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Are you looking for replacement windows on a Barrington home? Are you totally confused by the terminology used by the manufacturers and wonder what it means for you? You've come to right place. This short primer will go over some of the most common terms used by window manufacturers and how they could impact your buying decision.

Common Terms In Window Replacement

Frame. This is the structure of the window. It's what gives a window its shape and it is what you measure to determine how large a hole needs to be cut to accommodate the window. Frames may be made out of wood, vinyl, aluminum, or fiberglass.

Cladding. Cladding is the external covering of the window frame. This is the frame color that you see. Cladding protects the underlying frame from exposure to the elements. Cladding can be made from aluminum, vinyl, or fiberglass and comes in many different colors.

Sash. The sash is the part of the window that moves up or down to open or close. Some windows have single sashes; others have double sashes. In single-sash windows, only one half of the window opens and closes. The other half is stationary. Double-sash windows open and close on both sides. Sometimes sashes tilt inward for easy cleaning. These terms are not the same as single and double-hung windows. So, even though they sound similar, try not to confuse them. Single and double-hung windows are styles of window; single and double-sash windows refer to movement mechanisms.

Insulated Glass. Today's newer windows don't require you to add and remove storm windows every fall and spring. That's because that second layer of glass is already built in to the window. We call this insulated glass because there is a small gap between the two layers that is filled with air or gas, which acts as an insulator. Argon gas is often used in insulated windows, because it provides better insulation qualities than oxygen.

Low-E Coating. This transparent coating reflects heat off the glass, but still lets light in. It helps improve the efficiency of the glass by reducing heat transfer. In cold climates, like Illinois, the coating is on the interior side of the window to reflect heat and cooled air back into the home. In warmer climates, the coating in on the exterior side of the window.

Grilles. These are horizontal and vertical bars that serve a decorative purpose only. They are set into the window in various patterns to complement architectural styles.

U-Factor Or U-Value. These numbers indicate how well a window keeps heat inside the home. Values range from 0.20 to 1.20. Lower numbers indicate that the window is better at keeping heat in.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. Another value, this one ranges between 0 and 1 and is an indication of how well the window blocks heat from the sun. Again, lower numbers indicate that the window is better at blocking the sun's rays, but you don't always necessarily want a lower number. In cold climates, you may want a higher value so you can capture some heat during the winter months.

Visible Transmittance. This term indicates how much visible light a window lets in. Values range between 0 and 1. The higher the values, the more light a window lets in.

Contact Erdmann Exterior Design With All Of Your Questions About Replacement Windows In Barrington

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing between all the replacement windows Barrington has. You want windows that are efficient and long lasting, but look good and are affordable, too. The team at Erdmann Exterior Designs can help you choose the right replacement windows for a Barrington home and would be happy to answer any questions you have about style and performance.

If you want to know what all about the different styles of window, check out our blog post, Exploring Options In Window Replacement On Arlington Heights Homes.