Doors & Windows
Take the Mystery Out of Buying Windows and Doors
By NUI
Feb 3, 2005, 11:54

(NUI) - Of all the remodeling projects undertaken by homeowners, replacing windows or doors ranks among the top five. It is one of the most cost-effective ways to add to a home's value, comfort, security and "curb appeal."

With hundreds of window and door options, the dilemma for many homeowners is choosing stylish, high-quality products that will stand the test of time. Jeld-Wen, the largest manufacturer of windows and doors, offers the following tips to help homeowners make the right choices.

* Recognize reliability. One indicator of reliability is the warranty. Don't settle for a one-year warranty on interior molded doors when a five-year warranty is available. And don't settle for a short-term warranty on vinyl windows when some manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty.

* Set a budget. Costs vary based on the material used to construct the window or door. For windows, prices are lowest for aluminum, followed by vinyl. Wood is generally the most expensive. For doors, prices are lowest for steel, then composite and fiberglass. Wood tops the list.

Be sure to examine overall value, however, and not just the price tag. Energy Star-qualified windows and doors cost about

5 percent more, but can save money in the long run by reducing yearly energy bills by up to 15 percent.

* Pay attention to performance features. Useful features increase the comfort and safety of a home. Consider ergonomically designed options like one-touch, automatic-locking windows that lock and unlock with almost no effort. If privacy is important, look for solid-core interior doors, which significantly reduce noise transfer.

* Consider climate. For regions with high heat in the summer or extreme cold in the winter, choose windows and doors with low-E glass. Low-E is a microscopic metallic coating applied to the glass that diminishes the amount of heat that can be transferred through it.

In humid regions, look for wood windows and doors that are protected against decay and insect damage and backed by a 20-year warranty. In arid regions, immediately seal and finish wood windows and doors to maintain their moisture, or consider high-quality vinyl windows.

When it comes to selecting the right windows and doors, a little planning can bring major benefits for years to come.

For ideas, style options and more information on choosing windows and doors, visit www.jeld-wen.com.