Is it time to replace your windows? If you’re like many of our clients, you’re wishing your current home had more durable windows. That’s because homeowners often mistakenly choose low-cost windows, believing this is the best way to save money. However, basic “builder-grade” models aren’t often the best value because they aren’t long-lasting windows. If you get discount windows, but they only last three to five years before they break or fail, you’ll end up spending more money to replace them much sooner than you would if you’d bought quality- or custom-grade windows. Low-quality windows don’t insulate as well either, meaning you’ll need to spend more on heating and air conditioning costs. What’s more, if you want to sell your home, having high-quality windows can be a huge selling point—and can bring 73% to 80% return on investment (meaning you’ll recoup up to 80% of your cost outlay at closing). In fact, window replacement offers one of the best ROIs of all home-remodeling projects.

So, choosing quality models is critical to ensuring you get the most from your investment and that you’re able to enjoy great-looking, high-performance windows for decades to come. When you’re looking for the best kinds of windows, there are certain features to keep an eye out for:

Superior Window-Frame Materials

Wood and clad frames, like those made by Andersen, and fiberglass frames, like those made by Beechworth, are generally among the best-quality window materials.

Wood

Wood windows not only look great, they perform extremely well, too. Wood frames make superior insulators, so they’re great for those living in very cold or very hot climates. The only drawbacks are that wood can potentially rot or warp–especially when exposed to extremely wet weather and dramatic temperature fluctuations—and requires more maintenance than its vinyl counterpart. Thus, wood-window manufacturers like Andersen offer “clad” windows, which are comprised of wood frames with exteriors that are wrapped with vinyl to seal out water, resist the elements, and reduce maintenance requirements.

Fiberglass

Today’s fiberglass windows are incredibly durable, can withstand temperature fluctuations without warping, offer excellent insulative properties, and, unlike early iterations, aren’t prone to developing a chalky appearance. In fact, fiberglass windows don’t offer any of the drawbacks inherent in other types of framing materials. They’re maintenance-free and offer superior design flexibility, with the ability to painted or stained or even clad in wood to give them a warm, pleasing appearance.

As you may have guessed, there is are higher initial costs to wood and fiberglass frames, but because they offer optimal performance, exceptional durability, and impressive longevity, and are highly visually appealing, NJ replacement-window contractors know they’re an excellent value. By choosing one of the long-lasting window frames, you’ll be able to enjoy your windows for several decades instead of several years. And since both wood and fiberglass are made from sustainable materials, you can feel good about using them to bring quality, warmth, protection, and beauty to your home, too.

Choosing High-Quality Window Glass

It wouldn’t make much sense to pair the best kind of window material with low-quality glass, as the two work together to provide you with a high-quality window. The best windows offer you crystal-clear views to the outside while sealing out air from the outside. Poor-quality glass can become cloudy or allow moisture to become trapped between its panes. In addition, condensation could appear on the inside of windows that are poorly made and/or insulated.

Because conflicting information about window insulation and high-quality glass abound, it can be tough to figure out what type of glass you really need as well as which window-glass claims are gimmicks. When working with an NJ replacement-window contractor, ask for window glass with a U-value of 0.30 to 0.25 (the lower, the better) that’s ENERGY STAR® rated. Your windows should be made from double-paned, low-emissive-coated glass that’s been filled with argon or krypton. Why do the most durable windows feature gas between their panes? Because they’re denser, these gasses work as much better insulators than regular air could. They keep your home at a more stable temperature and help to reduce drafts and cold spots.

Window Installation

While it’s important to choose the quality of your materials carefully, it’s absolutely essential to choose high-quality NJ replacement-window contractors to install your new windows. Otherwise, even high-quality, long-lasting window materials can prematurely fail, leak, and become drafty. If you choose a fly-by-night contractor or try to install them yourself, you could even ruin the windows and void your warranty!

Instead, choose a contractor that’s certified to install the type of windows you’ve chosen. George J Keller & Sons, LLC is part of the Beechworth Contractor Network and is certified by the factory to install the entire range of Beechworth Fiberglass Windows and Doors. Our company also has a 20-year affiliation with Andersen Windows, perhaps the best-known name in new and replacement windows.

Now that you know how to choose the best kinds of windows, are you ready to take the next step? Make a powerful investment in your home by choosing high-quality windows from top names like Andersen and Beechworth and working with the area’s premier NJ replacement-window contractor, George J Keller & Sons. Contact us today at 973-927-0963 to learn more and schedule time to sit down with us and get a free, no-obligation quote!