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Window Material & Styles
Window Material & Styles
QUALITY WINDOW MATERIALS
When it comes to relying on a window that can keep up with your home and lifestyle, the material they’re made from will make all the difference. At Royal Exteriors, we use the leading window materials and products from top-rated vendors.
WHAT MATERIALS ARE BEST FOR YOUR HOME?
This is easily one of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to windows, so we bet you’re asking it too! Typically homeowners are investing in new windows to improve exterior aesthetics, and for enhanced home energy efficiency. The type of window material you choose will govern these features. All of these materials also meet or exceed the ENERGY STAR® guidelines in the US.
HOW DO YOU MAKE THE DECISION OF WHAT WINDOW MATERIAL IS BEST?
The window replacement material you choose will depend on the factors we listed above — what features and benefits are most important to you? Nail this down and consider your budget and you’ll be well on your way to new beautiful windows!
At Royal Exteriors, we’re committed to providing our clients with the highest quality windows and offer both aluminum and vinyl options from the leading window suppliers!
Aluminum Windows
Aluminum windows can have a slimmer appearance and a larger glass surface area due to their strong frames. Also, less material is required in the construction of the frame to hold the glass.
Aluminum is also known for standing up to the elements. Strong, durable and highly corrosion-resistant, they can last 30-40 years with good maintenance.
Whatever finish you choose for the aluminum frame, your windows will last a very long time.
Vinyl Windows
Vinyl window frames are effortless — no refinishing, painting, treating, or staining required, and are an excellent choice. Vinyl windows can significantly lower your energy bill, as well as improve the quality of living inside your home.
With many frame colors and options available you will be able to find a product you love!
Aluminum-Clad Wood Windows
Aluminum Wood-Clad windows have a thicker frame like the vinyl option, but they also have more mass, which provides better noise insulating properties - through the frame and sash components -than vinyl. They offer the extreme strength and durability of aluminum frame windows and the warm comforting aesthetics of real wood. They can be made from a variety of wood types both primed and ready-to-paint or unfinished wood exteriors with hundreds of color combinations.
Single, Double, and Triple Pane Windows
SINGLE-PANE WINDOWS
While single-pane windows are considered an older, outdated type of window, they’re still available. These windows are exactly as they sound, and they have one sheet of glass.
People may be drawn towards single-pane windows because of their low cost, but when you compare it to the energy savings you’ll likely lose out on, and higher monthly utility bills, they may actually cost you much more over time.
Single-pane windows also don’t block sound, so if you’re in a large city - or even in the suburbs -you won’t be able to count on any noise-reduction.
If you currently have single-pane windows in your home please call the office to discuss your options for replacement.
DOUBLE-PANE WINDOWS
Double-pane windows have become a better option for energy-efficiency compared to single-pane windows, and have become more of a go-to option for homeowners.
Double-pane windows have two panes of glass, separated by an air-filled space. This small space creates better protection and energy-efficiency by trapping extreme hot and cold air in the summer and winter seasons, creating a barrier that can better insulate and keep your home comfortable.
Double-pane windows are more of an investment over single-pane windows, but their lower energy costs can help offset these costs because you’ll be using your heat and air conditioning less.
IMPACT-RESISTANT
Impact-Resistant windows provide the most energy efficiency when compared to single- and double-pane windows, and these three sheets of glass are going to be the most expensive. On any given day, but especially in extreme heat or cold, they’ll reflect 97% of the energy and only absorb 3% of it into your home.
They will also be the number one choice for noise-reduction, so if you have shift work at night and sleep in the day, or if you live on a busy intersection, these are the windows you’ll want to invest in.
Impact-Resistant windows also come with extra security. Many of the window companies use innovative glass technology that can withstand impact, making it more resistant to shattering.
WINDOW ENERGY EFFICIENCY
The leading reason homeowners are replacing their windows is for better energy efficiency — when you upgrade your windows to more energy-efficient models, it helps you save money on your monthly utilities all year long.
It’s easy, however, to be overwhelmed by the choices you have to make when it comes to selecting new windows. So, where do you begin in your energy efficiency quest?
Windows often vary by region, so it’s important to partner with a local exterior company, such as Royal Exteriors, to help guide you towards the best window for your area. It’s also crucial to choose a good window manufacturer to ensure that you have a quality window that can keep up with you!
When it comes to windows, you get what you pay for, so it’s always a risk going for the cheapest option — you may just end up replacing them much sooner than if you were to invest a little more money on the initial window replacement.
CHOOSING AN ENERGY-EFFICIENT WINDOW
Observe the Low-E rating - This is a coating on the glass that is rated for its ability to reflect UV rays. They are slightly tinted and apple to different areas of the glass depending on the region. In warmer climates, the coating appears on the outside panes, and in colder climates, it’s used on the inside pane.
Window styles make a difference - Both awning and casement windows have the best energy efficiency because they close tightly within their weather stripping when compared to single- and double-hung windows or slider windows.
Look for multi-paned windows - Energy efficiency greatly improves with at least a double-paned window, in addition to panes of glass being separated by krypton or argon gas and warm edge spacers.
Invest in weather stripping - Weather stripping makes all the difference when it comes to enhancing the energy efficiency of your windows — it keeps the elements like rain and cold air out, while keeping the indoor temperature ambient.
Review the U-factors - When you’re looking at the U-factor on windows, look for those with low U-values — they have the best insulating properties, thus improved energy efficiency.
VINYL WINDOWS - ENHANCED ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Vinyl has superb energy efficiency when they’re insulated properly, and with a favored material for moisture resistance, vinyl is a great choice for keeping your indoor environment comfortable while saving you money!
ALUMINUM WINDOWS - ENERGY EFFICIENT AND DURABLE
Aluminum windows are tough and durable, and are great for homes in a temperate climate. These windows are noted for their affordability and versatility.
