Talk:Replacement window

In the opening paragraph we read: "They need replacement not only to improve the appearance of the house but also to take advantage of modern energy efficient windows that bring about an overall improvement of the ambiance of the house at low recurring cost of heating and cooling."

That they "need" replacement has not been established. Someone may "wish" to replace them, but that is only one option. That they improve the appearance or ambiance of the house is a subjective opinion. In an older home they would actually ruin the architectural integrity of the house. And the "low recurring cost of heating and cooling" has been disproven: they have been shown to work no better than existing windows. See www.historichomeworks.com/hhw/education/WindowsHandouts/WindowEnergyAnalysis.pdf — Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.109.237.56 (talk) 11:50, 30 September 2015 (UTC)

This page starts off like a propaganda piece or an industry advertisement. Replacement windows are neither a home improvement nor saver of energy, even the National Fenestration Council admits that. Many relevant sources needed for an accurate portrayal are found here: http://www.replacementwindowripoff.org/articles See what the restoration experts say.

"Replacing windows is rarely cost effective based solely on energy savings." — US EPA and Department of Energy's Energy Star Program — Preceding unsigned comment added by 72.79.236.254 (talk) 02:32, 15 July 2014 (UTC)

I think this page has been created unnecessarily. The article's first sentence makes out like replacement window is some type of a separate product. Basically it is a service and this article should be a part of main Window article. Window replacement is done by the same serviceman/technician/contractor who does the new window installation job. A new installation involves installing everything related to the window, while in the replacement job whole or a specific part is replaced. Both types of services are provided by the same contractor and involve the same materials, process, methods and techniques. --SaurabhWorld (talk) 22:02, 29 February 2012 (UTC)

Does anyone think this subject should be included under "window"? It seems to me that the subjects in that catagory are much broader in ideal. Lemme know. I just added this stuff because it's what I am knowlegable about and might be helpful to someone in the market to fix up their "crib". WORD.

I concur that this should be merged to "Window". There is not sufficient difference between this information and that contained in the root article. Risker 16:14, 11 November 2006 (UTC)

- Replacement windows are a huge home improvement and energy efficiency industry and strong stand-alone term - separate from standard windows. I don't think the two articles should be merged. Pyeman73

I concur with Pyeman73. Replacement windows are a giant subject that really deserve a discussion of their own. In fact, since the preponderance of information on the web about repl. windows is so commercial, I would love to see more non-biased Wikipedia info about the subject. Sept. 17, 2007 —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.164.10.19 (talk) 17:50, 17 September 2007 (UTC)

POV Tag
I'm doing POV tag cleanup. Whenever an POV tag is placed, it is necessary to also post a message in the discussion section stating clearly why it is thought the article does not comply with POV guidelines, and suggestions for how to improve it. This permits discussion and consensus among editors. This is a drive-by tag, which is discouraged in WP, and it shall be removed. Future tags should have discussion posted as to why the tag was placed, and how the topic might be improved. Better yet, edit the topic yourself with the improvements. This statement is not a judgement of content, it is only a cleanup of frivolously and/or arbitrarily placed tags. No discussion, no tag.Jjdon (talk) 20:41, 26 April 2008 (UTC)

I am an industry specialist in this area. I've deleted many sales oriented comments and erroneous unrelated statements.

I feel my updates are very helpful and I'm credited with many articles on the subject.

www.dallaswindows.com/resume

www.dallaswindows.com

Purpose Replacement windows take the place of existing windows when they have become deteriorated, drafty or non-functional. New replacement windows may greatly decrease energy loss and outside noise.

[edit] Replacement vs. New-Construction Windows Replacement windows should be distinguished from new-construction windows. New-construction windows have a "nailing fin" along the outer frame. This fin provides a surface so that the window can be nailed in from the outside of the home before the application of siding or brick and stone veneers. New-construction window are historically low end products.

Replacement windows have no "nailing fin" and are custom sized. This allows them to be installed with minimal disruption to the existing trim, siding, sheetrock or exterior veneer.

[edit] Materials Replacement windows are available in several materials including wood, fiberglass, aluminum-clad wood, vinyl-clad wood, vinyl, glass blocks and other composite materials.

[edit] Benefits of replacement windows Replacement windows can increase resale value and energy efficiency. Several types of typical windows are listed and discussed here.

Wood Windows were used from the early 1900's to the present but became less of a mainstay of the industry in the 1960's. They are prevalent in the Northern United States. Steel and Aluminum Casements and Steel Vertical Operators were used from the 1950's through the 1960's. Aluminum windows were used in the 60's through the present. Vinyl windows were established in the 1970's through the present. The last decade has also seen the admission of composite materials such as fiberglass and vinyl-wood-polymer type products.

Wood Windows (historical styling)

Wood "Drop In" Replacement windows and Vinyl Windows are designed to sit in place of the existing sashes and are constructed @ 3 1/4" thickness in most cases. These type windows sit in the opening where the top and bottom sash originally moved in their respective wooden "tracks" The stop between the two sashes must also be removed in this type of refurbishment or retro fit installation. It requires minimal movement of existing trims both inside and out.

The alternative is to replace the entire wood window including jambs. This requires the reworking of interior and exterior wood trim to accomidate the size of the modern wood window. Modern wood windows are available in with 4 9/16" jambs as a standard feature but can be equipped with "jamb extensions" to extend to 5 1/4" or 6 9/16". This is to accomidate the wall thickness as needed.

Modern windows have two panes of glass. This has been the standard since the late 1970's

Modern windows of 2009 can have two or more layers of glass. And the Energy Code sets certain standards for performance of products installed in homes. These codes now require Low - E Glass in all residential homes.

Low-E is a film that is several layers of metal poured microscopically thin over the surface of newly poured glass. This heat reflective film is transparent but can be darker or lighter depending on the type and manufacturer. This data is rated in Visible Light Transmission. Darker glass with heavier Low - E will have less VT. The NFRC Rates most energy star rated window manufacturers. [1]

Low E Glass is up to 4 times more efficient than clear glass

Other options include triple-glazing (a third pane of glass), higher quality spacers between the panes, which reduce the failure rate and conduction that allows seal failure. This creates "fogging" or condensation to form between the panes. Modern windows also have optional gases between the panes that have higher insulative qualities than air, such as argon or krypton gases.

"Double-hung" windows are the most common traditional window. They have an upper sash and a lower sash, both of which slide up and down in the window opening. "Single-hung" windows operatie the same as "double-hung" windows, but their upper sash is fixed in place. By virtue of being stationary and permanantly secured Single Hungs are often more energy effecient that Double Hung Windows depending on the type and style.

Most Vertical Operators (Single and Double Hungs) now feature "tilt-in" sashes for cleaning of the exterior surfaces. The industry moved towards this approach for service and replacement reasons as well as accessability to the exterior from the inside of the home.

Casement windows are hinged on one side and are typically operated using an interior hand crank. Awning and Basement windows hinge on top and bottom respectively.

Sliding windows, or "sliders", are sometimes used in openings that are wider than they are tall.

Non-operable or "fixed" windows also called "Picture Windows" are common in larger openings.

Retro-Fit Replacement windows are custom manufactured to fit finished openings in sizes down to 1/8" or 1/4" in most cases. Builders Grade windows are constructed in specific sizes depending on the manufacturer. Wood windows also have "Standard Sizes" that determine the installation and application. Custom sized wood windows are a rarety but are the most expensive of modern window products.

In 2009, the federal Governmment passed a stimulus package allowing a 30% refund on purchases up to $5000 for qualifying energy saving products purchased in 2009 and 2010. This includes insulation, radiant barrier, air conditioning upgrades and most energy efficient replacement windows and doors.

Actual requirements can be found at www.energystar.gov. [2]

[edit] Deficits of replacement windows Due to the heavier weight and increased thickness of insulated glass, window frames in replacement windows are thicker in visual profile, thereby reducing glass area.[citation needed] —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.186.22.208 (talk) 06:10, 15 August 2009 (UTC)