Key Considerations When Installing New Windows

Part 1: Materials & Design

Among the contiguous states, Georgia receives one of the highest amounts of precipitation each year—a fact with which local builders and home improvement contractors are well acquainted. For homeowners in the Peach State, this means that while you’re relatively safe from the freezing cold, your home still needs to be able to provide a decent level of protection against the elements. This brings us to a very important part of your home’s exterior: your windows.

Heat and moisture are two big factors that will impact the lifespan and long-term functionality of your new windows. Your choice of window material and design should be driven primarily by these two considerations.

Handling Heat

The larger part of Georgia requires a combination of heating and cooling to keep indoor temperatures comfortable year-round, making insulating frame materials a good pick.

• Wood. Wood has very low thermal conductivity, which means it doesn’t let as much heat from the outdoors inside your home. Wood does, however, have a downside in that it is prone to warping, cracking, splitting and rotting.
• Composites. Composites like particleboard and laminated strand lumber are derived from wood, which gives them thermal properties similar to the real thing. They have a distinct advantage in that they tend to have greater structural strength and resistance to heat damage compared to real wood. Another good example is Fibrex®, a polymer composite patented by Andersen Windows, which boasts a very low coefficient of thermal expansion.

Coping with Moisture

Georgia’s high humidity and rainfall make moisture damage a real risk. The following window designs are a good pick because of their ability to keep leaks at a minimum and curb moisture-related issues.

• Multi-paned units. The magic of double- or triple-paned windows is in their spacer, a strip of material that separates the window panes. A spacer provides a seal against water leaks, adds an extra layer of protection against heat transfer and curbs condensation inside the glazing cavity.
• Hinged units.Hinged units like casement and awning windows are great at keeping air and water leaks to a minimum even when it rains hard because the window sash presses tight against the frame on closing.
• Fixed windows. Fixed windows may not be as versatile as other window designs, but structurally they have the advantage in that they are the least prone to moisture penetration.

Part 2: Energy Efficiency

In the first part of this blog series, we discussed which types of windows provide the best protection against the elements in Georgia. But a discussion on window performance is incomplete without a look at the energy efficiency aspect.

According to the Energy Information Administration, energy consumption per household in Georgia is among the highest in the United States—a trend common among the warm Southern states. It doesn’t help that homes in Georgia also tend to be bigger than the typical American home, which makes them more difficult to heat and cool.

The good news is that installing the right kind of windows for the Georgia climate can offset part of your utility bills. They help in passive cooling and ventilation and, when necessary, seal your home’s thermal envelope to keep outside heat out or conditioned air in.

Recommended Energy Ratings

ENERGY STAR® divides Georgia into three distinct climate zones: North/Central (requires both heating and cooling), South/Central (requires both heating and cooling) and Southern (requires mostly cooling). Below are the recommended U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) values for windows in Georgia.

• North/Central: U-factor ≤ 0.32, SHGC ≤ 0.40. Best pick: U-factor ≤ 0.25, SHGC ≤ 0.30 (for homes with heavy A/C use).
• South/Central: U-factor ≤ 0.35, SHGC ≤ 0.30.
• Southern: U-factor ≤ 0.60, SHGC ≤ 0.27. Best pick: SHGC ≤ 0.25.

Real-World Performance

How much can you save by installing energy-efficient windows? According to ENERGY STAR, Georgia homeowners who upgrade single-pane windows to more energy-efficient units can save as much as $502 per year. If you’re upgrading from double-pane windows with clear glass, you can expect annual energy savings of $64 per year. In addition to the savings on electric bills, you may also receive rebates from utility companies like Georgia Power, Central Georgia EMC and Sawnee EMC.

Part 3: Installation

Parts One and Two of this series covered things Georgia homeowners need to take into consideration when selecting replacement windows: material, design and energy efficiency. But the benefits of even the best window product can be negated by improper installation.

To avoid the pitfalls of poor window installation, you need to pay attention to three important things: state and local building codes, your choice of contractor, and your project specifics.

State & Local Building Codes

Georgia’s Construction Code Program includes a total of 12 adopted building codes, eight of which are mandatory and four permissive. Some of the codes that come into play in window and door installation are:

• International Building Code
• International Residential Code for One-and Two-Family Dwellings
• International Fire Code
• International Plumbing Code
• International Mechanical Code
• International Energy Conservation Code

Local jurisdictions may choose to supplement state building codes with further requirements.

Your Choice of Contractor

The people who install your windows have a direct impact on how well you’ll be able to maximize your windows’ benefits. Before hiring a contractor, check that your candidate:

• is fully licensed, bonded, and insured;
• is factory-certified to install and service the brand or brands they carry;
• has an extensive and diverse portfolio of past window projects;
• is an active member of a trade association;
• has a solid business system in place;
• demonstrates good work ethics; and
• has a good local reputation.

Your Project Specifics

Each window replacement project is unique. Before having your windows installed, you need to go over your project specifics in full detail with your contractor.

• Your goals. Is your priority energy efficiency, easy maintenance, window longevity or curb appeal? Or do you want the best possible combination of everything?
• Your home’s structure, design and environment. Ultimately, windows are really just part of the whole that is your house. You and your contractor will have to plan the installation accordingly. Think about how your home is oriented, how each room is used, how close your home is to trees and buildings, and your home’s thermal envelope, to name a few. All these will affect your windows’ real-world performance.
• Your budget. Few people can afford carte blanche window replacement, so you want your project to deliver maximum value for money. Always ask for a detailed breakdown of all project costs.