Upgrading to energy-efficient windows can reduce your energy bills by up to 12%. Look for window options with enhanced UV protection, low-emissivity coatings and a wide selection of design options.
Look for long-term warranties on products, labor and other components. Companies that offer unlimited lifetime warranties score higher with EcoWatch.
Frame Material
The frame material you choose plays a key role in your windows’ durability, appearance, and energy efficiency. It also influences how well your new windows manage heat transfer and prevent drafts.
There are many options for window frames, including wood, vinyl, fiberglass, and composite. Each offers unique advantages and benefits.
Aluminum is an affordable option that delivers good thermal performance. However, it’s susceptible to corrosion, and airborne debris like baseballs can ding its paint and expose the raw metal underneath.
Fiberglass and composite frames are more durable than aluminum and vinyl, with superior strength and resilience. They also have a more attractive appearance and offer better insulation. They’re slightly more expensive than vinyl, but they are a smart long-term investment for Birmingham homeowners. They also come in various styles, such as casement and bay windows. These side-hinged models provide excellent ventilation and an unobstructed view. They can cost between $525 and $1,918 per unit.
Glass
Glass is such a popular material in our homes because it’s transparent, easy to shape when it’s molten, reasonably resistant to heat once it’s set, and chemically inert (as evidenced by the fact that your glass jars don’t react with the food you store inside). For those reasons and more, windows made from glass are durable and attractive. And since a window installation is a sizable investment, we value companies that offer long warranties on products and parts.
We also look for companies that offer windows with argon gas and low-E coatings. These features help reduce energy climate costs and benefit the environment.
Sash Style
Unlike side-hinged casement windows, which slide vertically, sash windows consist of two framed sashes that open and close. These sashes fit into vertical grooves inside the frame, connected with a system of weights and pulleys that make opening them effortless while preventing them from slamming shut.
Sash windows offer a blend of historic beauty and modern-day practicality, with plenty of room for customisation. Configurable astragal bars and a wide range of frame finishes and paint colours enable you to create bespoke window designs that suit any property.
A sash window’s traditional design can also deter burglars, while multi-point locking systems and double-glazing improve security. In addition, draught-proofing allows you to seal gaps between sash windows and the frame, reducing energy costs and improving comfort. Lastly, look for window installation companies that offer lengthy warranties for parts and labor to protect your investment. This is especially important for homes in Birmingham, where the climate can cause issues like water damage and rot.
Energy Efficiency
The frames you choose to install or replace your windows play a major role in managing your home’s temperatures. Especially in Birmingham’s hot summers and chilly winters, energy-efficient windows can save you significant costs by lightening the load on your energy systems.
The most common and affordable option is vinyl, which provides a contemporary look and requires less maintenance than other materials. Window World offers Sierra Pacific vinyl products that resist warping and fading over time for lasting beauty.
ENERGY STAR-certified windows can reflect solar rays and keep unwanted temperature leaks at bay, reducing your home’s overall energy consumption and costs. Low-E glass options can also prevent condensation and frost from forming on your windows, further lowering your utility bills. Additionally, many homeowners can qualify for tax deductions and rebates when they invest in energy-efficient windows.