3 Things That Contribute to Better Window Performance

Windows have an important role to play in home design. They capture light, let in fresh air, and guard against the elements, among other functions. Several factors determine how well your windows do their jobs. In this entry, we discuss three.

Design
Window styles aren’t just for aesthetics. Units are made a certain way to fulfill certain functions. For example, no other unit ventilates a room better than a casement window in Milwaukee. The design includes a hand-crank mechanism that allows for smoother operation. You can easily open and close the unit to let in breezes as you wish.

Renewal by Andersen®, an expert in replacement windows, added other features to further improve performance. Their take on the casement design also features a lever that locks the unit at multiple points. This provides enhanced security and better protection against the weather.

Material
What’s your window made of? Materials matter greatly for window performance, especially in terms of energy efficiency. Traditionally, wood was the go-to framing material because of its good-enough ability to keep heat where it should be. However, wood frames can be difficult to maintain.

Fibrex® is a superbly performing yet less-demanding alternative from Renewal by Andersen. It combines reclaimed wood fiber and thermoplastic polymer to produce a sturdy and long-lasting framing material. It retains wood’s ability to reduce solar heat gain. It also resists cracking, warping, and corroding. So it’s virtually maintenance-free. That means there’s no need to repaint, scrape, or stain once installed.

You have to be careful when picking glass materials too. For maximum energy efficiency, your best bet is to pair high-performing frames like Fibrex with glass that comes with low-emissivity coatings. Renewal by Andersen offers three options that fit the bill:

• High-Performance™ Low-E4® glass is a standard feature on our windows. Its insulating properties and UV protection exceed that of ordinary dual-pane glass.

• High-Performance Low-E4 SmartSun™ is the most energy-efficient package on our roster. We recommend it in areas with extreme climates.

• High-Performance Low-E4 Sun™ glass fares the best against solar heat gain. It features a slightly darker tint for better cooling.

These products meet the stringent criteria set by the National Fenestration Rating Council and ENERGY STAR, so you can be certain of their outstanding energy performance. Renewal by Andersen glass packages also qualify for fully transferrable limited warranty. They’re guaranteed to be free from manufacturing, material, and workmanship defects for 20 years from original installation.

Installation
Of course, even the best units can fall short of your expectations when not installed by an expert. The improper handling of window components, outdated installation techniques, or inadequate knowledge of the replacement process all contribute to window underperformance or, worse, failure.

You can avoid major repairs down the line when you trust window experts like Renewal by Andersen of Milwaukee. Our exceptionally skilled and experienced installers can get the job done right the first time. Further, we back our installation work with a two-year limited warranty. If we find that a window we installed has failed as a result of an error on our end, we will gladly fix the problem at no expense to you.

Learn more about the warranties covering our superbly functioning replacement windows in Milwaukee by calling us at (262) 522-1001. You may request an estimate or schedule a free in-home consultation while you’re at it.