May 1993
"I need new windows! There seem to be so many on the market today. I need help to get me started." Does that sound familiar?
Windows are made of 4 different materials: wood, aluminum, vinyl or a combination of aluminum and vinyl.
According to "Remodeling Magazine", October 1991, "wood windows are preferred in all regions of the country." Homes are built of wood (nature's best insulator) covered on the outside with aluminum, vinyl or brick. Window companies use the same technique cladding the exterior with aluminum or vinyl. Some are available without cladding, for those of you who feel there is some reward in Heaven if you paint. Besides being very energy efficient, the beauty of wood on the inside is a plus. Two of the best wood windows are Pella and Andersen.
Aluminum windows are much improved, with thermal brake aluminum frames (channels of aluminum extrusion with air spaces in between to stop the cold), or double pane glass, and are inexpensive. More than 6000 Traco aluminum windows are installed in the Empire State Building and also are in the crown in the Statue of Liberty, all manufactured right here in Pittsburgh.
Vinyl windows are appearing on the market. There is no strength to vinyl so the homeowner must be careful to choose a well constructed window. Unfortunately, that is hard to tell. Because the vinyl has no strength, the frames are wider than other window frames, giving you less glass area and visibility. Welded corners add strength. The sun breaks down the vinyl on dark colors and some companies have eliminated brown vinyl from their line. Vinyl is easy to care for, dust particles do not penetrate its finish, it's warm to the touch, and a viable option if you prefer no wood on the interior.
A new product on the market is the marriage of aluminum and vinyl. Aluminum multi-channeled exteriors for strength and vinyl interiors for easy care are now available. Available is the Trawood interior, a "woodlook" process applied to the interior vinyl. This may be an option to consider.
There are also 4 major window styles: casement, double hung, slider and awning. Sliders are not as airtight as the others so they will glide easily. Double hung windows may tilt in for easy cleaning. If that's important, be certain the product you choose has that feature. Awnings and casements are very similar - both wind out. They are the most airtight style offered. You open the entire window allowing for more ventilation and the opened sash scoops in air as it goes by. They typically latch tighter.
Picture windows, bows and bays are a combination of these windows and they come in various neutral shades. Gray and custom colors are an added cost and add to the delivery time. You can paint some of the aluminum clad windows with excellent results. Other options: tempered glass, low E glass, argon gas, colonial and diamond muntin bars, metal or fabric shades between the double glass, rolscreens and more.
Rotted wood, sweating frames, condensation between glass are things of the past, as long as you buy quality products. You get the quality you pay for. Get several estimates; ask friends what type of windows they have and if they're happy with them. Ask who would service the window if a problem did arise. Do not sign with a high pressure salesman - you deserve time to research the options and a quick decision could prove a costly error. Pick a window you're sure has a company behind it with a good history. Often your building inspector can verify good products or a contractor with a good track record; check on your installer with the Better Business Bureau. Make sure he carries insurance.
Windows should add beauty to your home, be mechanically sound, energy efficient and add value to your home. For further questions, call or visit our showroom at Clark Construction Co., 3180 Industrial Blvd. Bethel Park. 412-833-7222.
Sue Clark, Clark Construction
May 1993