An Open-and-shut Case For Vinyl Replacement Windows, St Louis !

By Author: Keith Klamer
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There's a lot more to vinyl replacement windows than most St. Louis folks realize. For example, how does it open? Straight up or down, or does it tilt in? Does the replacement window fit the style of your home?

It's a question that vexes St. Louis homeowners every time the seasons change:

When should I replace my windows?

When I can't raise or lower them as easily as I did before?

When I get a utility bill that seems higher than normal?

When I just plain get sick of them?

While the answer may be "yes" for each of those questions, there are specific "red flags" that practically shout "it's time for new vinyl replacement windows St. Louis !"

·Condensation during warmer months or frost buildup during cold months.

·Drafts — if you can literally feel air coming in through a closed window, your windows need replacement!

·Your window needs support to stay open (If you use a book or stick to prop open your windows, you’ve got a problem!)

·Candles either waver or do not stay lit at all near a closed window. (Although you may not feel ...
... the draft, there is obviously one coming in!)

·Appearance — if you are unhappy with the appearance of your windows, or they show visible signs of deterioration, they should be replaced.

There's a lot more to vinyl replacement windows than most St. Louis folks realize. For example, how does it open? Straight up or down, or does it tilt in? Does the replacement window fit the style of your home? (After all, windows are one of the most obvious architectural elements of any home!) Most importantly, which style of window best meets your needs?

While there are many different types of windows and window glass, there are two very important "letter numbers" to look for when purchasing vinyl replacement windows in St. Louis: the "R" number and the "U" number. The "R" number refers to the insulation quality of the glass – the higher the "R" number, the greater the insulation. Triple pane R-10 glass is considered the gold standard in this area. Triple pane R-10, as its name implies, is a "sandwich" of three different pieces of glass with an inert gas filling the space between panes. While argon gas was formerly used in these types of vinyl replacement windows, krypton gas is considered much more efficient at reducing noise and increasing insulation. R-10 glass is 10 times more energy efficient than standard single pane glass. These super energy-efficient windows help conserve energy during every months of the year – winter, spring, summer and fall.

The other "letter number" to look for is the "U" number, which measures the UV (ultra-violet) blocking quality of the glass. Because UV light fades furniture, drapes and carpeting, the less ultra-violet light coming in, the better.Look for U-numbers of about 22 or less to prevent damage to these valuable interior appointments.

But don't stop investigating any potential window after you get done examining the glass:

Vinyl replacement windows with frames made of  PVC frames insulated with injected foam are much more energy efficient than wood, hollow vinyl, aluminum, or composite windows. Also check for fusion-welded corners which will never allow water or air to leak through the frames – unlike unlike screwed together, mechanically fastened or chemically welded windows, which start to leak over time.

Safety and security is another reason St. Louis homeowners should take the vinyl replacement window plunge. Many older wood or aluminum frame windows have flimsy or non-existent locks. Vinyl replacement windows, by way of contrast, offer solid locking mechanisms and burglar-proof features which obviously increases security. Safety is enhanced because vinyl replacement windows are usually shatter-proof – as opposed to older single-pane windows which can cause serious injury if they break.

Another reason for St. Louis folks to replace their windows is the noise factor. Multi-pane windows, which are normally filled with inert gaas, provide a significant noise barrier that practically eliminate outside sound.

To sum up, St. Louis homeowners save money, decrease noise, increase security and protect the environment by reducing energy when they purchase vinyl replacement windows.
Resource: http://www.midtownstl.com/