For most homeowners choosing the style and brand of window they install can be very confusing. The answer to what type of window you should buy depends greatly on how you plan to use the windows and your budget.  There are great windows available that won't cost a fortune, but many times people overbuy their products and under install them.  We don't discourage using premium quality windows, but if your budget doesn't allow it just know we can find other quality options as well. Andersen and Pella windows are two trusted manufactures that Aten Construction proudly installs.  Let us look at your home and help you evaluate your needs.

Standard Installation (Full Frame Replacement)

• Tear out entire frame of existing window
• Modify opening if necessary
• Caulk back of nail fin
• Install window, check for square and level for optimum operation
• Flash the perimeter of the window with special window tape
• Flash the head of window additionally with metal if necessary (some windows are pre-flashed)
• Trim interior, custom trim options are available
• Installation warranty

Here is an example of an old wood window that was replaced with a modestly priced vinyl casement and trimmed out nicely for hundreds if not thousands less than many traditional wood options. Vinyl also stands up nicely to moisture and will perform well for years to come.

Many times a well designed and crafted trim job around the window can dress a simple vinyl window up nicely, and it doesn't have to cost a fortune either!

Nothing quite looks as nice as a well manufactured wood window.  With vinyl and aluminum cladding on the exterior these windows can be both durable and beautiful.  Most manufacturers have their high-end and economical lines so even with the well known brands one needs to be mindful of quality differences. Let us help you evaluate your product needs.

Composite windows combine the strength of wood with the durability of vinyl. They can also be manufactured in rich and darker colors on the exterior. Ask us about the Andersen composite series, as seen in the picture to the left.

Low E:

This stands for low emissivity. Sunlight has both visible and infrared light. Low E windows have a thin metalic coating that reflects the infared light away in the summer and back into the house in the winter.   

Insulated Glass:

Any glass with two or more pieces of glass and a dead air space is considered insulated.  Sometimes manufacturers will replace the air between the glass other gases that have a higher insulating value like argon.

Argon Filled:

Argon is a gas that has a higher insulating value than just air alone, it is commonly used to fill between insulated glass.

U-factor:

This is the inverse of R-value, the lower the U-value the better the insulation factor.  We recommend a U-factor of .35 or lower.

SHGC:

Solar heat gain coefficient, is basically the amount of solar heat that is allowed to pass through the window. The lower the value the more effective the window is at reducing cooling loads in the summer The higher the value the more effective the window is at reducing heating loads in the winter. North Platte NE is in cooler climate so  SHGC factors around .30 to .40 are recommended, but its common to see much lower SHGC factors. Other factors of house position should be taken into consideration as well.