Similar to garden windows, which we wrote about a few weeks ago, bay and bow windows do more than offer great viewing possibilities. Bay and bow windows add an extra dimension to your kitchen, living room or even your bedroom. Before we go any further, let’s point out the difference between a bay window and a bow window. Bay windows are 3 panel windows with the middle panel “fixed” and the side windows are able to open. Bow windows are generally 3, 4, 5 or even 6 panels with several venting options.

Window sizes can vary and so can the styles but generally these types of windows are usually fixed glass windows, for optimal viewing pleasure. If a homeowner would rather have venting options for their bay and bow windows, casement windows are a great option because there are no obstructions in the glass. Sometimes the windows that make up the bow are all fastened or mulled together and other times the windows are separated by brick or wood.

Window options for bay windows and bow windows are the same as they are for other types of windows. They can be wood, vinyl or aluminum and can come in a few different colors. They come with low-e glass and argon gas and can be energy star certified. The most recognizable bay and bow windows are usually found in Victorian style homes in a bow like structure that runs the entire height of the home.

For more information on bay and bow windows or if you would like a Dallas-Fort Worth window replacement contractor to come give you a bid on a bay or bow window, look in our contractor directory today to find a contractor near you.

If you’ve been shopping around for new replacement windows, chances are that you have seen and heard about low-e glass several times. Because you might not be too familiar with the terminology, there are a few things you can study to give you a better understanding. Low E glass coatings work by reflecting or absorbing IR light (heat energy). The thickness of the Low E coating and the position in the window dictate how the window will perform.

• When installed on the inside glass pane of an insulated glass unit (IG), the Low E coating will reflect IR heat from inside the room to help reduce the energy loss during the cold months, thereby reducing heating costs.
• When installed on the outside glass pane of an IG unit, the Low E coating will reflect or absorb IR heat from the outside, thereby reducing solar heat gain and cooling costs during the warm months.

Below are a few terms to help familiarize you with low-e terminology. If you would like to talk to a window expert about low-e, there are several reliable Dallas Fort Worth window contractors in our directory.

CVD – CVD, or Chemical Vapor Deposition, is one of two main technologies used to manufacture Low Emissivity glass. In the CVD process, vapor directed to the hot glass surface reacts to form a ceramic coating. The resulting Low E product is often referred to as “hard coat”.

Emissivity – Emissivity refers to the ability of a surface to absorb or reflect heat. An energy efficient glazing technology, Low Emissivity glass is a poor absorber of heat!

Hard Coat – Also known as “pyrolytic”, hard coat refers to Low E glass manufactured via the CVD process. Because the coating is covalently bonded to the glass, hard coat Low E is extremely durable.

MSVD – MSVD, or Magnetron Sputterering Vacuum Deposition (also known as “sputtering”), is one of two main technologies used to manufacture Low Emissivity glass. In MSVD, a metal or ceramic target bombarded with ions releases atoms to form a thin coating on a sheet of glass. The resulting Low E product is often called “soft coat” or “sputtered”.

Pyrolytic – See “Hard Coat” or “CVD”

Soft Coat – Also know as “sputtered”, soft coat refers to Low E glass manufactured via the MSVD process. Less durable than its hard coat counterpart, soft coat Low E requires special storage and handling to prevent damage to the coating.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) – The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (or SHGC) refers to a window’s ability to transmit solar radiation. The SHGC ranges from 0-1. A value of 0 indicates that the window functions like a wall, essentially preventing any solar energy from entering the building. A value of 1 indicates that the window functions like an opening, allowing all solar energy in. In cold climates, a high SHGC can lower heating costs by using passive solar heating. In warm climates, a low SHGC is desired to keep unwanted heat out and reduce cooling costs.

Solar Selective Low E – Specifically designed to enhance comfort in warm climates, solar selective Low E is a Low E glass with a low solar heat gain coefficient.

Sputtered – See “Soft Coat” or “MSVD”

U-Value – Also known as the K-value, the U-value is a measure of a window’s ability to transfer heat (usually given in W/m²K or Btu/hr ft^{2 o}F). Windows with a low U-value, like Low Emissivity windows, are efficient insulators against heat loss.

While not the most popular style of window, casement windows offer many benefits to homeowners. Designed to open either vertically (basic casement window) or horizontally (awning window), casement windows allow homeowners to increase the airflow through their home by the crank of a handle. Casement windows are windows that open on a hinge, much like a door. Casement windows open from the side, usually outward, but occasionally inward.

They are excellent for when a window needs to seal well, because they seal better than traditional slide windows. They also allow for greater ventilation, since the entire window opens. Because they do not always open as wide as slide windows, they may not meet safety codes for use in bedrooms. It is also important to be wary of water damage to the frame if the window is left open during rain or snow.

Casement windows are typically long and narrow; they are stylish but practical. They have a long tradition of use, and can be found in many contemporary home designs. They come in nearly every design that can be desired, whether framed in real wood or vinyl, with or without multiple panes. The gears that are used to open and close the window vary from model to model, but most work by turning a crank. Casement windows can be used alone, or to accent a large picture window. Window treatments for casement windows are typically the same as for other windows, however some casement windows open inward, in which case the treatment will have to be able to move with it.

If you’re unsure about placing casement windows in your home, seek out a couple of local window companies that have showrooms. The showrooms will probably offer some sort of built in casement window that you can look at and get a feel for the functionality. You can use our directory to find local Dallas-Fort Worth window companies that are ready to assist you.

If you’re looking to add an extra dimension to your home, in particular your kitchen, consider installing a garden window. Replacement garden windows allow extra light into the kitchen while bringing some of the outside landscape into the home. In addition to added environment, garden windows add extra space to your kitchen and a place to hold plants picture frames or other valued treasures.

Garden windows are designed and constructed for beauty and functionality. Garden windows will not only enhance the beauty of your home, but make any room feel larger and more open. With new replacement windows, you’ll experience years of trouble-free operation and greater thermal efficiency, assuming the windows were installed properly. You can grow plants and flowers indoors, while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. Or catch a cooling summer breeze with the turn of a handle that usually opens the sides of the garden window.

Kitchens are by far the most popular spot in the home for new garden windows, but they can be used anywhere. The main benefits of these windows are the shelf space you gain along with the added light for knickknacks and to illuminate the room. You can get these windows in various configurations and with many options to fit your needs. Garden windows can come in different materials such as vinyl or wood.

Many times, garden windows are placed just above the sink, allowing added visibility to a spot where kitchen dwellers spend much of their time. These windows offer more sunlight and more visibility because the window protrudes outward from the home. Many homes in the Dallas Fort Worth, Texas region have garden windows in the kitchens, particularly in older neighborhoods.

When buying replacement windows you need to consider that window caulking is just as important to the overall window opening as the window itself. Without a durable, long lasting caulking around your window, the benefits of a new replacement window can be wiped away. Caulking fills the gaps and seals the window edges to keep out warm and cold air, water, dust and more. The options are endless when choosing the brand and type of caulking, but we offer you a few tips to help you narrow your choices.

There are a few circumstances pertaining to where you put the caulking that will make a difference in the type of caulking you need.

Indoors or Outdoors: Some caulks are specifically designed for indoor or outdoor use. If you only want to use it for one place, then buy a caulking designed for it.

Temperature: Some types of caulk are made to withstand extreme heat or cold. If your caulking will be exposed to extreme temps keep this in mind.

Moisture Levels: Make sure your moisture level and caulking are compatible.

Application Process: Some types of caulk are much easier to apply than others. Also use a caulking gun, it’s the only way to go.

Now that you know some of the most important factors in determining the type of caulking to use you need to figure out which type will work best in your replacement window situation.

Silicone Caulk
Because of its durability and effectiveness on a wide variety of surfaces, silicone continues to be a popular choice today. And because it stays flexible after it is dry, silicone caulk rarely breaks or cracks as a result of extreme temperatures or rapid temperature changes. This makes it perfect for filling gaps around your new replacement windows and doors.

Latex Caulk
Latex caulk is becoming an increasingly popular option among many homeowners because it can last for up to 20 years and it can also be painted over. Latex caulk isn’t a good caulking to use outside however, because it doesn’t hold up well with temperature changes.

Acrylic Latex Silicone Blend Caulk
This type of caulk is a hybrid of acrylic, latex, and silicone caulks. It is easier to apply than regular silicone caulk but has a similar durability. Some types of this caulking blend can be painted to match certain color schemes. This type of caulk is good for a number of uses including both indoor and outdoor uses like wood siding, cracks in brick and stone, and for weatherproofing windows and doors.

When looking at different replacement window websites you’ll notice several ratings used to describe a particular window. Most window ratings are values that help describe a window’s ability to protect the inside temperature of your home from outside influence. The most notable ratings describing the windows are r-value and u-value.

U Value - an indication of that windows tendency to transfer heat either in or out (heat conductance)

R Value - describes the windows resistance to transferring heat in or out (heat flow resistance)

The two ratings are practically interchangeable when used in this context, in fact, most window manufactures just use one of the values to describe windows and temperatures. If a window’s R-value is high, it will lose less heat than one with a lower R-value. Conversely, if a window’s U-value is low, it will lose less heat than one with a higher U-value. In other words, U-values are the reciprocals of R-values (U-values = 1/R-value).

So what do good r-values and u-values look like? Usually, window R-values range from 0.9 to 3.0 while U-values range from 1.1 to 0.3, there are some energy-efficient exceptions that exist.

As a side note, there are a few things you should check when comparing different windows U- or R-values listed by manufacturers. You should make sure they are based on the current window standards set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-conditioning Engineers. It’s also important to know that they are calculated for the entire window, including the frame, and not just for the center of the glass. Many companies give out the better number, which is the center of the glass. Also, make sure the U or R value shown represent’s the same size and style of window of the one you are looking at.

There are several variables that can influence a window’s r-value:

The type of material the glazing is made from

The number of layers of glass

The size of the air space between the layers of glass

Any gasses filled between the glass

The thermal resistance of conductance of the frame and spacer materials

The fit of the installation (the tighter the better)

To find a window contractor near you please feel free to request a bid today through the link located on the right hand side. There are many great Dallas-Fort Worth replacement window contractors ready to help!

Replacement windows

Energy Efficiency

Vinyl replacement windows provide very good energy savings for your home. Vinyl windows have moderate to high r-values meaning they’re resistant to heat flow. Coupled with double panes, low-e and argon gas, these windows reduce heat transmittance, protect your flooring and furniture and save you money. By replacing the old windows in your home with vinyl windows, you can save up to 30% off your utility bills each month.

Low Maintenance

Vinyl replacement windows are virtually maintenance free. The property of vinyl makes for a clean, crack free, chip free and nearly unscratchable surface. Pure vinyl windows are manufactured with pure vinyl and not recycled vinyl (be sure to ask at the companies you have come to your home to give you a quote). Pure vinyl windows will never fade, turn off colors, crack or warp.  Because vinyl cannot be painted, you never have to worry about paint chipping and re-painting every few years. And because vinyl cannot be painted, vinyl windows come in different colors.

Customizable

Vinyl windows can be made to fit into any opening in your home. The wide range of styles, shapes, sizes and colors leave homeowners with an endless amount of options.

Low Cost

Perhaps the biggest surprise is the low price of vinyl windows. Price, of course, will vary from company to company but on average, vinyl windows cost less than aluminum windows and wood windows. Prices will vary according to window styles and sizes, but have the option to fit into any budget.

If you’re looking to replace the windows in your home and are in need of a window contractor in the Dallas Fort Worth area, please feel free to request a quote, located on the right side of the page.

Undeniably, wood windows offer a rich, traditional look that other types of windows strive to match. In recent years technology has provided much needed advances for window quality and energy efficiency. With technological advances in the design and style of new windows, other types of windows are close but have yet to surpass the aesthetically appealing look of the wood window.

Homeowners not only like wood windows for the traditional look they offer to the home, but wood windows also offer color flexibility. More than any other type of window, wood is by far the best material to paint. Wood windows are also a great insulator and are excellent at inhibiting the transmission of cold or heat from the outside.

So why are wood windows being replaced more often than being purchased? Maintaining wood windows can become overwhelming and exhausting, especially if you have a considerable amount of windows in your home. In order for the windows to maintain their great look, they need to be repainted every few years as the paint begins to chip and peel away.

Additionally, wood windows have a tendency to swell and shrink as the outside temperature and weather fluctuate. Over a period of time, these changes can cause the window to warp, rot and even crack.

These drawbacks and the fact that wood replacement windows tend to cost more than other types of windows push many homeowners in a different direction. The decision comes down to whether the homeowner is willing to keep up with the ongoing maintenance in order to have the traditional, elegant look of wood windows.

Like other window types, special shape windows are available in different colors and can contain the same energy efficient packages as other windows. Low-e can be baked into the glass and argon gas is still available. Even grid patterns are available with special shape windows. Below, we will take a look at a few of the most popular special shape windows.

Eyebrow window above double-hung windows.

Special shapes:

Circle top windows, quarter arch windows, eyebrow windows, octagon windows and full circle windows are the most popular special shapes. Other shapes you may see are cathedral windows, oval windows, triangle windows, hexagon windows and pentagon windows. There are dozens of special shapes available, the homeowner needs to determine if they want to pay the extra price and if the shape will fit the look of the home.

Special shape windows with extended legs:

There are several special shape windows that have the option to take on a different form with extended legs. These are special shapes that are made longer by extending the length of two of the sides of the window. The most common shapes with extended legs are circle top with extended legs, half eyebrow with extended legs and cathedral with

Eyebrow window with extended legs.

extended legs. The option is available in other types of windows, but they aren’t as common.

While special shape windows add drama and variety to your home, they are also a little more difficult to install. This isbecause it usually requires some adjustment to the framework of the wall where you want the special shape to be placed. The caulking and trim work also take more time. Unless you are an expert in the field, it would be better to leave this job to a professional. You can find a reliable contractor in our list of Dallas-Fort Worth contractors found on the site.