Windows are one of the most important features of a home, allowing natural light indoors while adding beauty and visual interest. When homeowners are shopping for window replacements or installing windows in new construction, they can choose from a broad variety of options. Today’s windows are more durable and energy-efficient than ever before, and there are attractive options that can suit all budgets. Outlined below are the seven best windows for Virginia homeowners.
1. Vinyl Windows
Vinyl is one of the most popular choices of windows for Virginia homes thanks to their high energy efficiency rating. This makes them suitable for the range of temperatures seen in Virginia and provides homes with good thermal protection throughout the year.
They are available at a variety of price points, but most vinyl windows fall at the lower end of the spectrum compared to other window materials. They also come in an impressive range of stylistic options and require very little in the way of maintenance. However, those living in historical areas of Virginia should check to ensure that vinyl window replacements are permitted.
2. Wood Windows
For homeowners who wish to maintain their home’s historical or architectural integrity, wood is a preferred window material. A high-quality wood window can last for many decades, and it is one of the least thermally conductive materials on the market.
Although wood windows tend to be on the more expensive side, they can dramatically improve a home’s overall look and are available in a broad range of colors. However, it is important to keep in mind that wood windows are subject to termites and rot if they are not maintained properly, which means they require considerably more upkeep than other types of windows.
3. Composite Windows
For homeowners who seek the aesthetic appeal of wood windows without committing to the maintenance involved in their upkeep or their high price tag, composite is an excellent choice. Composite is not the cheapest material on the market, but it is more affordable than wood and provides a similar look.
Many composite windows are made using PVC resin, which provides them with great energy efficiency. However, the durability of these windows does vary depending on the materials that are used, so it is important for homeowners to research the composites used in the specific windows they are considering before they make their choice.
4. Fiberglass Windows
Another good window option that provides the appearance of wood without its high price tag and maintenance demands is fiberglass. Fiberglass windows offer good thermal performance and can be painted in a variety of colors after being installed to suit the aesthetics of the home.
5. Aluminum Windows
Aluminum windows give ultra-modern homes an industrial and streamlined look that cannot be achieved by other materials. Simple yet elegant, they are strong enough to hold up to all types of weather. They are often cheaper than other types of window frames, and they are incredibly easy to maintain. They are also resistant to warping and rotting and can last for as long as 30 years. Environmentally conscious homeowners often opt for aluminum because it is sustainable, recyclable and non-toxic.
6. Bay And Bow Windows
Bay and bow windows are composed of three or more double or single-hung, picture or casement windows to add dimension and a stunning focal point to the home. They also provide extra light and depth, making them ideal for family rooms, kitchens, or anywhere else in the home that needs some extra visual interest.
They are highly durable against wind and other inclement weather, and modern bay windows have an energy-efficient design that keeps the home comfortable and can lead to a reduction in energy expenses.
7. Energy Star Windows
Regardless of the material, homeowners in Virginia should look for windows that are Energy Star qualified. This is a certification that a glass company can achieve following successful testing from the National Fenestration Rating Council, or NRFC.
The NRFC tests windows for five factors related to efficiency: condensation resistance, air leakage, solar heat gain coefficient, U factor and visible transmittance. There is a minimal rating that applies to each of these factors to gain Energy Star certification. Check with the contractor to ensure that all of the windows that will be used in the window replacement are Energy Star certified as this means they are far more likely to reduce energy bills and help the home stay warm in winter and cool in summer.
Get In Touch With The Experienced Window Replacement Contractors
Although most types of windows will work well in Virginia’s relatively mild climate, it is best to get advice from local experts about which options will meet your goals. Get in touch with the Northern Virginia window replacement and installation contractors at family-run Adelphia Exteriors to discuss your residential window project or request a free estimate today.