Posts Tagged wood windows
Do You Want To Choose Wood Windows
Posted by in Cars And More on April 23rd, 2010
The right set of windows can work wonders for your home. If your current set of windows is old and inefficient, it might be time for an overhaul, and a new window purchase might result in a significant credit on your 2010 taxes. If you’re looking to replace your household windows, you may have a lot of materials to choose, including the wood.
A.W. Ross is the controller of Lundberg Roofing, Windows & Siding, a multi-service company that has been serving the Charlotte, North Carolina area since 1979. According to him, wood windows are a highly desirable choice among homeowners due to their attractive appearance. Although wood was once considered an outdated window material, these days, it seems to have become more popular due to its aesthetic appeal. In fact, Ross feels that wood windows are unquestionably nice to look at.
As a window material, however, wood can be difficult to clean and preserve. Since wood is able to deteriorate over time, any homeowner who chooses wood should properly maintain his windows to make them long-lasting and get a decent return on the investment. In fact, while most window companies are willing to offer warranties on new products, the average warranty for wood windows will only cover two to five years. Vinyl, on the other hand, tends to come with a lifetime warranty at the time of purchase and installation.
Wood does not insulate as well as vinyl and it will not provide enough energy-saving insulation to offset some of the initial expense, so it is a costly option for windows. Of course, certain types of wood windows are more energy efficient; however, they are still more expensive than their standard counterparts. And no matter how energy efficient a particular wood window might be, Ross is sure that it will still never compare to the insulating abilities of a vinyl equivalent.
If you consider replacing your windows, you might want to think twice before splurging for wood. Although wood is certainly pleasing to the eye, it might not be the most cost-effective option in the long run. On the other hand, if you happen to adore the look of wood, wood windows might be your best choice, especially if you can find ones that qualify for a tax credit. After all, the perfect set of windows can work to frame your home and improve its appeal. So while you might pay a lot for wood, you’ll reap the benefits of wood windows in both personal satisfaction and visitor compliments.
Lundberg Windows & Siding is an authorized dealer for Trimline Windows, Inc. The insulating qualities of wood provides a positive thermal break and can be painted or stained. All wood parts are produced from the finest quality kiln dried select Western Pine and are treated with a water repellent preservative. Decorative wood bead glazing provides a positive energy tight seal for the insulating glass.
A.W. Ross is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a roofer or more roofing articles at Yodle Consumer Guide.
www.yodle.com
Article Source: Do You Want To Choose Wood Windows
Do You Want To Choose Vinyl Windows
Posted by in Cars And More on April 23rd, 2010
While there are different windows that can work to reduce one’s energy bills, vinyl is considered one of the most energy-efficient window materials. A.W. Ross is the controller of Lundberg Roofing, Windows & Siding, a multi-service company that has been serving the Charlotte, North Carolina area since 1979, and he thinks that anyone looking to replace his current set of windows should highly consider using vinyl.
Vinyl windows are earth-friendly.
Vinyl windows are mainly made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which has the distinct advantage of being a poor conductor of cold and heat. Many current vinyl windows come with welded frames and sashes, which work to prevent air and water from seeping in. Additionally, the dual or triple glass panes in vinyl windows allows them to offer better insulation.
Vinyl windows are nearly maintenance-free.
Unlike wood, vinyl windows do not need to be painted, and they can easily be cleaned with soap and water. Since vinyl doesn’t expand and contract like wood, it is less likely to warp over time and allow air to start slipping in between seals. Vinyl also does a much better job in preventing moisture from seeping in between panes of glass.
Vinyl windows are becoming more attractive than ever before.
Most manufacturers are beginning to offer vinyl windows in a variety of functional and elegant designs, which makes them an appealing choice all around, especially because they tend to be much cheaper than wood windows on a whole. For those who are drawn to the look of wood but prefer the energy efficiency vinyl, a compromise is available in the form of vinyl windows with wooden veneers on the inside. Although this type of window will still look like vinyl on the outside, it will offer the attractive appearance of wood on the inside, which is enough to satisfy many homeowners’ desire for wood.
Be aware of what Ross warns.
While the appeal of vinyl is largely rooted in the fact that it makes for an energy-efficient window, Ross warns that a window made of vinyl does not mean that it is energy efficient. Therefore, it’s important to check the label and manufacturer information of a product during your purchase. Additionally, while many types of vinyl windows qualify for the 2009-2010 energy tax credit (a credit that offers homeowners up to $1,500 back on qualified items that meet the highest standards of energy efficiency), not all vinyl windows are eligible. Anyone interested in pursuing this tax credit therefore needs to do his research and thoroughly examine the label and manufacturer information before selecting a set of windows for his home.
Whether you are building a new home or simply updating your current one, it is important that your windows complement the architectural landscape. Today’s vinyl windows are available in any number of innovative designs. This flexibility will help you design window configurations you can enjoy for years to come.
A.W. Ross is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a roofer or more roofing articles at Yodle Consumer Guide.
www.yodle.com
Article Source: Do You Want To Choose Vinyl Windows
