When building a home or replacing windows, the type and brand of windows you choose matters a lot. The number of window manufacturers is vast, and selecting a brand might be an uphill task. You must engage Houston’s trusted window replacement company to help you make the right decision.
So, how do you select the right window brand amidst your vast choices? Here are several factors you can use to choose the best brand of windows.
Is The Manufacturer A Member Of NFRC?
The first thing you should do is find out if the window manufacturer is a member of the NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council). The NFRC is a non-profit industry group comprising companies in the window industry. The group has a list of certified window manufacturers and issues a set of standards members must follow.
For instance, all standing members of NFRC should have an energy performance label on their brand that lists ratings for U-factor, solar heat gain coefficient, air leakage, and visible transmittance. Choosing a window brand under NFRC ensures you get quality that other non-NFRC members cannot promise. Most companies adopt the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), which accepts the NFRC as the gold standard in rating windows.
Brand Name
Sometimes the brand name might not matter so much to you—however, branding matters in the window industry. A brand name almost always ensures you get a certain quality level. Older and more established companies have been in business for years or decades because they provide consistency in their quality.
These brands have systems that cater to poor customer service or occasional poor products. Reputable brands offer warranties and honor them, while smaller companies might offer similar warranties but not honor them or go out of business. Another reason to choose a reputable brand is if you intend to sell your house. When you mention the windows’ brand name, the brand will increase your home value.
Maintenance And Durability
When choosing a window brand, go for one that requires little maintenance. Ensure the brand is durable and is less likely to chip, fade, or peel. Research and consult widely from friends and online reviews on the brand before you purchase.
Performance
Window performance grades tell you the specific pressure requirements for the windows. The ratings should also inform you of their structural strength in rain, wind, and water resistance. Ensure you get a brand that offers an appropriate performance grade for your region. If you live in a coastal area, you need a window brand that withstands humidity, rain, or windy conditions.
Ease Of Use
The first thing people do when they walk into a home is open a window. This allows them to focus not only on the fresh air coming in but also on the feel of the window. You want to choose a brand of easy windows to open and close. After you narrow down the brands you want, go to a windows dealer and get a feel of the windows before you decide.
Energy Efficiency
Energy codes are the requirements that dictate a window’s resistance to heat loss during colder months and heat gain in hot weather. When you choose an efficient and low-energy glass brand for your windows, you can save on your energy bills by slowing the thermal transfer and still maintaining comfort. A-rated windows are some of the best-performing in heat retention, energy efficiency, and overall performance. The higher the window’s rating, the higher the cost and the more efficient it is. Check for an Energy Star® rating to gauge the efficiency of the windows.
Window Type
If you are replacing windows, check that the brand you choose has that window type. If not, you must narrow down the brands with that window type and choose from them. You also need to select windows that complement your home’s architectural design. Most homes have sliding or casement windows. However, before you replace the windows, consult the chosen brand manufacturer and check if they do consultations before you purchase.
Warranties
Ensure that the brand you opt for includes a warranty. As mentioned earlier, some companies may refuse to honor the warranty. However, the length of the warranties varies by product. High-end windows have more extended warranties, while other types, like vinyl windows, may have shorter warranties, like one or two years. The window warranties come in two varieties- workmanship and components. Lifetime warranties are not the standard with window brands, and any brand offering a lifetime warranty shows stellar customer service and secure investment.
When choosing a window brand, you must be careful of the numerous manufacturers claiming to provide quality. Ensure that the brand you select is certified and has an Energy Star® rating to help reduce your energy bills. If you follow these tips, you will surely get the right brand of windows to buy.