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What
is
a
replacement
window?
A
true
replacement
window
is
a
window
that's
custom
built
to
fit
within
the
opening
of
an
existing
window.
It's
built
to
fit
precisely
and
can
be
installed
without
disturbing
the
interior
and
exterior
areas
around
the
window.
What
are
the
advantages
of
custom
replacement
windows
over
pre-made,
standard-size
windows
stocked
at
home
centers
and
lumber
yards?
Because
custom
windows
are
made
to
fit
perfectly,
they
provide
the
best
energy
efficiency
(which
saves
energy
costs)
and
install
much
more
easily
and
with
very
little
mess.
Also,
because
of
the
myriad
of
options
available
that
affect
appearance
and
efficiency,
custom
windows
allow
consumers
to
design
exactly
the
windows
they
need
or
want.
Standard
windows
typically
cost
less
in
the
beginning,
but
other
expenses
and
factors—like
additional
labor
and
the
disruption
to
the
home—far
outweigh
the
original
savings.
For
example,
installing
stock
windows
requires
that
you
add
brick
or
siding
to
the
exterior,
and
drywall
or
other
materials
to
the
interior.
In
addition,
custom-made
windows
allow
you
to
choose
the
best
solution
to
the
problems
you
want
to
solve
by
replacing
windows.
Do
replacement
windows
really
pay
for
themselves
or
is
that
just
a
sales
line?
It's
true,
if
you
select
high-quality,
energy-efficient
windows.
Savings
will
vary,
but
expertly
engineered
and
well-built
windows
lower
home
energy
consumption.
With
vinyl-framed
windows,
maintenance
is
also
virtually
eliminated.
No
need
to
scrape
and
paint
windows.
These
energy
and
maintenance
savings
will
allow
you
to
recoup
your
window
investment
over
time.
Aren't
beautiful
vinyl
windows
an
oxymoron?
Years
ago
that
may
have
been
true.
However,
today—with
the
options
available
and
with
advances
in
window
design
technology—quality
vinyl
windows
are
both
beautiful
and
unique.
For
example,
home
owners
can
choose
from
sculptured
or
sleek
window
styles;
white,
almond
or
woodgrain
vinyl
finishes;
standard
or
diamond
grids;
and
beveled,
leaded,
etched
or
stained
glass.
And
these
are
just
a
few
of
the
options
available.
There
are
still
old
fashioned,
low-end
vinyl
windows
available,
but
the
new
designs
are
beautiful,
maintenance-free
and
energy
efficient.
How
are
replacement
windows
any
different
from
older
windows
in
terms
of
cleaning?
Many
high-quality
windows
are
actually
engineered
to
make
cleaning
easier.
For
example,
double-hung
windows
with
the
latest
internal
constant
force
balance
system
allow
a
home
owner
to
easily
maneuver
the
sashes
up
and
down.
They
tilt
in—and
lock
securely
in
place—for
safe,
easy
cleaning.
Quite
a
difference
from
old
wood
windows
that
stick
and
are
difficult
to
move
up
and
down.
Will
new
windows
eliminate
condensation?
Actually,
no.
Condensation
is
moisture
vapor
suspended
in
the
air,
and
that's
something
no
one
can
guarantee
to
eliminate.
However,
high-quality
vinyl
windows
incorporating
warm-edge
technology
glazing
systems
will
help
to
reduce
condensation
because
they're
much
less
thermally
conductive
than
other
window
types.
They
can
help
keep
the
temperature
of
the
window
warmer—minimizing
the
hot
and
cold
differences
that
turn
moisture
into
condensation.
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