Replacement windows come in many shapes, sizes, colors, and styles. Finding the right ones for your home may initially seem like quite the challenge; you may not even know where to start. A good approach is to consider each of the unique climate challenges presented in your area, along with each feature or requirement that is unique to your home. Here’s a look at some of the most important factors to consider when choosing replacement windows for an Indianapolis home.
One of the primary challenges that windows on an Indianapolis home must face is the constant onslaught of cold winds between December and March. Winter may not bring as much snow to Indianapolis as it does to cities like Buffalo and Toronto, but the cold temperatures and harsh winds can still drive up your heating bills if your windows are not tightly sealed and energy-efficient.
Two replacement window features are perfectly suited to the cold winters of Indianapolis. The first is window frames made from Fibrex®, a composite wood material. Fibrex does not transfer heat as readily as aluminum wooden frames, so it reduces heat loss and your heating bills. The second feature to look for is double-pane glass. The two panes of glass have a layer of air between them, and this layer of air acts as an insulator, reducing heat transfer through the glass itself. For even better energy efficiency on the coldest of days, you can opt for windows that feature argon gas, which is an even better insulator than air, between the panels.
By the time June comes, temperatures in Indianapolis are already soaring into the 70s, and throughout July and August, it’s not uncommon for the thermometer to exceed 90°F. Again, Fibrex is a good insulator, preventing heat from leaking into your home. It’s also resistant to rot and mold that can form on other window frame materials in response to high humidity.
To keep the hot summer sun outside, you should also look for low-e glass, such as Andersen’s SmartSun™ glass. It helps shield your home from the sun’s heat and filters out 95% of harmful UV rays while letting sunlight shine through. HeatLock® coating can be added to most of our glass options and reflects heat that likes to escape your home. This glass is coated with a thin layer of silver to reflect a larger portion of the heat waves, keeping your home cooler.
Temperatures in Indianapolis are hardly constant. One day, it might be 42°F outside, and the next it might be 75°F. These fluctuations can be very hard on wood and vinyl window frames, causing them to warp and eventually allowing the glass to become loose in the frames. Fibrex composite frames are far more tolerant of temperature changes, which is another reason why this is the perfect material for your Indianapolis home.
Once you’ve decided on a frame material and glass option, it’s time to focus on style. A good approach is start with your home’s architectural style, and then pick colors and window styles that are customary on homes like yours. For instance, if you have a Craftsman home, double hung windows are customary. On a more modern home, you might opt for a mixture of casement and picture windows. Indianapolis homes come in all shapes and sizes, so as long as your windows are made of a suitable material for the local climate, picking the right style is really a matter of preference.
For more help choosing windows for your Indianapolis home, schedule a consultation with Renewal by Andersen.
