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Friday, January 29, 2016

Live in a Condominium, Townhouse or a Development in Chicago and Need to Replace Your Windows?

Posted by: Ken Mariotti

David Weekly Townhouse
If your windows are in need of replacement and your house, condo, townhouse or apartment is part of a homeowners’ association (HOA) there are a few things you’ll want to consider.

A HOA will typically have a set of documents governing repairs, upgrades or modifications made to your residence. These are the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions known as the CC&Rs. Be sure to read these documents for specifications related to replacing your windows. Using these guidelines, will save you headaches in the long run.

The section of the CC&R pertaining to windows will likely designate window replacement as the homeowner’s responsibility and require you to file an Architectural Variance Request for approval of your replacement project. The HOA will typically specify the color choices, glass, and window configurations. Some associations will recommend specific windows and installers as well. Once you are clear about your options and you’re ready to select your windows, there are three key considerations for replacing windows when you live in a common interest development (CID).

EMS/Garrison 

ONE Energy Efficient
Technological advances mean that your new windows will outperform your old windows for comfort and energy efficiency. Whether your HOA specifies energy efficient windows or not, you’ll want to include this on your list of key features. Select the right window frame material and glass to maximize efficiencies depending on which direction your windows face, for example, east facing windows can benefit from the morning sun, while west facing windows may need to reduce the amount of light absorbed by the window.

TWO Window Profile
It’s important to maintain the exterior uniformity of your windows to match the other residences in the community. Select new windows that look similar to your original windows, otherwise your windows will detract from the appearance of the rest of the community. Different manufacturers or different window materials result in different profiles, so pay close attention to this aspect of your window selection.

THREE Type of Replacement

Chicago Condominium
Full Window Replacement
There are two options for replacing windows that depend on your project.

If you are performing extensive remodeling work, then you need to go for a full window replacement. A full window replacement may also be required when you change the positioning or the size of the current window or when a window frame is completely rotten.

Full replacement windows, such as Andersen emulate new construction installations. The whole sash and window frame are removed for a greater glass viewing area and superior operation. Whether it is a casement, specialty, awning or a double-hung window, you will find it easier and more economical to find the appropriate window for your replacement or remodeling project.

A full window replacement actually saves money and time. It may take you only five to ten minutes to install a pre-assembled replacement window. It doesn’t need cutting, measuring, filling nail holes or mitering while offering an excellent finish.

Partial Window Replacement
If the window to be replaced is a double-hung and the window frame is in perfect condition, a partial window replacement could be the best choice. A partial window replacement, also known as sash replacement, is used when at least one section of the double-hung glass of a window is defective and needs to be substituted.

Sash replacement windows are quite complex in terms of design and may cost a little more to repair, but the windows usually cost less than a full window replacement.


New windows look beautiful and are a huge improvement to your home’s comfort - be the envy of your community!

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Cold Wet Winter Inside? Are Your Old Windows Letting the Winter in?


Posted by: Ken Mariotti


Today.com
Tired of a drafty house?
Tired of taping gaps around your windows?
Tired of winter already when it’s only January?

Can’t see out your windows?
Condensation dripping down your windows?
Tired of winter already when it’s only January?

The weather outside shouldn’t appear on the inside. If you’re constantly chilly the culprit may be your old windows. If your windows are letting the winter in - it may be time to replace your old windows. Inefficient windows leak cold air and moisture.

There are many ways to temporarily fix the problems, but the permanent solution to drafts and cold wet windows is to replace your old and leaky windows with new energy-efficient products.

Drafty windows or cold windows are chief among the reasons to replace windows. When you sit next to your window in winter it’s colder than the rest of the house and the HVAC system works overtime. Simply put, your old windows probably provide little to no insulating value.

Andersen 400 Series
Double-paned glazing with insulating argon gas eliminates uncomfortable, expensive drafts. Todays technology also includes warm-edge spacers and new weather stripping materials to further insulate. Understanding the SHGC (solar heat gain co-efficient) of the glass options, allows you to further control how much heat enters and leaves your home during the winter. For example, in our northern climate you can choose a high SHGC glazing, which means the window will reflect heat back into the home, collecting more solar heat, for your south facing windows.

Condensation or frost build up can naturally be worse in the winter when the outside temperature is below the dew point of the indoor air. Water or frost appears when warm moist air comes in contact with colder dry air.  Older single pane windows provide no insulation allowing condensation to form on the cold surface creating water droplets or ice on the glass. Even early double-pane windows with aluminum spacers can experience condensation. If this describes your windows, like the drafty or cold windows above, upgrading your windows to today’s technologies will make a significant difference.

Today’s windows are engineered differently. Frankly, the most important part of the window to resist condensation is that spacer that keeps the panes of glass apart and seals in the gas. Today’s spacers are made of less conductive stainless steel, U-shaped tin steel, and foam polymers. Low-E and glass filled glass panes reduce temperature transfer between the inside and outside. With improved window frame technologies as well, new windows are sure to significantly improve if not eliminate condensation woes.

The good news is that you don’t have to suffer through another winter because winter is a great time to replace you windows. Come to our showroom to see replacement windows by Andersen, Marvin, Pella and more.