Guide to Buying Windows

There are several reasons why you might be looking to purchase new windows for your home. Maybe it is a new construction project, perhaps you are updating old or poor–performing windows, or maybe you want to change the style of window in a given room. Regardless of the reason, you may now be facing overwhelming decisions on where to start, what brand to choose, and what kind of products are out there to fit your style and budget. Purchasing windows and doors is a big decision—one that can impact you for many years to come—that is why we put together this guide to buying windows. After reading through this guide, you should feel more confident and be more prepared for your next window project! 

Understanding Windows

First and foremost, window installation is a highly technical process that can vary based on product type and the kind of application it is being installed into. During a good installation, the installer ensures that the product is the correct size, that it is the style you want, and that the finished product will have a tight seal to prevent air and water infiltration to eliminate drafts and potential water damage. Qualified installers will be familiar with proper industry installation techniques and will know the correct materials to use during installation. This will ensure that the products you choose will perform as intended throughout the life of the product. 

A qualified installer will also be able to properly trim out the window to provide an appealing and clean finished look. Because the installation process is complex and very hands-on, it is not a project that should be considered “DIY” and a professional installer should be contracted to do the work. Improper window installation can compromise the building envelope resulting in drafts, leaks and/or inefficient windows. Leaky windows can result in water damage to the building envelope, or mold growth which can be detrimental to your health. Since the average product lifespan for most modern windows is upwards of 15-20+ years, replacing your windows is something you will likely do infrequently throughout your lifetime. Because of this, it is critical that it is done correctly.  

Window Applications & Styles

When it comes to windows and doors, the installation application impacts a number of things such as installation method and the types of features and options that may be available. Viwinco offers products for both new construction, and replacement (both available in non-impact and impact-resistant options). New construction projects are generally homes being built from scratch, whereas replacement projects are ones where the existing windows are being removed and replaced. Viwinco’s new construction lines are S-Series and OceanView (impact-resistant option). Our replacement lines include Edgemont, Cambridge and OceanView (impact-resistant option). As our more economical product line, our Edgemont replacement products provide impressive performance with fewer styles and customized options than our other product offerings. Our Cambridge, S-Series and OceanView lines have an expansive style offering along with some additional options for enhanced personalization. Viwinco windows come in a variety of styles that impact the look, performance and overall functionality.  

Hung Windows

Hung windows are one of the more common styles of windows. They open vertically and come in a several variants including: Single-Hung, Double-Hung, Oriel, and Reverse Oriel. In a single-hung window, the top sash is fixed (does not move) and the bottom sash can be opened. With double-hungs, both the top and bottom sash are operable. Oriel and reverse oriel windows are similar in function to the double–hung. The difference is that in an oriel, the top sash is larger than the bottom sash (60/40 split). Reverse oriels are the opposite, where the top sash is smaller than the bottom sash (40/ 60 split).  

Casements, Awnings & Hoppers

Casements and awnings are also popular operable window options. Casements are hinged at the sides and depending on the handing, they open outwards to the left or right. Awnings, operate similarly, except they are hinged at the top and open outward and upward. In comparison to hung windows, casements are more air-tight and provide more expansive views. Due to their complexity, casement windows are among the most expensive styles on the market. Hopper windows function similarly to awning windows, except they are hinged at the bottom and have a latch at the top. They open inward and downward and are typically used in basements. They are good for letting light and ventilation in, while limiting dirt and debris from entering the home. Hoppers are only available on our Edgemont line. 

Slider Windows

Slider windows are the perfect option for openings that are wider than they are tall. As the name implies, they open by sliding horizontally along the sash track. Slider windows provide maximum ventilation and do not take up space by opening inward or outward. These windows come in 2-lite and 3-lite variants with different configurations available. 

Pictures, Transoms & Geometrics

Picture and transom windows are fixed windows that sacrifice operation for larger viewing space, more natural lighting and the highest energy efficiency across all window styles, because they do not open and have a tight seal to prevent air infiltration. A transom is a structural term that refers to the horizontal beam above a window or door, that separates it from a window above. Transom windows are essentially picture windows that are used in the space above the transom (crosspiece section above a door). These are often used to provide privacy while allowing natural light to flow into the room. Geometric windows are essentially picture windows that come in different shapes. The Viwinco geometric department has the capability to create almost any shape you can think of. From gothic windows and octagons, to triangles and circles, there is a wide variety of customization. 

Bay & Bow Windows

Bay and Bow windows are a great way to transform the look of your house and add character to any room. Bay and Bow windows are similar, in that they both project outward from the building envelope, and provide 180-degree viewing angles. These windows come with a seatboard that creates a window seat or a decorative shelf. The difference between the two comes in the angles in which the windows are pitched at. In a Bay window, the center window is parallel to the exterior wall of the house, and the flanker (side) windows are angled either 10, 30, or 45 degrees outward. In a Bow window, all of the windows are angled at 10-degrees. Bays and Bows can be designed with hung-windows, pictures, or casements to create a truly unique look and a variety of functionality. 

Features & Customization

Viwinco windows are a perfect blend of performance and personalization. Viwinco products and energy efficiency go hand-in-hand. One of the key benefits of vinyl windows and doors is their inert energy efficiency properties. Our vinyl is produced in Ohio and is designed with Sunshield® technology — a premium, high-performance vinyl compound That contributes to industry-leading weather resistance, impact-resistance, and color retention. In addition to premium-grade vinyl, our products are also designed with enhanced glass packages comprising of a low-emissivity glass lite (Low-E glass), a thermally efficient spacer system, a clear glass lite, and an argon gas fill. All these features translate to savings on your energy bill.  

In addition to impressive performance, Viwinco products are highly customizable. Our windows and doors are available in a variety of colors. We offer 3 solid extrusions; white tan and clay, in addition to our bronze and Midnight Black exterior laminates. On our solid extrusion colors, both the interior and exterior are the same color. For our exterior laminates, a premium laminate is applied to the exterior of the product and the interior is white. We also offer simulated divided lites (SDL), flat internal, or deluxe internal color-matched grids. Some additional features include trim casing and extension jambs on new construction products, and blinds between the glass on patio doors among many other options to bring your desired look to life! 

Warranties Matter

Purchasing new windows is a big financial decision. Today’s windows and doors are complex and loaded with features and personalized options. These products are designed for performance and longevity. That being said, issues do occur, and when they do, it is important to have the support of a strong product warranty. Viwinco’s warranty is one of the most robust you can find on window and door products. Our warranty was created to support our products from the time they leave our facility, through point of installation and beyond. It includes a broad range of issues to ensure homeowners are supported if an issue does arise. For a full list of coverage under the Viwinco Warranty, check out our warranty page on our website. 

Looking Ahead

Buying new windows and doors can be overwhelming—but it does not have to be. We hope that you learned a bit about Viwinco’s window buying process and feel more comfortable and confident going into your next project. If you would like to learn more about the window buyer’s journey, you can check out our in-depth Buyer’s Guide on our website. If you have any additional questions about this process or Viwinco products in general, feel free to reach out to us! 

Where to Begin

Now that you have identified your project type (new construction vs. replacement), chosen a combination of window/ door styles you would like to use, and decided on some custom features to personalize your product, you are ready for the next steps. To begin the window buying process, it is important to find a reputable contractor to assist with the measurements, purchase, and installation of your windows and doors. Viwinco—like most window and door manufacturers—operates on a business-to-business model (B2B), meaning that we do not sell directly to a homeowner, instead we sell to building material distribution sites. The representatives at the distribution site work with your contractor to transform their measurements into quotes through our system. Once the quote is approved, it is sent to us and we can begin manufacturing your order.  

Once the order is complete, we will ship it out to the distribution site, to be picked up by your contractor. Viwinco is partnered with building materials distributors all along the East Coast and even a few out in the Midwest. To locate a distributor near you, you can use the “Where to Buy” tool on our website.