Choosing the right window involves finding ones that fit the character of the home, offer energy efficiency, and meet a maintenance schedule and budget that corresponds to your lifestyle. Let's take a closer look at the options.

 

Wood

-       When properly maintained a wood sash & frame will last indefinitely.

-       Clean with a mild solution once a year.

-       Touch up damaged areas in the painted finish with a matching high quality primer and paint.

-       Routinely inspect exterior caulking and repair loose caulk and seal any gaps.

-       Replacing just the sashes is an DIY friendly job; leave it to a pro to put in a full-frame unit.

-       Wood is a natural insulator.

-       Energy star-rated windows can save up to 24% off your heating and cooling costs.

-       Available in any size, shape and style.

-       Expensive

 

-       Need virtually no maintenance beyond the occasional washing.

-       Thermal break required to insure good insulation.

-       Limited color selection.

-       Aluminum clad.

-       Least expensive.

 

Vinyl

-       Make up the largest portion of the market.

-       Need virtually no maintenance beyond the occasional washing.

-       Good at insulating heat and resisting moisture.

-       Limited color selection. Subject to fading.

-       Moderate.

 

Fiberglass

-       Relatively new to the market.

-       As maintenance free as vinyl. Can be painted to suit homeowner needs.

-       From an energy efficiency standpoint, superior to wood, composite, vinyl and most hybrid frames.

-       Easy to shape and sculpture.

-       Provide a stronger and more durable frame than vinyl. Good for large openings.

-       Moderately expensive.

 

Clad

-       Popular aesthetic choice. Maintenance free aluminum or vinyl is used to weather the outside; with wood retained for an attractive interior.

-       Offer all benefits of wood.

-       Variety of colors.

-       Moderately expensive.

 

Composite and Hybrid

-       Made up of different compressed wood particles.

-       Slightly more durable and energy efficient than wood and wood clad frames.

-       Has a more wood look than vinyl without the maintenance issues.

-       Can be painted.

-       Very expensive but gaining popularity.

 

Adding to the selection process are choices in window types and glazing choices. Depending on your taste and needs, the window world offers a variety of beautiful styles to enhance your living space. And what a difference your choice can make. Double hung, casement, fixed, slider, awning are just a few of the delightful choices available. Click here to see the options. 

 

This Old House magazine comments that 'vintage single-pane wavy glass can't be beat for character but provides little protection against heat and cold'. For help in understanding the different glass (glazing) types, click here.

 

The March 2010 issue of This Old House magazine offers an informative article on windows that succinctly addresses material types, styles and installation methods. This handy article is worth keeping for future use.

 

Other advice worth considering is to get the most window you can for the money even if it means doing a whole-house replacement in two or three stages as opposed to all at once. In the long run you'll be happier with a better quality window.

 

After all the homework is done, consumers should consider the level of service provided by the manufacturer and contractor after the sale.  Windows are only as good as their installation and subsequent care they receive. 

 

Now if we could only find one that washed itself.

July/August 2009

I grew up in a family where we grew tomatoes in the back yard. After Mom and Dad moved to the farm they always had a big garden.  In fact it was usually so big that it nearly wore them out.  Daddy worked the garden and mom did all the canning and cooking.  Although 'organic gardening' was barely heard of at that time that was pretty much what they had.  The ground was rich and if it wasn't good enough the manure was handy.  Of course you had to fight the deer, the coons and the birds for the crop but there was always plenty.  Daddy grew corn, green beans, black-eyed peas, peppers, beets, greens, lettuce, tomatoes, squash, peaches and plenty of chigger-laden black berries.  Oh, the great meals we had from those gardens.  Jerry's parents also had a big garden back in Memphis and so we enjoyed many a meal from their labors of love.  Now both of my sons, Bryant and Brad, have their own gardens and they fight the same critters for the crops. It is worth the time and effort though.  Anytime you can work the ground, plant the seeds, weed, water and baby new plants and then be rewarded with wonderful, vitamin rich fresh vegetables it is worth the time and effort.  We are suffering from diseases and ailments these days that were seldom if ever heard of before the time of processed goods.  For those of us who live in towns and cities where personal gardens are not as feasible about the best we can do to get really healthful fruits and vegetables is to buy them at our local farmers markets or participate in community gardens.  Perhaps if we insisted on 'organic foods' instead of just buying whatever is convenient the rule of supply and demand would take over.  Buying what is in season and grown locally is another way to live more healthy.  Remember when we waited for those first wonderful tomatoes or peaches to come in season instead of buying preservative-laden shipped in, overpriced fruit and vegetables from overseas? The anticipation seemed to heighten the appreciation and the flavor and I know they were better for us.  I think I'll go home and see what veggies will grow in my flower beds!

Editors Note: Spring is here! Flower beds are an excellent substitute venue for the traditional vegetable garden. Culinary herbs are right at home among the landscaping and give beautiful edible color. The newest gardening trend for small spaces is the Square Foot Garden - offering high yield companion planting that will provide a bounty for your dining table.