Choosing Replacement Windows | Oahu, HI
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Are you considering different types of windows but just aren’t sure which way to go? Maybe you’ve started looking at all of the different options. After this, you’re still really not sure which is the best choice for your replacement windows. Well, it’s not as difficult as you might think. We’re going to talk about the different frame materials that you can check out as well as the types of glass that you should be considering. That way, you can make an informed choice and get the job done right.
Frame Materials
There are a number of different types of material that you can use in your Oahu, HI home. The key is to match something that is durable and long lasting with the look that you want. While there are plenty of different choices in replacement windows, you want to be sure that you’re choosing something you want to live with for many years to come. After all, if don’t properly, you shouldn’t have to replace your windows again for a very long time. So, make sure you choose something you’re going to want the rest of the time you live at the house (and after you sell it in the future).
Aluminum
First up, aluminum. This is actually a very inexpensive option for replacement windows. It’s very lightweight but still durable and it also doesn’t really require a lot of maintenance. That can be great for those who really just want to put in their windows and not have to do a whole lot more. On the other hand, they aren’t very energy efficient and they’re always a bright silver, which isn’t really that great looking on the front of your house. Not to mention you’re gong to have some that conducts heat a lot. So, if you ever do have to do anything with them the frames themselves will likely be hard to handle.
Composite
Composite replacement windows are generally a mix of aluminum and wood, which makes them a little better in the long run. They can be quite stable and they’re also much more energy efficient, which is a great thing for you. On the other hand, they can be quite expensive. You want to make sure that you’re choosing something you really like because it’s entirely possible that you’re not going to see a big return on your investment. These windows can actually make your house more expensive than it’s worth.
Fiberglass
If you’re looking for durability and overall strength you can’t go wrong with fiberglass. It’s going to be one of the most expensive options you’ll find and it’s going to require a decent amount of maintenance. At the same time, it’s going to be hard and it’s not going to fade or crack as much as some other materials. Not only that but it is quite energy efficient because it doesn’t expand and contract like some materials. This makes it great for replacement windows for the look and the way it’s going to just keep working.
Wood
Wood replacement windows are going to look great on the exterior of your Oahu, HI home. They’re going to give you a surface that you can customize with paint or stain and they’re definitely going to be a more traditional look. They also create relatively energy efficient windows because wood is an insulator. Now, on the other side of things you will have to spend more on wood. You’ll also have a lot more maintenance that you need to take care of because if you do stain or paint the wood that’s going to need to be redone every few years, as well as sealing against mold, termites and rot.
Glass Types
There are two primary types of glass that are going to give you the look and feel that you want for your home. These are dual pane and triple pane. Where single pane was the original way to go, we now know that it’s really not the best option and it’s definitely inefficient. Instead, it’s all about layering the glass and gasses to make sure we’re getting the most energy efficient results that will make your Oahu, HI home less expensive for you and better for the environment at the same time. That’s a win-win.
Dual Pane
Dual pane replacement windows are a lot like you would think. They have two separate panes of glass. These two panes help to reduce the amount of air that can get into your house from outside or out of your house from inside. But they’re not doing it entirely alone. There’s also a layer of gas in the middle, commonly argon or krypton. This slows down any air that does get through the first pane and makes it a lot harder to get through the second pane. These types of windows are more energy efficient than single pane.
Triple Pane
Triple pane replacement windows are very similar to the dual pane except that they have three layers of glass. So, there’s a single layer of glass, followed by a layer of argon or krypton, then a second layer of glass and a second layer of argon or krypton, then a third layer of glass. All of these extra layers mean that these are the most energy efficient windows that you can get. Any air from inside or outside your home is going to have a much harder time trying to get through all of those layers.
The best thing that you can do if you’re looking for new windows is start talking to the professionals. You’ll be able to find out the best options for your home and your area. After all, you want to make sure that your new Oahu, HI replacement windows are going to fit in with the other houses nearby, right? Well, you can absolutely do that with the right combination and you’ll also be able to save some money on your energy costs if you choose right.
