Is It Time For New Windows?

Bill Keith

 Every home's windows eventually need to be replaced. Glass breaks. . . wood window frames rot... the seals of multipane windows fail.. . and drafty older windows be­come money pits as energy prices rise. Good-quality new windows are not cheap-typically costing $350 to $1,000 apiece installed-but they can sharply lower your energy bills and keep you much more comfort­able. If you install Energy Star win­dows by December 31, you even are eligible for a federal tax credit.

REPAIRING OR REPLACING

    To determine whether your windows need replacing, look for. . .

► Rot. Check wood window frames for rot at least once each year. Rotten wood will feel mushy when lightly prodded with your finger.

What to do: If the wood looks bad but feels fine, the window might just be weathered or discolored. Sanding and repainting could be sufficient. Rotting windows do not necessarily need to be replaced. If the rot is not extensive, a window repairer can wrap the exterior frames in aluminum, usually for $75 to $150 per window.

The outer frame-the part of the window attached to the house-often does not need replacement, even if the sash (the part that opens and closes) does. If extensive rot or other damage makes frame replacement necessary, expect this to double your cost to $700 to $2,000 per window, installed.

► Moisture or fogging between the panes of a multipane window is a sign that the seal has failed and that air is seeping through, so the window is no longer energy-efficient.

What to do: New windows usually are the best solution. Once the seal fails, multi pane windows often cannot be restored to their intended energy efficiency at a reasonable cost.

Alternative: A national company called Crystal Clear Window Works (800-436-4688, www.ccwwi.com) can restore some of a fogged window's en­ergy efficiency by creating a new sealed air barrier between the panes, but even this falls short of the energy-efficiency of a new double-pane window. Crys­tal Clear's process can be used only if the window has not yet developed a bleached white haze. Expect to pay $125 to $200 per fogged window, de­pending on its size, accessibility and the number of windows repaired.

Helpful: Caulk cracks in window frames as soon as they appear. Caulk­ing makes it more difficult for water to get inside and compromise a win­dow's seals.

SELECTING WINDOWS

What to look for. . .

Double-pane. Single-pane

windows are so bad at preserv­ing heated air in the winter and cooled air in the summer that it usually makes sense­ unless you live in a very temperate climate-to upgrade to multipane windows, even when single-pane win­dows are still in good condition.

Vinyl replacement windows are the best op_ion for most people. Metal window frames conduct heat, greatly reducing windows' energy efficiency. Wood window frames are susceptible to rot. Early vinyl windows occa­sionally warped, but manufacturers have learned to prevent this by using virgin, not recycled, vinyl. Confirm that windows are 100% virgin vinyl before buying.

"Welded" vinyl frames are prefer­able to mechanically fastened frames because they permit less air leakage. Some window manufacturers even inject foam into their hollow vinyl frames, further improving insulating value. Wood windows clad with vinyl or alumi­num on the outside also work well but cost about three times more than vinyl.

A "Low-E" coating on the glass and Argon gas filling the space between the panes ensure optimal energy efficiency in double-pane windows. A low- E coating is a thin film that blocks ultraviolet rays.

Rubber spacers. Ask the window salesperson whether the spacer (some­times called a "swizzle") that holds the panes of glass apart in multipane win­dows is made of rubber or aluminum. Rubber "spacers" are less likely to fail than aluminum ones.

Warning: Avoid windows that use strings or ropes in their balance sys­tems. These eventually will snap. Better: Friction or stainless steel coil.

Solid warranty. The warranty should cover parts for a decade or more and labor for at least five years. Full­replacement coverage is far superior to prorated coverage, which pays only a portion of your original purchase price based on the window's age at the time of failure.

Well-known brands, such as Ander­sen (800-426-4261, www.andersen windows.com). ..Jeld-Wen (800­535-3936, www.jeld-wen.com)... Marvin (888-537-7828, www. marvin.com). .. and Pella (800-374­4758, www.pella.com) are desir­able. Atrium (800-992-5226, home. atrium. com) is the best choice for vinyl replacement windows, and its prices are reasonable, but it is not avail­able in all areas. Younger, little-known window makers are more likely to go out of business, making your warranty worthless.

HIRING AN INSTALLER

Window replacement is generally not a do-it-yourself job. Visit an inde­pendent building-supply store, and ask the owner to recommend a few local window installers. Rates can vary sig­nificantly from installer to installer, so get several quotes.

Avoid window installers obtained through The Home Depot, Lowe's or Sears. They are not necessarily more qualified than other installers and often charge higher rates. Also, avoid window installers that offer "trade in" discounts for old windows. Your old windows have no value. Trade-in offers are a sales gimmick to get you in the door.