A door or window has more to do than open and shut. This practical utility of doors and windows is only the simplest function they serve. If your door or window cannot do this, you obviously need a new one. There are, however, other areas that you should consider to get the most out of your choice including:
Aesthetic
There is the aesthetic. Your windows and doors should fit in seamlessly with your other decor choices. With the number of windows and doors in your home, you don’t want something that doesn’t contribute to the overall style of your home.Functionality
Equally as important to the aesthetic, is the "invisible" function—the performance that is unnoticeable to the eye but has tangible impacts on things like your energy bill. Windows can account for anywhere from 10% - 25% of your heating bill depending on how efficiently they insulate heat.How to Select Windows and Doors in Pittsburgh
With everything that your windows and doors contribute to, there is much to consider before making a purchase.There are a lot of aspects of windows and doors you might have questions about, so today, we’re going to focus on selecting products that are built to handle the multi-weather situations that the Pittsburgh climate demands they be able to handle.
Evaluate Your Current Windows and Doors
Depending on the last time the windows and doors in your home were replaced will help you decide what course of action to take in replacing them.Do you notice a problem that replacements can easily fix? Some common signs it is time for replacements are: windows and/or doors that let cold air in during the winter, air conditioning out during the summer and don't effectively buffer environmental noises.
More window specific, a few visual signs it is time for replacements include: cracking or moisture build up between panes.
If you notice these issues or other ones that could be fixed by replacements, narrow your search in on products that have the ability to address those specific issues.
Prioritize Energy Efficiency
The best window or door is the one that will perform the best in the Pittsburgh climate.Research or ask a professional about what different tests and results indicate. Windows, for example, have the ENERGY STAR label. These products meet suggested requirements for our climate and will work great in Pittsburgh.
Another great place to start is to contact your utility provider to see if there are any rebates or incentives available. This will point you in the direction of models that are ideal for the Pittsburgh climate, and it might save you a few dollars on your investment.
A couple of key details to be alert for are a window’s e-coat rating and if it has at least two panes of glass. If you have single pane windows, you are immediately losing efficiency when it comes to window performance. By doing a quick check of panes and making sure the model has a lower e-coating rating than the windows you are replacing, you can be confident that you are getting a window that will perform better.
Select the Right Style
Last, but certainly not least, you need to select the right style to fit the appearance of your home.As I mentioned above, your windows and doors should look appealing. The right product choices will not only increase your curb appeal, but will also help the resale value of your home if you're looking to put your house on the market.
Pittsburgh Window Trends
Another way to get started is to see what your neighbors or friends have done. Right now, vinyl windows are a popular choice in Pittsburgh.There are a couple reasons vinyl windows are trending in Pittsburgh:
- Affordable compared to alternatives
- Energy efficient
- Improved heat transfer and noise reduction performance
- Easy to match interior and exterior colors on modern homes
- Vinyl windows are a great option, and when it comes to an expensive remodeling project like window replacement, having a less expensive option that will deliver superior performance is an appealing solution.
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