Window Efficiency Basics

Windows that are certified as efficient by the The National Fenestration Rating Council are proven to reduce energy consumption. Windows with a u-factor of 0.3 or less may qualify for federal tax rebates. This credit will cover 30% of cost for approved windows. If you are ordering replacement windows Denver, the additional cost to make sure the windows meet federal guidelines is only around $15 per window.   These can be ordered straight from the manufacturer with low-e coatings that reflect heat. Strategically place these windows to stop overheating in summer.

Some states have an additional bonus funded by a public charge on utility bills. Oregon's fund is called Energy trust, and will pay $2 per square foot of energy efficient windows when the windows are coupled with other energy saving moves. Qualifying moves include sealing leaks or adding insulation. Oregon averaged a return of $400 per customer per year for meeting energy standards. Other states have trusts that will distribute bonuses from major energy companies to Denver windows contractors. Visit energytrust.org to see an example of these services.


To determine if windows or other energy saving investments should be made, you can run an energy audit on your home. These audits cost around $500 and will result in a prioritized list of actions with ROI figures. High tech infrared imaging can be used to find leaks and the overall heat signature of a property. Color changes in walls indicate poor installation of insulation. Depending on your state, an energy audit may be required to recoup energy rebates. Denver windows also need to be double pane to protect from winter storms.

To go all-out consider triple pane windows. These have really caught on in colder climates, where inert gas fillers make the windows almost as heat resistant as walls. Some triple pane manufacturers claim a U-value of 0.2 or less. The cost of these windows is significantly more than both single and double pane windows. Homes are already being marketed by energy savings caused by windows, especially in Europe. Adds touting Green Leed certification are popular and valuable.

Replacement vs Construction Windows

Replacement windows are made to fit an existing opening, while construction windows are designed to be built along with the frame. Many custom replacement windows Denver warehouses will have a window that fits your opening. There is not one standard size but dozens. Some available window frames are as small as a foot across to several yards. Wood is the most efficient, by vinyl, aluminum, and clad wood are more durable.

Even replacement windows can be broken down further. For minimal repairs, a sash kits replace an old frame's movable parts and jamb liners. The liners hold the sash for easy movement. This only works in a level, square frame in good condition. A warped window frame will receive no benefit from a sash replacement.

Insert replacements consist of a full frame that fits into your old opening. These ready to install frames make the window a bit smaller than before because it is like an extra frame with new jambs and liners. These replacement windows are sometimes called pocket windows by Denver windows companies.

Full frame replacement windows have a frame that comes complete with jambs and sill. This is the most complete option, and is the only thing to do if the frame is rotten or split. This is hardest kind of Denver windows to install because you must first strip the opening to its rough frame. Every frame will need to be shimmed. The shimming process not only centers the frame within the window opening, it also locks in the  frame in a plumb and level position. When working on the frame, make sure you are careful not to damage any of your air conditioning equipment's ductwork. A good air conditioning services company will work with any window contractor to make sure they do not conflict with each other's work.

Any small cracks or holes can be filled in with weather resistant wood putty. They can be sanded along with the the wood jambs in preparation of finishing through sealant or paint. If the frame is too cracked for putty, a full construction frame is required.

Step by Step Window Replacement

This article covers the tools and main steps required for a window replacement job. The main objects you will need to buy are: a replacement window Denver. It should be of slightly smaller size for easy mounting into the existing frame. You will also need weatherproof wood putty to patch any holes in the window frame. Polyurethane foam should be used to insulate the space around the window, but make sure it is of the minimally expanding variety or you will need to be careful about over-expanding warping the window frame.

Wood shims are used to plumb and level the window and snugly adjust its position in the window opening.Sandpaper smooths the window frame for finishing, whether that be by paint or sealant. Screws are needed to fasten the window to your studs. Insulating foam rods to fill any gaps between caulk and expanding foam.The window may need window stops if the old ones broke. Paint and primer are used to finish the frame.

If your window opening you want to put replacement windows in is still square, you can simply use a construction window from a replacement window Denver company. Vinyl windows are a good choice because vinyl needs minimum maintenance. For the full energy-economy effect, choose a vinyl covered wooden window with low-e insulated glass.

The first step before you can go grab replacement Denver windows is to measure what you are replacing. Use a slightly smaller window measured by the manufacturer's specifications.
Now you are ready for the actual removal. Take out the lifting sash. Then pry off the jamb liners and any trim. Prep the frame for installation by marking and placing all the connecting areas.

Remove the old sash weights. Modern windows have a simpler interior spring mechanism. This will leave an air space that must be filled if our new window is to do its proper insulating job. So next you need to prep and spray in insulating foam, being sure not to spray too much of the expanding substance. Then caulk between all moving parts.

Your next step is the installation of your replacement window.

This involves fastening it loosely in place while you shim the window to fit snugly plumb and level. To finish caulk, prime and paint your window.