Fort Wayne, Indiana Window Replacement
Last updated on 11/15/2019
If Fort Wayne window replacement is on your home improvement agenda, contact a licensed Indiana window contractor before you take on this substantial project. Although window replacement may seem like a fairly straightforward process, and some manufacturers advertise their products as being easy to install, it pays to discuss your needs with a Fort Wayne professional. Rather than wasting money on products that won't stand up to the unpredictable climate of IN, get the job done right the first time by working with a qualified local contractor.
Indiana experiences four distinct seasons, with high humidity or precipitation possible throughout the year. In spring and summer, thunderstorms and tornadoes are not uncommon in Fort Wayne. Wintertime can bring heavy snows and ice. Residents of Fort Wayne love the many cultural, professional and recreational opportunities that the city provides, but in order to maintain a home in this region of IN, you must have sturdy, long lasting Fort Wayne replacement windows in place.
Window Condensation in Indiana
As the second largest city in the state, Fort Wayne is a thriving community, and the locals take pride in using the latest replacement window products on their homes. The right Fort Wayne window replacement products can protect your dwelling from damage caused by rain, snow and ice. In addition to rain and snow, the air in Fort Wayne contains a high level of moisture throughout the year. This humidity can cause condensation to build up on your windows, which may harm the frames themselves and encourage the build-up of mold and mildew.
Differences between the temperature of your window panes and the temperatures outside of your house can contribute to condensation. With double or triple paned Fort Wayne window replacement products, you can reduce the amount of condensation considerably. Energy Star models have been acknowledged by the Environmental Protection Agency for their ability to insulate a dwelling, reduce the cost of utility bills and cut down on the carbon emissions that contribute to global warming.
Condensation inside your house can be reduced by maintaining adequate air flow throughout your rooms. Keep the air inside your rooms dry by leaving doors open so that air can circulate, especially in rooms like the kitchen or bathroom where moisture can build up. Talk with a Fort Wayne window replacement specialist about ways you can cut down on the moisture level inside your rooms, while choosing replacement brands that will discourage condensation.
If condensation becomes too severe, replacing your windows may be your only option. Wooden frames are especially likely to succumb to the effects of high humidity. Many Fort Wayne window replacement specialists recommend vinyl frames because this synthetic material resists the moisture, heat and cold of the IN climate so effectively. Vinyl window replacement products are inexpensive replacement windows and also have exceptional insulating capabilities, which can reduce the cost of heating and cooling your house.
Fiberglass Window Replacement
When you begin your search for Fort Wayne window replacement, you'll soon realize that you have a number of materials to choose from. Wood, vinyl and aluminum are among the most popular materials, having stood the tests of time and the elements. Vinyl is one of the most durable materials when it comes to withstanding the temperature extremes in the Midwest.
Wood is a classic material that has graced the windows of local homes for many generations. Wood is easy to customize, paint or stain to suit the features of your house, and the natural attributes of wood make it a popular choice because of its insulating capabilities. Aluminum is another popular choice in the Midwest. This lightweight, durable metal resists rust and corrosion, which makes it a preferred option among home owners who are concerned about the effects of rain on their Fort Wayne window replacement frames.
While some Fort Wayne window replacement contractors discourage the use of fiberglass brands because of their cost, you may find that the newer models offer a high level of insulation and durability. Fiberglass models are easy to clean and maintain, and unlike vinyl, they can be painted in order to spruce up their look and freshen the appearance of your home. Fiberglass brands are extremely energy efficient, increasing the comfort level inside your home throughout the year while blocking unwanted noise and pollutants.
For an expert comparison of the benefits of fiberglass, aluminum, vinyl and wood, talk with a Fort Wayne window replacement contractor. Look for licensed professionals who have a strong reputation in the community and a thorough understanding of the ways the local weather can affect the exterior and interior of your home. The more you know about the different materials you have to choose from before you speak to a contractor, the better equipped you will be to make a choice that will provide long lasting, satisfactory results.
Fort Wayne, Indiana U-Factor and SHGC Ratings for Replacement Windows
When shopping for replacement windows in Fort Wayne, Indiana - located in Allen County - it is extremely important to purchase windows (and doors) with the correct u-factor and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) as rated by Energy Star.
Energy Star determines the u-factor and SHGC that will give you the most energy efficienct replacement windows, skylights, and doors based on your county's climate zone.
The climate zone assigned to your county takes into account how extreme the seasons are in your area. How warm and cold it gets in Fort Wayne determines how well your new windows will need to keep out the cold air and the hot sun.
Below, you will find a table with the climate zones and corresponding u-factor and SHGC ratings for Fort Wayne, Indiana and Fort Wayne's metro area counties including: Allen County IN and Whitley County IN.
The climate zone, u-factor and SHGC listed for your county in the Fort Wayne, IN area will help you to determine which replacement windows, skylights, and doors will maximize energy savings for your home.
To find the Energy Star recommended u-factor and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) for your county in the Fort Wayne metro area, simply do the following:
- Find your county in the left most column.
- Find your climate zone in the orange box to the right of the column with your county's name.
- Under the orange box with your climate zone, find the dark grey box with the product you are looking for - window replacements, new doors, or skylights.
- Under the product type, you will find the best u-factor and shgc as determined by Energy Star.
- When getting quotes from contractors, be sure that your window replacements, new skylights, and/or replacement doors have these ratings to maximize energy efficiency in your home.
| Counties | ||
|---|---|---|
| Allen County IN Whitley County IN |
Northern Climate Zone | |
| Windows | ||
| U-Factor | SHGC | |
| 0.30 or less | 0.00 or more | |
| 0.31 | 0.35 or more | |
| 0.32 | 0.40 or more | |
| Skylights | ||
| U-Factor | SHGC | |
| 0.50 or less | Any | |
| Solid Doors (No Glass) | ||
| U-Factor | SHGC | |
| 0.17 or less | No Rating | |
| Doors with Less than Half Glass | ||
| U-Factor | SHGC | |
| 0.25 or less | 0.25 or less | |
| Doors with More than Half Glass | ||
| U-Factor | SHGC | |
| 0.30 or less | 0.40 or less | |
If you don't see your home's county above, use the u-factor and solar heat gain co-efficient (SHGC) search tool below to search for your Fort Wayne, IN area county's recommended window efficiency ratings.
Use the table above or the tool below to search for the specific u-factor and SHGC for your county so that you are educated and have this information on hand in order to maximize the financial return on your investment in new windows, new skylights and/or new doors in the Fort Wayne, Indiana area.
Remember to research thoroughly prior to making a window replacement or replacement door purchase, regardless of whether you are installing the windows and doors yourself or having them installed by a licensed professional contractor.
Fort Wayne Window Suppliers
Below you will find a list of local window retailers, contractors, installers, and manufacturers in the Fort Wayne area.
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