choosing the best oversize windows for your homechoosing the best oversize windows for your home

Replacing your old windows is great way to add value to your home and make it look more attractive and up to date. To do the job right, however, you need to keep some key considerations in mind. This article takes an in-depth look at four of the most important factors to remember when it's time to install news windows in your home.

Style

You have several types of window styles from which to select, such as double-hung, casement, awning, and fixed. Each of these has their own advantages. Double-hung windows have two sashes that slide up and down, making them a great choice for homeowners who are concerned with air circulation. Casement windows open outward and are typically more air-tight than double hung windows, in addition to being easy to clean. Awning-style windows are hinged at the top and can be left open even when it's raining. Fixed windows are completely airtight and come in a variety of decorative designs.

Insulated

If you live in a climate with cold winters, installing insulated windows is a good option. These windows usually have two panes of glass that are joined together. In between the panes, manufacturers often place a gas, such as argon or krypton, because these gases provide better insulation than air. Insulated windows allow less heat to escape from your home than single-pane windows, which leads to lower energy costs.

Visible Transmittance

Another important factor you don't want to to overlook is visible transmittance. This term refers to the amount of light that the window allows to pass into the interior of your home. The thickness of the sash and the frame are key elements in determining a window's visible transmittance, as are the grids on the sash and whether the glass is tinted. The higher the visible transmittance rating, the more light the windows lets into the house. For example, a window with a .56 ratings lets in more light than one with a .30 rating.

Solar Heat

In certain areas of the country, the amount of heat windows allows into the home is crucial. For instance, homeowners in the south probably want windows that block some of the sun's heat from entering their home. The measurement for determining this factor is called the solar heat-gain coefficient (SHGC). The SHGC rating scale runs from 0 to 1, with a lower number meaning that the windows is better at blocking the sun's heat. Often, a window's SHGC value is found on a label attached to the product.

For more information about replacement windows, contact a window retailer like Window Planet near you.