Choosing the Right Windows for Your Edmonton Home
Windows are one of the most important features of your home – they let in natural light and add architectural interest.
But choosing windows goes beyond looks and appearances, with energy efficiency and reducing heating and cooling costs being important factors in the type of windows you have in your home – especially with the super varied temperatures we experience in Edmonton.
Whether you are choosing new windows for your Edmonton custom home or replacing your current windows as part of a home renovation, these are five things to consider that will help you make the right decision.
1. New vs replacement windows
If you’re renovating your home and your windows need an upgrade, you will first need to decide whether you want to have new or replacement windows.
New windows are usually installed when you want to change the entire look, frame, size and shape of your current window opening and put a completely new one in its place. The actual cost of the new window isn’t much more than a replacement window, but there is generally more labour involved in the installation, which leads to a higher cost.
Replacement windows are a great option if your window frame is still in great condition and your window trim still matches the exterior of your home. You will save on labour costs, and depending on the window manufacturer you can order a stock size of replacement windows or a custom size.
2. Window styles
Once you’ve decided whether you are purchasing new or replacement windows, it’s time to choose the style of window you’d like. These are the most popular styles of windows:
Single or double-hung windows
These commonly found windows, especially in traditional pre-war homes, consist of two separate sash (the actual pane of glass in the inner frame) which open or close by sliding up or down. A single-hung window opens from the bottom only by sliding up, while a double-hung window can be opened from either the top or the bottom. They are ideal for creating airflow in a home. In extreme climates like ours, where it gets quite cold in winter and hot in summer, they may not be the best choice because of the potential for air intrusion between the sliders.
Casement windows
These windows consist of one large sash that’s hinged vertically and opens by swinging out with a lever or other mechanism. These are popular in open spaces or where wind is an issue, because they actually seal themselves tighter when wind blows towards the house. They require maintenance on their hinges and levers to keep them operating effectively.
Awning windows
These windows are hinged at the top and opened by tilting the window out from the bottom, creating the look of an awning when open. These are popular window choices for bathrooms.
Slider windows
As the name suggests, these windows open from side to side and work well in spaces where there’s limited room for the window to swing open.
Picture windows
These windows do not open but come in many shapes and sizes. Glass choice and gas-filled interiors are especially important with these larger windows.
3. Window glass
Recent technological advancements have greatly expanded the selection of glass available. You can choose between double, triple or even quadruple-paned glass, as well as the distance between each pane. The air between the panes of glass has a big influence on its overall insulation factor, with most manufacturers using an inert gas like argon between the panes that insulates better than air alone.
Another feature to look for on window glass for improved insulation is Low emissivity (Low-E). This refers to glass with a super thin and invisible layer of material on the surface of the glass which acts to reduce the amount of heat that can flow through the glass itself.
Other ratings that are important to know when evaluating window glass – the U-value measures a window’s unit resistance to heat loss, and the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), which measures how much heat enters a home through the glass. The lower the number on both these ratings, the better the window will perform.
Don’t get too caught up in buzz words or think that more panes of glass means a better window. For instance, while triple-paned glass may seem more efficient in harsh winters, they can also reduce the window’s visibility and light transference. You would be better off choosing Low-E, argon-filled, double-paned glass, which protects the inside of the house from the sun in the summer, and prevents heat from escaping in the winter.
4. Window frame materials
Wooden frames are well known for being less prone to heat and cold transfer than aluminum or other metal frames, since metals conduct temperature more easily than wood.
Well-built wooden windows can stand the test of time, but do require more upkeep than vinyl, aluminum or wood-clad frames. Aluminum is practical in rain and humidity as well as easy to maintain, but does allow for more heat transfer and loss.
Vinyl is also popular because it’s not just budget-friendly – it also offers excellent energy efficiency. The best of both worlds is a wood-clad window frame, which has a low-maintenance exterior like vinyl or aluminum and a temperature-transfer resistant wood interior. They do still require maintenance, however, and proper installation as they can be prone to water intrusion and rot.
5. Window quality, installation and maintenance
Just like all building materials, you get what you pay for with windows. You want to choose a window that will improve your home’s energy efficiency and is easy to use and maintain. But it doesn’t matter how good quality your window is if it’s installed incorrectly, which is why it’s important to have the job done right the first time by a trained contractor.
As mentioned, different styles of windows require different levels of maintenance in order to last. Make sure you’re prepared to upkeep your windows to keep them looking their best in your home.
These five considerations for choosing windows for your custom home or renovation project in Edmonton will make sure your natural sources of light are both eye-catching and energy-efficient.
When it comes to choosing windows for your home, it’s important to choose a contractor that has experience and know-how, and is also trained in installing windows made by top window manufacturers. Timberstone Builders has over 15 years of experience building, remodelling and renovating award-winning custom dream homes in Edmonton and the surrounding area.