Are you interested in controlling light? Do you want more or less ventilation? What about security? And is privacy an issue for you?



Are you trying to make a small room larger through the use of windows? All of these questions need to be answered before you can begin to think about the decorating and architectural aspects of the window. But these are also very important aspects. How the windows look on the outside can add a great deal to the curb appeal of the house, and it has been shown that new windows add significantly to the value of a home. Before you get started, you will also have to make sure you are familiar with the building code in your town or county. Once all of the basics have been addressed, you can start to think about installing your windows. This is a project that even a do-it-yourselfer can manage. There are any number of books and sites on the internet that can give you step by step directions on installing replacement windows. Just remember these tips when you are choosing your windows. Insist on quality. If you choose good quality from a reputable manufacturer, your windows will last forty to fifty years, so make a worthwhile investment. Use a window with a good energy efficiency rating. If you live in a cool climate, buy windows that are either double glazed or double layered with gas filling. They afford the greatest energy efficiency. Look at all of the decorating and architectural magazines and websites to find the right kind of windows for your home. Top names may be expensive, but with research you may be able to find lesser known brands of very good quality. If you are able to check out the materials and craftsmanship, you may be able to save a lot of money and still have a top quality product. For years, windows were nothing more than a pane of glass inserted in a wood frame. Today's energy consciousness has meant that windows are now highly engineered. The old single panel types of windows will only work in the mildest of climates. If you live in a colder climate, you have to use energy efficient windows, such as double paned models that create a sandwich does not allow as much cold air to leak into the house. These windows also provide sound absorption for sounds both inside and outside the home. Even more energy efficiency is attained if you have argon gas between the layers. And even more engineered than those are the double paned models that have a coating of low emissivity film between the layers to further reduce transfer of energy. The frames for the sashes of all windows can be constructed of wood, wood clad aluminum or vinyl, vinyl and fiberglass. Wood is the easiest and most traditional to use. Wood clad aliminum or vinyl is a good choice in an area

where there is high humidity or a lot of damp weather.

Homes in these areas also do well with vinyl windows, since they do not absorb moisture. Vinyl and wood clad vinyl are the lowest maintenance materials of all window frame materials. After the

type of window and type of frame is chosen you still have another choice with the type of glass you want.

Clear or tinted?

Do you want a level or bevelled edge? What about tempered safety glass? YOu can also consider films that can be applied to your windows that will help save energy costs and also provide an extra measure of privacy.