Huntsville, Alabama Window Replacement
Huntsville window replacement experts can guide you in your search for the most energy efficient replacement brands in the Southeastern US. Keeping comfortable during the hot, muggy Alabama summers requires windows that minimize solar heat gain and prevent air leakage. Your air conditioner will operate more effectively and you'll enjoy much cooler rooms on those hot July and August days with high performance Alabama window replacement products in place.
From spring until fall, Huntsville can experience tornadoes. If you're considering Huntsville window replacement, ask your local provider about installing storm windows on your AL home. Double paned storm window sets can protect your home and your loved ones against flying glass, high winds and the effects of sudden changes in air pressure. Today's Huntsville storm windows are so stylish that they can enhance the look of your home while making your house secure in tornado season.
Window Replacement and Condensation Resistance
Huntsville has earned the nickname "Rocket City" because of its role in US space travel. The city features several historic districts which are graced by homes in the Federal, Greek Revival and Queen Anne styles. Huntsville also features many contemporary family homes and condominiums. Huntsville window replacement specialists are actively involved in maintaining the visual appearance of residential buildings.
With its humid subtropical climate, Huntsville is prone to long periods of heat and humidity. In the fall and winter, it isn't uncommon for moisture to gather on the outside of window panes as the outdoor temperature falls below the temperature of the glass. However, if you see condensation, or a fog of vapor, forming on the inside of a window, it may be time to think about Huntsville window replacement.
Moisture on the inside of a window may simply indicate that more ventilation is needed to prevent the buildup of vapor. Bathrooms, laundry rooms and other areas of the home where moisture is produced can contribute to the accumulation of condensation on your Al windows. Unless the moisture from showers, sinks and washing machines can dissipate quickly, vapors may gather in the home, encouraging the growth of mold and mildew. In this case, installing exhaust fans can prevent the buildup of moisture.
In some cases, however, the windows themselves are responsible for the condensation and require quick frame replacement. With double paned products, a break in the seal between panes may allow moisture to gather in the buffered area between the two sheets of glass. If the seal has been broken and cannot be repaired, Huntsville window replacement may be necessary. Condensation between panes is an indication that the integrity of the product has been compromised, and you may be losing conditioned air.
Some Huntsville window replacement products are more resistant to condensation than others because of their insulating properties. You can determine which produces will minimize condensation by checking the label issued by the National Fenestration Council, or NFRC. The NFRC rates replacement doors and windows based on factors that reflect their energy performance. A product's condensation resistance, or CR, is measured on a scale of 1 to 100. The higher the CR, the more resistance the product provides.
Replacing Windows for Curb Appeal
While style and beauty aren't the first factors that many homeowners consider when looking for the safest products for the Alabama weather, the appearance of replacement models definitely makes a difference in the overall curb appeal of your AL home. Huntsville window replacement products are available in a wide variety of sizes, styles and colors, ranging from traditional casement or double hung models to contemporary sliding or folding panels.
If you own one of the historic houses in Huntsville, you may be inclined to choose wooden replacement frames. Wood lends itself to traditional, classic dwellings, has natural insulating properties and is easy to customize to suit a home's exterior. If you have the time available to maintain wooden frames, which can swell, crack or rot in humid weather, you can enjoy the beauty of these products for years. Wood must be painted or stained regularly to prevent damage and keep the frames resistant to the effects of rain and humidity.
The latest vinyl Huntsville window replacement brands are as attractive and versatile as wood, with exceptional insulating properties of their own. Vinyl has been used on many of the historic dwellings in the area because of its longevity and low maintenance requirements. This synthetic material is also very affordable. Fiberglass is more costly, but many homeowners appreciate the longevity and energy performance of this resin-based product.
Huntsville window replacement quotes get you started in the right direction when you're searching for new models for your home. With estimates from several of the top providers, you can compare the market in your area. Take time to find a qualified, reliable team that will guide you through this project from start to finish.
Huntsville, Alabama U-Factor and SHGC Ratings for Replacement Windows
When shopping for replacement windows in Huntsville, Alabama - located in Madison 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 Huntsville 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 Huntsville, Alabama and Huntsville's metro area counties including: Limestone County AL and Madison County AL.
The climate zone, u-factor and SHGC listed for your county in the Huntsville, AL 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 Huntsville 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 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Limestone County AL Madison County AL |
South-Central Climate Zone | |
| Windows | ||
| U-Factor | SHGC | |
| 0.30 or less | 0.25 or less | |
| Skylights | ||
| U-Factor | SHGC | |
| 0.53 or less | 0.28 or less | |
| 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 | 0.25 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 Huntsville, AL 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 Huntsville, Alabama 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.
Huntsville Window Suppliers
Below you will find a list of local window retailers, contractors, installers, and manufacturers in the Huntsville area.
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