Some things might be created the same, but when it comes to replacement windows, things are quite different. While nowadays we have many replacement window manufacturers, there is also an equal number of fly-by-night manufacturers who are there, not for business but to dupe unsuspecting buyers. By selling them poor quality windows that break down almost from the time they are installed.
So, that is why homeowners should know how to differentiate good and bad windows. This is a concern that has denied many homeowners sleep, especially when they want to install new replacement windows in their home. Luckily, we have done our best to get answers to this question. Take a look.
- The Vinyl Itself.
Both newly made vinyl which is also called a virgin vinyl and the recycled ones are easy to maintain. So, when deciding on the quality, maintenance should be a factor to consider. So, go on and consider the other factors to determine the quality. With vinyl, it is easy. Just take measurements for its thickness.
Most replacement windows manufacturers and retailers provide a cross-section of the windows. Check it well, and if you can measure the thickness. You are looking to choose the vinyl with the thickest material.
- Check The Corners.
When it comes to corners of the vinyl replacement windows, they can either be created through fusion welding, chemical welding or screws. In fusion welding, experts use heat to fuse corners into a virtually inseparable bond. So, you want to choose a vinyl replacement window that is fusion welded.
We don’t mean that chemical welding and screws don’t provide good joints, but then the bond is prone to cracking over the long term.
- Look For The EnergyStar Label.
To ensure that appliances and building materials offer excellent energy performance, the government came up with EnergStar initiative. In this case, you want to choose only windows that have an energy star rating label. Manufacturers who manufacture low-quality products usually bypass this process to hide their incompetence. So make sure the products you choose have this label.
You expect that a company that provides low-quality replacement windows will not offer much in the way of warranty. So, you should ask about the warranty, lest you buy inferior products for your window replacement project.
In the warranty, you want to know how many years the warranty covers and the kind of warranty they give. For instance, know what aspects of the windows the warranty covers, including the paint. With warranties, more is always better.
- You Will Have What You Pay For.
This is undoubtedly true for most things, and replacement windows aren’t an exception. If you go for cheaper windows, that is precisely what you will get when it comes to performance, energy efficiency and curb appeal.
You may not consider expensive windows, but what you don’t know is that you might end up spending more on cheap window replacement in the long run, in terms of keeping your home cool or warm.
