Which is more important in saving energy, the frame or the glass?

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Seventy percent of an average window is glass; therefore, your biggest opportunity to save on energy comes from the glass. Remember, however, that the frame still makes up 30% of the window. Quite often, a replacement window will feel drafty around the edges. A frame that lacks insulating value generally causes this problem. That’s why every vinyl window we install includes a frame that is foam filled, giving it superior insulating ability.

What are various windows made of and what will work best for me?

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There are three basic materials used in making windows: aluminum, wood, and vinyl.

Aluminum windows are primarily used in commercial applications. They are very strong. However, aluminum is an excellent conductor of heat and cold so residential use is not recommended.

Wood is the conventional choice for new construction. Most people discover that as the years pass, wood windows require a lot of maintenance, including painting and caulking. In the end, most wooden windows eventually give way to rot and need replacing.

Vinyl windows offer excellent insulation value, never need painting or scraping, and do not rot. The new construction market has started installing vinyl windows in new homes as part of an effort to market a more maintenance free home. For homeowners that prefer the look and warmth of wood inside their homes, we offer a wood replacement window with an extruded aluminum exterior that will eliminate problems associated with their original wood window exteriors.

Are there differences in how vinyl windows are made?

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There are two types of construction. Some vinyl windows are mechanically fastened, or screwed and glued together at the corners. Others are welded. Welded windows use a chemical or heat process to join the corners. The result of this process produces a much stronger, longer lasting bond. Every window we install uses state of the art equipment to weld our corners.