Windows Buying Guide |
Windows Buying Guide
Windows determine the overall style of your log home, as well as its energy efficiency. Investing in a quality product is essential, and so is a solid warranty.
 There's a long list of items that you just shouldn't skimp on when you build your log home. Windows are at the tippy top of this list, and fewer things will bear as much weight for a number of reasons. For starters, windows have a tremendous aesthetic influence on the way your house looks and, depending on the style and shape of your windows—and even the grilles you choose—you can dramatically alter your home's architectural identity.
Even more important than looks, though, is performance. "About 30 percent of the energy used to heat and cool homes is lost through the windows and glass doors," according to Richard Garwood, owner and president of Montana Sash and Door. That's why investing in an energy-efficient product is essential. "You want to get a U-Factor as close to .30 as possible," Richard advises. The U-Factor, a.k.a. thermal transmission, measures the rate of heat loss through a window. (The lower the U-factor the lower the amount of heat lost.) The National Fenestration Rating Council, which provides information about the energy performance of windows, rates this as well as the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). The SHGC measures the rate of heat gain. When buying windows, always look for the NFRC label that includes these numbers. "There are a lot of windows that aren't rated, Richard says, "and I think it's a big mistake for clients to put an unrated product in their home. It's up to the builder and homeowner to do their home work." Another seal of approval to look for is the Energy Star label, which provides the government's energy performance rating system. It's important because it gives product recommendations by four different climate zones that will influence the type of window you need. A good window that's maintained properly should last at least 30 years, notes Richard, and he recommends going with an established manufacturer that has a portfolio of successful projects and references. Likewise for the window distributer, who should be well established with an extensive track record of projects in your area, and have a long-standing relationship with the manufacturers they represent. "Anyone can build a window that lasts five years, but it's at 10 years that you see problems like glass and seal failures with condensation between glass panes," Richard says. "Every window company has seal failures, but a good company will stand behind it." This is where the warranty comes in—look for 20 years on glass pro-rated (if you have a failure after 18 years, you may pay for some of the glass replacements) and 10 years for the fenestration. "It's imperative that the manufacturer be backed by significant resources so that your warranty is supported for the duration," Richard explains. "It's the service of your window package by the distributor before, during and after the sale that will ultimately determine your satisfaction with the product." Style Gallery |
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This is the classic window style with either a lower sash that slides up to open (single-hung) or both the upper and lower sash open (double hung). |
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Composed of two sashes—one is stationary and one slides to the left or right on grooves or tracks. |
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Features a one-hinged sash on one side allowing the other side of the window to swing out. |
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Arches away from the home providing a sweeping view and a ledge inside for display items or a window seat. |
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Hinged at the top and swings out. Great for rainy climes. |
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Similar to bay and bow windows in that they extend out from an exterior wall. Lets in more light and has a ledge for houseplants and herbs. |
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Located in the roof, skylights bring in sunlight from above. Some are operable, and some are designed with "tunnels" to access rooms with no exterior roofline. |
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By JW Hughes on Jan 20, 2010
Could you tell me where I could purschase the best type of replacement window, awning type, for a D Log home in Lincoln MT?
Thanks,
Email jwhughesmt@yahoo.com
By Lisa on Feb 24, 2010
I think you should have a look at our beautiful Gaulhofer Tilt and Turn windows, wood with aluminum cladding. They are the highest quality european manufactured and esthetically pleasing wooden window on the market today! No other window is comparable and our customer service is second to none. Our windows and doors would compliment any log home! Check us out at www.gaulhoferwindows.com