Varieties of Windows In Syracuse

Those that are not experts on windows may not know or may not think about the fact that there a great deal of different types. There are a variety of standard and specialty windows that are made to complement traditional to modern Syracuse architecture. Whether you want a replica of your existing style or you’re looking for new possibilities, there are assortments of choices out there that will augment your Syracuse home.

One popular type of window is the double hung. This is a traditional sort that is made up of lightly curved lines for the purpose of being graceful looking. Double hung’s have a sash at the top and the bottom so that it can be used for ventilation.

Another type of window would be the gliding. These are a have a very contemporary design and are slim, but still allow for a projecting outlook. These also have a sash, but the sash is located on the sides as opposed to the top and bottom. These are made easy for cleaning purposes as well.

For those that are looking for a window that is the most energy capable the best choice is a casement. This is traditional in design and allows for much ventilation. This is the type that instead of being opened side to side or up and down it opens using a crank that can be wound, projecting the panes outward.

Some homeowners prefer combinations of window types. When different types are combined together they are often referred to as picture windows. These choose a certain unit for the center and a different type of unit for the sides.

Bay windows are a very elegant choice. These are very large and spacious and can bring a great deal of style to a home. This type of unit is also nice for bringing in a large amount of outdoor light into a room.

Windows can come in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles. Besides the ones mentioned above they can come in as triangles, springline, circles, chord, octagon and an assortment of others.

How Many Ways Can a Syracuse Window Open?

Many of us don’t pay too much attention to how windows open unless we are either trying (without success) to open one or we are thinking about installing Syracuse replacement windows in a home.

Choosing replacement windows for a home remodeling project will undoubtedly make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient. It will also give you an opportunity to change the size and the style of your windows, as well as the material.  You might, for example, want to change from wood-framed windows to vinyl windows. This would also reduce the work necessary to maintain the windows. 

Replacing windows provides the perfect opportunity to choose the windows that are best suited to each particular part of your Syracuse home.  In addition to shape and material, you will also want to consider how the windows open.  How many ways can a window open?  There are six basic types of windows:

1. Fixed panel windows do not open. Whether the window is made of a single pane of glass or a set of framed glass blocks, the glass is fixed.  Fixed-pane windows are made in a number of sizes and shapes. They can be used as basement windows, highly decorative windows, large panels in sun rooms, etc. 

2.  An Awning Window is opened by swinging the glass panel upward to form an “awning” over the outside of the window.  Awning windows can operate with the use of several devices and designs. Some work by turning a crank to lift the edge of the window. Others are simply manually pushed outward and upward and then braced or latched into place.

3. Casement windows open outward by turning a crank which swings the glass panel open from the center to the outside of the opening. Casement windows are typically used in areas where it would be difficult to reach or slide a window up and down because of limited access (such as over a sink).

4.  Double Hung Windows are made of two partially overlapping panes of glass or windows which each move up and down on a track at the side of the window frame.  Many new styles of double hung windows are also designed to allow one or both panes to tilt inward for ease of cleaning.

5. Single Hung Windows are made essentially like double hung windows except that only the lower window panel moves up and down or tilts inward.  Single hung windows are frequently used just like double hung windows. 

6.  Sliding windows are windows that open by sliding one panel in front of or behind the panel beside it. Sliding windows were very popular for a time in many locations.  Sliding windows are used today in new construction and remodeling primarily as replacements or in areas of the house that do not offer enough vertical space for a double-hung window.

All of these window styles are available in several materials and designs, making it easy to find the right window for any remodeling need.  With a little thought and planning, you can choose the perfect window for each part of your Syracuse home. 

How to Do Air Sealing at Your Home to Prevent Energy Loss

For most residential Syracuse homes simple air leaks are a major contributor to energy loss. This lost energy leads to uncomfortable living and higher utility bills. The typical home can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs (or up to 10% on annual energy costs) by sealing air leaks. For certain areas around the country that experience extreme weather, the savings could even be more.

Some of the most common air leaks are found around doors and Syracuse windows, electric receptacles on exterior walls, attic hatches, duct registers in floors, walls and ceilings. On exterior doors check the weather seal around the opening. Simply replacing old and worn weatherstrip is a cost effective way to weather seal this area. Using polyurethane foam in 12 oz cans to seal duct registers and other air gaps is a very inexpensive and effective way to seal leaks in these areas.

Foam tape which comes in a variety of sizes is a great way to gasket the area around attic access hatches. This helps keep the conditioned air out of the attic. This is the air you pay each month to heat or cool. One of the most cost effective ways to seal air leaks is by installing gaskets around electric receptacles on exterior walls. These gaskets are made from polyurethane foam and fit outlet and light switches.

Understanding Energy-Efficiency in Replacement Windows

Syracuse window replacement for improved energy efficiency is one of the most popular remodeling projects undertaken by homeowners today.  Replacing your windows could result in energy savings of 30% or more in any region of the U.S.  Your choices for replacement windows will consider the style of the window as well as the efficiency and safety of the window.  To help you understand the energy-efficiency qualities of various replacement windows, here are some facts to help you make decisions.

Some window materials conduct heat and cold. The result is some energy loss through the window materials.  The material that loses the most heat or cold is Aluminum. Steel conducts about one-third the amount of heat and cold. Stainless steel conducts about one-third the amount of heat and cold lost with steel.  The most efficient material for windows is wood, conducting 1/1000 the amount lost through aluminum. And just a fraction behind wood is vinyl.  The bottom line is that the most energy-efficient window materials are wood and vinyl.  Vinyl, of course, requires less maintenance.

The next consideration is about the glass in the windows.  Heat and cooling loss through glass can be reduced by adding a second pane of glass and leaving space between the panes to trap the outside air which is at a different temperature from the inside air.  These double-paned or double-glazed windows are more efficient than single panes. Double-paned windows can also have a fill of gas between the panes to further reduce heat exchange.  Filling the space between panes of a double-paned window with Argon gas will make it twice as effective.  Filling the space between the panes with Krypton gas increases the R-value of the window from 4.0 to 4.55.  Triple-paned or triple-glazed windows filled with Argon gas have an R-value of 6.25, and choosing a triple-paned window filled with Krypton gas provides an R-value of 10.0.

Windows can also be coated with screening finishes of various kinds to block UV (Ultraviolet) rays and IR (infrared) rays.  These screening finishes protect window treatments and furniture and carpeting from fading and reflect back some of the heating effect of the sun.

Windows of any style, size and shape can be chosen in several colors of vinyl and can be painted any color if your choice of window material is wood.  Windows can be purchased with various styles of dividers within the window and even with blinds attached in enclosed compartments or with blinds placed within the window itself.

No matter what style or type of window you need for an energy-efficient window replacement project, you will do well to look for the “Energy Star” seal first. These windows will meet minimum standards established by the Federal Government.