Are your windows aging? Is your A/C bill going up, or maybe they don't open properly? There are a plethora of reasons why you need replacement windows. If you're thinking about getting new windows, how do you know what types are best for your home? We've provided a complete buyer's guide on how to choose the right windows for your San Diego home. Window manufacturers are improving the quality of windows with better materials and advanced technology.
Choosing replacement windows can be quite stressful for a homeowner because your choice will affect you and your home for many years to come. There are many window options available on the market to fit any budget and style of home.
Start by selecting the types of windows you want. Once the window type has been chosen, the material of the window is next. Each material has its pros and cons. It's also imperative to know what you need for your home, the design function for each window, and your budget.
In San Diego, windows must withstand high temperatures, strong winds, heavy rains, and saltwater coastal conditions. Choosing the window material that can withstand the climate where you live is important; otherwise, you'll need to repair or replace them often.
It's imperative to take your time when choosing the new windows for your home. Getting it right will increase the value of your home, improve its appearance and make it more energy-efficient.
The windows’ frame can be the perfect complement to your home's style and functionality, whether it be traditional, Victorian, or modern. There are six primary materials that windows frames can be made of. They are wood, vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass, wood-clad and composite. Each frame type has its advantages and disadvantages that you need to compare and consider.
If you're looking for natural beauty, then wood is the material to choose for your windows. It is a popular choice among San Diego homeowners for many reasons. Wood gives your home a traditional appearance.
Wood is the most natural material that can be made into many sizes and shapes. Here are the main pros and cons of wood material you should consider:
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Vinyl window frames are composed of PVC, which is used in many household items. There are pure virgin vinyl and recycled vinyl materials. The primary difference between the two is cost and durability. Pure vinyl lasts longer and is stronger than recycled vinyl; however, it's also more expensive. The durability and quality of vinyl framed windows have greatly improved, making them an excellent choice for frames.
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For modern homes, aluminum windows can be a good choice. They offer a sleek look and require less upkeep than other frame materials. Aluminum is lightweight yet very strong and can support large expanses of glass. With this advantage, your home can feature large window spaces providing more natural light into your living spaces.
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Fiberglass windows have gained tremendous traction in recent years. Their reinforced glass fibers and resin makeup create a durable and strong material that requires little maintenance. Fiberglass can imitate the look of wood windows, giving them enhanced aesthetics.
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The glass package of a window is a crucial component, especially for saving energy. Windows that are low cost and low quality don't have the necessary technologies to lower energy bills throughout the year, especially for the sunny San Diego weather. It's important to understand the aspects that create an energy-efficient glass package, which includes:
The combination of these technologies plays a vital role in how the window will save your home on energy. If you install replacement windows without these technologies, you likely still pay a fortune for your A/C unit.
There are many different configurations, sizes, and shapes of windows available on the market, and each window type serves a different purpose. It is difficult to narrow down the different choices that you have, as there isn't a "superior" window choice; it simply depends on
Here are the different types of windows you might choose and how each is typically used. This way, you'll have the knowledge you need to choose the best type of – or combination of types of – windows to include in your new or next home.
A double-hung window is one that you can open either by the top half down or sliding the bottom half up – or both! These types of windows can usually tilt out for easy maintenance and cleaning. Double-hung windows are one of the most common windows types, and they usually come with screens on the outside. Similar to the double-hung window, the single-hung window has only one operating pane, typically the bottom one, with the other pane being fixed. Single-hung windows are less common than double-hung ones.
Casement windows swing out to the side in order to open. They are attached to the frame by side hinges. As a result, there are no support beams within the window or anything cutting the view in half. This means viewers have a completely unobstructed view of the outside when the window is open.
Also, casement windows can be arranged as a single operating pane or a pair of panes that meet in the middle. They can be used by cranking or rotating mechanism that cranks the window open or using a locking lever that you release to push the window open. These window types may be accompanied by a solidly fixed window pane on the right and left of the main window, although installations do differ.
A variation of the casement window style is the awning windows. They are usually popular in areas where it rains often. Because of its up-and-out opening, homeowners don't have to decide between letting the rain in or restricting the airflow through their homes. Awning windows are typically found in basements as well.
They are most commonly installed in areas of the home where countertops or furniture might impede window access. Casement and awning windows generally allow for less air leakage when closed. That's because the sash closes by pressing against the frame like a door, creating an airtight seal. As a San Diego homeowner, you'll enjoy lower energy bills.
Picture or fixed windows provide an unchangeable outside view. This means they are fixed and can't be opened. These windows can offer the perfect view, especially if you live off the coast.
These types of windows don't have any visible frames or breaks. They offer an unobstructed view of whatever is on the other side and usually a rectangle or square shape with only a glass pane. You can opt to install picture windows on their own or to other, more ornate window types, depending on your individual style preferences.
Multi-pane windows, also called "divided-lite" windows come in two options: true divided lite, in which individual small panes of glass are held together in one plane separated mullions and divided lite, where the window is one large pane of glass with a grid insert to make it look like a set of multiple of panes. These types of windows tend to dampen sound, keeping the peace and quiet of your home. They are highly energy-efficient can provide you with a better night's sleep – especially if you reside near a crowded street or near a train station.
Bay windows are known for creating a soft "nook" in the home, perfect for reading in a cozy chair or admiring the view. Bay windows usually protrude from an exterior wall on your home's ground floor. They are a group of windows, angled so that they are built "out" of the home. A center window and two side windows complete a "semi-circle" at about 30 to 40 degrees.
Because of the craftsmanship required to properly install a bay window, they are more expensive to install than other types of windows.
To the untrained eye, bow and bay windows may look exactly the same. However, there are very subtle differences that separate the window types in both cost and function.
A bay window is designed with three angled panes, while a bow window has four or five. Bay windows have more flat panes and angular lines, while a bow window features a much more rounded shape.
Bow windows also have the advantage of being able to be wrapped around the corner of a home. This forms a small "tower" shape on the outside of the home while offering a cozy nook inside. You can enjoy a more continuous view of the outdoors.
As far as cost is concerned, bow windows are typically more expensive than bay windows because of the number of panels involved.
Now that you've read through the options, you might be wondering what the best option is for Sunny San Diego? For most homeowners living here, we recommend dual-paned casement vinyl windows. The dual-paned glass provides greater energy efficiency and sound dampening to keep the air in your house and prevent it from escaping. Furthermore, the vinyl frame material provides a clean and modern look while being cost-effective, easy to maintain, and energy-efficient. Lastly, casement windows offer a nice touch of elegance without obstructing any views. There you have it!
If you're looking into replacing your existing windows, consider a trustworthy window replacement company. At US Window and Door, we're the go-to window installers in San Diego. With decades of experience, we can provide recommendations on the best windows based on your home and your design goals. Book a free in-home estimate, and we'll help you get set up the windows you've always wanted.
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