Chicago Homeowners’ Views on Vinyl vs. Wood vs. Aluminum Replacement Windows

Homeowners who choose vinyl to be their favorite material for replacement windows reason from the fact that vinyl is a high quality material and very flexible when it comes to usage.

With vinyl windows, regular painting is not necessary. Moreover, you only need to periodically wash the windows to keep them in good condition.

Vinyl is made from Polyvinyl Chloride, which is a very efficient heat insulator. Therefore, vinyl windows will keep heat in during the winter and keep it out during the summer. This will always save you the burden of high energy bills as devices like heating and cooling systems will utilize less energy. Vinyl is cheap, yet very long lasting. Vinyl windows also come in different colors, designs, and shapes to choose from – you are not limited to just a select few colors or sizes.

However, there are some downsides to this window material. For example, vinyl windows can potentially fade in extreme weather conditions, especially in too much heat. When this happens, the window must be wholly replaced because vinyl cannot be repainted.

For some homeowners, wooden replacement windows are the best choice. Why? Unlike vinyl, wood can easily be shaped into various styles.  Wood is also very strong and durable and can withstand adverse weather conditions. Some woods, for example Mahogany, can last for decades without rotting. Wooden windows are also good insulators, thus, they can regulate temperatures during the summer and winter to save on energy bills.

Wooden windows have also got their own downsides, however, as well. Number one, they have to be painted regularly. This means an increased cost of maintenance. Number two, they are susceptible to molding which can interfere with the fiber of the wood. Lastly, wood can be affected by termites.

There are also those who are of the opinion that aluminum replacement windows are the best. It is resistant to rust, making it unnecessary to do regular painting. Aluminum windows are also very easy to clean. This way, the homeowner can use his time to engage in other activities instead of spending it all with cleaning the windows. Aluminum is typically less expensive than wooden windows.

The only tangible disadvantage of aluminum window is that it has low energy efficiency. It easily allows heat to pass through it. This increases energy bills as there will be a need to use HVAC systems more often.

In conclusion, every homeowner must look at the disadvantages and the advantages of these three materials before choosing on the one that will best suit him or her.

Sunrooms and Their Benefits for Your Chicago Home

A sunroom is an addition on the side of a house which makes it possible for you to enjoy the landscaping and scenery that surrounds your home - all from inside your home. It can also be called a sun porch, patio room, sun lounge, conservatory, solarium, garden room, or a Florida room.
 

Sunrooms have got numerous benefits. For instance, they protect the occupants of the home from undesirable weather conditions like rain and strong winds. Rain can cause colds and other unfavorable medical problems. When it rains you will not need to move to your living room; you can enjoy the sight of falling rain safely from inside.
 

Sunrooms also allow in a lot of sunlight for warmth and lighting. You will therefore use natural light and not electric light. This saves on the cost of electricity and you can instead use the money in other productive ventures.  
 

Sunrooms provide extra space for your family. Construction of traditional room additions using bricks or stones is a very costly venture, and it may not be something that is possible with the design of your home. This is where the sunrooms can prove to be handy.
 

Three and Four Season Sunrooms in Chicago

As the name suggests, a sunroom is a small addition to the main house built of large windows to offer a clear view of the outdoors and it lets in a lot of sunlight. Sunrooms are often created of vinyl, aluminum, or wood frames fitted with glass. They may also include shingle roofs to match with the rest of the home's exterior. You can get an octagonal style, square, or rectangular-shaped sunroom.
 

There are a number of things a homeowner in Chicago can do with a sunroom. It can be used as a garden area, reading room, playroom for the kids, guest bedroom, or as a family room. While they may vary in shapes, designs, and sizes, they all play an essential role in the functionality of a home that every homeowner loves.
 

Three Season Sunrooms
 

A three season sunroom allows you to enjoy the beauty of nature without having to leave your home. This type of sunroom is great for relaxing and enjoying a nice spring day. It allows you to have access to the morning sunlight without the need of going outside the house.
 

Unlike a four season patio screen enclosures, you won’t have to install heating and cooling systems, plumbing, or apply insulation which can add up.
 

The major downside to a three season sunroom is that the majority of them have poor thermal-insulation. For this reason, they may not be appropriate if you want to use it throughout the year. And that’s why we have four season solariums, as well.
 

Four Season Sunrooms
 

This type of outdoor screen room is an alternative to a three season sunroom. It is typically well-insulated so that it can serve you all year round. This way you can enjoy your patio screen enclosure during the summer or winter. It usually includes quality insulation in the glass, walls, and ceiling to prevent unnecessary transfer of heat.
 

Besides enjoying this room all year long, it can act as a dining room, playroom, a place for guests to sleep, and so forth. There is no doubt that your visitors will enjoy being in your porch appreciating the outdoor light and outdoor view – while enjoying your company at the same time. In addition, a four season sunroom will protect your furniture and other important materials against elements, such as fading and other damages that can be caused by UV-rays, wind, snow, and other adverse weather conditions.
 

Of course, owing to its incredible benefits, a four season sunroom is more expensive than a three-season sunroom. They also need more maintenance than its three-season counterpart, but you can opt for those made of vinyl, which require little or no maintenance.
 

Both 3 and 4 season sunrooms are worth your money. As you plan to purchase one, do your homework and get advice from experts. Remember, you get what you pay for.

Argon Gas and Replacement Windows in Your Chicago Home

Argon is one of the group eight elements in the periodic table alongside other gases like neon and krypton. Its atomic radius is 18. Argon gas has so many advantages when it comes to modern replacement windows, as well as a few downsides. To begin with, let’s look at the positive side of this gas.
 

Argon gas improves the energy efficiency of replacement windows. Its density is higher when compared to that of oxygen, thus the argon gas between the layers of double or triple paned windows is not easily affected by air currents and drafts. The windows will consequently have a higher insulation property. This saves on energy costs. 
 

Argon gas may also have some not so great effects on your window panes. For example, it will leak out of your window after awhile. This will make it less efficient and therefore not as useful. The argon gas is also not found at higher altitudes, 2500 and above, according to researchers. Should you be living in high altitude areas, it is advisable that the dealer makes your window at that exact altitude to avoid any problems.
 

Argon gas can never prevent transmission of rays of the sun into the room. Infrared rays will always make your furniture and drapes lose their original color over time when exposed to a lot of sunlight.
 

Just keep these things in mind when choosing new replacement windows for your Chicago area home.

Vinyl vs. Wood vs. Aluminum Replacement Windows: What You Need to Know

Homeowners who view vinyl as their favorite window replacement material argue from the point that it is of good quality and is very versatile. With vinyl windows, regular painting is something not necessary. Furthermore, you only need to occasionally wash the windows to keep them in good shape.
 

Vinyl is made from a material called Polyvinyl Chloride which is a very powerful heat insulator. Therefore, vinyl windows will keep heat in during winter and out during summer .This is what we call high energy efficiency and it will always save you the pain of high energy bills since there will be minimal usage of heating systems and air conditioners. Vinyl is cheap, yet so durable, and they also come in a variety of colors to choose from.

To some home owners, wooden replacement windows are the best. Unlike vinyl, wood can easily be shaped into various designs. Wood is also arguably stronger and more durable, and can withstand extreme weather conditions. Some woods, for example Mahogany, can be last for several decades. Wooden windows are also good insulators, thus, just like vinyl, they regulate temperatures during summer and winter to save on the energy bills.
 

There are also those who think that aluminum replacement windows are the best. It is a material that is resistant to rust, making it unnecessary to regularly paint it. Aluminum windows are very easy to clean. The homeowner can therefore use his precious time doing other activities instead of spending it all on cleaning windows. The windows are also very affordable, sometimes even cheaper than wooden windows.
 

In conclusion, every homeowner must weigh the pros and the cons of these three materials before settling on the one he or she will best suit him or her.

Single vs. Double vs. Triple Pane Replacement Windows – What You Should Know

A pane is a framed part of a window normally fitted with a thin glass or any other transparent material.
 

Single pane windows are very popular among those homeowners who treasure simplicity and the basics. Single window panes are very affordable, and will therefore not cause so much financial strain to those people who are operating on tight budgets.
 

They are also very easy to repair. A sudden crack will not be too big of a deal since the replacement procedure is quite simple and very easy to understand. All you need to do is to remove the remaining pieces of glass on the broken window, replace them with a clean sheet of glass and seal it with high quality putty. Remember - this should be left to the professionals!
 

Single pane windows are mostly suitable for use in garages and tool sheds. Due to their varied colors, the consumer has a wide range of options to choose from.
 

These windows are also very easy to maintain as only occasional cleaning is required. Sliding single pane windows allow a breeze to blow into your room - a blessing, especially during summer.
 

Single pane windows are not as energy efficient as double pane windows. This increases the energy bill since you will need to use heating and cooling systems during the summer and winter.
 

Some customers may prefer double pane windows as opposed to any other option. For instance; the window panes are very economical as well as efficient.
 

Research shows that double pane windows reduce energy usage by 24 percent in winter and 18 percent in summer – consequently reducing the size of the dent in the homeowner’s pocket book as the energy bill will be much lower. Its reduced energy consumption also means less burning of fossil fuels. This preserves the environment as there will be less greenhouse emissions. Double pane windows are also good noise insulators. This way, the residents of the home are able to have the much needed peace and quiet needed to relax and be comfortable.
 

Double pane windows do come with some disadvantages. For instance, they experience condensation on the inside. Their energy efficiency can also be compromised by just a small crack. Finally, in the unfortunate event that the windows are broken, perhaps by a rock flung while someone is mowing the grass, you will need a professional to come and fix the damage to possibly two panes of glass.
 

Another variety of replacement windows is the triple pane variety. It has got three layers; the middle layer is normally sandwiched by Argon or Krypton gas, or a mixture of both. This type of window pane is a more efficient insulator and more energy saving as compared to double pane windows. This results into a reduced energy bill. The pane also does not attract so much condensation on its interior as compared to its double pane counterpart.
 

Triple pane windows are, however, a little more expensive. They are also too heavy due to the extra pane, and this can result into adverse effects on the building, more so if it were not designed to withstand such weight.
 

In conclusion, any homeowner must carry out a cost benefit analysis before settling for any of the three types of replacement window panes.

Learn Which is the Better Option for You: Full Replacement Window vs. Partial Replacement Windows

Is a full replacement window better than a partial window replacement? This post is intended to shed some light on this great question. If you are planning to add some new windows to your home, and are still undecided about which option to choose, read on and learn more.
 

Full Window Replacement
 

A full window replacement also known as a full window installation, which involves removing the whole existing window, including the frame and replacing it with new components. In other words, full replacements involve doing away with the entire window, frame, molding, and so forth.
 

Benefits of Full Replacement Windows
 

It appears that full replacement window has more advantages than partial replacement windows in many ways. Many homeowners are often advised to opt for full frame replacement windows when:

• The old frame is deteriorated or damaged beyond repair.
• They want to capitalize on energy efficiency by installing efficient replacement windows. 

There are a number of reasons to go for full-frame replacement windows. To begin with, this technique replaces the outdated window frame with something that can add curb appeal to your home. With full-frame replacement windows, all the mold and rotting problems will be taken care of. This can help to maintain the structural integrity of your home. Also, new window-frames are well insulated between the rough opening and the frames. For this reason, full replacement windows will save more energy; thus, reducing the burden of costly heating and cooling bills.
 

Cons  

• More time and labor intensive to install
• Depending on the window’s size, there might be a need to replace window treatments inside the home

Partial Replacement Windows
 

This approach involves removing the old sash and replacing it with a new one. The existing window frame is not removed because it is still in good condition. However, partial window replacement is only advised if the existing window frame is rot-free, in good shape, and is strong.
 

Advantages of Partial Replacement Windows
 

There are a number of reasons to choose partial window replacement over full frame replacement. For example, there isn’t any much work needed to install the window, which may help to save you money. Also, there is no need for expensive window treatments such as duct mastic, sealants, weather-stripping, and so on.
 

Cons

• Some contractors may install these over rotten frames, resulting in future costly repairs.
• With partial replacement, it isn’t possible to upgrade the insulation of existing frames, resulting in less energy efficient windows. 
• Aesthetically speaking, it may look like the windows have not gained any significant improvements. Thus, older homes may not benefit much from partial windows replacement.
• If the existing window frame is damaged, leaks, or is not fitted properly, you will not get the most out of partial frame replacement.

Whether you opt for a full replacement window or partial replacement window, the important thing is to make sure your windows are energy efficient. 

Benefits of Having a Good HOA (Homeowners' Association)

A homeowners’ association (HOA) is simply an independent legal organization formed by a group of homeowners that establishes rules and regulations with regard to what is accepted and what is not accepted in homes, flats, condominiums, etc. An HOA is also mandated with the task to oversee the rules and determine the money spent on communal property. 

Homeowners associations are gaining in popularity in neighborhoods and communities throughout Chicago. With that said, more and more homeowners are joining these associations in order to protect their rights. Most townhouses, single-family subdivisions, and condominium have their own HOAs.
 

The CC&R’s or Covenant, Conditions & Restrictions are usually issued to members, and there are rules and regulations to ensure that they’re observed. The CC&Rs can control or limit how a homeowner can use their property or shared property. For instance, a Covenant, Conditions & Restrictions may have established rules determining the colors a homeowner can paint his/her home, who can occupy the property, or the times at which joint social amenities such as pools and community playgrounds can be used.
 

The main goal of CC&Rs is not to frustrate owners, but to make the place enjoyable for all occupants.  However, a potential home buyer ought to consult one or two existing homeowners before buying a property that comes with HOA membership.
 

Features of HOAs

• Members are normally billed compulsory fees
• HOAs are formal legal bodies with formal laws
• There’s usually a controlling board that appoints a manager to oversee law enforcement and handle repair or remodeling issues.    
• Homeowners associations are authorized to order and put into effect design and maintain, standards with the exception of those established by the country’s government.     

Some HOAs will maintain public social amenities, provide security, arrange for community landscaping, and control waste like sewage and garbage. 
 

Argon Gas and Its Impact on Replacement Windows

Argon is one of the group eight elements in the periodic table. It has an atomic number of 18. Argon gas makes windows more energy efficient. Argon has a higher density when compared to that of oxygen. This means that the Argon gas between the layers of double or triple paned windows is less affected by convectional currents and drafts .The windows will therefore have a higher insulation value. This saves on the cost of energy since the homeowner will not have to spend so much on heating and air conditioning during summer and winter.  
 

Argon gas also reflects excess heat better when compared to plain air. Un-welcomed heat is inhibited from entering your home, leaving you only with the desired warmth. This is a much needed property, especially during hot weather.
 

On the other hand, Argon gas may have adverse effect on your window panes. Argon gas will dissipate out of your window after some time; this results in its reduced efficiency. This problem can be easily taken care of by using nonmetallic spaces that seal better and will not allow your gas to escape. Argon gas replacement windows are not available at higher altitudes (i.e. at 2500 and above). 
 

Improper sealing can also cause leakage of your Argon gas. Manufacturers normally use two methods to seal gas into your replacement window panes, namely, the one-holed method and two-holed method. The former is thought to be the best as it minimizes the possibilities of the gas escaping.

Replacement Windows Buying Guide

Windows play a key role in our homes. Windows allows fresh air, light and ventilation inside, but they are often taken for granted. Windows contribute to the general beauty of a home, thus choosing the right style that suits your house is of paramount importance. However, many homeowners often have a hard time choosing between wood, aluminum, and vinyl replacement windows. This article will address the several ways in which wood, aluminum, and vinyl are different and how they are similar.

Wood Windows

Pros: Whether you live in an old home or contemporary home, wood replacement windows offer a variety of colors, finishes, and styles to meet your specific preference or taste. Many homeowners are often tempted to opt for vinyl because of its low cost. Before you make such a decision, consider the initial cost versus long term benefits. Wood windows are more durable than vinyl and therefore provide more value for your money. Moreover, wood is an excellent insulator, making it extremely energy efficient.

Cons:  Wood was once an organic material. If not given proper care, it can start to rot while it is still installed in your home. You will need to keep mold and water off of your wood windows to ensure they remain in good condition.

Vinyl Windows

Pros: Vinyl replacement windows are made mostly of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) together with some other types of plastics. Vinyl windows do not need any staining or painting on the outside or inside of the house, eliminating the need for serious maintenance. Also, vinyl is relatively cheaper when compared to wood windows, and is a poor conductor of heat. PVC windows are the most popular replacement window options available right now. Their low maintenance requirement, high energy efficiency, durability, and low cost make them the best choice for the majority of homeowners who are shopping for replacement windows.

Cons:  Vinyl material may be a threat to the environment as polyvinyl chloride releases poisonous dioxin when exposed to fire. Furthermore, you cannot paint vinyl windows into the colors of your choice, thus finding the exact color that matches the style of your home may not be easy.

Aluminum Windows

Pros: Aluminum windows can be designed to meet or exceed energy efficiency standards. High performance aluminum replacement windows can improve energy efficiency by a large percentage. Aluminum requires less maintenance because it is resistant to corrosion and weathering, and can withstand extreme weather conditions. Additionally, aluminum can be easily manipulated into virtually any shape to meet your tastes. With an endless assortment of finishes, glass options and designs, aluminum offers a variety of possibilities from the cheap to most sophisticated window systems.

Cons: The main issue with aluminum is that it doesn’t offer excellent thermal efficiency. Aluminum is a good conductor of heat, thus aluminum windows may not work marvelously in extremely hot or cold climates.            

Why You Should Replace Your Roof in Chicago

At the end of the day, all types of roofing wear down and need to be replaced. You don't need to replace your roof every year, every 5 years, or even really every 10 years. But you should also not put the job off for years because you’re likely going to end up with significant structural damage. For this reason, it is important to know how to inspect the condition of your roof and find out if there are any signs of deterioration. Finding these problems early is the key to eliminating or reducing long-term costs related to any home repair work.
 

When you are assessing your roof, it’s important to pay attention to several things, such as rotting, blistering, missing shingles, damaged flushing, algae growth, and curling. A professional roof inspector can visually inspect your roof for bald and torn shingles, or cracks. Seeing a lot of shingle granules in the gutters indicates a sign of serious wear and tear.
 

The first decision is whether to replace the entire roof or just do a partial replacement. Whether you choose to do a complete replacement or partial replacement, there are pros and cons associated with each. Complete replacement is expensive, but can be beneficial in the long-run. Typically, partial roof replacement is less expensive, but may prove expensive with time since you will eventually need to replace other areas.
 

Replacing singles as a result of a fallen branch or extreme wind is a fairly easy process and isn't very costly. Damaged or torn shingles can be replaced with new ones. The disadvantage is that if your roof is old and you do not have any spare shingles left for the job, your partial replacement job may have shingles that do not match the current roof. But that isn’t a huge concern as the repair job can extend the life of your roof for a few years. Nevertheless, if you are thinking of reselling your home in the next few years, installing shingles that match the existing ones is important. It may be a better idea to think about total roof replacement at this point.
 

If the roof has suffered significant damage but is limited to one side of the roof, partial roofing replacement will be enough.
 

According to roofing experts, a new roof is cheaper in the long run. Even if only a small section of the roof is showing signs of damage. It is worth considering replacing the whole roof while the roofers are on-site with their tools, scaffolding, ladders etc. Full installation will likely be less expensive than doing small replacement parts now and doing the remaining sections in a few months. This will not only help you save money, but will also protect you against huge repair expenses down the road.
 

What to Consider When Thinking About Sunroom Installation in Chicago

A sunroom, sun porch, sun lounge or sun parlor is a small room installed on the side of a home. It is designed to make it easy for homeowners to enjoy the outdoors while being protected from hostile outside elements, such as wind, rain, insects and cold or hot weather. It is sometimes referred to as a conservatory, patio room, Florida room, garden room, or solarium. The room is usually constructed of wood, vinyl, or breeze block. If you are thinking of installing one in your home, the following guidelines can help you get the most out of your investment.
 

Understand the Difference Between a 3 Season Sunroom and 4 Season Sunroom
 

A 3 season solarium is constructed to be used in the summer months, which can vary from a duration of 4 to 8 months. This means that you will not be able to use this type of a sunroom during the winter season. A 4 season sunroom is designed to be used in both winter and summer months. In other words, it can be used year-round because it can be heated and cooled.
 

Windows
 

Almost 90% of a sunroom is made of glass. When planning to install a sunroom, you will need lots of huge windows. So, the material, shape, color and price will play a huge role in the project. There are tons of windows available to choose from, and you will want to make an informed decision. Today, double and triple pane glass windows are available to help regulate heat during summer and cold during winter months.
 

Materials
 

It is extremely important to choose the right material that you want your sunroom to be constructed from. This decision will not only determine how your sunroom addition will look, but how much money and time you’ll need for maintenance purposes. Vinyl windows are less expensive, beautiful and need no maintenance. Wood windows are extremely attractive, offer a vintage touch, can be painted to match the home, but they require a great deal of maintenance. Aluminum is strong, light, can be painted into different attractive colors, and it is energy inefficient and requires maintenance.
 

Location
 

This is perhaps the most important factor to consider when constructing a sunroom. Deciding on the right location for your conservatory should be the first step when planning an addition. In the southern climate, a northern exposure will be appropriate. In the north, however, a southern exposure will be needed. Eastern exposure will be best, especially if you want to enjoy the morning sunlight.


 

The Benefits and Value of Replacement Siding in Chicago

The exterior of your home is very important. Everyone feels more comfortable living in a well-cared for home and getting replacement siding can help maximize your home’s exterior appeal. Old siding can become unattractive, and worst of all, it may allow the elements to slowly bring your home to complete ruin. The good news, however, is that installing or replacing aging siding can increase your home’s curb appeal, repair any hidden structural flaws, and improve your home's energy efficiency.
 

Curb appeal
 

Aged siding is often faded with a less pulsating color than it initially had. It usually has a generally dirty and unpleasant appearance which makes it nearly impossible to keep looking sparkling clean. This doesn’t always means it’s neglected by the homeowners, but it is a problem that affects almost all homes. New siding can dramatically improve the external appearance of your home. Passersby and neighbors will spend a lot of time admiring your home. New siding comes in many different styles, materials, and colors.
 

Prevent structural damage
 

Timeworn siding can frequently allow leaks around your home’s windows, possibly causing serious structural damage to your house. At times, the signs of this damage becomes easily visible, and it even may include you spotting actual water flowing along the windowsill. However, sometimes the damage is not quite so obvious, and you may only notice small cracks in the drywall. Structural damage can occur in the form of floor rot, deteriorated studs, or weakening plywood. Installing new siding will help restore the original state of your home. Replacing your old, deteriorated siding will ensure you do not spend a fortune in home repairs later on down the road.
 

Maintenance
 

Another benefit with replacement siding is that is doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. Whether you choose vinyl, wood, or shake and shingles siding, you won’t need to worry about maintenance issues. What you will need to keep an eye on is wood siding as you will want to repaint or treat it to keep away termites and other wood-destroying pests. Vinyl is arguably the best siding material since it needs zero maintenance. Vinyl is energy efficient and it is very durable.
 

Energy efficiency
 

Do you care about energy efficiency? Almost every homeowner in Chicago will tell you yes. Siding can offer you a great opportunity to improve your home’s energy efficiency. New siding is often insulated and insulated siding increases the R-Value of a home; the higher the R-value, the better.

How to Choose a Replacement Window for Your Chicago Home

A home without beautiful windows will be lifeless and dull. Your home needs a window for light, fresh air, insulation, and more. But it’s vitally important to have the best window installed in your house. About 20 to 25% of a home’s heating and cooling bill is due to heat loss through the windows, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Thus, you need to be very careful when choosing replacement windows. There are many aspects to be kept in mind. So to get the most out of your replacement windows for your home, you need to know certain key things, and here are some of them.
 

Materials
 

Replacement windows come in wood, clad wood, aluminum, vinyl, and fiberglass. Each has its own features and performs differently. Vinyl, also known as polyvinyl chloride plastic, is one of the most popular materials for replacement windows. The material is less expensive which makes it more attractive, but the minimal choice of colors makes it less versatile. Aluminum is strong and less heavy, but not very efficient. Wood windows remain the top choice for replacement. Wood is naturally beautiful and can be painted into different colors to match many home styles. However, unlike vinyl, wood require lots of maintenance.
 

Low-E Glass
 

Low-E Glass (low-remittance) coatings are thin, nearly invisible, metallic oxide films placed on a glazing surface in order to minimize the U-factor by preventing heat transfer or heat flow. Coating the glass surface of a window with a Low-E Glass material and depositing coatings between the glass layers suppress heat flow through the window. Choosing Low-E Glass will help to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.   
 

Gas Fills
 

Between the panes of double or triple paned replacement windows, an inert gas such as Krypton or Argon is placed in to improve its thermal performance. Krypton or Argon is used because the two are denser than normal air. They are harmless, have higher resistances to heat transfer than typical air, thus they are good for lowering the window’s U-Factor.
 

Single, Double and Triple Paned Windows
 

Most replacement windows come in three styles: single, double, or triple pane glass windows. A single pane window is typically less expensive, but it offers little or no insulation. Double and triple pane replacement windows have layers of glass between the panes to minimize heat loss through the window.
 

Other Factors
 

Other aspects may include cost, maintenance required, solar heat gain coefficient, and air leakage. The cost of a replacement window will depend on the design, material, and size of the window.
      

 

Tips for Hiring a Professional Roofer in Chicago

You may need a roofer to perform various types of jobs, like replacing a roof, installing a roof, or repairing a damaged roof. You need someone who is experienced and has a license. You need someone who is capable of performing complex roofing tasks and abides by the state codes. Any small mistake in hiring a roofer can lead to serious consequences, whether it is a waste of your hard earned money or time, or a shoddy job that fails to live up to your expectations, or even simply a careless job that puts your home at risk. Here are a few essential factors to consider when hiring a roofing contractor.
 

Attention to detail: If your potential roofer shows attention to details, such as professional conduct, wearing proper attire, and answering your calls, then he is worthy of hiring. Hire a roofer who has your best interest at heart and will help you get value for your money.
 

Experience: Experience is one of the key factors that should not be disregarded. The roofer should have a lot of experience handling roofing issues of all kinds. Be cautious of inexperienced contractors, as they may not deliver proper work. You want a good deal and you may get disappointed when you don’t get it. Thus, do a background-check on the roofer; review his track records, and relationship with workers and clients.
 

Knowledgeable: You do not want to spend money on someone who isn’t well-informed about the latest trends in the roofing industry, such as styles, materials, etc. The roofer should know how to utilize the latest technology to check and fix problems that match your needs.
 

Prices and Quoting: Pricing is the single most important aspect, and one need to consider in any investment or purchase. And this applies when choosing roofing contractors, as well. However, what is more important is getting a reliable and accurate price estimate from your potential roofer. You must know in advance how much you need to pay so that you can prepare your budget.
 

Insurance: Make sure the roofer has a valid roofing insurance. This will ensure that you are protected against all kinds of risks. Also, you will be assured that this is a genuine roofer who understands what he is doing.
 

References: Getting the best of the best roofing contractor can be challenging. To find the best roofer in town, you should try to talk to your coworkers, neighbors, family, friends and other trusted connections to get the names of top roofers in the area. Additionally, to ensure you are getting the best roofer and the best price quote possible, get several bids from at least three different roofing contractors. This will help to make better comparisons in order to choose the right contractor.
 

Warranties: Although it isn’t a necessity, it is vitally important to hire a contractor who offers a warranty on their roofing products.

Sunrooms Bring the Outdoors Inside to Your Chicago Home

Sunrooms are amazing additions to homes, giving homeowners a taste of the outdoors without the bugs, rain, and other harsh elements. Sunrooms are also called patio rooms, solariums, or enclosures. These rooms are made with glass and screen and are built on a wood or concrete foundation.
 

A sunroom can offer a good place for relaxation. We all know that enjoying the morning sunshine is what every homeowner wants. It enhances your mood and helps vent stress and frustration. The free natural sunlight and heat from the sun will replace the artificial heating needed to keep the house warm during the cold seasons. A sunroom offers a perfect place to enjoy the natural sunlight without the risk of being exposed to adverse elements, such as UV-rays.
 

Before thinking of adding a sunroom to your current home, or new home, you should note that energy efficiency is the single most important aspect to consider. Select materials that will improve your home’s energy efficiency. In case you are renovating an existing house, the first thing you want to consider improving your home’s energy efficiency - and a sunroom can be one of the solutions.
 

When you are planning to install a sunroom, you will want to make sure that it is designed to match your home’s style and look. Choose a sunroom color and plan that complements your home and that will serve many purposes, as well. Sunrooms can offer an extra space, or in other words, they can be used to add space to your home. You can enjoy being indoors, but still enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Depending on how you made your decision, you can enjoy using your sunroom during three seasons, or four seasons (all year round).  Also, this helps to increase the value of your home. People want to purchase properties with sunrooms because they love them. And they are always ready to pay an additional fee for a home that features one. 
 

It is vitally important to understand how the different materials used to make sunrooms work. For example, vinyl sunrooms are typically less expensive than wood sunrooms, and they need little maintenance. Vinyl is strong, durable, and more energy efficient than aluminum. If you want a well-insulated sunroom, choose either a double or triple pane glass window for the new room.
 

When shopping for a sunroom, focus on getting the best materials you can afford.  You may want to seek advice from building contractors or visit a sunroom sales area to learn more about them so that you can make an informed decision.

Importance of Efficiency Windows in Your Chicago Home

Windows play several important roles. Basically, they help in filtering out sunlight and air, even as they allow them to enter through it. Without windows, your rooms would without doubt be a little dark, uninteresting, and dingy. Windows come in many types including single pane windows, double pane windows, wooden shaft windows, vinyl replacement windows, aluminum windows, etc. etc. Windows are definitely a basic necessity of any home, especially if you are living in an area with extreme weather during winter and summer.
 

However, it is quite unfortunate that many homeowners are still using older windows which are inefficient. They have not yet discovered the true value of energy efficient windows. Windows are heavy consumers of energy. An average American home may lose about 30 percent of heating and cooling energy through windows. Energy efficient windows save a lot of money on monthly utility bills. In fact, some new replacement windows have been designed in such a way that they gain energy instead of losing it.
 

If you are building a new home, their higher purchasing costs can be offset as you will probably require a smaller,  less expensive air-conditioning system. Your choice of window can have a significant impact on monthly utility bills. Windows gain or lose heat by means of radiation, convection, conduction and air leakage. This is referred to as heat transfer and is expressed with U-factors or U-values. U-values are opposite or converse to R-values. Thus, a U-value of 2 is the same as an R-value of 0.5 0r 1/2. Not like R-values, the higher the U-values, the better. In other words, higher U-values have better insulation.
 

Conduction is the transfer of heat through a solid, such as metal. Most of the heat is lost through windows via conduction.  With less conductive window frames, such as wood and vinyl, you slow down heat flow. Double or triple pane windows are filled with nonreactive gas, such as Argon and Krypton between panes of glass. This helps to reduce heat flow, as well.
 

Radiation is the transfer of heat from a warmer place to a colder place. For example, if you stand near a fire, you’ll get a warm feeling on your body. On the contrary, your body feels cool when it radiates heat when taking a cold shower.
 

Air leakage through windows accounts for a huge percentage of heat loss through windows. Modern replacement windows have great features that efficiently stop the loss of heat through conduction, convention, radiation or air leakage.
 

Double pane and triple-pane glass windows are known for their superior insulating values. And combining double-pane or triple-pane windows with low-E coatings boosts energy efficiency considerably.

Comparing Vinyl vs Wood vs Aluminum Replacement Windows for Chicago Homeowners

How do vinyl replacement windows compare with wood and aluminum windows? What is the difference between vinyl, wood, and aluminum windows? When you start to shop for new replacement windows, you might be a little confused with the many options available to choose from. It’s impossible to say one is better than the other because each of them has their own pros and cons. In this post, you will get some great information to help you compare various features of vinyl, wood, and aluminum windows.
 

Vinyl Windows
 

Vinyl has a nice external appearance, making it very attractive. It comes in different styles and colors. Most vinyl windows are designed to mimic the appearance of wood. Many homeowners are advised to consider the long term benefits of the window they are thinking of buying. A vinyl replacement window will look as new in the next 15 years as it did the day it was purchased. Generally, vinyl won’t scratch or fade because the color is the same throughout. It also doesn’t require maintenance. It is typically less expensive.
 

Wood Windows
 

Wood is a natural insulator making it energy efficient and one of the best options for replacement windows. Wood is also considered the most attractive material in terms of its appearance. That’s why vinyl manufacturers are working hard to imitate the look of real wood. Maintenance is one major reason many homeowners avoid wood. While newly installed wood replacement windows can look beautiful, it requires a great deal of maintenance.
 

Aluminum Windows
 

Aluminum materials are known for their extraordinary strength. You can paint aluminum with any color of choice. This can help to match the color of your window frames with your home. However, outer coating or paint can chip off over time, and this will expose the metal underneath. Aluminum is a good noise insulator, but quite inefficient in terms of energy saving. As always, aluminum is a good conductor of heat and cold.