Whether you’re in the middle of a home remodeling project or just getting started, chances are you’ve had to decide on a number of products, colors, and materials. Replacement windows are no different—there are many options to choose from. From the thickness of the glass to the number of panes, choosing the right window replacement option for your Alabama home may seem overwhelming.

So, how can you choose windows that offer a strong return on the money you spend?

To help make the process easier for you, the window replacement experts at Toulmin Kitchen and Bath compiled a list of everything you need to know.

This blog post provides the information you need to make an educated decision about replacing windows for your Tuscaloosa or Birmingham home.

What are the benefits of window replacement?

When considering the benefits replacement windows provide, most homeowners would say improving the look of their home is at the top of the list. The truth is, there are many benefits to replacing the windows in your home.

Here are a few to consider:

• New windows can increase the resale value of your home.

• If you select windows with Low-E (Low-Emissivity) glass, your furniture, carpeting, and drapes will be protected from harmful UV rays, which can extend their lifetime.

• New windows can improve security, helping keep you and your family safe.

• The most immediate benefit will be the money you save on your energy bills. Proper window replacement can significantly lower your heating (up to 32%) and cooling costs (up to 38%). Many homeowners see the return on their investment in new windows within just a few short years.

 Are there specific materials I consider for my home’s replacement windows? 

One of the most challenging decisions in window replacement is choosing the right style and materials for the area in which you live. For instance, we have hot, humid summers, the occasional cold snap, and severe weather in Alabama. When choosing new windows for your home, you’ll want to make sure you use a material built to withstand the elements in your region. You’ll also want to ensure the windows you choose are backed by a warranty that covers weather conditions where you live.

At Toulmin Kitchen & Bath, we proudly offer Sierra Pacific products. Sierra Pacific windows are available with wood, aluminum, vinyl, or composite frames. Energy-efficient Sierra Pacific windows are also available at price points to meet any budget.

• Wood Windows

Wood does not conduct cold or allow condensation like other materials. However, wood can be subject to swelling and shrinkage. It may eventually warp or rot over time unless it is well-maintained, which can last for decades. Many manufacturers provide pre-painted wood windows in a variety of colors.

• Wood-Clad Windows

Many of today's windows are comprised of wood construction on the interior and covered or clad with aluminum or vinyl on the exterior sash and frame.

• Vinyl Windows

Vinyl windows are made of rigid, impact-resistant PVC and have a hollow space inside, making them resistant to heat loss and condensation. While relatively inexpensive, vinyl windows can distort when exposed to extreme heat or cold, causing air leakage and possibly impacting energy efficiency.

• Aluminum Windows

Aluminum windows are thinner, lighter, durable, and easy to install. They are insulated using vinyl or foam, which helps reduce heat loss and condensation. In coastal Alabama, aluminum windows can corrode over time because of the humid, salty air.

What types of replacement windows are available?

Put simply, a window does more than let in light. It can define a room’s shape, provide an architectural focal point, allow fresh air, and provide an emergency escape. The exciting part is that windows are made in a wide variety of styles and types, each with its own unique functions and features.

When selecting replacement windows for your Alabama home, you should ask yourself (and your window contractor) these five questions:

1. Will the new windows match my home’s architectural style?

2. Are the windows designed to withstand my home’s environment and perform how I need them to?

3. Are the windows affordable for my budget?

4. Will I be able to clean and maintain the windows properly?

5. Will the windows offer proper ventilation and security features that keep my family safe?

Which window type is best for my home?

There are two standard types of windows—fixed windows and operable windows.

• Fixed windows are typically used as architectural accents where light and views but not ventilation are essential. They include picture windows, arch windows, and unusually shaped windows.
  

• Operable windows may slide up, down, or sideways and hinge inward or outward.

Here are a few other popular types of replacement windows in our area:

• Double-Hung Windows
  The most common and classic window design, double-hung windows, are excellent for ventilation. They have an upper and lower sash that is both open and controlled by hidden weights, springs, or friction devices to help keep them in place. If only one sash slides, it is called a single-hung window.

• Casement Windows
  These windows can be hung individually or in pairs. They are side-mounted on hinges and operated with a crank that swings the sash outward. Casement windows provide excellent ventilation.

• Awning and Hopper Windows
  Awning and hopper windows are bascially horizontal casement windows. Awning windows are top-hinged and tilt out at the bottom, while hopper windows feature bottom hinges and are typically used for ventilation above a door or another window.

• Horizontal Sliders
  Horizontal sliders consist of one or more fixed panels and one or more panels that slide in parallel tracks. The main benefit of horizontal sliders is that the sash does not require clearance to swing in or out.

•  Bay and Bow Windows
  A bay window projects out from the house wall, forming an interior “bay” or recess. This design gathers natural light and offers a more expansive view than a single window. Bay and bow windows are generally capped with their own small roof.

Window Glass: Understanding R-Values and U-Values

Since older windows can cause conditioned interior air loss or heat gain, double and triple-paned replacement windows are recommended to significantly improve energy efficiency. New types of high-performance glazing can also help make glass resistant to heat gain, glare, and other problems.

How is window performance measured?

Window performance is measured using R-values and U-values. Window efficiency can vary dramatically depending on the materials used in its construction, the number of panes of glass, and the gas used to fill the gaps between panes. This is why windows are given two valuations to measure heat loss: R-values and U-values. Windows are most efficient if they have a high R-value and a low U-value. Here is a quick look at what that means:

• R-Value: The measurement of a window’s ability to resist heat flow
  Thermal resistance is the ability of a material to resist heat flow. When determining a window’s performance, the R-value is the measurement used to indicate this. The higher the R-value, the more insulating ability the material has. A single-glazed window offers an R-value of around R-1, and a double-glazed window provides a value of R-2. The type of glass used is critical when it comes to R-value.
  

• U-Value: The measurement of a window’s ability to determine the amount of heat loss per hour
  U-value is the measurement used to determine the heat loss of a window per hour. Windows typically have two U-values: one for the glass and one for the entire window, including the frame. The lower the U- value, the more energy-efficient the window will be. 

At Toulmin Kitchen & Bath, we understand Alabama's various local micro-climates and can suggest the best replacement windows for your particular location in our state.

What type of window glass should I consider for my home’s replacement windows?

Sierra Pacific windows offer many different glazing choices. Today, replacement windows are typically double-glazed, meaning the glass is separated by an air space filled with an inert gas like argon or krypton.

A few common glazing choices include:

• Low-E & Insulating Glass
  Low-E glass has an invisible metallic coating that blocks radiant heat transfer and reduces UV rays. This feature protects fabric, furniture, and carpets from fading.
  
  

• Tinted and Reflective Glass
  Tinted glass can reduce the heat and glare from direct sunlight and cut UV rays. As the name suggests, tinted glass is darker than clear glass, so if the light transmittance is an issue, it may not be a good choice for you.
  
  

• Safety Glass
  Typically used in sliding doors. Many local building codes require safety glass for some applications. It’s important to check with your local building department to ensure your new windows comply with all local building codes.

• Divided Lites
  Multi-pane windows may have faux (snap-in) or real divided lights (panes). These are excellent choices for homes with a traditional architectural style. Windows with real mullions (the vertical piece of wood separating the panes of the glass) are generally more expensive and more difficult to clean. Today, dual-glazed windows are even available with internal shades or mini-blinds inside.

 
Today, you have more window replacement choices than ever before. Whether you seek better climate control, a panoramic view, or sliding wall panels to open up your home to the outdoors, the perfect energy-efficient windows exist for the job. Glazing technology has improved to the point where you can install windows that protect your furniture, fabrics, and drapes from fading, improving the look of your home. Replacement windows can improve your home’s curb appeal and increase its value when it is time to sell. They can lower your energy costs and pay for themselves in just a few years.

Replacement Windows—The Bottom Line...

Replacement windows are a wise investment that can improve your family’s quality of life and increase the value of your home. Do your research, find a reputable window contractor and installer in the Tuscaloosa and Birmingham market, and you will enjoy your perfect new windows for many years!

If you are considering new or replacement windows for your Tuscaloosa, Alabama home, call Toulmin Kitchen & Bath at (205)579-9793. We are proud to be the top retailer of beautiful Sierra Pacific windows and doors in Alabama. Sierra Pacific offers a broad selection of glazing options, window styles, and the most extended warranty in the business! Call today if you are ready to learn more or need a free estimate! We are Alabama’s preferred contractor for Sierra Pacific replacement windows, and we’ll help you find the perfect windows for your home!