we tested are better at keeping out cold air or water. That's important if you live in a chilly, windy area (hello, Chicago!) or if home is the Florida panhandle or other rainy region.
Double Hung Window Ratings They look like double-hung, but only the bottom sash moves. (They usually cost less as a result.) The top sash is sealed to keep out cold air and water. They're hinged at the top and open outward. Like casements, the sash presses against the frame so they close very tightly. The opposite of awning windows, they're hinged at the bottom and can open either inward or outward. These are used where lighting but not ventilation is important. They're airtight and are available with decorative glass accents or in unusual shapes. Find CR's Window Ratings Here Looking for a Window Contractor?The site connects you with local contractors to help with maintenance or remodeling projects, making home improvement that much easier. Watch our buying guide video below for more information on how to find the best windows for your house, and handy shopping tips for when you're at the store. Features to Look For Here are a handful of important features to consider when you are shopping for new or replacement windows.