The old-time single-pane wood windows of the past used to last for 40 years, with some scraping and painting. Many windows today, however, don’t come close to that. Today’s cheap windows are doomed to fail at the tender age of just five to ten years, sometimes even three to five. Sven Kramer explains how to buy windows the smart way!

If it’s time to replace your windows, you’ll likely be surprised – and possibly confused – by the number of window screen and frame options available. Since it is important to purchase materials based on your specific needs, Stanek has created the following Window Screen Material and Window Frame Material charts for a side-by-side comparison of available options.

Just as fire can be a fatal hazard, especially for kids, windows pose a very real threat as well. One recent study, offered by the Journal of Pediatrics, put the number of serious injuries to children who fell out of open windows and had to be taken to the hospital at over 5,000 each year. What’s surprising is that 83% of those incidents in the study involved screened windows! Obviously, windows, even screened ones, pose a threat to infants and toddlers, and even older children at times.

Window condensation can be downright irritating, and in some cases, it can even damage your home, especially if you have older windows. It can rot wood molding and damage plaster, and the excess moisture in your home, which causes interior condensation, can damage your entire home, not just the areas around the windows.

In the world of window sizing, there’s good news, and there’s bad news. The good news is that most companies insist on custom-making your new windows to the precise measurements they take themselves in order to deliver perfection. The bad news is that “standard” sizes for windows are more or less a thing of the past. Today, the word “standard,” when applied to window sizes, usually refers to the sizes listed in the window company’s own catalog.

If you’re purchasing replacement windows, you may be confused with the terms used to describe energy efficiency. The terms U-value (or U-factor) and R-value are especially perplexing for many consumers. Understanding the differences will help when selecting energy-efficient windows and insulation for your home. Both U-value and R-value measure energy efficiency and it is important to understand the differences between them.

Looking for window prices online? You might be disappointed. For every twelve window manufacturers you might be able to find one or two prices on the manufacturer’s website. And when you do finally find a price, it will probably be a vague range of numbers, such as $5,000-$25,000. Not helpful, right? What’s up with all the cloak and dagger when it comes to window prices?

So, you’ve decided it’s time to get new replacement windows. Maybe you’re interested in lowering your energy bills. Or, maybe you’d just like to get your slice of the whopping 10% tax credit  that the U.S. government is handing out this year (2013) for new energy efficient windows. Whatever your reason, someone will need to measure your current window to give you an accurate quote and a correctly sized replacement window.

At some point during home ownership you’ll likely take a look at your windows and consider replacing several or all of them. Older windows can result in a variety of problems and expenses. It is important to consider single vs. double hung windows: major differences exist between the two windows, ranging from the amount of available ventilation to the ease and cost of maintenance and cleaning.

Many Energy Star-certified windows qualify for a hefty tax credit of ten percent of the cost of the window. This article presents a brief rundown of things you need to know to qualify.