A: As we’ve mentioned, vinyl windows, double-pane, double strength glass, argon gas-filled, double Low-E glass coating. These are pretty much all the standard features that we offer on all our windows, so they’re going to be your best bet.
When you’re considering an upgrade to your windows in San Antonio, there are a lot of decisions to make. Getting new windows isn’t like picking out a paint color or choosing siding for your home. There’s a lot of different features to consider, technical jargon to sift through, and more features than ever available.
The key when upgrading to new windows in San Antonio with our climate, is getting the most energy-efficient type. Settling for those gimmicky $99-a-window deals will get you nothing but a bunch of hot air, literally and figuratively.
The fact of the matter is this— good is never cheap, and cheap is never good. There is a nice balance of quality vs. value right in the middle. That’s where you want to be when you finally decide on new windows in San Antonio.
After all, you expect to keep your windows for quite a long time. Homeowners with new windows in San Antonio, on average, keep their windows for at least 30 years! That’s a long time to be stuck with windows that are inefficient or never work right. That’s exactly what can happen when homeowners don’t know what to look for when shopping for replacement windows.
They’ll see some gimmicky commercial with a deal that’s too good to be true (because it’s not), and they get pressured into buying junk.
Windows In San Antonio Have Come A Long Way
Years ago, when you bought new windows for your home, you didn’t have much of a choice. Additionally, the windows back in let’s say, the 70s, were inefficient and would not last a long time.
But, oh how times have changed! Now, our windows for example are built so well and are so efficient that we give a lifetime warranty. Couple that with energy-efficient features that come standard which can save you upwards of 30% on your electric bill.
That’s a huge difference coming from windows where condensation was a normal thing. Glass that was almost too hot to touch in July, and sashes that would fail several times a year.
That doesn’t mean those janky windows aren’t still out there, they just make them a little better to avoid getting sued. However, you’re still getting single, thin panes, flimsy aluminum or cheap recycled vinyl, and windows that just do the bare minimum. On top of that, the installation teams are often not the most reliable or skilled. After all, if you sell windows cheap you have to cut corners somewhere and that’s where they get you.
Look For Windows In San Antonio With These Features
The good news is, that you don’t have to settle for substandard windows in San Antonio. All you need is the power of some basic information in your hand. With the tips we’re about to give you, you won’t get hustled into paying premium prices for junk windows.
You just need to know what to look for in a quality replacement window as not all windows are the same. They differ in quality, convenience, efficiency, and longevity. In general, you should look into windows with at least these top characteristics:
Durable Top-Tier Frame
The frame is the foundation of any new window as it’s the main supporting structure. Without the frame the window does not function, it holds it all together, so it needs to be durable. When it comes to durability that’s long-lasting and affordable—vinyl frames are always the frontrunner. However, not just any vinyl will do. Some of those cheap window companies do not use the best vinyl there is—virgin vinyl.
That means the vinyl has not been recycled or re-purposed for a window frame. The reason that’s an issue is that vinyl has a memory to it. Once it’s molded to a certain shape, over time, it wants to return to that shape. When you recycle vinyl for window frames, eventually they will warp in an attempt to revert to their prior shape.
Our vinyl is manufactured specifically for our windows and has never been molded before, that’s why it’s called virgin vinyl. The first and only shape it will be molded into is our window frames and maintain that shape for upwards of 30 years! That’s crucial for our windows to withstand the tough environment south Texas brings to the table.
Two Or More Panes Of Glass
Windows lose energy through the glass to some extent, that’s just the laws of science. However, you can mitigate the amount of heat transferred through them. Cheap, single-pane windows do virtually nothing to prevent heat transfer.
On the other hand, going with two or more panes of glass not only significantly adds to energy efficiency but helps with soundproofing and durability.
Low-E Glass Coating
To further combat heat transfer through the glass, a special metallic coating called “Low-E” is added to quality windows. Low-E stands for low emissivity, which means that it prevents heat transfer by reflecting UV rays and infrared light. Those are the two spectrums of sunlight that heat up your home through windowpanes.
This coating serves dual purposes as well. During the summer it prevents the heat from coming in from outside. However, during the winter, it has the opposite effect, it prevents the heat from escaping your home through the glass.
A third benefit of the UV ray blocking aspect of Low-E coating is that it helps to protect your interior from fading. UV rays destroy colors in fabrics such as carpet and furniture, as well as paint on walls. Blocking those UV rays is crucial to prevent that.
Gas Fills
Between the panes of glass, there’s still some space where heat can build up and drop energy efficiency. This is why our windows fill that space with an inert gas—Argon, because it is denser than air.
The way it’s filled is key—it’s done in a vacuum, which eliminates all the air before adding the gas. This adds an incredibly efficient barrier to prevent energy transfer. Don’t worry, Argon is non-toxic, odorless, and colorless.
Proper Installation Ties It All Together
There are many more features of our windows that add to the energy efficiency of your home. However, those features mean nothing without proper installation.
When you choose The Window Source of San Antonio to install your new windows, you’re getting the best in the business. Our installers have a combined experience of several decades in the industry.
We don’t take shortcuts just to finish a job quickly. Top-tier weatherstripping, careful sealing, and insulation above and beyond what’s needed is our standard.
If you want to give your home the best windows at the most reasonable price with a lifetime guarantee—contact us today!
