Common Window Replacement Myths

Part 1: “Maintenance-Free”

Most homeowners know that window replacement is the way to go if you want a high-return home improvement project. But what many don’t understand is that not everything you hear about typical replacement windows is true. If you want to make the most of your project, there are three big myths you’ll want to be aware of.

First up is the maintenance-free myth.

The promise of never having to worry about their windows again is one of the biggest things that motivate homeowners to upgrade their old windows. Unfortunately, most people make the mistake of equating maintenance-free with problem-free.

Typical replacement windows are easier to clean, but they are far from perfect. Consider these three popular replacement window materials.

• Vinyl.Vinyl windows are known to warp and fade after prolonged exposure to direct heat and sunlight. The National Trust for Historic Preservation adds that when vinyl parts fail, they can rarely be repaired on-site and almost always call for a full replacement.
• Aluminum. Aluminum isn’t the most energy-efficient window material out there, but many homeowners believe that its “maintenance-free” promise is enough to tip the scales in its favor.

However, a poorly maintained aluminum window begins to manifest a host of issues as it ages, the worst being air and moisture leakage. And as is the case with vinyl windows, aluminum window parts cannot be easily repaired or replaced when they fail.

• Fiberglass. Fiberglass windows often boast long-lasting factory-applied finishes, but they are still susceptible to fading if not maintained properly. Fiberglass windows that use mechanical fasteners are also vulnerable to air and moisture leakage.

So it’s clear that the term “maintenance-free” is a myth in these cases.

Fibrex®: The True Maintenance-Free Window

With the development of Fibrex®, a composite that contains real wood fiber, Andersen Corporation was able to solve many of the issues that plague the window materials described above. The strength of Fibrex® prevents it from expanding and contracting even with extreme temperature swings. This dramatically reduces window failure and the need for repairs, resulting in true maintenance-free performance.

Part 2: Energy Efficiency

In Part One of this blog series, we discussed how “maintenance-free” doesn’t mean “problem-free” when it comes to windows. Here we’ll examine another confusing point: the difference between the numbers on the label and the real-world energy performance of replacement windows.

While it is true that practically all replacement windows will net you some energy efficiency benefits, there are two instances where energy performance metrics aren’t clearly understood.

Misconception 1: You can tell how energy-efficient a window is by its U-factor.

U-factor indicates how well a window limits heat loss, so it is a measure of energy efficiency. But heat gain can affect the amount of energy your household consumes just as much as heat loss does. The performance metric that shows you how much heat goes in through your window is the SHGC or solar heat gain coefficient.

Other factors that contribute to the overall energy efficiency of a window include visible transmittance (the amount of visible light that goes through a window), air leakage (a measure of air infiltration) and condensation resistance (a measure of a window’s ability to resist condensation on the inside surface).

So U-factor does matter, but it isn’t the be-all and end-all of a replacement window’s energy performance.

Misconception 2: Equal ratings mean equal performance.

The five performance metrics mentioned above are what ENERGY STAR® and the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) use to rate and classify window products. But just because two windows have the same values for all these given metrics does not mean they will deliver the same real-world performance. Other factors that influence performance include:

• Climate zone. A window with first-class energy efficiency in, say, Florida will not perform as well in Washington because of the difference in climate. For best results, consult ENERGY STAR®’s Windows, Doors, and Skylights Climate Zone Finder before choosing a product.
• Local building codes. Local building codes (specifically, their provisions for materials and installation practices) have a significant impact on window performance.
• Home design and environment. How is your home oriented with respect to the sun? How wide are your eaves? How many buildings, trees and sources of shade do you have around your home? Do you live near a lake or other large body of water? Do you get a lot of glare?

All these and more will affect a window’s real-world performance independent of its ratings.

Part 3: Warranty Coverage

In Parts One and Two of this blog series, we investigated some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding replacement window maintenance and energy efficiency. It seems fitting to conclude this series with a look at one of the most important aspects of any home improvement project: the warranty.

Just like the “maintenance-free” myth, misconceptions about replacement window warranties revolve around the idea that you will not have to worry about anything once your windows are installed. But what many homeowners don’t realize is that while the typical warranty can offer some measure of protection, it does not cover every possible issue.

For instance, most window companies do not cover damage resulting from:

• Acts of God (hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.).
• Fire and extreme heat.
• Riots and acts of war.
• Vandalism.
• Exposure to conditions beyond published performance specifications.
• Improper installation and modifications.
• Improper maintenance.

The exact list of limitations and exclusions will be outlined in the warranty, but more important is who is backing the warranty: the window replacement company or the window manufacturer? This will affect the level of protection your investment will receive.

For these reasons, it is strongly recommended that you:

• Read the fine print. Do not proceed with your project until you fully understand what your warranty entails. If you have questions about limitations and exclusions, do not hesitate to bring them up with your contractor.
• Choose the right contractor. Many warranties on labor do not extend to services performed by anyone other than authorized installers.

Read the Fine Print on Lifetime Warranties

Many “lifetime” warranties expire sooner than you’d think. This is because in some states, the law doesn’t set a precise and enforceable definition of the word when used in a contract. In the context of replacement windows, “lifetime” can mean the lifetime of the client, manufacturer, contractor, the window, the house, or the length of the client’s stay in the house! When it comes to lifetime warranties, this tip is worth reiterating: read the fine print.

About the Renewal by Andersen® Limited Warranty

Renewal by Andersen® offers a 20/2/10 warranty on its products: a 20-year limited warranty for glass, two-year limited warranty on installation and 10-year limited warranty for non-glass components. A Renewal by Andersen® warranty is also fully transferable.

Final Thoughts

There may be misconceptions surrounding window replacement, but by choosing the right product and contractor, you can avoid a host of problems. Quality window replacement offers an exceptionally high return on investment: up to 102% of the job cost in certain regions, according to Remodeling Magazine’s “2014 Cost vs. Value Report.” If you want to maximize the benefits of your replacement project and make truly informed decisions, remember the myths we’ve busted.

Renewal by Andersen® of Long Island would be pleased to provide you with more information about the quality and value of Renewal by Andersen windows. We’re confident that our windows will deliver superior performance when installed in your home. Give us a call today at (908) 858-5861 to schedule a free in-home consultation!