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Most homeowners look for quality San Francisco replacement windows that can last them for years. Because there are so many options available on the market, it’s not always easy to find windows made from high-quality materials. We at Renewal by Andersen® of San Francisco have a few tests you can try to help you determine if your windows are built to last.
• Check the window materials. One of the most important factors that determine quality is the material used in making the window. High-quality windows are made from high-quality materials. Our replacement windows are made with the composite framing material Fibrex®, which combines the low-maintenance features of vinyl with the durability of wood. It also has superior insulating properties – roughly 700 times better than aluminum.
• Look to reliable sources. The National Fenestration Rating Council is a third-party nonprofit organization that helps consumers compare the performance of windows, doors and skylights. ENERGY STAR® labels make it easier for consumers to identify NFRC-certified products with excellent energy performance.
• Examine the window’s operation. One determining factor of a quality window is the ease with which it operates. Is it easy to open and close? Do all the parts move properly?
• Look at the details. Quality is found in the minutest details. If you see excellent craftsmanship evidenced by intricate details and a smooth finish, hold on to the window.
Here are five performance ratings to help you determine if your window will perform as advertised.
• U-factor measures the rate of heat transfer. The lower the U-factor, the better the window insulates.
• Solar heat gain coefficient measures heat transfer and tells you how well a product deflects solar heat on a scale of 0 to 1. The lower the rating, the better.
• Air leakage measures the rate that air passes through window joints. It is measured in cubic feet of air passing through a square foot of a window per minute. A lower rating means less leakage.
• Visible transmittance tests the amount of light that passes through the window. It is measured on a scale of 0 to 1. The higher the rating, the more light is seen.
• Condensation resistance measures how well the window resists water accumulation. It is measured on a scale of 0 to 100. The higher the rating, the less accumulation it allows.
Finding replacement windows in San Francisco, CA, that are strong and long-lasting may not be easy, but these tests might narrow down your choices. We at Renewal by Andersen of San Francisco offer windows made from Fibrex and High-Performance™ Low-E4® glass, for windows that are truly built to last. Call us at (866) 609-5033 today for a free consultation.