Cold, Drafty Windows? We Have a Solution!

February 4th, 2008

Cold, Drafty Windows? We Have a Solution!

If you have cold, drafty windows then you need to change them as soon as possible because they will have a negative impact on the energy efficiency of your home. What you really need is energy efficient and top quality replacement windows. There are many people out there who have received replacement windows quotes that sound exorbitant, so what is the best option you have?
There are plenty of options and each of them can be customized according to your requirement. But the first thing that you need to understand is that however hard you may try, you can’t always control the environment or air inside your home. One of important aspects that most people overlook is the small holes or cracks, which can add up to anywhere between 100 and 400 square inches. This means that the small cracks can develop over a period of time and create a bigger space equivalent to a 2-feet wide window. Imagine such a huge gap being open through out the year. You are bound to feel too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter! Not to mention the added cost of repairing or filling up the gaps.
Most of the times, the cold air comes from the hidden holes within the ceiling cavities and some of them are also located on walls. The second thing that many people have noticed is that the warm windows in the summer become cold, drafty windows in the winter. So what are your options?

We have the perfect solution and it is vinyl replacement windows. There are different types of energy efficient replacement windows to choose from like the:

Single-Hung / Double hung vinyl replacement windows
When we are choosing new windows, we want to make sure the styles we select suit our home both practically and aesthetically. Single-Hung/Double hung windows have been in use for many years and their essential function has not changed. Single-Hung/Double Hung windows having sashes that move up and down are very easy to use. Among single-hung windows, only the bottom sash will move upward. You can create a ventilation area in a window of this type as large as half of the total glass area, and screens are easily installed. As both halves of the window move up or down within the frame you always have the possibility for the bottom portion to raise and the upper section to lower.
There are models that are equipped with the tilting option for the upper section only. Thus it is very convenient for ease of cleaning; plus, it is handier to inspect weatherproofing strips and to repair caulking when needed. Some manufacturers also offer windows with removable sashes. Single-Hung/Double hung windows are very common in older homes, but in recent years they have become a popular for new homes as well because of their convenience. These windows can easily fit into any decorating style from historic to contemporary. Classic Double Hung windows offer homeowners the widest variety of style, performance, color and options available.

Casement Vinyl replacement windows
Casement windows are more common in newer homes and are typical in the western part of the United States. In the USA these are usually opened using a crank, but in Europe they tend to use other locking systems. Casement windows are usually operated by crank mechanism that allows you to control how far open they stay. Formerly, plain hinges were used with a casement stay. There is a handing applied to casement windows to determine direction of swing.
Bow & Bay Vinyl replacement windows
Bow window is a wonderful possibility to open any room and welcome in a view of the outside. Having installed bow window type will give your room more daylight in to brighten the interior, as well as makes the room seem warmer. You can also benefit from the advantage of giving you more space to breathe in a room where wall space would otherwise be limited. Despite limited wall space, a bow window allows you to have more windows and more view even in a limited amount of space. Each time you want to create a harmonious appearance of a house or a living room bow window type does its best. Bow windows help to give a third dimension to your living area. Bow windows are a good choice as they are built to stop energy loss while letting in the entire beautiful outdoors.
Bay windows not only add elegant beauty to your home, but are also excellent for small spaces as they make them appear larger. As well, bay windows also improve the flow of light into a room and, according to their sizes some give the illusion of the entire room opening up into the great outdoors. Bays are exceptionally energy-efficient, helping to lower your heating and cooling bills, increasing the comfort of your home.

Entry Filed under: Window & Doors Resource