There can be many individual reasons to replace your windows, Maryland. Anything from storm debris to neighborhood ball games can lead to cracks and leaks. However, there are several reasons beyond accidents that may indicate the need for new, expertly crafted replacement windows. HomeTech has compiled a list of questions and answers about replacement windows that we believe can be very helpful to Maryland home and business owners when deciding whether or not to replace their windows. Just another reason we are the Laurel roofing contractors and Silver Spring roofing contractors that Maryland residents turn to for their replacement window needs.Why should I consider replacing my old windows?
New windows give your home added beauty, security, and energy efficiency. You will see a significant savings in your energy bill in the very first month after replacing your existing windows with new, energy efficient replacement windows.
Are there differences in how vinyl windows are made?
There are two types of construction. Some vinyl windows are mechanically fastened, or screwed and glued together at the corners. Others are welded. Welded windows use a chemical or heat process to join the corners. The result of this process produces a much stronger, longer lasting bond. Every window we install uses state of the art equipment to weld our corners.
Is all glass used in replacement windows the same?
No. Special consideration should be given to glass options such as tempered glass, Low-E glass, Argon gas, Krypton gas, and heat mirror. Each option offers various levels of energy efficiency and safety.
What should I look for in a replacement window warranty?
We believe that a manufacturers faith in it’s own product should be reflected in their product warranty. Simply put, if the manufacturer believes in its own product, that product should have a great warranty. Our windows are covered by a Lifetime Transferable Warranty, as well as the warranties we gained when we became certified by Soft Lite to install their EnergyTech windows.
What are various windows made of and what will work best for me?
There are three basic materials used in making windows: aluminum, wood, and vinyl.
Aluminum windows are primarily used in commercial applications. They are very strong. However, aluminum is an excellent conductor of heat and cold so residential use is not recommended.
Wood is the conventional choice for new construction. Most people discover that as the years pass, wood windows require a lot of maintenance, including painting and caulking. In the end, most wooden windows eventually give way to rot and need replacing.
Vinyl windows offer excellent insulation value, never need painting or scraping, and do not rot. The new construction market has started installing vinyl windows in new homes as part of an effort to market a more maintenance free home. For homeowners that prefer the look and warmth of wood inside their homes, we offer a wood replacement window with an extruded aluminum exterior that will eliminate problems associated with their original wood window exteriors.
Are all vinyl frames and sashes the same?
No. However, it is hard to tell, just by looking, which frames and sashes are made of high quality materials and which are not. Window frames and sashes made from low quality materials have a slight blue or gray hue. We sell and install windows using pure PVC powder, not reground or recycled vinyl. The result is a painter’s white or linen white appearance. In addition to looking better, higher quality material produces a stronger frame.
Which is more important in saving energy, the frame or the glass?
Seventy percent of an average window is glass; therefore, your biggest opportunity to save on energy comes from the glass. Remember, however, that the frame still makes up 30% of the window. Quite often, a replacement window will feel drafty around the edges. A frame that lacks insulating value generally causes this problem. That’s why every vinyl window we install includes a frame that is foam filled, giving it superior insulating ability.
Should I use a professional MD exterior home improvement company to install my windows?
The quality of any product is only as good as its installation. An improper installation could reduce the energy efficiency of the window, do structural damage to your home, and even void the manufacturers warranty. Our installation experts are trained to do the job right the first time. This ensures maximum performance from your windows and eliminates future problems. From start to finish, HomeTech guarantees that our expectations will not be met until yours are exceeded!
