Alma Snyder

Saturday, December 28, 2019

How Casement Windows Different from Double Hung Windows – Window Replacement DC

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You may have been wondering which window style between casement and double hung would be best for your home. However, before you order your next window installation Washington, DC service company, it is important that you understand what each style is and the differences between the two, as well as their respective merits.

Casement windows open and close through the use of cranks, allowing you to open them with just one hand. You push them open to the outside and you can use them just about anywhere where you need an easy way to open a window, especially if you need to do some reaching to manage it. A good example of this is the wall just above the kitchen sink. Having a casement window on such a wall makes things easier since all you have to do is lean over the basin of the sink and push the window open. By comparison, pushing open a double hung window in such a scenario would be more difficult.

Speaking of double hung windows, they are opened by sliding them up and down a frame. They consist of two sashes, one or both of which may be operable. Double hung windows, just like casement windows, can be used for pretty much any purpose.

What are the Merits of Casement Windows for Window Replacement?

Casement windows for Window Replacements have one key benefit and that is that they have a unique look. Many people like this style because of how simple and modern it looks. The window has a clean and continuous face, instead of the division that is present in double hung windows. They are excellent for contemporary architectural styles.

When it comes to insulation, it’s hard to beat the tight seal on casement windows. All four sides will fit tightly into the frame when the window is closed, stopping air from leaking in or out of the room. The tight seal helps to maintain home temperatures and reducing energy utility costs.

Casement windows are also easy to operate, requiring less dexterity than double hung windows. If there are going to be elderly people in the house, casement windows will be easier for them to operate.

What are the Merits of Double Hung Windows?

Double hung windows are pretty flexible and will look good in just about any room or architectural style. They do, however, look best in historical architectural styles. They are also a great place to fit air conditioners. You can’t do the same with casement windows.

Double hung windows also require less maintenance and last longer than casement windows. If the crank used to open a casement window fails it needs to be repaired or the window is rendered inoperable. Double hung windows, on the other hand, don’t have as many moving parts and so are less prone to mechanical failure.

Head-to-Head

Both windows are great on aesthetics since the style you prefer is a matter of personal preference. You might even decide to combine both styles for your home.
Both windows are easy to clean. Casement windows just need to be open for both the exterior and interior to be cleaned. Double hung windows just need to be tilted in. It should be noted, however, that older double hung windows are more difficult to clean.
Double hung windows fare better when it comes to durability. Casement windows are more exposed to the elements when they are open, while double hung windows aren’t. Double hung windows therefore last longer.
Casement windows win out when it comes to the seal, since they have an airtight seal. Double hung windows have a tendency to let air in through the top.

As you can see, neither style is objectively better than the other. They both have unique merits and demerits. The one you choose depends on your individual preferences and what you’re trying to achieve with your home. Whichever you choose, make sure it at least makes the occupants comfortable and matches the architectural style of your home.

Window Replacement DC

514 Kenyon Street NW,
Washington, DC 20010
202-540-0999

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Monday, December 23, 2019

The Most Energy Efficient Window Types Compared [2020]

Most homeowners want beautiful windows to compliment their home, but with rising energy costs, perhaps energy efficiency has moved up a few notches on your list of priorities. If you are here to learn about different windows and how to maximize your energy efficiency before buying new windows then you came to the right spot!

From the material of the window frame, to the glass type, glass coating, number of panes, and even the air/gas between the panes can all contribute to massive differences in energy efficiency.

WINDOW FRAME MATERIAL

Assuming the window was installed and sealed properly we can compare the thermal resistance of different materials. Metal is the most conductive of the frame materials mentioned below and thus is the worst insulating frame material since cold air conducts through the metal very easily. Vinyl, fiberglass, wood, and different composite and hybrid materials all perform much better in terms of thermal conductivity.

Aluminum/Metal Window Frames

Despite the lack of thermal resistance, these windows do have many advantages. They can be strong, lightweight, and require very little maintenance to maintain.

Luckily with today’s advances in window designs these widows tyically have a thermal break within the frame with an insulating material in between to prevent heat conducting directly from the home’s interior to outside. Some windows also, have aluminum cladding over another material such as wood – another more energy efficient option.

Composite Window Frames

Composite window frames combine some qualities of vinyl and wood windows. They often try to capture a wood frame appearance while being a much more waterproof material than wood. Most composite window frame materials consist of composite wood products, such as particleboard and laminated strand wood, and some are mixed with polymer plastics. This processing of materials makes the window much less susceptible to rotting and decay due to moisture.

Wood Window Frames

Wood window frames are expensive and often the window frame material of choice in many high end homes with classical designs or in historical restorations. Wood frames naturally insulate pretty well – much better than metal, but not as good as insulated fiberglass or vinyl. The main issue with wood windows, however, is the maintenance that comes with these elegant windows. Of all these materials, wood is the most vulnerable to weather and moisture. If not maintained properly the windows could get warped or rot prematurely from moisture getting within the frame. Wood windows can have different kinds of exterior cladding, such as aluminum, which may reduce energy efficiency slightly, but may weather the elements better.

Fiberglass Window Frames

Fiberglass window frames are are very strong and are made with many spaces within the frame. If these spaces within the window frame are filled with insulation the windows can have far superior energy efficiency than wood or composite frames.

Vinyl Window Frames

Vinyl window frames have become extremely popular in america and are often the most cost effective option. These windows typically require very little maintenance, do not need to be painted, and are very resistant to weather and moisture. The vinyl material is typically made out of PVC which usually contains (UV) stabilizers to prevent the sun from breaking it down. Vinyl window frames, like fiberglass windows, have a similar structure and can be filled with insulation making them more energy efficient than wood frames, or uninsulated vinyl windows.

GLASS

When it comes to glass options for your windows there plenty of decisions to make. The first decision is the number of panes. Most insulating windows are double pane, meaning two layers of glass with a space in between. Triple pane windows are also insulating windows used relatively often and sometimes even quadruple pane. More panes, means more insulation, but also more light is prevented from entering the home. This is often where the home’s orientation comes into play. For example, triple pane may be used on the side of the home that gets less sunlight (such as the north side if you live in DC) and may put double pane on the southside to allow more heat from the sun to come in in the winter.

The light that enters the window can also be manipulated drastically by the coating on the window panes:

Low-Emissivity Coatings

Have you seen a building with reflective-looking glass? It likely had a coating on its glazing such as a low-e coating.

Low-emissivity (low-e) coatings are a super thin metal oxide layer control thermal heat transfer through windows with insulated glass. According to the Department of Energy, “windows manufactured with low-e coatings typically cost about 10% to 15% more than regular windows, but they reduce energy loss by as much as 30% to 50%”. Low-e coatings can be designed to optimized solar gain for colder climates, or low solar gain for warmer climates.

Spectrally Selective Coatings

Spectrally selective coatings are unique kinds of low-e coatings designed to prevent a large amount of heat to transmit through the glass, but allow as much light as possible to come through. Typically this involves the window coating reflecting the infrared rays from the sun specifically, while allowing the other wavelengths through. The Department of Energy says they can filter out “40% to 70% of the heat normally transmitted through insulated window glass or glazing while allowing the full amount of light transmission”. This can reduce a building’s electric cooling expenses by upwards of 40% in hot climates.

GAS BETWEEN THE PANES

When considering the thermal conductivity of a window through it’s glass, a big part of the equation is the air between the panes – which makes a huge difference. The preferred options are argon and krypton, which are both inert, invisible, odorless gases. Argon and krypton can greatly decrease heat transfer compared to regular air.

TYPE OF WINDOW

The final factor that plays a large role in the window’s energy efficiency is the window’s operating type – meaning how the window opens. Assuming the frame is installed ideally there should be very little air leakage around the frame, but when it comes to the actual window – if the window opens, it will have some air leakage.

Thus, fixed or picture windows are technically the most energy efficient in terms of air leakage since they are fully sealed and do not open. The next most energy efficient windows would be one where the opening part of the window closes flush against the frame like a door, such as a casement or awning window. The windows that have the most air leakage are windows that slide since they do not close flush with the frame and there is mosr space for air leakage, such as double hung windows.

References:

“Window Types and Technologies”. Department of Energy. Energy Saver. Web. Accessed 12/17/2019. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/window-types-and-technologies

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Tuesday, December 10, 2019

How to Measure Home Windows for Replacement

Why Measuring Your Windows for Replacement Matters

Measuring your windows for replacement is the first and foremost important part of window replacement. Aside from the quality of the windows purchased, the overall performance, comfort, and energy savings provided by your new windows will come back to these measurements in one way or another:

When the window is too large: If the windows are too large for the opening they will be prevented from expanding with hotter weather and the seals of the glass can break – ruining the energy efficiency and allows condensation to get inside the windows and fog it up. Furthermore, expansion can even crack and shatter the glass if the window is stuffed in an opening too tightly.
When the window is too small: If the windows are measured to be too small and do not fit properly, they may leave gaps which will create drafts. Drafts will literally send your energy savings out the window. In colder months, this can make your home uncomfortable as well. Along with the air that blows in, weather, such as rain, can get inside the window frame which can quickly destroy your new windows.

How Do You Measure Windows for Replacement?

Now that you are aware of why it is crucial to measure your windows properly, let us get into the proper way to measure them. The three measurements taken for a typical window include a vertical and horizontal measurement and a depth measurement. Get your tape measure ready!

Vertical Measurement (Height): Take a minimum of three measurements from the bottom to the top of the window frame. Take one measurement down the middle from top to bottom and one vertical measurement on the left and the right sides as well. The smallest of the three is the vertical measurement you will use.
Horizontal Measurement (Width): Measure across the frame of the window from left to right. Take three of these horizontal measurements. One at the top, middle, and bottom of the window. The smallest measurement of the three will be used.
Depth Measurement: Take several measurements of depth around the window from inside of the frame to the outside of the frame. Use the smallest measurement here as well.

Where to Buy New Windows in Washington DC

There is a sweet spot of one inch around the new window going into the rough opening. This is the perfect amount of space for perfect fitting and adjustments. Thus when the windows are purchased the height and width should be taken 2 inches shorter than these dimensions to allow this 1 inch space around the window.

If you have a local contractor or window installer doing the work they will be taking all the measurements, but now you know how as well if you wanted to double check.

Certified Installers

Some window companies, such as Pella, have certification programs for contractors on window installation. Having a contractor who is certified to install windows could be an important factor to consider when buying your windows and choosing a contractor. This certification, or lack thereof, will often determine the kind of warranty that will come with your new windows. Saving a few hundred dollars only to have poorly installed windows could become a much more costly mistake.

Window Replacement DC

514 Kenyon Street NW,
Washington, DC 20010
202-540-0999

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