Picture your Long Island home with beautiful windows that let in natural light and enhance its design. If you think it’s time for a replacement, it’s best to know what to look for when buying new windows. You’ll want options that balance style, durability and performance. Explore our guide below to make an informed decision.
Consider Window Styles
With careful planning, you can choose stylish windows that match your home’s design and improve its aesthetic appeal. Let’s review some of the most popular Long Island window styles below:
- Double-hung windows: This versatile design has two square frames called window sashes that can slide and open from the top or bottom. Both sashes also tilt inward, which makes cleaning the outer window glass easier. Double-hung windows don’t protrude to open, allowing you to maximize areas with limited space. They complement traditional and contemporary homes.
- Casement windows: Also called crank windows, this window is hinged on the side and swings outward to provide an expansive view. Its crank mechanism makes opening and closing windows convenient. Casement windows maximize ventilation and come with an airtight seal when closed. They go well with modern or traditional house designs on Long Island.
- Sliding windows: Prefer sleek lines and expansive windows? Sliding windows provide wide views, glide smoothly on tracks and are easy to close. They don’t extend outward or interfere with tight spaces or walkways. Their slim frame allows plenty of natural light inside areas like living rooms with a patio view. When choosing windows for your home, consider sliding windows for a modern design or a compact room.
- Awning windows: Hinged at the top, awning windows open from the bottom outward. This design allows adequate ventilation while providing cover from rain or snow. They’re practical choices for spaces above kitchen counters or bathrooms.
- Bay and bow windows: For a striking architectural statement, consider bay and bow windows that extend outward from the wall. Bay windows have distinct angles, while bow windows create a softer, curved profile. Combining these windows fills rooms with natural light, making them look more spacious. Bay and bow windows are ideal for living rooms or dining rooms in Long Island homes.
- Picture windows: As the name suggests, these are fixed windows that frame the outdoor view like a work of art. They’re typically used in areas where ventilation isn’t a priority, offering a beautiful focal point in a room. They also flood rooms with bright natural light. Since they don’t open, they offer extra insulation. Picture windows are well-suited for Long Island homes with high ceilings and scenic outdoor views.
Choose Quality Window Materials
Carefully consider the framing material when choosing windows for your home, such as fiberglass, vinyl, wood or aluminum. Learn about the pros and cons of different window materials below:
Wooden Frames
Windows with wooden frames bring a touch of natural elegance for a classic style. They’re customizable with wood stain or paint to match the home’s design. They offer quality insulation and energy efficiency while regulating indoor temperature.
However, wood is more sensitive to moisture, especially with salt air, rainy weather and humid summers on Long Island. If you choose wooden window frames, they require regular maintenance, such as cleaning, sealing and occasional repainting, to protect against moisture and elements.
Vinyl Frames
Vinyl windows are a durable and cost-effective option that offers good energy efficiency and requires low maintenance. They’re also resistant to moisture, rot and insect infestation.
However, their life span also depends on weather exposure. For example, vinyl frames may not last as long if constantly exposed to direct sunlight and other harsh elements. For maintenance, occasional cleaning with soap and water is sufficient.
Vinyl is a good material for changing seasons and humid weather, making it suitable for Long Island’s coastal climate.
Fiberglass Frames
Fiberglass windows are highly durable and require minimal maintenance. They’re warp-resistant and withstand moisture, weather damage and rot. Fiberglass windows offer excellent energy efficiency and maintain comfortable indoor temperatures all year round. They’re also customizable with various paint colors, enabling homeowners to harmonize with their home’s design.
If you’re choosing windows for your home, invest in fiberglass frames — they offer one of the best overall durability for Long Island’s coastal weather.
Aluminum Frames
Aluminum windows are sleek, modern, durable and warp-resistant. They’re also lightweight and corrosion-resistant and need little maintenance, making them a popular choice for contemporary homes.
However, aluminum frames aren’t the best option for energy efficiency and Long Island’s changing seasons. They’re less insulating and contract and expand with heat, causing window seals to break down over time. To prevent heat loss, placing thermal breaks helps improve their performance.
Composite Frames
Composite windows combine different materials, such as wood’s natural elegance and vinyl’s durability. This results in aesthetically pleasing windows that require low maintenance. They’re resistant to rot and insect infestation and can withstand exposure to changing weather. They also provide excellent insulation for energy efficiency.
Composite windows typically cost more than other window materials, though they’re durable and low maintenance. A well-designed and installed composite window can withstand Long Island’s coastal weather conditions.
Invest in Energy-Efficient Windows
Besides choosing window styles and materials, prioritize getting energy-efficient windows for your Long Island home — windows cause heat loss in 25%-35% of homes. For example, energy-efficient Preservation windows with optional EnergyMaxx insulated glass features keep your home well-insulated while helping lower your energy bill.
To improve your home’s heating and cooling costs, here’s how to choose energy-efficient windows:
1. Look for the ENERGY STAR® Label
Windows with the ENERGY STAR label meet the EPA’s strict energy performance standards. Through the EPA’s Energy Policy Act, the ENERGY STAR program promotes products to minimize energy consumption and pollution. The ENERGY STAR label lets you know if a window is ideal for your area’s climate.
2. Consider the U-Factor
The U-factor measures how a window effectively resists heat flow, indicating its insulation performance. A low U-factor value suggests that windows prevent heat transfer, resulting in better insulation. The U-factor is important in gauging comfort and energy savings.
ENERGY STAR-qualified windows meet specific U-factor standards that are ideal for different areas. This helps you find the right energy-efficient windows for your location.
3. Select Windows With a Low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
The SHGC indicates how much solar heat passes through the window. Low SHGC levels minimize unwanted heat in areas with warm climates, while windows with higher SHGC allow more heat to pass through for places with colder climates.
When choosing energy-efficient windows, consider the SHGC and the U-factor to match your area’s climate rating. Windows with ratings that have low SHGC and low U-factors boost energy savings for locations with both cold and hot seasons. This is beneficial to your Long Island home.
Trust Total Home Construction Corp. for Top-Quality Window Replacement
Need guidance in selecting the best windows for your Long Island home? Consult with Total Home Construction for high-quality windows with the right material, style and energy efficiency for your needs. We provide Preservation windows and siding that can match your home’s modern or traditional design, as well as other reputable window brands that are stylish and durable.
Total Home Construction has been providing reliable home renovation roofing, siding and windows on Long Island since 1989. We offer top-quality GAF roofing services and other major roofing brands if you need a roof replacement. We’ll work closely with you throughout your home improvement needs.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and window replacement estimate. We’re excited to work with you!
