One of the most important components of a home are the windows. Windows add light, beauty, comfort, and energy efficiency to a home. I encourage you to investigate window styles by driving through different neighborhoods and browsing other sources for information. How to choose the right windows for your home? After 23 years in the window business, I have developed a process for choosing windows that I will share with you.

Get The Idea
Today, the Internet is a good resource for seeking out most major manufacturers (see Related Websites). These websites usually offer product photos, technical information and dealer or distributor locator pages which allow you to find the store nearest you. You'll also find many ideas at your local newsstand. Good Housekeeping, Better Homes & Garden, Home Architectural Digest, Home Plans, and Remodeling are some magazines to check out. Remodeling Magazine and Home Plans have product literature postcards, so you can send away for specific information from the manufacturer. If you are already working with a builder or designer/architect, they can also provide reference material. However, they usually are working with specific manufacturers so their information may be limited to just a few different window companies. Perhaps the best source on window information is a local independent lumber yard with a good reputation for dealing with builders and remodeling contractors. Because they have to satisfy a large customer base, you will find a broad variety of literature and displays and a knowledgeable staff to answer your questions.

Ask to see any trade magazines that they might have. Publications like Builders or The Journal of Light Construction will give you a different insight into what the building trade itself is doing and their opinions on products in the market.

Now that you have collected more literature and information than you thought possible, search for good windows using certain criteria: a pleasing appearance, interior finish, exterior finish, type of operation, energy efficiency, durability, and the manufacturer's ability to service its products. Each has many options.

Window Style
The type of operation should be one of your first considerations in choosing a window, as it may also affect the appearance and efficiency of a window. There are four basic types of operations in windows.

Double Hung Window
A double hung window has two sashes which move independently up and down on rails or tracks. A double hung window, which operates by sliding up and down, may be less efficient, but more suited to a traditional style home.

Casement Window
A casement window has a single sash mounted on a hinge-type assembly which swings out toward the exterior. With a crank-type operation for venting, this style normally has a higher energy savings factor because the window is pulled in tight to the frame when closed. A casement window's appearance is usually suited to more contemporary or modern type homes.

Sliding or Gliding Window
Thesliding window has a sash that slides horizontally (usually) on rollers in tracks set into the upper and lower frames. Operating from side to side, they are normally used with casements when you have a limited area such as on a deck, where the opening out of a casement would be a safety issue to those walking by.

Awning Window
The awning window has a sash that is hung off the top jamb also by a hinge. The sash pivots toward the exterior. The awning window, like the casement, uses a crank-type op to open it. The pulling of the tightly into the frame often you a higher energy savings. sash at full open position resembles an "awning."

The Glass
Your next most important choice is the type of window glass. Again there are many options: Glass will have a different energy (U Value) rating based on the type you choose. You may also hear term U.V (Ultra Violet) rating. U.V value is important to know since exposure to the sun damage fabrics and furniture.

Sun Glass
Insulating glazing for improved energy efficiency. Soft gray tint. Application for maximum solar control requirements.

Low E, Low E with Argon
Insulating glazing for improved energy. Will help reduce U.V penetration to help keep drapes, and furniture from fading.

Single Glazed, Double Glazed, Triple Glazed
Refers to the number of pieces of glass, single is one piece, double is two pieces with dead air in-between the pieces and triple is three pieces with dead air in-between.

Storm Panels
May be added to a single glazed window to achieve maximum energy efficiency (not as efficient as Low E or Insulated Glass however.)

One manufacturer even has an option called Kleen-Shield, which has a special coating that makes it self-cleaning on the exterior. Another offers a venetian blind between two panels of glass that can be operated by the turn of a switch. The choice of window grilles could also affect your choice of glass options. Interior grilles are available in both vinyl and wood. Exterior can be applied in vinyl or wood (sometimes referred to as simulated divided lites) or true divided lite with grilles separating individual panes of glass. They are used in more traditional New England homes. Another popular option today is G.B.G. (Grilles Between the Glass)

Wood, Vinyl, or P.C.?
Exterior finish is a big factor in the durability and low maintenance of windows. Most of us today are too busy to refinish our windows every 5 - 10 years, though there are the few who like the traditional appearance of a primed wood window and the ability to change the wood's color on a whim. While the initial cost of a primed wood window is usually less than other types, in the long-term they are expensive - especially if you are not good at maintaining things, as you'll probably need to replace them more often. A wood interior with a factory applied exterior finish is a great option for New England. The exterior cladding may be made of vinyl, aluminum, polyvinyl type paints, or a synthetic product such as Ultrex. However, your choice may be limited by the environment around your home, since some manufacturers do not warranty their product when exposed to salt water. Hollow vinyl windows are becoming a major factor in the market. They can be attractive, require no maintenance, are less costly, and quite durable. They have been used in the replacement market for many years, but now we are seeing them in new construction also. But buyer beware! Many of these are not of good quality. Something new on the horizon today is a solid PVC material that can be molded just like wood, is maintenance free, and has a solid feel and appearance. Another advantage is that it can be painted or just left in its solid white finish. Contractors like it because it has a wood frame for easy installation and they are able to trim out the interior in a traditional manner.

The Manufacturer
Another consideration in your decision should be to look at the window companies themselves. The Montana market has many reputable window manufacturers: Andersen, Marvin and Integrity, Pella, Weathershield, and Eagle. Reputable locally made shop type windows are also available in this area such as Clawson Windows which are manufactured in Missoula. What do you look for in evaluating the manufacturer? Each manufacturer usually has some unique feature to set them apart . They all will claim to be the best and most truly try to produce a quality product. So you must look at the small details in the production of their windows, and their reputation for servicing problems. I haven't seen a product line yet that did not have some kind of a problem at one time or another. Never let price be your only guide because timely service from a manufacturer adds value to your purchase. Most people find the extra cost of windows from a company offering great service to be well worth it.

Your Window Store
The final, but perhaps the most important member of your window "team," is the supplier. A reputable supplier is going to be sincere about the services they have to offer. They should supply you with enough information, such as literature, displays, and knowledge on a variety of quality products to fit any budget, without pressuring you to buy. A window store will do take-offs of your remodeling or home plans and show you the proper size windows you need and possibly suggest better alternatives based on your project. They should arrange for delivery and financing if necessary. You should feel confident that if you have problem at any time they will be able and glad to provide you with prompt service. They should service you, not sell you.