A: Windows are an essential component when constructing a new home. They are designed to be installed during the building process, typically before siding installation. Most windows have flanges which are attached to the window frame. Replacement windows, however, are sized to fit into an existing window opening without having to remove any siding. This makes them ideal for replacing old windows without needing to change existing siding.

A:Understanding window terminology is the first step in understanding the basics of fenestration. A window consists of four parts: glazing, stiles, top rail, and bottom rail. The glazing is the glass panes, while the stiles and rails form the window frame. The frame is installed within a framed opening, trimmed by two side jambs, a head jamb, and a sill. Different types of windows have different methods of installation, opening, and closing. As a homeowner, it is important to be aware of the various components of windows and the different types of replacement windows available.

Replacement windows come in many shapes and sizes, but most installations will use one of six basic types. 

Double Hung Windows are the most common, consisting of two sash that can move up and down in tracks. They offer good ventilation, but only half of the window opening can be used for airflow. Single-hung windows are similar, but the top sash is fixed and only the bottom sash can be operated.

Casement windows are a great choice for window replacement, as they open outward with a hand crank and offer full ventilation when open. They are also known as crank-out windows and seal tightly closed when shut, making them a great choice for energy efficient replacement windows. Casement windows have been a popular choice for windows for many years, and remain a great option for those looking for a reliable window option.

Awning windows are an excellent choice for window replacement, as they are hinged on the top and swing outward, usually by means of a crank. With a mostly horizontal configuration, these windows are often installed high on the walls and are especially popular in basements. Hopper windows are similar, but open inward instead. Replacement of awning windows can bring a fresh look to any room.

Bay and Bow Windows are a great replacement option for those looking to increase light introduction and even the usable living space in their home. These multi-window units project out from the wall, with Bay windows including one large picture window in the center and a tall, narrow side window at each end and Bow windows usually including at least four similar-sized windows that create a more curvilinear projection. Traditional bay and bow windows include an attached roof structure for exterior shelter, however Marvin Skycove offers an innovative take on this by replacing the roof with overhead glass for an immersive experience that can expand usable living space by up to 20 feet. Certified and warrantied, this is an easier and more cost-effective solution than a custom-built option.

Picture windows are an excellent choice when looking to replace existing windows in your home. These non-operable windows are typically large in size and installed in a prominent spot in a room. Available in a variety of shapes, such as square, rectangular, round-top, octagon, and other specialty shapes, picture windows add a unique touch to any home décor.

A: Replacement windows provide insulation benefits beyond that of a standard single-pane window. Quality window units are made up of two or three panes of glass in the frame, separated by thin spaces that are filled with inert gas (usually argon) and sealed. This insulating glass greatly decreases the amount of heat loss through the window, as well as limiting condensation or frosting - in most cases, triple panes (tri-pane) windows have better insulation performance than dual-pane units. The window glass is also treated with a low-emissivity (Low E) coating of microscopically thin metal such as silver, which blocks UV radiation and radiant heat transfer. In areas with hurricanes or areas where someone could fall into the glass, such as floor-level windows and windows in stairways, impact glass is required - a hybrid of tempered glass and laminated glass that resists breakage and does not shatter like standard glass.

A: Replacement windows are an important part of any home improvement project, but it can be hard to compare the energy efficiency of different models.  Every window or glass door has numeric energy efficiency ratings assigned to it by oversight agencies, and the best-known of these is the ENERGY STAR program run by the US EPA and Department of Energy and verified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). 
Windows are tested and rated according to two measures: The U-Factor and the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). The U-Factor tells you how well the window keeps heat indoors, with ratings ranging from 0.20 to 1.20, while the SHGC describes how well the window keeps heat out, and ranges from 0 to 1. 
Regionality plus the U-Factor and SHGC determine if a window earns an ENERGY STAR sticker, but the NFRC rating label is perhaps a more instructive guide for choosing a window. It reveals the U-Factor and NFRC metrics, along with a couple of others, which allows you to make one-to-one comparisons of the energy efficiency of the windows you are considering.

A: Cleaning your windows doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming. One cost-effective method is to make your own cleaning solution by combining warm water and a teaspoon of dishwashing soap into a 5-gallon bucket. Then use a scrubber or clean sponge that is damp with the solution and start at the top to wipe off the window. For the best results, use a lint-free cloth or squeegee to absorb the solution. Make sure that only dry areas are touching the window with each pass. Additionally, try to wash the windows when they are not in direct sunlight for the best outcome.

A: When it comes to selecting the materials for your windows, replacement frames, jambs, and trim, you have four main categories of materials to choose from. In some cases, you can have two different materials, such as wood for the interior and aluminum clad exterior. Each material comes with its own unique design elements and performance features, so it's important to consider factors like the climate you live in, the style of your home, and your aesthetic preferences when choosing the right material for you. Wood is a great match for windows as the species used in window construction and cladding have superior structural integrity and can be shaped into profiles you cannot achieve with other materials. Pine is the most common species used, although it can be clad with extruded aluminum or fiberglass cladding on the exterior for virtually maintenance-free use. Oak is selected mostly for aesthetic reasons, while mahogany is a beautiful, exotic hardwood with deep, rich tones that is becoming more expensive due to overharvesting. Be sure any Mahogany window you purchase is made with wood featuring Forest Stewardship Council certification for responsible growth and harvesting.

Aluminum: Aluminum is a popular choice for the exterior of windows, as it is very resistant to impact and extreme weather. Marvin Coastline windows and doors, for example, are entirely made of extruded aluminum for superior strength and resistance to hurricane winds. Aluminum is easy to maintain and won't fade or degrade due to weathering. To ensure the highest quality for your replacement windows, look for aluminum cladding that is extruded into finished profiles during the manufacturing process. Extruded aluminum is thicker than roll-form aluminum, and is therefore more resistant and performs better.

Vinyl: Vinyl windows are an attractive replacement option, as they are usually less expensive and require less maintenance than other kinds of windows. However, they are not the best insulators, except if the frames are not hollow. Furthermore, the color selection is limited as most vinyl windows are white or buff, as dark exteriors can soften or sag from heat or direct sunlight. Additionally, they can become brittle in very cold temperatures.

Fiberglass: Marvin windows are designed to be both high quality and durable, thanks to their use of fiberglass. Fiberglass is a man made material, so there is a wide variety of performance standards - Marvin offers two types of fiberglass that provide great insulation and have the advantage of dimensional stability, so the glass and the fiberglass frame expand and shrink at similar rates. It is important to avoid fiberglass with high concentrations of plastics and vinyls, as well as sawdust and wood fillers, as these will not provide the same weather-resistance as premium fiberglass. To ensure the best results, Marvin windows use fiberglass made with fiberglass fibers and resins that have high strength and do not sag or become brittle in extreme temperatures. Some windows also combine the weather-resistance of fiberglass or fiberglass cladding on the exterior with wood interiors that respond better to stain or paint, making them the perfect choice for replacement windows.