Windows are essential to any building, providing ventilation and natural light. However, they can also be a significant source of energy loss, leading to higher energy bills and a less comfortable living environment. Replacement windows effectively solve this problem, providing improved energy efficiency, enhanced aesthetics, and increased comfort. If you want to improve your living or working environment, the right windows can help you achieve your goals.

Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Windows for Your Home or Business

Windows are essential for aesthetics, energy efficiency, and home or business comfort. Choosing the right windows can be daunting, given the various options available in the market. You can choose the right window through these tips:

Determine Your Needs and Priorities

Before you start shopping for windows, you must identify your primary goals. Consider energy efficiency, noise reduction, aesthetics, and security. Understanding your priorities allows you to narrow your options and focus on essential features.

Choose the Right Window Style

Various window styles, such as double-hung, casement, sliding, and bay windows, are available. Each style has its unique advantages and drawbacks. Consider the architectural style of your home or business and the functionality and appearance you desire when selecting the appropriate window style. Experts at Sunburst Windows & Patio Doors can assist in making a choice.

Prioritize Quality Over Price

While staying within your budget is essential, keep quality high. High-quality windows will provide better long-term value, as they are more durable, energy-efficient, and require less maintenance. Look for reputable manufacturers and ensure the windows have a comprehensive warranty. Sunburst Windows & Patio Doors offers various windows and styles to choose from.

Consider Custom Options

Custom windows can be tailored to your needs and preferences, allowing you to achieve the perfect fit and style for your home or business. While custom windows may be more expensive, they can provide a higher level of satisfaction and a better return on investment in the long run.

Hire a Professional Installer

Hiring a professional window installer with experience and a solid reputation for proper installation is essential. Check for references, read reviews, and inquire from family and friends who had similar work done. Sunburst Windows & Patio Doors has professional installers guaranteed to offer you quality services.

Consult With a Design Professional

If you need help determining which window style or material best complements your home or business’s architecture, consult a design professional. They can provide valuable insights and help you make an informed decision.

Think Long-Term

When choosing windows, consider the long-term benefits and costs. High-quality windows may have a higher upfront cost, but they can provide better energy efficiency, durability, and aesthetics, ultimately saving you money and enhancing your property’s value over time.

An In-Depth Look at the Latest Technologies and Design Trends for Windows

The replacement window industry has experienced significant advancements in recent years, with new technologies and design trends emerging to meet the diverse needs of homeowners. These innovations have improved the aesthetics and functionality of windows and enhanced their energy efficiency and durability. The latest technologies and design trends for replacement windows include:

Triple-Pane Glass

Triple-pane glass is becoming increasingly popular in the replacement window market due to its superior insulation properties. This technology features three layers of glass with gas-filled spaces in between, significantly reducing heat transfer and noise infiltration. As a result, homeowners can enjoy a more comfortable living environment and lower energy bills.

Low-E Coatings

Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings are thin, transparent layers applied to window glass to minimize heat transfer. These coatings reflect infrared and ultraviolet light, helping to maintain the home’s temperature. Additionally, Low-E coatings protect furnishings from fading due to sun exposure, making them a valuable addition to any replacement window.

Smart Windows

Smart windows are equipped with integrated sensors and controls that allow homeowners to adjust their properties, such as tinting or opacity, in response to changing environmental conditions. These windows can be controlled remotely via smartphone apps or home automation systems, providing enhanced convenience and energy efficiency.

Fiberglass Frames

Fiberglass window frames have gained popularity due to their strength, durability, and low maintenance requirements. These frames resist warping, rotting, and corrosion, making them ideal for homeowners seeking long-lasting windows. Additionally, fiberglass frames can be painted or finished to match any home’s exterior design.

Vinyl Windows

Vinyl windows are a cost-effective and energy-efficient option for replacement windows. They offer excellent insulation properties with minimal maintenance requirements. Vinyl windows are also available in various colors and styles, allowing easy customization to suit individual preferences.

Double-Hung Windows

Double-hung windows feature two vertical sashes, allowing for improved airflow and easy cleaning. This classic design has remained popular due to its timeless appeal and adaptability to various architectural styles. Modern double-hung windows often incorporate energy-efficient features, such as Low-E glass and weatherstripping, to enhance performance.

Sliding Windows

These windows move horizontally on a track, offering a space-saving design ideal for smaller rooms or areas with limited exterior wall space. These windows provide ample natural light and ventilation, making them popular for contemporary homes.

Custom Shapes and Sizes

Custom-shaped and sized windows have become increasingly popular as homeowners seek to personalize their living spaces. These unique designs can be tailored to fit specific architectural features or to create a focal point within a room. Custom windows also allow for greater flexibility in terms of placement and orientation, enabling homeowners to optimize natural light and views.

Soundproof Windows

Soundproof windows are engineered to reduce noise infiltration. These windows often feature laminated glass and specialized seals to minimize sound transmission. Soundproof windows are particularly beneficial for buildings near airports or busy streets.

If you’re looking to maximize energy efficiency and aesthetics in your home or business, Sunburst Windows & Patio Doors is here to help. We’ll guide you through choosing the right windows for your needs, from selecting the suitable materials and styles to ensuring a seamless installation. Call us now, and we’ll transform your building with replacement windows.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

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5 Materials A Window Installation Expert Can Recommend For Insulating New Windows

Approximately 9 out of 10 homes in the United States are under-insulated. But with the heightened tug of war that has led to a renewed concern about energy use today, prioritizing home insulation is essential. The windows at your home can be the perfect place to start. Properly insulated windows ensure you achieve your desired room temperature inside the house. They also help enhance your HVAC’s system effectiveness.

Keeping your home cool or warm is much easier with insulated windows. This is because when you improve a window’s energy efficiency, you also improve that of your HVAC. Well-insulated windows prevent the indoor air from escaping outside, meaning your heating and cooling unit will work less hard to heat or cool your space. This can dramatically lower your energy use, saving you money on your monthly electricity bill.

Professional window installers use various insulation materials to help insulate your new windows for a perfect home climate. Of course, this can vary across households based on individual needs, the climate of the place, and other factors. This blog post covers the most common professional window insulation materials, including:

1) Window Weatherstripping Seals

Weatherstripping seals are applied to any space for air leaks around the movable parts of a window or door. A window seal helps reduce air drafts that enter your home through gaps and cracks. It contains the cooled air indoors while keeping the outside heat at bay during summer. In winter, weather stripping for air seals can help prevent warm air inside your house from escaping to the outdoors.

A trained installer will fill the gaps between the window frame and window sash with sealant to prevent cold or hot air from sipping in.

Weatherstripping material comes in various forms; foam, silicone, felt, and vinyl.

• Foam stripping is ideal for the top and bottom of window sash. It’s affordable and durable, though installing it can be challenging.
• Tape/silicone stripping is also suitable for the window sash – it costs low and is very easy to install.
• Vinyl stripping is best suited for the interior track of a sliding or double-hung window. It’s best for holding moisture, is more durable, moderately priced, invisible, and simple to fit.
• Felt stripping is suitable for use around the window and in places with low friction. Though inexpensive and easy to install, it may not be very efficient.

A trusted window installation company can help you select the weatherstripping for your new windows.

2) Caulking

Caulking seals air leaks around immovable parts of windows and doors in your home, such as frames.

There are three types of caulking a window installation specialist can use:-

• Silicone caulk for metal and glass surfaces.
• Latex caulk for cracks in your new window.
• Paint caulk in areas you intend to repaint later.

To get the most out of your new windows, you need to have caulking needs reapplied at least after a year or two. Remember, over time, a window’s area expands and contracts because of changes in weather conditions, causing the caulking material to crack or peel. The general wear and tear to your window’s interior and exterior caulking reduce its efficiency. So regular replacements are necessary to avoid heat gain or loss.

3) Window Treatments

Window coverings are also an excellent option for providing additional insulation in your windows. They may include;

• Thermal curtains

These are high-quality window treatments made of thick, heavy fabrics such as wool or velvet. They’re very effective in reducing draughts and minimizing heat loss through the windows. They are usually lined with a thermal material like polyester, which helps keep warm air inside and cold air out simultaneously. Thermal curtains can be costly, but they’re an excellent option for insulating home windows and keeping heat indoors.

• Cellular Shades

Cellular or double-cell shades include pleated materials that contain one or more air pockets in a honeycomb cross-section. The air pockets minimize heat conduction through the windows. For optimum insulation, go for insulated shades that have the highest R-value. In the heating season, they can reduce heat loss by 40 percent and lower the heat gain by almost 60 percent in summer.

• Draperies

Unlike curtains, these window attachments come with tie-backs to enable you to hold them against the wall. Draperies with white backings can help block out a considerable amount of solar heat in your windows during the hot summer months.

• Blinds

Blinds are a perfect solution in hot weather. Provided you’ve closed them completely, they can be pretty efficient in lowering solar heat gain through windows, especially the reflective blinds.

However, in winter, they may not offer the much-needed insulation as you can’t control heat loss through the blinds’ slats.

4) Window Inserts or Interior Storm Stoppers

Window inserts are acrylic or plexiglass; an installer can easily fit them inside the window frames. Interior storm stoppers can boost your new window insulation and are cheaper than window coverings. Some even feature low emissivity (Low-E) coatings, which can significantly help increase your home’s energy efficiency.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE), installing stoppers in your windows can reduce your HVAC energy cost by 22 percent.

In addition, window inserts are designed to blend in easily with window trims without clashing with your home’s interior aesthetic. On the downside, these materials are highly susceptible to discoloring or degrading with time.

Sunburst Windows & Patio Doors Offers The Best Products

We’re a family-owned, local company delivering comprehensive home window replacement services. With over 35 years of industry experience, you can count on us for first-line expertise on installation and knowledge of all window types. Call us now at Sunburst Windows & Patio Doors today!

To Recap

Insulating your new windows is the best way to lower your energy bills and maintain even temperatures inside your home. Also, given that window insulation helps reduce the burden on your HVAC unit during extreme weather conditions, it can help extend the lifespan of your system.

But again, for maximum efficiency, let a professional handle the job. While DIY installations prove cost-effective, they may not be effective and can cause more window problems than help.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

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Why You Should Invest in Energy Efficient Windows

New windows can transform the way your home looks. They can add personality and a bit of color or be quite traditional. No matter what style you select to install, you will want to choose energy efficient windows over other types. While these may cost you a bit more initially, they tend to offer some of the most important and valuable features for your home, including those that offer long-term benefits. If you are unsure what type of windows to purchase or you are unsure of how much to spend, set up a consultation to speak to a professional about your home’s unique needs. In the meantime, consider some of the reasons why you will want these windows for your home.

They Improve Insulation

One of the most important reasons to invest in energy efficient windows is because they add to the insulative quality of your home. The amount of efficiency will differ based on the window itself and the manufacturer. However, all these windows are designed to help keep more of the heated and cooled air in your home while keeping the outside air out.

These windows tend to be double or triple-pane windows. They also have inert gas components in them that help to improve the overall efficiency of the windows. This allows them to work better in terms of limiting the flow of air through windows, unlike what occurs with single panes.

Reducing Your Utility Costs

The second reason to invest in them is because these windows can help to lower your energy costs overall. How much money do you spend to cool your home on a hot day? That depends on how well your windows keep the hot air out. If your air conditioner does not have to run as much, that leads to a drop in the amount of energy your home need to use, lowering your utilities.

The investment in a higher-quality window can reduce your energy costs substantially, especially if you have older windows now. That may include some Energy Star windows that can reduce your utility costs by as much as 20%.

Improve Your Home’s Value

If you plan to sell your home in the coming years, you may benefit from having these higher-quality windows. They work very effectively to add value to your home. Consider that a home buyer wants to purchase a home that has quality windows in place that save them money, not windows that are likely to need an upgrade.

Even if you do not plan to sell your home soon, you will find these windows add value to it. If you need to have your home appraised for any reason, that could prove very valuable to you.

Reduce Fading of Your Property

When you invest in a higher quality window, they can protect your property more fully. For example, if you have windows that allow UV rays in now, that sunlight could damage the fabrics of your couches or carpeting. That sun fade is a problem because it can impact not just the fabrics in your home but it also can mean more exposure to UV light for your children.

Some of the best energy efficient windows are designed to incorporate better UV protection. That means they are less likely to cause this type of fading to occur, and ultimately that means your belongings are less likely to suffer significant damage over time. That includes your carpeting, the paint on your home’s walls, and even the wood in your living room.

Reduce the Noise from Outside

Another key benefit to the investment in these higher quality windows is that they will help you to have better noise control in your home. Because they are better at insulating your home, they also work to block out the movement of sound through the windows. As a result, you are not likely to hear the traffic outside of your home, or you may have less impact from wind in your home.

Though this may not matter to many property owners, for those who live in a busy neighborhood or by a street, noise reduction is a very real advantage of upgrading your windows.

You Do Your Part to Protect the Environment

Yet another benefit to investing in new windows that are specifically efficient is that you are doing your part in protecting the environment. Hands down, that matters to many of today’s homeowners. When you invest in windows like this, that means you use less energy to heat or cool your home. That means less demand for fossil fuels and a better level of overall comfort in your home. The more you can do to reduce the reliance you have on older fossil-fuel-based heating and cooling systems, the better.

It Makes Your Home Comfortable

Upgrading to a higher-quality window makes your home more comfortable overall. There is less air that moves through them, which means fewer drafts. There is also less moisture moving through them, which means the interior of your home is less humid. You also gain better control over how your home feels no matter where you sit in your space. Without the drafts and noise, your home is just that much more enjoyable to you.

Finding the Right Level of Protection Matters

As you consider the options for improving your home’s value and energy use, know that the investment in energy efficient windows is well worth it. At Sunburst Windows & Patio Doors, we can help you select the best type of windows for your home and ensure you get the highest quality energy protection for your space. All you have to do is to reach out to set up a consultation and a quote. You can then learn about the windows available to you.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

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Comparing Awning Windows And Casement Windows: Which Type Of Home Windows Is The Best Fit For You?

Windows provide natural light, ventilation, and insulation. With so many options available, deciding which window is perfect for your home can be overwhelming. Two popular alternatives that you may encounter include awning and casement windows.

While both styles have their benefits, they also have key differences that could impact which one is right for your home. In this blog post, you’ll learn about awning and casement windows to help you decide the right choice for your home windows.

Awning Windows

Awning windows are hinged at the top and swing outward from the bottom. They are usually rectangular and typically feature a single pane of glass. The design allows them to be opened even in light rain, as the downward slope of the window sash keeps water from entering the home. Some of the benefits of awning windows include the following:

• Versatility: One of the benefits of awning windows is their versatility. Awning windows can be installed in various settings, thus, an excellent choice for many homes.
  
  For example, they can be mounted above doors to provide additional light and ventilation without compromising privacy. Homes with limited wall space can make the most of this feature. It enables natural light to penetrate the interior without compromising the area available for furniture or artwork.
  
  Additionally, awning windows can be combined with other window styles, such as picture or double-hung windows, to create a unique look for your home. They add visual interest, curb appeal, ventilation, and natural light.
• Energy efficiency: Another significant benefit of awning windows is their energy efficiency. When closed, the tight seal created by the window prevents drafts and heat loss. It leads to lower energy bills and improved comfort in the home.
  
  The key to the energy efficiency of awning windows lies in their design. Because they open outward from the bottom and have a tight seal when closed, awning windows prevent air from entering or exiting the home.
  
  It means that they are less likely to let in drafts or allow heated or cooled air to escape, which can lead to higher energy bills and reduced comfort in the home. Overall, awning windows are a great choice for homeowners who want a practical and stylish option for their home windows.
• Security: This is one of the underrated benefits of awning windows. The hinge placement of awning windows makes them more difficult to open from the outside, improving the security of your home.
  
  Because awning windows are hinged at the top and open outward from the bottom, they are less vulnerable to break-ins than other window styles. The hinge placement makes it more difficult for intruders to pry open the window from the outside, as they would have to work against gravity to do so.
  
  Additionally, some awning windows are available with multi-point locking systems, providing an extra layer of security. Multi-point locks secure the window at multiple points along the frame, making it more difficult to force it open from the outside.

Casement Windows

Casement windows are hinged at the side and swing outward like a door. They can feature single or multiple panes of glass, and their design allows for excellent ventilation. Some of the benefits of casement windows include:

• Maximum Ventilation: Casement windows are known for their excellent ventilation capabilities. Because they are hinged at the side and open outward like a door, they allow maximum airflow and ventilation in your home when fully opened. These windows are particularly beneficial in rooms that tend to get stuffy or humid, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas.
  
  Also, the ability to fully open casement windows makes them an excellent choice for homes in warm climates. By opening multiple casement windows throughout your home, you can create a cross-breeze that keeps your home cool and comfortable without the need for air conditioning.

• Easy to operate: Another benefit of casement windows is their easy operation. Unlike other windows that require some force to open and close, casement windows typically feature a simple crank handle that makes it easy to open and close.
  
  Typically, the crank handle at the bottom of the window frame causes the window sash to unwrap outward when turned in a particular direction. Turning the crank handle in the opposite direction will pull the casement window sash inward, closing the window and creating a tight seal against the frame. This seal helps to prevent drafts and keep your home comfortable, making casement windows an energy-efficient option as well.
• A larger View: The design of casement windows also offers the benefit of wide views of the outdoors. It is because casement windows feature fewer muntins than other types of windows, which are strips of material that separate panes of glass. Due to the reduced number of muntins, casement windows offer an unobstructed and enhanced clarity of the outside world.
  
  If you have a lovely garden or landscape that you want to display or if you take pleasure in admiring the scenery, this can be particularly advantageous. In addition, the natural light brought into your home can boost your mood and overall well-being. Exposure to natural light improves energy levels and promotes a more positive outlook.

Upgrade Your Home Windows With Awning Or Casement Windows

Ready to upgrade your home windows with either awning or casement windows? Contact Sunburst Windows & Patio Doors today to schedule a consultation and get started! Our team of experts will help you choose the perfect window style based on your specific needs and preferences.

Whether you’re improving energy efficiency, increasing ventilation, or enhancing your home’s curb appeal, we’ve got you covered. With our high-quality products and professional installation services, you can enjoy the many benefits of new windows for years. Don’t wait! Contact us now to take the first step toward a more comfortable and stylish home.

To Wrap It Up

When deciding between awning windows and casement windows, it is crucial to consider several factors. Awning windows can offer versatility, energy efficiency, and improved security, while casement windows prioritize maximum ventilation, easy operation, and larger views.

Ultimately, the choice will depend on your needs and preferences, including your home’s style, budget, and priorities. Choosing the right window option will improve energy efficiency, ventilation, and the overall comfort level of your home.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

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How To Prepare For The Installation of Replacement Windows In Your Home

Getting new windows for your home is an exciting time. From the process of choosing the best options for your home, to the moment in which your replacement windows are finally installed, this is a time in which you can enjoy the feeling of giving your home a brand-new look. Having your replacement windows installed can also make you feel hopeful for the future. Maybe you purchase energy efficient windows that will help you save money on your power bill, and make your home safer for your family. Maybe you finally got that amazing bay window you have always dreamed of. Regardless of the reason why you are getting new windows, doing so can make you feel like a kid with a new toy, excited and happy. But installation day will require you to do more than just sit back and watch your new windows be placed. It requires you to take certain steps in order to help make the process more streamlined, as well as safer for your family and your property. In this article we will cover everything you should do to be ready for the day in which your replacement windows are installed. Let’s get started.

Remove All Window Treatments and Alarms

Curtains, blinds, and other window treatments can get in the way of the techs installing your new windows, and can even pose a danger to them and the windows themselves. It is important you remove any window treatments you may have in place before the workers arrive in order to prevent any wasted time doing so when they are getting ready to start working. Another good reason to remove your window treatments in advance of the workers doing their job is that by doing so you can avoid any unwanted damages that could be costly to repair. So, before you do anything else, remove your curtains or blinds, and put them in a safe place. If you have alarm sensors on your existing windows, make sure you remove them too, otherwise they could be damaged when the window is removed.

Clear All Objects Off Your Furniture

We are fairly certain you actually like all those cool knickknacks you have on display. Whether it’s that priceless vase your aunt Tessie left you in her will, or that incredible macaroni-decorated paper plate your child made in preschool, if it has any value to you, you should put it away. Window installation is an activity that requires workers to move around and maneuver a lot. This means that whatever is in the workers’ way could get knocked over unwittingly, resulting in your valued objects being damaged, in some cases, beyond any repair. So, put all of your decorative items away, to keep them safe.

Move Any Furniture Away From The Work Area

It is highly likely that you have furniture in the area where your new windows will be installed. Whether it’s a sofa, or your bed, or even just a coffee table, the best possible way to avoid any damage is to move it away from the immediate area where the windows will be placed. Of course, it would be great if you remove it from the room altogether, but in most cases that will not be possible. So, make sure it’s out of the way. Not performing this crucial activity can result in wasted time, damaged furniture, scratched floors from dragging it incorrectly, and even broken windows. So, do the best you can to make sure your furniture is out of the way.

Cover Any Furniture Still In The Room

If you can’t remove any furniture that could get in the way of the window installers you can use old blankets or plastic sheeting to protect them from any damage. Oftentimes, old windows break as they are removed, and the last thing you probably want is an ugly gash on your sofa. Cover everything left in the room, and you might not even have to clean it after the installation is done.

Clear The Space On The Outside Of Your Home

Just as moving your furniture, taking down any window treatments, and putting away you knickknacks are important parts of preparing for the installation of your new windows, so is doing the same on the outside part of your home where the window will be installed. The installers are going to require a clear path to the area where they will be working, both on the inside, as well as on the outside. So, if you have any toys, flower pots, garden furniture, or even just a hose or pinwheel outside the window that will be replaced, make sure you put it away until the job is done.

Keep Your Pets And Children Away From The Work Area

Pets and kids love to get into sticky situations, and being near an area where people are working with glass can lead to extremely dangerous scenarios. Make sure you keep pets and children out of the area where the installers will be working, so they don’t get underfoot and cause an accident. After all, new windows can be quite expensive, and the last thing you want is for them to break because you dog decided he wanted to be friendly with the guys putting it in place. Avoiding any interruptions of the work will ensure a more streamlined and efficient installation, so make sure nobody gets in their way.

At Sunburst Windows we are proud to provide our customers with the amazing feelings that replacement windows can produce. With many years of expertise, and only the most knowledgeable and experienced technicians, you can be sure that your new windows will be everything you have ever wanted and much more! So, don’t hesitate, when you are ready to give you home a great new look, and a more energy efficient and environmentally friendly ambiance, just pick up your phone and give us a call right away!

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

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