Why Vinyl Replacement Windows?

Choosing vinyl replacement windows for your next home improvement is an easy decision to make. Vinyl replacement windows are made from PVC, polyvinyl chloride, a plastic that is commonly found in most, if not all vinyl replacement windows. These types of windows are the most common type of window installed today, whether be it new construction or house remodeling for it’s pricing, reliability, and low-maintenance requirements.



Maintenance Free

There really isn’t much maintenance involved in vinyl replacement windows aside from normal window washing. Since these windows are made from vinyl, the need to worry about rot, mold, termites, sanding and painting are eliminated with vinyl window replacements. Also, since the vinyl is factory colored throughout, makes it very hard to notice scratches and dings go unnoticeable. So, all-in-all, your buying a window replacement that is low maintenance and highly energy efficient in reducing your heating and cooling bills and keep home maintenance costs down.

How to choose the best vinyl replacement window?

While technology has taken great strides, it is still important to do your research on the different brands out there. There’s still a few things that should stand out to you. Here’s a good starters list of things you should look out for in your search for a vinyl window replacement.

Low-E glass — Low-E glass is a process where the window manufacture uses a silver like coating over the glass, and works as a mirror reflecting heat back towards the direction it came from. Low-E also protects the interior of your home’s carpeting, drapes, furniture from fading.

What is Argon filled gas? When considering replacing your windows, you might want to consider choosing replacement windows incased with argon gas. Argon gas is more dense than oxygen and therefore, reduces the heat transfer rate in your home – increasing your energy savings!

What is a R-Value ? R-values are ratings based on the energy performance a window should have. When shopping for a vinyl or wood replacement window, the higher the number, the more insulation that window will have – increasing energy savings!

What is a U-Value? U-values are similar to R-values, with two major differences: The first difference is U-values are ratings for the entire replacement window unit itself, whereas R-values are ratings for specific materials of the window itself. Second, you want to look for the lowest U-Value of a window for enhanced energy savings performance.

So basically, R-Values are ratings for how much heat is retained, and U-Values are ratings for how heat is lost…



With rising heating and cooling costs for our homes and with no sign of relief in the future, it’s no wonder why many homeowners are always continuously looking for cost effective ways to reduce the energy efficiency of their homes. Now, having this in mind, one of the most cost effective and long-lasting ways to do this is by replacing your old drafty worn out windows, with new vinyl replacement windows. Having vinyl replacement windows installed in your home, will help considerably in producing the maximum benefit of reducing your homes heating and cooling bills. To

I know replacing your windows may sound costly, but it really isn’t! In fact, one of the biggest advantages to having vinyl replacement windows installed in your home is their low cost. A typical window installation here in Massachusetts, can run you between 300-550.00 installed, plus the cost of the window itself. Most of these windows can save you up to 40% in your homes heating and cooling bills. So for example, the average cost to replace windows for a typical home is roughly 7,000 to 8,500 including the cost of the windows with window installation. With these numbers in mind, let’s do some math..

8,500 x .40 =3,400.00 right? 3,400 dollars will be your savings in your heating and cooling bills over a period of time.  So how long will it take to recoup the cost of replacing your windows? Let’s see, here in New England where we can have some crazy cold weather, our heating and cooling costs can range from 300 – 500 monthly, depending on the size of your home. So let’s take the amount of replacement windows savings and calculate the time it would take to recoup the replacement windows cost..

500.00 x .40 =200.00 right? 200.00 x12 =2,400 per year in savings, not too shabby huh? But, we want to know when we will recoup the final cost? So let’s take the 2,400 number in annual replacement windows savings and see what we come up with.

2,400 x 3.5 = 8,400 ! So you see, you can recoup the cost of replacing your windows in roughly three and half years. That doesn’t seem to long to wait! And in the mean time, you’ll see savings of 2,400 dollars per year! I know what I could do with an extra 2,400 bucks…

But how do you know that it’s time to replace your windows?

As a replacement window contractor in Massachusetts, I know many ways I can determine when it’s time to replace your windows, and what will give your home the best looking, and highest performance for a replacement window. There are many tell tale signs that are visible from the interior and exterior view of your windows frame. Many of which are:

• Failed seals around your windows, creating a steamed look to your window, or a foggy look;
• Lack of insulation around the window;
• Caulking around the windows interior and exterior cracking and pulling apart;
• Single pane glass, having single pane glass is a dead give away. If you have single pane glass windows, it’s time to replace them –enough said!

I realize that it can be hard trying to choose what type of replacement window to choose from, I’ll do my best to make your vinyl replacement choice an easy one. Replacement windows do come in a wide variety of colors and styles, as well as pricing, so take into consideration the style and decor of your home. Having a replacement window contractor install these windows for you can take away the daunting task of shopping around for a window. In most cases, your windows can be installed in a single day, in return you won’t have window installers at your home for weeks.
Below are a few top rated replacement window manufactures, because of their energy efficiency and ease of maintenance and durability. More and more homeowners are choosing these vinyl windows brands when it comes to comparing replacement windows in their homes. Vinyl replacement windows are proving to be the top choice in the window replacement market today – for clearly obvious reasons.

We will start off with Harvey replacement windows

Harvey Vinyl Replacement Windows

Harvey vinyl replacement windows are known for their high unsurpassed performance. Having Harvey windows installed in your home and like many that I’ve done in the past as a window contractor, have offered reliability, energy efficiency and beauty. Harvey’s windows feature quality window craftsmanship, multi-chamber construction, 100% virgin vinyl that will offer a true through and though everlasting white color, that if scratched, wouldn’t be visible. Harvey replacement windows also offers the top of the line block and tackle balances, that never need adjustment and the convenience of tilt-in sashes for easy cleaning and maintenance.

Classic Vinyl Double Hung Windows

The Harvey classic double hung windows offers the homeowner with a wide variety of colors, styles, options, and performance to choose from. The classic double hung window is what you see in many homes across New England, whether it’s a ranch, cottage, or a historical victorian home, a double hung window from Harvey is a great choice.

The classic double hung window comes with a sleek clean look with welded seems for superior window frame performance, with an unmatched air tight seal to keep wind and water where it belongs –outside!

• Factory calibrated block & tackle sash balances never need adjustment or lubrication
• Locking half screen with non-glare charcoal aluminum wire
• Insulated double hung windows with 7/8″ PPG Intercept® warm edge spacer system provides 10% warmer indoor glass temperature
• Interlock at meeting rail and double weather stripping for a triple seal
• Ventilation limit latches keep top or bottom sash partially open
• ENERGY STAR® qualified with optional Low-E/Argon glazing
• Available in an acoustical double hung window to reduce unwanted noise

Marvin Replacement Windows
Marvin replacement windows makes an aluminum clad and wood interior window, that offers low-maintenance and high quality frame materials. Marvin replacement windows are made with strong and secure side rails and frames. They offer fair prices for their window lines in my opinion. They also carry the “ultimate double hung window” which is their new product line, and one of my favorites as well.
At (MBM) Construction, we recommend Marvin wood interiors for the following reasons:

• Marvin windows are solid. Marvin windows are more stable and heavy duty than most other window manufactures. Their frames are built well to exceed most expectations and uses.
• Marvin windows are sleek and attractive, They come with a sleek decorative bead molding that surrounds the glass, giving their profile a smooth and clean appearance.
• The snap in grid system has a spring loaded pin that seats itself in the bead molding of the sashes. The snap in grids are reasonably priced and gives a sleek look to your window. Other options are divided lite mullins ( grids that give the appearance of divided panes of glass) they are available in many styles and variations to your liking.
• The exterior of  Marvin replacement windows also come in a unique variety of colors, 19 aluminum colors to be exact. The interior wood of the window, comes in a generous variety of wood species: Mahogany, Douglas fir, pine – primed or not primed.
• Marvin now offers a hidden tilt feature that enhances usability from their previous model — I like this feature a lot. It comes available in half or full screen models.

Andersen 200 Series Replacement Windows
Andersen Windows Double Hung Windows are a great way to add value and visual appeal to your home. Andersen Windows Double Hung Windows are functional with great design to give you the best of both worlds. Andersen Windows Double Hung Windows are a great investment. You’ll want to make sure you are choosing the right replacement windows for your home and your budget.
Narroline Double Hung Window
Andersen Windows Narroline Double Hung Windows are a great way to add value and visual appeal to your home. We have provided you with a list of some of the benefits of Andersen Windows 200 Series Narroline Double Hung Windows.

• Neat and trim line design.
• Larger glass area lets in more light.
• Andersen Windows Narroline Double Hung Windows feature natural wood interiors.
• Attractive low maintenance Perma-Shield® exteriors.
• Low-E or dual-pane insulating glass for optimum temperature control.
• High-tech weather-stripping.
• Wide range of sizes.
• Variety of grilles & insect screen options.
• Andersen Windows come with a renowned limited warranty.
• One of the largest service networks in the industry.

Tilt Wash Double Hung Windows
Andersen Windows Tilt-Wash Double Hung Windows are functional with great design to give you the best of both worlds. We have provided you with a list of some of the benefits of Andersen Windows 200 Series Tilt-Wash Double Hung Windows.

• Solid, dependable and efficient. Convenient tilt-in cleaning.
• Andersen Windows Tilt-Wash Double Hung Windows feature natural wood interiors.
• Attractive low maintenance Perma-Shield® exteriors.
• Andersen Windows Tilt-Wash Double Hung Windows come with either low-e or dual-pane insulating glass for optimum temperature control.
• High-tech weatherstripping.
• Wide range of sizes.
• Variety of grilles & insect screen options.
• Andersen Windows come with a renowned limited warranty.
• One of the largest service networks in the industry.

The federal tax credit of up to 1,500 in energy efficiency

All of these window manufacture’s listed above sell windows that meet and exceed the requirements to receive your federal tax credit rebate of up to 1,500.
To get your $1,500 tax credit, you need to shop smart. Many windows and doors out there don’t meet the new requirements—even some high-end brands you’ve heard of. A lot of companies haven’t processed or don’t even know about the new tax credit. There’s a lot of confusion about this right now—you don’t want to be left empty-handed.
Here’s what you need to do: Make sure that any replacement window or door you buy has a U-Factor and SHGC of .30 or less. If the window company won’t show you the NFRC sticker certifying the ratings, walk away. If you’re unsure or suspicious, visit the NFRC at www.nfrc.org. You can verify ratings in the product directory or contact them directly.

If you are looking for a professional Massachusetts replacement windows company, then please call us today at 781-856-2001 or complete our “>online request form.

For a professional Walpole replacement window contractor, please call us at 781-856-2001 and schedule an estimate with us today!

www.mbmcarpentry.com

In these times of rising energy costs, many Walpole homeowners are looking at ways to save money on heating and cooling bills.  If you’re looking to cut back on energy costs and usage, replacing your older, leaky windows is actually one of the most efficient solutions! With the new federal tax credit rebate of up to 1,500 – makes this an even better time to upgrade your windows.

If your home currently still has old single pane windows, you shouldn’t be surprised to hear that they’re inefficient. Why? Because they are not insulated and typically aren’t treated with heat-reflecting or low-E coatings, this will allow a great deal of heat transfer in and out. Meaning whether you’re cooling or heating your home, some of your energy is escaping through the thin glass of your windows. Also, if your windows are broken or damaged, they’re probably leaking, regardless of whether they’re single or double paned.

To make your home more energy efficient, you need replacement windows. In fact, according to a Consumer Reports October 2007 article, double pane replacement windows can save you between 20% and 30% on energy costs annually (vs. single pane windows). You’ll want to select new windows with insulating features for the greatest energy savings; options include heat-reflecting film, double panes, low-E coatings, and argon gas filled windows. Many windows include more than one of these elements for superior energy retention. More than 50% of replacement windows in the U.S. are vinyl: these windows are relatively inexpensive and low-maintenance as well as frequently including energy efficient features.


Replacement windows are available in practically every size and style, from double-hung windows to picture windows, so no matter what type of windows you have in your home, a replacement is likely available. Custom sizes do tend to have higher price tags, but don’t forget that energy savings will eventually offset the cost of window replacement.

Ideally, you’ll want to replace all of the older windows in your home, but you’ll also see impressive energy savings by simply replacing damaged windows or even doors. You’d be amazed at how much warm air a cracked window or a door with crumbling weather stripping can let in or out!

Your windows and doors are more than just aesthetic elements of your home: they also protect you and your family from wind, precipitation, and storms. Quality, energy-efficient replacement windows are the best way to safeguard your family and decrease your energy costs at the same time. Contact us for a window replacement estimate  today to learn more about replacement window installation in your home!

For a professional Walpole replacement window contractor, please call us at 781-856-2001 and schedule an estimate with us today!

http://www.mbmcarpentry.com/contact-us

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Fall is around the corner and we all know what that means, cooler days and colder nights. That’s why now couldn’t be a more better time to replace those drafty worn out windows, with new vinyl replacement windows. In these times with rising fuel costs for heating and cooling your home and the need to make your home more energy efficient, replacement windows makes for a very smart choice in home impr0vements. Not only are replacement windows a smart investment, but the investment will pay itself off by reducing your energy bills of up to 30% and increasing your Attleboro Ma., property value.


When should you replace your windows?

• When you feel the occasional draft from your windows;
• Your window’s glass feel cold to the touch;
• The weather stripping around your windows are failing;
• The sealant around the exterior of your window is cracking or pealing off;
• Your exterior wood trim is rotting, creating voids for cold air to infiltrate;
• Your heating/cooling bills are outrageous!
• You’re still living with single pane glass windows…

What types of replacement windows should I consider?

Single, double, triple replacement window profiles

Double-pane replacement windows:

The most common window installations that MBM Construction install are double-paned windows. Double-paned windows are a great choice when considering upgrading your windows, they’re fairly priced and offer great energy savings for your attleboro home. They offer two panes of glass that provides great insulation properties by allowing air in the space to absorb some of the heat and some of the cooler air to create a mid-range temperature inside the window.

Triple-pane replacement windows:

Triple-pane windows are the top dogs for replacement windows, they offer the maximum energy efficiency you can achieve with replacement windows, with three independent glasses and two chambers filled with Argon or Krypton gas, rather than one chamber in double-pane make this the top choice. The most important point in replacing your windows is to stop all that heat from transferring to the outside straight through the windows, and a triple pane window can do just that. Triple paned windows (also known as triple glazed) windows are of course heavier and more expensive than double paned windows, as you might expect. Most importantly, a window with three panes is an investment rather than a purchase. This is the choice for the homeowner who wants to make excellent long term savings to energy costs. And so can accept that the initial price of the window will not be made up in heating bill reductions for quite a few years.

For a professional home improvement contractor, please call us at 781-856-2001 and schedule an estimate with us today!

http://www.mbmcarpentry.com/contact-us

Vinyl Replacement Windows

Improve the curb appeal of your home

Nothing can be more visually pleasing than an older home with new windows. Whether you’re just sprucing your home up, or getting ready to sell, you can be confident knowing you’re improving the appearance and value of your home.

In addition to increasing the value of your home and also the appearance, choosing to have replacement windows installed will also reduce your home’s heating/cooling bills. A great deal of energy is lost with older single-paned glass windows, mostly due to loose-fitting components and being single-paned. Give yourself a simple test on a windy and cold day, you can most certainly feel the air movement. So stop waisting energy and replace your older windows with high energy efficient replacement windows today.

Top of the line Replacement Windows

Top of the line replacement windows will always include features such as argon or krypton gasses between the layers of double or triple-glazed windows. Also look for heat reflective or Low-E coatings, these will greatly reduce your heating/cooling bills, and be sure the window displays the Energy Star label. A recent Consumers Report article stated the two best replacement windows buys were the Anderson tilt wash series, and the Pella ProLine’s.



Vinyl replacement windows are still the king and most popular choice in windows. Having vinyl  means you’ll never have to worry about rotting window sills, or having to paint again –low maintenance! Furthermore, vinyl replacement windows are the least expensive with the greatest return on investment. Your alternative choices would also include, wood, aluminum, and vinyl-clad wood.

Also in addition to the cost savings with newer windows, you’ll find that they’re much more easier to clean and maintain. Cleaning modern window is a snap, because you’ll never have to clean them from the outside of your house with the easy window tilt option.

Become creative with replacement windows

Purchasing new windows gives you the opportunity to change the look of your home completely. Have a look at bow or bay windows, palladian windows, or windows with side lights. Have a look at designer glazing with frosted areas, or play around with the many options you have available.

What to look for

Replacement windows detailed illustration

It can be a daunting task when choosing replacement windows, with there being so many on the market. One of the biggest issues when choosing a window is choosing the type that best fits your home’s appearance and details. However, if your uncertain about this you should contact a professional replacement window contractor to help you determine a proper window design. Even if you choose to install the windows yourself, receiving a few tips from a pro can save you time and money.

Other Strong Recommendations

High quality windows are most always certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). Be sure to ask the dealer for certification information on the products that you’re considering. Most importantly this information will allow you to compare energy efficiency ratings. You might also want to consider looking for the AAMA Certification of the product you’re considering. This label can be found on many new replacement and traditional windows, this  indicates a high performance standard.

If you’re located in the Massachusetts, Rhode Island area, please contact us today for a free in-home consultation on new replacement window installation. You can visit us here at www.mbmcarpentry.com