Replacement Window Buyer’s Guide
Get Answers To Your Fiberglass Replacement Window Questions
Old, outdated, inefficient windows aren't doing your home any favors. Many windows with cheap, builder-grade materials can cause frustrating problems, like wood rot, seal failure, water leaks, and more. These issues may lead to uncomfortable drafts, high energy bills, and poor curb appeal—leaving you and your family dissatisfied with your home.
Windows need to be adequately maintained and occasionally replaced to perform optimally. Beautiful, durable fiberglass replacement windows are the perfect solution to add value to your home and eliminate the problems you're currently facing with your windows. Fiberglass is the sturdiest window material on the market, which is why North Georgia Replacement Windows only installs windows made with this material so you get maximum performance and longevity.
If you don't know much about fiberglass windows—no problem! This informative guide will answer your questions about the benefits, styles, and energy efficiency of fiberglass windows we install at North Georgia Replacement Windows. We are proud to be the exclusive contractor for Infinity from Marvin windows, and thousands of homeowners across the state of Georgia have trusted us to transform their homes with beautiful, durable windows.
Guide Chapters
Is It Time to Replace My Windows?
New windows are a significant investment. Understandably, you want to ensure it's the right time for replacement windows before making any financial commitments.
North Georgia Replacement Windows can help you identify both the visible and underlying issues with your windows so you can decide if replacement windows are a worthwhile investment for your home. However, you can usually tell that it's time for replacement windows before calling a contractor if you notice the following signs:
Draftiness
When your warm, cozy home develops uncomfortable drafts, it may signify your windows aren't insulated well enough. While you can temporarily fix drafts with caulking or weatherstripping, the only permanent solution is replacement windows.
High Energy Bills
If your windows allow cool air to escape during the summer or warm air to leak during the winter, you may notice a significant increase in your utility bills. This is because your heater and air conditioning unit are forced to work overtime to compensate for the air escaping through your windows, causing your energy usage to skyrocket.
Sticky Operation
Windows that are hard to open are a pain to clean, and windows that are difficult to close and latch can create an enticing entryway for intruders.
Fogginess
When the seals in double-pane or triple-pane windows break, they allow moisture to creep between the panes, creating foggy windows that obstruct your beautiful outdoor views.
Outside Noise
If you hear noise pollution inside your home, like the garbage truck, barking dogs, or your neighbor's lawnmower, it may be a sign the soundproofing in your windows is deteriorating (or never existed in the first place).
Old Windows
If your windows are several decades old, they're likely single-pane windows. And chances are, they don't offer your home nearly as much insulation as double pane windows with insulated glass units.
Wood Rot
If you have wood windows, your frames may rot after encountering moisture. Wood rot is unsightly, but it can also cause troublesome issues, like structural instability and health problems.
Why Choose Fiberglass Windows?
When it's time to purchase new windows, you have many options—so why choose fiberglass?
Infinity from Marvin Fiberglass Windows Offer Timeless Style and Strong Performance
Keep reading to discover the valuable benefits of Infinity from Marvin® fiberglass windows—the superior fiberglass window brand and the only type of windows we install at North Georgia Replacement Windows.
Lasting Durability
Infinity from Marvin fiberglass windows are made with Ultrex®—a material that's eight times stronger than vinyl. It won't warp, crack, or swell, so your windows will stay weathertight. They will also glide open with ease and stay securely fastened when closed.
Energy-Efficient Performance
Fiberglass expands and contracts at nearly the same rate as glass, so unlike other window materials, Ultrex® fiberglass windows are resistant to leaks, seal failures, and stress cracks. No matter the season, enjoy long-term performance from within your well-ventilated home.
Beautiful Finish
Fiberglass windows come in a variety of unique colors and styles to match any home. Infinity from Marvin fiberglass windows are also offered with an interior finish, EverWood®—a material that looks, feels, and paints like natural wood but is completely low-maintenace.
Hassle-Free Maintenance
Infinity from Marvin fiberglass windows are made with a finish that resists chipping, peeling, or fading, so it's easy to keep them looking beautiful. They also come with tilt-in sashes to make cleaning a breeze.
Bigger Views
Because fiberglass is so strong, Infinity from Marvin fiberglass windows come with slimmer frames than other replacement windows, allowing you to enjoy more natural light in your home and unobstructed views of your beautiful backyard.
How do Fiberglass Windows Impact a Home’s Energy Efficiency?
Did you know investing in replacement windows is one of the best ways to improve your home's energy efficiency? When you have an energy-efficient home, you'll enjoy lower utility bills, increased property value, enhanced quality of life, and other noticeable benefits.
How Can I Tell if My Windows Are Energy-Efficient?
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) independently tests, certifies, and labels products, like windows and doors, to help you compare their energy performance. They rate windows using the following categories:
U-Factor measures how well a window can keep heat from leaving the room. The lower the number (between 0.2-1.20), the better the product retains heat.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient measures how effectively a window can deter heat gain, which is important to keeping your energy bills low. This number can range from 0-1, but lower numbers are better at keeping your home cooler in the summer.
Visual Transmittance measures how well a window can illuminate your home with natural light, which reduces your reliance on artificial light. This number can range from 0-1, and higher numbers are better.
Air Leakage measures how much air will enter your window. The air leakage rate typically falls in a range between 0.01 and 0.3. The lower the AL, the better a window is at keeping air outside of your home and thus, fewer drafts..
Infinity from Marvin fiberglass windows have been verified by the NFRC based on the factors listed above. Their ratings meet the strict efficiency requirements of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and are also certified by ENERGY STAR®.
Energy-Saving Tips
In addition to fiberglass replacement windows, here are a few ways you can create an energy-efficient home:
Turn off lights when you leave a room.
Unplug appliances you're not using.
Replace your lightbulbs with LEDs.
Install a smart thermostat that will adjust automatically.
How Does Ultrex Fiberglass Compare to Vinyl Wood, and Fibrex?
Vinyl and wood are popular window materials, but when it comes to durability, beauty, and longevity—there isn't a better option for your home than fiberglass windows!
Vinyl vs. Fiberglass
Vinyl windows are made from extruded polyvinyl chloride (PVC)—a type of plastic. While vinyl windows are versatile and cost-effective, they are no match for the extreme durability of fiberglass windows. When exposed to extreme temperatures, vinyl is prone to melting, cracking, or deforming, resulting in draftiness and making your windows difficult to open and close.
Infinity from Marvin fiberglass windows are made from Ultrex—a material eight times stronger than vinyl. It expands at nearly the same rate as glass, so you won't have to worry about seal failure and water leaks that result in energy inefficiencies and other costly problems.
Wood vs. Fiberglass
Wood is a timeless material that creates a warm, welcoming appearance—but it also comes with its fair share of problems. Wood windows are prone to moisture damage and may swell, rot, or warp. They're also attractive to critters and insects, resulting in deterioration from pests. In turn, wood windows require plenty of maintenance to keep them in great shape, including painting, staining, and sealing.
If you love the classic look of wood but don't want to deal with the high-maintenance upkeep, fiberglass windows are a great alternative. Also, Infinity from Marvin offers EverWood—an engineered wood-grain interior finish that looks just like wood—as a durable, water-resistant alternative for your fiberglass windows.
Fibrex® vs. Fiberglass
Fibrex® is a composite material made up of 40% wood and 60% plastic. It is a thermoplastic material, which is a substance that becomes pliable on heating and hardens on cooling, and then it's able to repeat this process. Becuase of this, Fibrex® windows can bow and warp. This could lead to air infiltration and operational issues down the road. Also, their frames are not as thin as Ultrex® fiberglass, which means you will lose some daylight and views.
On the other hand, Infinity from Marvin windows are made from Ultrex® fiberglass which, unlike Fibrex®, is a thermoset material. This means the window frames will not melt or lose their true shape, even when exposed to extreme temperatures of up to 285° F. Also, Ultrex® fiberglass replacement window frames and the glass are both made from the same basic material - silica sand. This means that they expand and contract at nearly the same rate, ensuring the windows stay tight and true and making the Infinity window resistant to leaks, seal failures and stress cracks.
Which Fiberglass Window Styles Are the Best for My Home?
Whether you have a traditional house or a modern dwelling, we can help you find the perfect windows to match your home's architecture, your personal style, and your remodeling budget.
Infinity from Marvin offers the following styles of fiberglass replacement windows:
Awning
Awning windows are hinged at the top and swing outward on the bottom. They're great for improving circulation in tight, steamy spaces, like kitchens or bathrooms.
Bay
Bay windows typically consist of one fixed picture window in the center, two movable windows on the sides, and a spacious windowsill. They're great for adding light, dimension, and architectural appeal to large living spaces.
Bow
Bow windows protrude outward like bay windows but usually consist of four, five, or six of the same window style, such as casement or double-hung windows.
Casement
Casement windows are hinged and swing open like awning windows to provide unobstructed views and refreshing ventilation. However, instead of opening from the bottom, they open from the left or right side like a door.
Double-Hung
Double-hung windows include two window sashes that slide open at the top and bottom. They're easier to clean than single-hung windows, making them a great match for hard-to-reach places, like second-story bedrooms.
Round Top
Round-top windows are fixed semicircle windows that can add stunning visual appeal when installed above a door or window.
Slider
Slider windows are an excellent option if you don't have room to swing open a casement window or tilt in a double-hung window, but you still want some ventilation. Slider windows but open from side to side, like a sliding patio door.
Special Shapes
Are you looking for an octagon, triangle, or pentagon window? No problem! Special shape windows come in unique shapes and sizes to create eye-catching curb appeal.
How to Design My Own Fiberglass Window
You can learn all about the valuable benefits of fiberglass windows, discover the beautiful styles available, and still be left with one pressing question—how will these replacement windows look on my home?
Fortunately, Infinity from Marvin is already one step ahead of you! When you use the window designer tool on their website, you can see exactly how different window styles, colors, and finishes will look on your exterior. Here's how it works:
Upload a high-quality photo of your home.
Click on the window styles, colors, configurations, and grille patterns to see how they'd look on your exterior.
Contact a professional contractor when you're ready to turn the digital windows on your home's exterior into a reality!
Why Choose North Georgia Replacement Windows?
Before investing in beautiful, energy-efficient replacement windows, it's equally important to find a qualified and certified local window contractor to install them. When installed incorrectly, windows can develop costly problems your warranty won't cover, like water leaks and seal failures—leaving you with beautiful, yet completely dysfunctional, windows.
North Georgia Replacement Windows has helped thousands of homeowners refresh their homes with fiberglass replacement windows. We're the exclusive Infinity from Marvin contractor for the entire state of Georgia, which means we've been hand-selected by this manufacturer for our high installation standards and commitment to excellence.
When you install fiberglass replacement windows with North Georgia Replacement Windows, you will receive two industry-leading warranties:
The Lifetime Service Warranty covers our workmanship on every window we install for as long as you live in your home.
The Limited Lifetime Product Warranty is offered by the manufacturer and applies to the product itself.
North Georgia Repalcement Windows also offers a Price Lock Guarantee, which locks you into a price for 36 months as long as you live in your home. This means you can break your project up into phases and work at a pace that is comfortable for you.
When you work with North Georgia Replacement Windows, we won't bore you with a high-pressure sales script. Instead, we'll engage you in window conversations to ensure you get the beauty, performance, and value you desire from your replacement windows.
Learn more about our exclusive Infinity from Marvin fiberglass windows to discover why they're the perfect fit for Georgia homes, and contact us to request a proposal!
