 You got to the stage where you want new windows. Well, first of all welcome to the jungle of window world. Today the most popular windows are vinyl, wood clad, composite windows, fiberglass replacement windows. Let’s say you have wood windows and you like the way they look, but hate to maintain them. Then you should go with fiber glass replacement windows. These windows offer low maintenance of vinyl windows and natural beauty of wood windows. Let us see what’s good and bad about fiberglass windows: Good Staff
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As you can see fiberglass windows offer durability and beauty. These windows can raise the value of your house especially when you live in Princeton NJ or Yardley PA. When you are selling your house upgrade it with new fiberglass windows and no doubt it is going to be a good selling point. If you live in Hamilton NJ or Willingboro NJ, these windows will make your house stand out and look the best in the whole neighborhood. We service these areas and if you would like to know more about fiberglass windows just let us know. Main Fiberglass Replacement Manufacturers: Marvin Integrity Fiberglass Windows Pella Impervia Fiberglass Windows Andersen Fiberglass Windows
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You have decided to refresh the look of your house. Now you want to shop for the new windows. There are many replacement window brands available on the market. We want to review one of the popular Simonton 5500 series replacement window. General Specifications of the window Let us start from specifications of this window. Simonton 5500 replacement window boasts U-Factor at 0.29 and SHGC 0.18. This gives not bad energy efficiency rating for this window. It qualifies for Energy star Rating in most states. The glass of the window is double pane and comes with Low-E and Argon Gas between two panes. The DP rating for this window is 25. It means that the window can withstand winds of up to 75 mph.  Interior of the Window Both the window frame and sashes are fusion welded. It means that the window performs like solid piece. No screws used to hold together the parts of the frame or sashes. This window is double hung, so both sashes are moving for the ease of cleaning and venting the room. On the top sash there are two vent laches. When you want to vent just three inches on the bottom you can use these vent latches. The thickness of the frame and the sash is a bit too wide. It measures 3” 5/8. You should not be worried about that if you have wide windows in your house. But if you have smaller windows then the thickness of the frame steals viewing area and your windows look smaller. Simonton 5500 does not have balance covers, which annoys some people.  Exterior of the Window Simonton 5500 replacement window comes with half fiber glass screen. It is made with fully extruded aluminum. The screen is of a high quality. The only downside of the screen is that does not lock into the window frame. It means that with a strong wind the screen can be blown off. At the bottom of the window there are two weep holes. They drain all the water that gets into exterior frame of the window. We believe these weep holes are located somewhat too low. There is a high chance of weep holes clogging. If that happens, the water may find the way into the house. Weather Striping
When you open the window, you can see that the bottom and top sashes have double weather stripping. On the bottom of the sash there is a double rubber weather stripping as well. It means when you close the window no air leaks can happen. Simonton 5500 Double Hung Replacement Window Conclusions: Positives: — High Energy Efficient Window — The Frame and Sashes are durable — The Acceptable Design — Aluminum durable extruded screen Negatives: — No Balance Covers — Weep Holes are too low — The frame is a bit too thick —The window screen does not lock For Warranty Information click the link below: www.simonton.com/sites/Simonton/Files/Simonton-Reflections-5500-Warranty.pdf If you prefer to watch a video about Simonton 5500 Review, please visit our Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/watch?v=qs05r1QsBFE&t=473s  Full Window Screen When you buy your new windows. You have an option to buy new replacement windows with full window screen. It means that the window net is going to cover the whole window. —It is reasonable to get full screen when you are planning to get double hung replacement windows. Let’s say you want to vent the top of the window or the bottom. You don't have to do much to achieve that. Just open the window. You can be sure that no uninvited guests, like mosquitos or flies, are gonna be able to get into the house. — With full screen you can have better piece of mind when it is windy. Because this screen is securely locked in the window channel. There is less chance that it is gonna be blown off by the wind. The downside of fully screened window is that it obstructs the view more than half screen. It is harder to remove it and reinstall back into the window. If you damage the screen net it is more expensive to repair it as well. But all in all it is a nice screen to consider.  Half Window Screen
The other window option is to get a half window screen. In this case if you are planning to get single hung windows. Then that’s the only option, you should consider. But it is nice to have half window screen when you are replacing your windows with double hungs. — Half screen is cheaper than full window screen, so you can save about $30 per window, when you go with it. — With this window screen you can vent just the bottom of the window or the top, as well. When you do that you will have to move the screen from the bottom to the top and vice a versa. In better quality windows, half screens are locked securely. That prevents them from falling out of the window when it is windy. The downside of the half screens is that in lower quality windows, screens are easily bended. When you push them to the top or the bottom many times. These screens more often blown off by the strong wind as well. The best window screens are when they are made from extruded aluminum, not roll formed. To test it, just pull it out from the window and try to bend it, if it is not easy to do it, then your screen is in good shape. At Siding and Windows Wizards all our windows United 4800 series and United 8000 series come with fully extruded aluminum screens, that securely locks into the window frame. We want you to be happy with the windows we install and enjoy them for many years to come. With unpredictable weather conditions, that we have in New jersey and Eastern PA. You may be concerned about strength of your new replacement windows. The question is how to find out how strong the replacement window is? The simple answer is to test it and see it yourself, which can be done after the window replacement only. But there is no need for that. Every window is tested by the manufacturer to find out the Design Pressure (DP) rating. Sometimes that information is printed on a new window sticker. Other times the DP rating is included into the specifications of a replacement window. So let’s see what does it mean the Design Pressure Rating? How DP rating can help you to choose the replacement windows? The DP rating scale usually is from 20 to 65. The higher it goes, the better it is. The DP rating means how well is your window is going to withstand the wind pressure or how strong the window frame is. Some people say that high DP rating of 50 or 65 does not mean better energy efficiency. I would not agree with that. The replacement window with DP 50 rating can withstand the blows of the wind of up to 160 mph. It means that the window is so tightly locked, that not a stream of air or water comes it to your house from the outside. So by itself it means higher energy efficiency. When do you need the windows with high DP ratings? If you live on the shore or your house is located on a high hill. You would want to have replacement windows with higher DP ratings. In this case you should invest extra money to get replacement windows with at least DP rating of 40-50. This way you will be able to save money in the long run. But if you live Hamilton NJ or Willingboro NJ, you may want to have DP 50 windows as well. Weather is unpredictable these days. So if the next hurricane comes, you can feel yourself safer in your house. At Siding and Windows Wizards we sell United 8000 series windows with a DP 50 rating. If you want to have safer home both in good and bad weather conditions. Let us know and we will take care about your new window project.  When you have a new replacement window presentation. Usually you pay attention about the exterior of the window only. You look at the glass, the frame and hardware. But how about the inside of the window? Each window has two panes of glass, separated by a spacer. So, many people ask what is warm edge intercept glass spacer? What should you expect form a window spacer? Simply speaking the glass spacer is a system that holds both window panes together. It creates insulated air space, where argon or krypton gas is added to enhance energy efficiency of the replacement window. But in reality spacers are important parts of the window unit. They separate two glasses of the window. That drives moisture away and adjusts window performance during temperature fluctuations. Without the good spacer the window performance will be lower and may fail. Most of the replacement window spacers are made from foam or metal. Foam Spacer Foam spacer allows for the window glass panes to contract and expand as well. But in summer time when the temperature is high it may become overheated and look wavy. Foam spacer is made from a pliable material and that makes it look less appealing. Metal Spacer Before 1992 most of the spacers were made of aluminum. This material is a great conductor of heat and cold. In summer time it gets hot and increases the chances of seal failure of the window. In winter time it gets cold, making the edges of the window glass colder. That reduces the energy efficiency of the replacement window. In 1992 PPG glass manufacturer introduced Intercept Warm Edge Spacer. Intercept features one piece U-shaped alloy, that reduces conducted heat loss. U-shaped system is flexible and does not allow for seal failure. With warm edge intercept spacer your window is going to expand in summer time and contract in winter. No condensation is going to happen between the window panes as well.  Several benefits of quality spacers
As you can see spacers are important parts of the replacement window. At Siding and Windows Wizards we use windows with warm edge intercept spacer by PPG. This spacer system proved itself extremely durable and reliable over the years.  Windows are important parts of your house. If you still have old rusty wood or aluminum windows. Then it might a time to think about upgrading with new replacement windows. If you are planning to sell the house in the next 5-10 years. Then you are asking a question: how to raise value of the house with replacement windows? Just Replace the existing windows According to Remodeling Magazine, when you replace your old aluminum or wood windows with brand new vinyl windows. The value of your house will go up by about 67%. The good thing about that is you are going to enjoy your new windows yourself for the next 5-10 years. Then when you sell, still you can get your money back. Make Your House Stand Out In Your Neighborhood The value of your house depends a lot on location. Let’s say your house is located in Hamilton NJ or Willingboro NJ. When you upgrade your old wood windows with vinyl replacement windows in these neighborhoods. Right away your house is going to stand out. But if you live in Princeton NJ or Yardley PA. Then replacing your existing windows with vinyl ones is not going to raise value a lot. In these neighborhoods you should make window replacement cautiously. Drive through the streets of your neighborhood. See what kind of replacement windows most people have in your area. In Princeton NJ or Yardley PA, the best window replacement option is wood clad, fiberglass or composite windows. So you should not be saving money, but pay some premium to get increase in the value of your house. Age of the House In rare instances your house may represent a historic value. Then the only way to increase the price of your house is by replacing wood windows with new wood clad windows. Sometimes you can’t go crazy with your new windows, they have to match the existing style and color. But once again new replacement windows will make your house look like a million bucks. At Siding and Windows Wizards LLC we install vinyl, fiberglass and wood windows. If you would like us to help you to refresh the look of your house, feel free to let us know. When you spend money on your new replacement windows, you want them to last as long as it is possible. More years your windows last, more interest you can get from your investment. So before you schedule replacement window appointment. Ask yourself which windows last longer?
To figure out that, let us compare window durability: Vinyl Windows The most popular window material these days is vinyl. It does not rust or corrode, does not peel, chip or warp. Vinyl replacement windows are made to last. With fusion welded frames and double strength glass. Once you replaced these windows, they are virtually maintenance free. You don't have to do much. Wood Windows Traditional wood windows have natural beauty and warmth. They come with many drawbacks though or liabilities. When you install wood windows into your house, you should remember that wood rot, chip and warp. To prevent this to happen, you should regularly maintain these windows. Paint them at least every three to five years. If you skip painting on a regular basis, the micro cracks in paint will allow water to penetrate wood. So all in all wood windows nice to have, but at one condition. You have to love painting or will have to be willing to pay to a pro. Fiber Glass Windows This is another durable replacement window option to have. Like vinyl, these windows do not rot, warp or chip. Fiber glass windows are resistant to the most harsh weather conditions. They are made from the material, that does not expand in summer or contract in winter. The biggest drawback of these windows is that they are more expensive than wood or vinyl. So if you can afford it, you should definitely go with fiber glass replacement windows. When deciding what replacement windows to install into your house. Consider your budget and maintenance tolerance. No doubt about it, fiberglass windows are the best to have, both money wise and maintenance wise. These windows can last 30-50 years. But vinyl windows can provide you good value as well. Cheaper to replace and low maintenance, usually these windows last 25-35 years. Wood windows can last more than 50 years. But you should maintain them religiously. Otherwise you may have problems with them after 10-15 years.  When you are on the market for new replacement windows you have got a chance to change the way your house looks. Let us not forget that windows are the eyes of the house. Most of the windows in our area of business Hamilton NJ or Willingboro NJ are double hung windows. When you reached a decision about replacing your windows, you should go outside of the house. Imagine how your house is going to look if you change the style of your windows. Your window project can allow you to switch from double hung windows to sliding windows and vice a versa.
Sliding Replacement windows slide horizontally from left side to the right one on a track in a window. Usually these type of replacement windows are higher in price. But at Siding and Windows Wizards we have discounts on these windows. Let’s see why to replace your double hung windows with sliding. Larger Window Sliding windows provide better view. These windows can get more light into the room. Because the frame of the window is a bit thinner, than double hung window has it. You can open sliding windows wider in case you need some extra ventilation. Better Efficiency Horizontal sliding windows have less moving parts, which gives them high energy efficiency ratings. Install your sliding windows into your house, so you will be able to enjoy higher savings in any season. Easy Maintenance When it is time to clean these windows you don't have to hire any professional to do it. You can do it yourself by popping out the sliding window frames and wash them inside the house. When you are done washing them you can just put them back without any big effort. More Durable You decided to replace your windows, because they are not functioning well. With sliding windows you have less chances that something is going to go wrong. Double hung windows fail, because their spring system fails. When that happens, the double hung window is not operating well. While the sliding windows do not have any springs and that provides better longevity. Let us look at the benefits of the Double Hun Replacement windows. These types of windows are the most popular in Hamilton NJ and Willingboro NJ. Air Conditioner Friendly When you don't have central air condition in your house, you can insert one into the double hung window. Just open the bottom sash, install A/C, extend the wings and you should be good to go. With sliding windows air conditioning is not going to fit well, because of the void above it. Easy to Clean Double hung replacement windows are easy to maintain as well. Both sashes of the window tilt in to the house, so you can do all the cleaning from the inside of the house. When you are done washing your windows, just flip back the windows sashes and you should be good to go. Energy Efficient If you are replacing your old wood or aluminum windows, you are definitely going to see what is better. Double Hun Windows slightly higher energy efficient than Sliders. They provide unsurpassed energy savings both in winter and summer times. Good to Install in Children's Bedroom With double hung replacement windows you can have better piece of mind when you have little kids. You can open just the top of the window and don't have to worry about kinds climbing out of the window. The sliding window opens one side completely and it is less safe in children's bedroom. As you can see both styles of these windows have many benefits. They are going to make your house a better living place. If you are interested to find out more about these windows, feel free to contact us. At Siding and Windows Wizards we care about your project. Call us for a free in home presentation.  When you got to the point that you need to replace your windows and the budget is tight you might be wondering How Many Windows Should I Replace? Well this is the question that always comes to our minds when money are tight, — to do them all or at least some of them.
Replace just one window The most expensive option in windows replacement project is when you would like to replace just one window. Yep you have read it right, that’s when you pay more money and get less value. Most window companies are charging extra for that kind of a small project, because of the big overhead, but we at Siding and Windows Wizards LLC have a one window discount for a regular sizes windows. Replace two or three windows When you have extremely tight budget and can afford to replace two or three windows only, then you should think about replacing those windows that are extremely leaky and non openable. In that case, we would recommend to replace windows in your bedroom or living room, because that's the places where you spend your time the most and want to enjoy that time without any air leaks. Replace five or ten windows No doubt the best way to do it is to do them all in one shot, less hustle and bustle, do it once and forget about it. When you can replace five--ten windows that’s when the most savings you can get. First of all when you do more than five windows, some companies offer discounts or other sweet deals. We are at Siding and Windows Wizards can offer you one window free with a purchase of five windows or more, which always a sweet deal to have. Once all of the windows replaced in your house you are going to be able to enjoy them and save the money on energy bills. For those lucky ones who live in New Jersey or Eastern Pennsylvania call us and we can offer you sweet deals on replacement windows. |
At Siding & Windows Wizards LLC we like to take care about people's houses and like to share ideas about vinyl siding, replacement windows, fiber cement siding, roofing, or anything else that can make people's life easier. Categories
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