If your "windows on the world" no longer enhance the curb appeal of your house, shield it from weather or filter out unwanted noise, it may be time to replace them with new vinyl windows that will complement your home's architecture, reduce your energy bills, increase your comfort, and promote peace and quiet.
Carlson Siding and Construction offer UltraMaxx® Vinyl Windows from Alside.
There's a unique
feeling of confidence that comes from knowing you have chosen UltraMaxx® Windows
from Alside. They are not only beautiful; their heavy-gauge, fusion-welded vinyl
sash and mainframe structure makes them incredibly strong and durable. Years of
operation and harsh weather won't diminish their quality or performance. And
they offer superior resistance to the elements and air and water infiltration.
Vinyl windows are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which is rigid and impact-resistant. Hollow spaces inside make them resistant to heat loss and condensation.
When you begin your search for replacement vinyl windows, you might feel as if you’ve just fallen through the looking glass. In today’s shrinking world full of expanding solutions, it often seems as if it’s easier to stay in bed and pull up the covers than figure out thorny problems like which is the best kind of window for you. Let Carlson Siding and Construction help guide you through the maze of Boulder vinyl window options available to you.
Vinyl windows come in many shapes, sizes and types. So how do you select the right ones? There are many things to consider when selecting the right Boulder vinyl window for you:
Boulder Vinyl Windows: In terms of construction, what makes for a better
grade, more durable vinyl windows?
The corners of the window frame and sashes should be fusion-welded (heat-welded)
for a weathertight construction. Beware of windows with mitered corners screwed
together or chemically welded corners, as they may decline in performance over
time. You’ll also want to take a look at the vinyl extrusions in the window
frame and sash. At a quick glance all vinyl windows may look similar, but there
can be dramatic differences in the quality of the vinyl used. Some windows,
built with lower-quality vinyl that has a dull blue or gray cast, can become
brittle over time. Alside Windows are constructed with premium vinyl extrusions
to ensure the frame and sashes provide long-lasting beauty and performance.
Boulder Vinyl Windows: Is there a big difference between custom
windows and ready-made windows at a building supply store?
For the best fit, you should strongly consider custom-sized windows. Custom
windows are precision-engineered to 1/8” increments and manufactured to fit your
specific window opening. You will get the exact style and options you desire,
ensure utmost energy efficiency, and an overall better appearance and
installation. Stock-sized windows are adjusted to fit your existing window
openings on site and may require extensive carpentry work both inside and
outside your home. The appearance and thermal performance can be diminished by
this retrofitting process.
Boulder Vinyl Windows: What types of windows are available?
The three types of windows most commonly offered are aluminum, wood or vinyl –
with wood and vinyl the most popular choices. It’s important to note that
aluminum windows have painted surfaces that may scratch easily and the metal
construction makes for a poor insulator. Wood windows are effective insulators,
but can absorb moisture and typically require painting, caulking and other
annual upkeep to maintain appearance and performance. Vinyl windows are the most
popular choice because they expertly combine beauty, durability and low
maintenance with high-performance thermal efficiency. The solid vinyl
construction never needs to be painted, and the precision-fit mainframe and
sash, along with several insulating components, achieve exceptional energy
savings. Alside Windows are available in a wide range of styles and
configurations to fit all architectural designs.
Boulder Vinyl Windows: What other construction features should I be aware
of?
When you compare one window to the next, you’ll see – and feel – the quality
difference. Alside Windows begin with a computer-controlled construction of the
mainframe and steel-reinforced sash to produce a solidly built window with
superior strength. Most windows come standard with double-strength glass for an
exceptionally strong barrier. Interlocking meeting rails and thickset
multi-chambered extrusions further add to the structural integrity and
insulation, while multi-layer weatherstripping, a compression bulb seal and
drop-in glazing provide excellent thermal protection. You’ll also want to test
the window’s moving parts. Alside Double-Hung Windows, for example, feature a
full interlock at the meeting rails to seal the window tightly shut and a
constant force balance system to ensure smooth and easy operation of the moving
sash.
Boulder Vinyl Windows: Will my replacement windows require alot of
maintenance?
Alside vinyl replacement windows are a pleasure to maintain. You can say goodbye
to scraping, painting and caulking. The heavy-duty vinyl construction is
virtually maintenance-free and there are no storm windows to struggle with. Most
Alside Windows can be cleaned from inside the comfort of your home. Just wipe
the vinyl surface with a damp cloth to keep your windows looking like new.
Boulder Vinyl Windows: What should I look for in terms of glass
performance?
For starters, many windows are built with single-strength glass. Alside Windows
are built with double-strength glass, which means that each pane is 3 mm thick
instead of the industry standard of 2 mm. The glass is stronger, more protective
and won’t crack or break as easily. Windows are about 80% glass, so it’s
important to select a glass package that will help shield your home from
absorbing outside heat in the summer and losing indoor heat in the winter. For
optimum energy savings consider Alside Windows with the ClimaTech® insulated
glass package. ClimaTech combines Low-E glass with argon gas† and the Intercept®
Warm-Edge Spacer System to achieve optimal energy efficiency. Because Alside
offers a variety of ClimaTech glass packages, your window professional can help
you choose the best one for your home and area of the country.
Boulder Vinyl Windows: Are replacement windows a good investment?
From day one, Alside Windows begin making a return on your investment. You can
expect a decrease in your annual fuel consumption for heating and cooling your
home. Vinyl windows are virtually maintenance-free, which can also save
substantial dollars spent on painting, caulking and maintenance. New windows
will enhance the curb appeal of your home, which can help increase its resale
value. In most cases, you can expect to recover more than half of the cost of
your replacement windows when it’s time to sell.
The national average of the cost recouped for vinyl replacement windows is 71.6%
for midrange projects and 72.6% for upscale projects, according to Remodeling
magazine’s “2010-11 Cost vs. Value Report.”
Boulder Vinyl Windows: Do I need to keep each window the same type as my
original window, or can I change styles and configurations?
New windows can transform the appearance of your home, and with Alside’s
extensive window selection you’ll have many options to choose from. Whether your
tastes are contemporary, traditional or transitional, we can custom build to
your specifications. Alside also offers a host of glass and grid options and
elegant frame finishes to suit your design needs.
Boulder Vinyl Windows: Do I need a professional?
Hiring a professional is a smart decision on many levels. A trained eye and
skillful hand will clearly show in the beautiful installation, indoor comfort
and thermal efficiency of your home. A professional will also be able to make
design suggestions to help in the decision process. You’ll want to make sure the
contractor you hire is licensed, bonded and experienced. While you may be
tempted to install the windows yourself, you may not be prepared for the
difficult installation challenges or structural damage to your home that could
occur, along with the risk of voiding the window warranty. A professional
installer will also be up to date on codes relating to lead, energy, and more.
Boulder Vinyl Windows: Should I be concerned with where the windows are
manufactured?
Absolutely. A replacement window is only as good as the company that stands
behind it. Alside has more than 65 years of manufacturing experience and
success. We proudly own and operate six window plants in North America that
expertly produce windows of superior beauty, quality and durability. Utilizing
performance standards beyond AAMA, ASTM and NFRC requirements, our windows are
rigorously tested for air, water, structural load, thermal performance, and
forced entry resistance. Companywide, we are committed to ensuring that each
window will provide years of excellent service and energy savings. We also stand
behind our products long after the installation is complete with a knowledgeable
customer service team that’s ready to serve you.
Boulder Vinyl Windows: What about warranty coverage?
Alside Windows are backed with a Lifetime Limited Warranty with transferability
provisions – further assurance that you have made an excellent selection for
your home from a respected manufacturer.
Carlson
Siding and Construction offer Vinyl Windows from Alside. There's a unique
feeling of confidence that comes from knowing you have chosen UltraMaxx® Windows
from Alside. They are not only beautiful; their heavy-gauge, fusion-welded vinyl
sash and mainframe structure makes them incredibly strong and durable. Years of
operation and harsh weather won't diminish their quality or performance. And
they offer superior resistance to the elements and air and water infiltration.
Our beveled mainframe and sash design creates an elegant exterior appearance.
Plus, UltraMaxx provides a wide range of design options to complement your
home’s interior.
UltraMaxx Windows help to lower energy costs, provide maintenance-freedom and
also increase the property value of your home. And are covered by our impressive
Lifetime Limited Warranty.*
Alside Ultramaxx Triple Pane Windows in the Gypsum CO home