Purchasing new, replacement windows are an investment that can instantly improve the beauty, value and comfort of your home. When purchasing a windows replacement for your home, there are many factors to consider, such as the window construction, energy efficiency options, warranties and whether the window is custom-built for your home. Our team of Home Improvement Specialists will help you find the right windows replacement for your home and budget.
Windows Replacement
New windows should be constructed of durable, high quality materials that allow for a long service life. Consider some of the following factors when looking for new replacement windows. Read on to learn more about what to consider when purchasing a windows replacement.
Window Options
Constellation Home vinyl replacement windows are precision-engineered to achieve superior energy efficiency, helping you reduce your energy consumption and create a more comfortable living environment. Plus, with our windows you have a variety of color and design options that add distinction to your home.
Color Options
You have the option to select from a variety of colors and finishes that will add distinction and individuality to every room in your home.
Constellation Home vinyl windows are available in two solid colors, White and Beige, or in alternating colors, White/Beige, White/American Brown or Beige/American Brown.
For the appealing look of natural wood trim, you can select an optional light oak, dark oak, foxwood, or cherry woodgrain finish.
Glass Options
Select from a variety of glass options to complement any décor, from traditional to contemporary – all without sacrificing energy efficiency.
Cut Glass Grids
Classic grids are available in complementary white or beige, with Colonial, Diamond, Prairie and Double Prairie patterns.
Contoured Colonial grids feature a modeled “cut wood” look and are available in complementary colors and in matching wood grains. We also offer narrow Colonial grids with a bright-brass finish. All grids are enclosed within the insulated glass unit for easy cleaning.
Interior Glass Grids
Constellation Home windows are also available in a variety of cut and polished glass patterns.
Authentic Beveled-Leaded Glass
Enjoy a hand-crafted look with our leaded glass options, all which are hand-made using hand-cut glass, crystal bevel clusters and hand-soldered camings. Available in four attractive glass styles to suit your architectural décor, or select a caming metal to match your taste in brass, lead or pewter.
More Replacement Window Options
Windows replacements from Constellation Home are available in a variety of styles and options. To see more options, view the sections below.
Construction of Replacement Windows
Fusion-Welded for Strength
An entirely fusion-welded window, both sashes and mainframes, is an advanced manufacturing method that creates a solid one-piece unit. A fusion-welded window will never split or weaken over the years, unlike windows that use staples, screws or caulk to bind the corners of window frames.
Maintenance Free Vinyl
Windows constructed with rugged, maintenance-free vinyl are the ideal solution. Vinyl windows will never stick, corrode, pit or rot like wood or metal windows. Wash them with soap and water and they’ll look great year-after-year
Frame Materials
The material used in the construction of window frames will vary by dealer, but are primarily made of vinyl, wood or aluminum. Window frames have a significant impact on the insulating capacity of the window, since the frame can represent from 10 to 30 percent of the total area of a window unit. The frame properties have a significant influence on the total window performance. Therefore, determining the appropriate frame will depend upon the climate region and application.
Frame Construction
The strength and efficiency of a window depends on the material and the construction technique. Vinyl replacement windows offer superior efficiency and durability with the combination of glass options, insulation options and fusion-welded frames. And, most vinyl windows will be maintenance free, meaning you’ll never have to scrape, paint or stain the window.
Weather Stripping
Weather stripping is an energy-saving feature that can significantly improve R-Factor of a window. Look for heavy-duty, plastic weather stripping for maximum durability and superior thermal efficiency.
Window Balance System
The balance system for a replacement window is essential to the smooth operation and operational longevity of the window.
Block and Tackle
- Quietest balance on the market
- Smooth operation – low friction
- Easy to replace; no adjustments required
- Spring tension system will not trap dirt or debris
- Reinforced synthetic fiber balance cord, the strongest strand cord
- Cycle tested to more than 10,000 cycle counts*
- Choice balance system for most premium wood and vinyl window manufacturers
- Balance is hidden from view
Constant Force
- Long-term spring coil dirt build-up is likely – leading to higher friction and tension
- Prone to corrosion and breaking
- Matching of balance/sash-weight is critical – little margin for errorNoisy – may “chatter” during operation
- Not field adjustable
- Precision placement required to ensure proper operation and to prevent long-term sash drift
Spiral
- Shaft lubricant picks up dirt
- Prone to long-term tension loss
- Often requires post-installation field-adjustment
- When totally extended, balance shaft vulnerable to bending
- Seasonal non-use can create high failure rate
- Requires balance cover (often unsightly) to conceal
- Noisy – may “chatter” during operation
Custom-Built Windows
Every vinyl replacement window should be individually measured, custom-made and professionally installed to ensure the perfect fit. Windows designed for maximum energy efficiency and constructed with high-quality, heavy-duty materials will ensure your windows last. Regardless if you a replacing a double-hung window or need a bow window installed, each window should be customized for your home.
Energy Efficiency of Replacement Windows
Energy efficiency is a very important consideration when reviewing your replacement window options. Below are some factors that affect the efficiency of new replacement windows:
Glass Coatings
A low-emittance (or “Low-E”) glass coating is a microscopically thin film applied to the glass. This coating keeps the heat inside in the winter and outside in summer. Selecting the proper Low-E coating is dependent upon climate zones. The rating is determined by the amount of heat from the sun allowed to penetrate through the glass.
Gas Filling
Filling the space between window panes with a more slow-moving gas minimizes the overall transfer of heat between the inside and outside. Many energy efficient windows have Argon, Krypton, or other gases between the panes. These odorless, colorless, non-toxic gases provide better insulation and a lower U-Factor.
Warm Edge Spacers
Window spacers maintain the proper distance between the glazing layers of windows. Previously, aluminum spacers were used, but were discovered to cause significant heat loss and condensation buildup. Today’s warm edge spacers–made of steel, foam, fiberglass, or vinyl — lower the U-Factor and prevent condensation.
Weather Stripping
Weather stripping is a feature that has experienced significant improvements over the last 20 years. More durable, better performing plastic weather stripping is used for superior thermal performance. Heavy-duty weather stripping can increase the R-Factor of a window to provide greater energy efficiency.
ENERGY STAR®
Approximately 46% of the average home’s annual energy budget is consumed by heating and cooling costs. Every window featuring the ENERGY STAR label meets the specific energy efficient performance standards developed by the EPA and US Department of Energy. ENERGY STAR labeled windows are twice as efficient as windows purchased just ten years ago and forty percent more efficient than products required under most common national building codes. Visit www.energystar.gov for more information.
National Fenestration Rating Council
The NFRC label has been designed to help you determine how a particular window can be expected to perform. The NFRC provides consumers with a means for simple and accurate product comparison. Each label highlights the manufacturer, describes the window, and provides additional information, such as energy performance attributes. Visit www.nfrc.org for more information.
