| "> | | | | - There are stained glass, glass block, obscured |
| How much thought do you put into your | | | | vision windows |
| windows? Windows are your connection to the | | | | With all these factors and options, it's easy to see |
| outside world. They provide a light source, fresh | | | | that the choice of windows can vary dramatically. |
| air, decoration, beautiful views, access to your | | | | There are scores of manufacturers and almost as |
| neighbors (sometimes whether you like it or not!), | | | | many styles and levels of quality. |
| and much more. | | | | What Influences Your Choice? |
| Of course, when it comes to cleaning them, | | | | When deciding upon your window manufacturer |
| however, we wish we didn't have any! Yet, a | | | | you must consider more than just style and cost. |
| home without windows is, well, a cave. And, aside | | | | For instance, did you know that windows are |
| from a few Geico mammals, no one wants to live | | | | designed with elevation in mind? Windows for |
| in a cave. But, I'm digressing here ... | | | | homes above 4-5,000 feet in elevation can |
| Facts About Windows | | | | sometimes require a different manufacturer. |
| Despite their uses and value, sometimes we don't | | | | You'll want to think about weather issues like |
| put enough emphasis on their quality when we | | | | temperature, and wind direction and velocity. Of |
| choose windows to build or improve our homes. | | | | course, if you have some special views you want |
| Let's look at some things to think about and | | | | to capture that should be a primary concern. Your |
| reasons to pay closer attention to our choice of | | | | home style, number of windows, quality and size |
| windows: | | | | of windows will all factor in to influence your |
| - Unfortunately, windows can be a source of heat | | | | choices when it comes to budgeting for your |
| loss or heat gain in the home | | | | windows. |
| - They are often a major factor in the design, | | | | A Very Important Decision |
| look, and feel of a home | | | | You'll find that you can spend anywhere from a |
| - Windows come in many configurations, sizes, | | | | few thousand dollars to tens of thousands. And |
| and with varied operational features | | | | there's a reason for the differences! I hope you |
| - They can be made of wood, metals, and | | | | get the idea that your choice of windows plays a |
| plastics | | | | big role in any building or major remodeling |
| - Windows are typically either single pane, double, | | | | project. Do your research and use the principles |
| or triple pane | | | | and suggestions in this article to guide you. |
| - Windows can have clear panes or gridded | | | | Get the window specifications and don't be afraid |
| (window grilles) | | | | to ask a lot of questions of the manufacturer |
| - They can be tinted, filtered (low-E, etc.), break | | | | prior to purchase. |
| resistant | | | | |