Windows are a great way to give your home an updated look and feel, but there are many types of replacement windows available. This can make the decision more difficult if you don’t know what to look for.

Getting windows replaced is a big project for homeowners. With the rise of technology and innovations, homeowners have access to a wide selection of window products to choose from.

Because there is a variety of replacement window brands and designs, finding the best one for you will come down to what matters most to what you need.

The most important things to consider are design, affordability, and energy efficiency. You need to understand which windows will work best for your home before making any decisions on your home window replacement project.

What Is The Most Popular Replacement Window Style?

Replacement windows are an affordable way to update the look and functionality of your home. The design and style are the most important factors to consider when it comes to finding the right windows for your home.

Replacement windows come in many different shapes, sizes, and styles, from casement windows to single-hung windows or double-hung windows. The design type you need can depend on the region you live in and what the climate conditions are like.

We will go over some of the most common window types, the frame materials, and the variety of styles available.

Double-Hung Windows

Double-hung windows are the most popular replacement window style in the United States. These windows are a great choice for homes because they offer increased airflow and cleanability. The two sashes can open independently, or both sections can move up/down together as one single unit – giving you more control over your home’s temperature.

Because they open independently, they are easier to get to when cleaning time comes. This is especially helpful for windows that are high off the ground. You won’t have to hang out of them to wash them properly.

Casement Window

A casement window is hinged on one side and opens outward. This type of window is commonly used in pairs and offers great ventilation. If you are looking for windows that are easy to operate, you may want to consider this type.

Awning Window

Awning windows are similar to casement windows, but they are hinged windows that open from the bottom instead of the side. Awning windows are a good option if you have limited space on your window sill.

Bay Windows

Bay windows are a popular window design for homeowners who want to add extra space and light to their homes. Bay windows are made up of three or more windows that project outward from the walls of your home.

Bow Windows

Rather than sitting flush against the wall, bow windows are made of several identical glass panels assembled in a gentle curve.

Basement Windows

Basement windows are a great way to add natural light to your basement. They are also a good option if you want to ventilate your basement. These types of windows are typically small and rectangular in shape. Hopper windows are bottom-hinged and top-opening and are used primarily for basement ventilation.

Gliding Windows

Gliding windows are a popular design for homeowners who want a window that can be opened and closed without having to remove the screen. These windows slide horizontally on tracks.

Clerestory Windows

Located on the top portion of high walls, clerestory windows allow abundant natural light to enter. If you place windows higher, you’ll find you have more wall space at eye level to display art, books, or curios.

Arched Windows

This window style, also known as radius windows, adds a unique design element to homes both old and new. It adds both elegance and visual appeal to homes.

Arched windows can serve as standalone windows or serve as architectural embellishment above a window or door. As well as being able to be fixed in place, arch-topped windows can also be operable.

What Are The Different Window Replacement Materials?

When it comes time to replace the windows in your home, you have a few choices for the highest quality material. You can go with the tried and true wooden window, or you can choose something made of vinyl, aluminum or fiberglass.

Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the one that’s best for your home and your needs.

Wood

Wooden windows are a classic choice that can give your home a traditional look. They’re also fairly durable and can be repaired or replaced easily if needed. However, they’re not as energy-efficient as some of the other materials available, and they can be more expensive to install.

Wood-Clad

Despite their attractive appearance, wooden windows are notorious for their maintenance requirements. In wood-clad windows, wood is used on the inside, while vinyl or aluminum is used on the outside window frame. This gives the windows a warm appearance while improving their weather resistance.

Vinyl

Vinyl windows are a good choice if you’re looking for a low-maintenance option. They’re durable and weather-resistant, and they don’t require painting or staining. However, they can be less energy-efficient than other materials, and they may not fit well with traditional home styles.

Aluminum

Aluminum windows are another low-maintenance option. They don’t rust or corrode, and they’re easy to clean. However, they can be more expensive than other materials, and they may not provide as much insulation as you’d like. Aluminum is prone to corrosion, which can sometimes lead to mold.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass windows are a good choice if you’re looking for energy efficiency. They’re durable and have a long lifespan. However, they can be more expensive than other materials, and they may not be as aesthetically pleasing as some of the other options.

No matter what material you choose, it’s important to work with a qualified contractor to ensure that your windows are installed correctly.

Composite

Composite windows are typically made of plastic and organic materials, making them both energy-efficient and strong. It is possible to order custom colors if none of the stock colors suit you.

How To Find The Most Energy Efficient Window

You should look for the Energy Star label on any replacement window you are considering. This label can be found on products from top manufacturers such as Andersen, Marvin, and Pella.

Green certification requires windows to meet stringent government guidelines, so an Energy Star rating is one of the most informative tools homeowners can use to compare different window models.

Also helpful is the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), which provides ratings for windows. One crucial distinction between the council’s ratings and Energy Star’s is that they consider both a product’s energy efficiency and its resistance to extreme weather.

An NFRC-rated window should be able to withstand temperatures of -20º F to 180º F and winds of up to 155 mph.

Window Glass

In choosing a window, a major factor is the glazing or the window glass, which determines how much light passes through and how much energy is lost. Modern replacement windows typically come with two or three panes of glass since single glass pane windows offer little insulation.

Even though multiple panes of glass offer improved insulation, modern window glass also includes a low-emissivity coating (also called a Low-E coating), which reduces solar heat gain by 13 percent. The Low-E glass should also reduce your monthly energy bills due to its ability to minimize summer heat gain while capturing winter heat.

Inert gasses are contained in multi-paned windows to provide added thermal properties. The insulation factor increases with more layers of glass and gas. While more expensive initially, having better-insulated windows will allow the homeowner to recoup the initial cost while saving money on utility bills over time.

Why We Specialize In Infinity From Marvin Fiberglass Replacement Windows

Marvin Windows is a Minnesota-based company that has 8 different factories across the U.S. The company offers a wide range of windows, including casement and double-hung types. Almost all designs come with high customization options, ranging from windows to skylight installations.

Some of the many reasons we choose Infinity From Marvin fiberglass windows are:

• The inert nature of fiberglass means that it won’t rot, corrode, mold, or shrink and swell.
• No matter the temperature, fiberglass will not flex, sag, or change dimensions. This reduces the risk of leaks around the perimeters of windows.
• By using fiber-reinforced resins, window frames and sashes aren’t as wide and bulky without sacrificing strength against high winds.
• Both the exterior and interior look like painted wood.
• The factory-applied finishes today are significantly stronger and UV-resistant than those previously available, whether as thick acrylic coatings applied during pultrusion or as spray-on paints or powder coatings used before the window assembly.
• A range of colors is now available for fiberglass windows on both the interior and exterior. Fiberglass can also be painted if you want to change its color later on.
• Previously, pultrusion has only produced straight pieces, but now manufacturers are able to mold fiberglass into classic arch-tops and curves.
• Now bays, bows, and other combined window sets can be delivered as integrated, ready-to-install units, instead of being assembled on-site.
• Fiberglass is a fairly effective insulator on its own. Even better performance is achieved with foam-filled frames and triple-pane glazing.

Sunshine, extreme weather patterns, and sudden changes in temperature are tough on windows in Colorado. As windows are exposed to much more sunlight at higher elevations, they deteriorate more quickly. Fiberglass is eight times stronger than vinyl and is more resistant to leaks and cracks.

Why Should You Choose Nex-Gen For Your Window Replacement?

Unlike other companies, we offer a warranty that extends much further than the manufacturer’s warranty included with any of the products we carry.

For as long as you own your house, the Nex-Gen Peace of Mind Warranty will cover all future maintenance and repairs at no extra charge.