Reasons to Get Double-hung Windows

A double-hung window is an excellent functional window option for your home because both sashes can be opened. It allows you to pull down the top sash for ventilation, or pull up the bottom sash for some nice, fresh air. Aside from this, you can get a lot more benefits from having this window type installed in your home.

Dust and grime are the number one enemies of windows, and homeowners living in cities where the semi-arid climate makes dust commonplace are no strangers to extremely dirty windows. Many residents of such cities have already decided to purchase and install double-hung replacement windows for easier and faster cleanup. Moreover, the two sashes can be rotated to access all areas of the panes and frames:

Despite the ease of installing double-hung replacement windows, hiring window replacement services is always a better option. The process includes choosing a good frame and moisture barrier, something that the average homeowner may not perform quite well. Adding to the efficiency of the replacement window installation is choosing only the product that has been proven to be energy-saving and long-lasting.

Finding a replacement window company can be quite tough if this is your first time to plan a complete replacement. You just have to consider several factors, including insurance, product and service warranty, workers' license, and the like. You'll be using your windows for several years so you have to make sure they are installed by skilled professionals.

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How Energy-efficient Windows Add Home Value

If you’ve just moved into a newly-purchased house, you should consider having your windows replaced with modern energy-saving models. These windows don’t just help you cut down on heating or air conditioning power cost; they could also boost the value of your home.

Homeowners can reduce their energy bills by taking note of window traits such as the U-factor, emissivity rating, presence of air sealants, and material of their windows. Experienced professionals know that windows are not a simple matter. For instance, according to the Department of Energy, the direction that the windows are facing can contribute to added heating and cooling costs.

Moreover, homeowners should read and understand energy performance ratings like U-factors and solar heat gain coefficients (SHGC) very carefully before they purchase replacement windows. A U-factor of 0.35 or lower means that the window doesn't transmit as much heat indoors as other windows do while a 0.6 SHGC means that a window can reliably provide sufficient heat indoors during winter.

The material used to construct a window should also be considered because certain materials (like aluminum) absorb more heat than others, regardless of the energy performance rating of the glass that they hold. Wood doesn't fail in this regard, although it requires frequent maintenance. Alternative materials like Fibrex strike a balance between durability and energy-efficiency although they only make up a small portion of the market because they are new.

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The Right French Doors can Keep You Cool in Winter

Whenever winter comes, proper insulation and temperature regulation are a top priority among many homeowners to ensure that their houses provide sufficient warmth in the days ahead. This is an opportunity for people to apply special coatings and films to their windows to prevent heat loss and discourage cold temperatures from penetrating indoors.

Patio doors can serve as portals from which heat can escape from, especially if they're not sealed right. Improving their insulation is one thing, but it's another to actually purchase doors that are truly energy efficient as well. Due to their use of glass, patio doors are much like windows in the sense that heat can easily permeate through them, which results in heat loss during winter.

While there are ways to insulate these doors by padding them, or preventing heat from seeping through by adding caulk, such procedures can be very tedious, especially since they'll need to be undone once winter passes. It's simpler to just install patio doors that have been fitted with energy-efficient glass, which do a very good job of retaining heat. French doors equipped with full weather stripping and treated glass, for example, are the perfect foil for escaping heat without sacrificing a beautiful portal.

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Some Window Frames are Actually Energy-efficient

Windows can be made energy-efficient in a variety of ways, although most people would usually consider the glass pane as the biggest factor. While it’s easy to determine if the glass pane component is energy-efficient simply by checking its thickness and glaze, it’s difficult to tell if the frame holding it in place is also energy-efficient, especially if you are unaware of the common materials used to manufacture them. Take into account this comparison between aluminum and composite frames:

While aluminum is a highly-conductive metal, its durability is irresistible. It’s just that manufacturers of aluminum windows also need to include an insulating material between the exterior and the interior portion of the frame to keep heat transfer within the metal. If you live in a place where temperatures drop well below zero, then your aluminum framed windows need to be insulated before they can save you from huge power bills just as effectively as composite window frames.

On the other hand, window frames that are made from a composite of vinyl and wood are an example of energy-efficient replacement windows offered by reputable companies. They don’t absorb heat, given their organic nature, and have inherent insulating properties. Whether you have casement or double hung windows, you’ll enjoy the durability of wood and less maintenance of vinyl with this type of window frame.

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Facets to Consider in DIY Window Installation

The Internet has become a terrific medium for individuals looking to implement do-it-yourself projects on their windows. The abundance of information found online, however, cannot remedy on-the-spot problems that need knowledge and extensive experience of the product.

Calculating the size of the window opening is not the only step to proper window installation in Denver. A good replacement window project goes beyond mere size calculations. While custom-fit windows mostly eliminate the need to alter window size, they still cannot guarantee problem-free installation. By contrast, professional window installers not only have the critical tools and equipment to replace windows; they also know the techniques required to undertake the task correctly.

A critical factor when it comes to replacement windows is their energy efficiency, particularly in regards to insulation. Without adequate insulation, home heating systems have to work twice as hard since heat inevitably escapes through the windows. Homeowners should also remember that some window products possess better insulating properties than other commercial variants. To ensure optimum insulation, professional window installers apply specially designed insulating foam that creates an airtight seal and help trap heat inside the home.

Home improvement projects, like installing new windows, may seem easy on paper. The truth, however, is you shouldn’t do them yourself if you haven’t been trained. That’s why hiring the professionals to get the job done for you is always a good idea.

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Advantages of Double-hung Windows

The decision to change your old windows can do wonders for your comfort at home and for your heating bill. There are plenty of options in the market, and it’s important to know which ones are worth buying. One of the more useful—and child-friendly—options is the double-hung window.

Energy-efficient double-hung windows are ideal for cities like Colorado Springs and Denver, where temperatures drop and rise to extremes during winter and summer. This means you will need to properly regulate air flow in your home, and double-hung windows have just the feature you need to accept morning breeze during summer and tightly block draft during winter.

The idea of designing two sashes that can both be raised or lowered most likely came from the fact that homeowners want a window that is safe for their children, even when half-open. You can simply open the upper half of your window when you need some air.Your Denver window company will make sure your windows are secured with additional locks to allow you to tightly shut the lower sash that can potentially be your kids’ access.

Window companies from Colorado Springs provide state-of-the-art replacement double-hung windows. These windows are not the same as the construction windows you see on the market; they are units specially designed to fit virtually any type of wall opening. In addition, window companies have experts who can make sure that the windows are properly installed to protect your home from the elements.

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