Posts Tagged ‘replacement windows’

New Jersey residents: throughout the winter months, you may notice window condensation on your windows.  This is especially true if you have older, single pane windows, and this condensation can cause problems if the water or moisture seeps down inside your walls.  This can cause mold, rot, and other minor health hazards.  This winter window condensation may be a sign that your old windows aren’t working as well as they should, and it may be time to invest in replacement windows in NJ.

When the warm moist air inside the house comes into contact with the cooler outside air, the water vapor from the cooler air shows up on the glass.  The air inside your house is warmer then the air outside, and because cooler air is less able to retain moisture then warm air, it appears as condensation

One solution would be to caulk your window frames to reduce air leaks, but this is only temporary.  Investing in quality replacement windows NJ can solve condensation issues, and prevent paint from flaking off your windowsills and mold from forming around the panes.

Replacement windows in NJ and other quality windows reduce heat flow to the outside of the home and prevent the outside surface from warming to the “dew point”, so no condensation results.  If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of replacement windows NJ, visit our website.

Before we discuss casement replacement windows, let’s define a casement window. It is a attached to its frame by a hinge, usually on the side. Shutters that open outward to keep out drafts and weather usually cover these windows.  Casement windows can be opened with a crank, lever or handle which often locks the window as well.

Not only do these windows eventually wear out, but the older models are not very energy efficient.  According to the Department of Energy, most homes lose over a quarter of their heat through windows. Homeowners can choose casement replacement windows with Energy Star-labeled and can cut energy bills by up to 30%. You can read more about Energy Star Ratings here: www.energystar.gov.

Sometimes, to make the casement replacement window decision, a homeowner may decide to schedule a home energy audit. You can do this yourself by following the steps outlined at http:///hes.lbl.gov.  You may find that replacing your windows will put you in the group of people who can save up to 30% on their energy bills, and in this tight economy, these casement replacement windows will pay for themselves very quickly!

If you live in Baltimore, you may find that your windows make a whining and howling noise on windy days, perhaps they were not capped correctly, or weep holes were left where wind can get in. In a way you are lucky that this is happening because you absolutely know that there is a problem that can most likely be fixed quickly.  Vinyl replacement windows in Baltimore are available to fix your window problems.

If the capping is loose, missing, or installed improperly, you will be able to see caulking around the exterior of the window. Capping is a vinyl covering that applied to the exterior casing of a window. To apply it, it must be cut and bent to the shape of the window frame, caulked and sealed.  Capping is the seal from the window to the edge of the siding and it should be flat with no bends in it.

Another problem may be screw holes or weep holes that need to be filled.  If you live in the Baltimore area, allow a professional to do your vinyl window replacement in Baltimore.

Although maintenance free for the most part, when Vinyl windows get dirty they need to be cleaned. Sometimes just a heavy rain will clean them, but sometimes they need to be washed – especially after a long stormy winter, or if your windows are under trees.  If you have older windows and  live in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, there are professionals available to install replacement windows in NJ and replacement windows in PA.

One thing that is tempting is to pressure wash them along with your vinyl siding, because this can damage the thermal glass or insulation around the window.  It is suggested that you instead use a cloth or soft bristle brush and a readily available household cleaner.  Sometimes you will have to remove a stain that doesn’t come off readily, like crayon, grease or mold.

Don’t use abrasive cleaners like Ajax® or any solvent that could harm vinyl like chlorine or nail polish remover.

Suggested cleansers to use include a 70/30 solution of vinegar and water,  Fantastik®, Windex®, Lestoil®, and Murphy’s Oil Soap®.

There are really several types of replacement windows. Replacement windows can be separated into several categories.

Replacement Double Hung Windows – these windows have an upper and lower sash each of which may be opened to increase ventilation. In addition, most double hung windows tilt-in for easy cleaning.

Casement – these windows are very energy-efficient and ventilate well because they can be cranked outward to let in fresh air in. They can be used above cabinets where someone would have to reach to open a window.  They can also be easily cleaned on both sides.

Bay and Bow – These windows can be gently arched or angled to make a space in your home feel bigger and brighter. They can almost be considered a room addition.

Picture – These windows showcase a room, especially if it has a beautiful view. Surprisingly, these large openings can also be very energy efficient with the correct Energy Star Rated replacement window.

Gliding or Sliding Replacement Windows – These windows function similarly to a sliding door, but are positioned higher on a wall. They have the most glass of any type window. The windows slide on tracks and lift out easily for cleaning.

With all these options available, homeowners can chose the replacement window that perfectly compliments their room requirements.

Last February a new law for tax credits made it easier for American homeowners to afford vinyl replacement windows. This bill, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009, extends tax credits for energy efficient windows, doors, and skylights established in the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

To quote the bill, “To qualify for the tax credit, windows, doors, and skylights placed in service after February 17, 2009 and before December 31, 2010 must have a U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) less than or equal to 0.30.” The good news is that many vinyl replacement windows qualify as ENERGY STAR, and will meet these criteria.

This just makes it so much more affordable for home owners to make the investment in installing vinyl replacement windows.  The windows do double duty, saving you money too.  Once you get them installed and get the tax break, they work to save you money on your energy bills.  In addition installing vinyl replacement windows will cut your home maintenance costs too because you don’t have to sand and paint the outside window trim.