Picture windows aren’t cheap. For that reason alone, learning all you can about this area of home improvement, before making a purchase, helps to reduce the possibility of installation problems and/or added, unbudgeted costs.
Here are four areas to consider, when it comes to buying these large windows. If you’re worried about whether or not you’ll make the right choice, you’ll definitely find this information helpful.
Picture windows have really come a long way, over the years. If you haven’t shopped for them lately, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. There are many unique styles and popular colors from which to choose. The days of plain (rectangular) picture windows are a distant memory.
For example, Renewal by Andersen offers interior color choices that include:
Specialty styles include:
Window grilles transform the look of one large pane of glass into something much more decorative. Permanently bonded to both sides of the glass, these grilles are manufactured in several different architectural styles to coordinate with almost every home.
Energy efficiency is crucial when it comes to choosing the right window. Replacing an old, leaky window with an energy-efficient model has the potential of saving you a great deal of money on your heating and/or cooling bill.
Renewal by Andersen now offers SunSmart glass, which is certainly worth your consideration. It’s up to 70 percent more energy efficient than standard two-pane glass. It’s more soundproof and blocks up to 95 percent of damaging UV rays, from the sun.
For best results, it’s highly recommended that you opt for a window constructed with low-e glass. This type of glass features an extremely thin coating, which makes the window extremely energy efficient.
Transparent and thinner than one strand of human hair, the coating allows light in and reflects heat simultaneously. Whatever the season, this helps to regulate the temperature in your home.
Big Box Store vs. Window Company
Yes, big box home improvement stores are convenient. New locations open up on a seemingly consistent basis. But, with a purchase of a fixed window, such as this one, you might be better off opting for knowledge over convenience. Of course, the choice is up to you.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Picture windows are an attractive addition to any home. Not only do they improve your view, but they also cost less than similarly sized windows, with moving parts.
In colder climates, these non-opening windows take advantage of the natural warmth of the sun. So, to stay comfortable, you might find you don’t need an extra sweater, after all.
There are a couple of disadvantages to these windows. They include lack of ventilation and unwanted heat gain. Heat gain can occur when the window pane doesn’t feature the coating necessary to prevent excessive warmth from traveling through glass.
Call Renewal by Andersen Michigan for a free in-home consultation to find out all the options that are available for your unique window needs.
