Search Advanced…. Log in. Replacement for Windows Home Server Thread starter teetime Start date May 12, JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Oct 28, 8 0 1. Background About 9 years ago I finished my first ever server build with help from STH build post here. Over the ensuing years it worked as expected and required very little care and feeding. To that end I purchased a Synology DSplay with high expectations that it would fill the bill, but I have had problems with the unit and it is now being sent back.
I would also backup less frequently to Backblaze's B2. Questions 1. Is FreeNAS a good choice for the use case described above? If answer to 1 is yes, is my 9 year old server up to the task? Some window frame materials are better suited for particular climates, as high temperatures can affect the long term durability of some frames. Homeowners and contractors should be mindful of the different materials that comprise a window, taking special notice of the quality and suitability of the materials for the project.
Vinyl windows are an affordable replacement window option made from polyvinyl chloride PVC. They are rigid and possess hollow chambers inside that make them energy efficient by helping them resist both heat transfer and condensation. Vinyl windows need little maintenance as they do not require any kind of painting or finishing, and they do not fade, rot, chip, or peel.
Most companies will offer lifetime warranties on their vinyl options. The material does, however, limit the choice of colors to shades of white, black, gray, and brown. Also, vinyl windows can begin to warp when exposed to high temperatures and may expand and contract with temperature fluctuations.
For these reasons, they may be better-suited for milder climates. Fiberglass windows are a bit pricier, but when compared to vinyl windows, they are even more energy efficient and durable. Fiberglass windows are resistant to temperature changes that cause other materials to expand and contract, which means that hardly any air leaks around the frame. Known for their strength, fiberglass is as low maintenance as vinyl.
Although quite expensive, wood is an elegant replacement window option. Wood does not conduct as much heat as other materials do and does not allow for much condensation to build up. Wood does require substantial upkeep in order to prevent warping, rotting, and chipping, however. Additionally, for residents that live in an area with termites, working with a termite treatment company to develop a reliable prevention strategy is recommended.
Still, with proper care and refinishing as needed, wood can be an attractive choice for the right house. Aluminum is an inexpensive option for replacement windows.
Aluminum windows are long-lasting because they resist corrosion, and give the window an industrial appearance. They are known to have issues with efficiency since metal does conduct heat; however, this issue can be resolved by selecting an aluminum window that has thermal breaks.
Composite windows are a blend of materials that consists of resin and fiberglass. The material is strong and lightweight and requires the same level of maintenance or lack thereof as do vinyl replacement windows. While composite windows share similar features of vinyl and fiberglass windows, they actually mimic the appearance of wood windows, and they are priced in between vinyl and wood options. Clad windows exist for individuals who want the durability that vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum windows offer, combined with the artistry of wood.
These are windows that have wood on the interior of the home, and one of the aforementioned materials on the exterior of the home. They require less maintenance since the wood only exists on half of the window, and they offer the same level of protection as vinyl or fiberglass options.
The performance of a replacement window, or lack thereof, can have a direct impact on the cost of heating and cooling a home as well as the durability of the window over time. Here are some tips to help determine whether a window is a quality product, or cheaply made:. The hardware of a window consists of all of the components used to open and close a window. Quality hardware is made from solid steel that is cut on laser machines, while cheap hardware is made from stamped metal parts or folded metal sheets.
While other materials can rust over time, parts made from sturdy materials, like stainless steel, will allow the window unit to operate smoothly. Also, windows that have a stable transition from the locked and unlocked position are an indication of quality. Some windows are designed to hide and protect the gear mechanisms from dust, which ultimately improves the longevity of the parts. Finally, handles and locks made from plastic do not offer the same level of quality as those made from nickel and other metals.
When shopping for replacement windows, it is helpful to look at cutouts that allow you to see the internal structure of the window. Look for a window that is constructed from thick walls and multiple chambers or pockets. Reinforcement, using metal or wood, is used to provide structural rigidity to a window. Reinforcing members can be included inside the window, in various window components, or in-between window units.
Reinforcement is often necessary for very large window units, but can also indicate that a smaller window unit may have been made poorly, as small windows should not need reinforcement.
Wood reinforcements may also indicate poor construction as they compromise the energy efficiency of the window. Similarly, metal reinforcements conduct heat, which also inhibits the energy efficiency of the window.
Look for a window that is constructed from thick walls and does not require the use of reinforcements except for with large applications, where the use of reinforcements is unavoidable.
A quality window has a high degree of rigidity without the need to add additional reinforcement. Compression seals are used to protect against drafts and keep rain and other elements from entering the home. They are placed between the sashes and frames of a window.
For sliding windows, weatherstripping is used, and for casement or awning windows, bulb seals are used. High-quality windows will feature three seals, while low-quality windows might only have one or two seals.
Quality seals are made from Santoprene rubber, which acts as an effective insulator. It is a durable material and will keep a window properly sealed for many years. On the other hand, cheap seals are made from PVC, which breaks easily and will lose its sealing power after only a couple of years. For many homeowners, energy efficiency is the most popular selling point for replacement windows.
The National Association of Home Builders NAHB listed home energy efficiency as the second most likely quality to influence a purchase decision behind community safety. As different climates require more or less insulation from the sun, performance criteria varies from region to region.
In addition to measures of heat transfer and sun-blocking, the NFRC tests visible transmittance, air leakage, and condensation resistance. An NFRC label will not, on its own, indicate a good or bad window. See the table below for help interpreting the NFRC label when comparing multiple energy efficient replacement window options. Low emissivity, or low-E coatings are thin and transparent coatings that increase the energy efficiency of replacement window glass by reflecting heat while still allowing light to enter.
The effectiveness of low-E coatings and their ability to regulate the temperature inside a home are shown on the NFRC label, so pay close attention to the values when comparing multiple products. Insulated glass makes a home more energy efficient through the use of multiple panes and an insulating medium. Double-glazed refers to a window that uses two glass panes, while triple-glazed refers to a window that uses three glass panes.
The panes are separated along their edges by foam or metal spacers, and the space in-between is filled with an insulating medium, such as air, argon, or krypton gas, that works to slow the transfer of heat through the window. In summary, energy efficiency is a desirable characteristic for most homeowners when looking to purchase new replacement windows.
Lastly, remember that there are additional fixtures that can be added to replacement windows to further reduce energy usage in the home.
To learn more about additional ways to improve the energy efficiency of replacement windows, see the section on improving energy efficiency below. Another important thing to look for, as a buyer, is whether the company that sells or manufactures the window offers installation.
Several companies that offer replacement windows also have professionals available to install the new windows. Even for homeowners who are capable of performing the replacement on their own, paying the company who produced the window has benefits.
Aside from saving time and effort, professional installation usually includes warranties that protect the homeowner from the cost of damages that result in faulty installation. Warranties vary in their coverage and might only be valid for a certain amount of time. How a warranty is defined can also vary across manufacturers. For example, the term lifetime can mean different things depending on the company, but most commonly refers to either the life of the owner or the expected lifespan of the window.
With that in mind, here are the most common types of available warranties:. The coverage that a warranty will include also differs between manufacturers. Be mindful of any exclusions the warranty may note. All of the companies listed in this guide score well across these categories and have received strong reviews from their customers. Replacement windows vary significantly in price depending on the type of material, style of window, method of installation, and other factors.
The cost of replacement windows varies drastically depending on a number of conditions. Some of the most influential factors that affect the cost include the material, style, and installation. Other factors that have an impact include the location in the house, window size, and energy efficiency rating. Fortunately, government incentives and local rebates can help reduce the cost associated with the purchase of replacement windows. In addition to influencing the look, performance, durability, and required maintenance of replacement windows, material is one of the main factors that determines the cost.
Aluminum windows are generally the cheapest, while wood or materials that give a wood-like appearance, such as fiberglass or composite, tend to be much more expensive. The table below summarizes the range of costs for popular window frame materials.
Another key decision when selecting replacement windows is determining which window style or styles to use throughout a home. Keep in mind that window styles requiring a high level of skill to install can increase the installation time and labor costs. The table below summarizes the range of costs for popular replacement window styles not including labor. After picking out the right replacement windows, a homeowner must decide on a method of installation: hire a professional contractor or DIY do-it-yourself.
The cost of labor is greatly influenced by the window size, style, complexity of the installation, accessibility to the installation site, and overall time required to install the replacement.
In addition, labor costs more in expensive urban areas than in smaller, less expensive locations. One way to reduce the cost of labor is to replace many windows at once.
While most homeowners do not have the necessary skills required to install replacement windows, some will want to tackle the project themselves. Those that do have the skill set should read installation guides to help simplify the job.
Set a realistic schedule to read through the guides and perform the work before tackling replacement window installation. The cost of purchasing and installing new replacement windows adds up quickly, especially when replacing all of the windows in a home at once.
However, rebates offered by the government as well as local utility companies do exist to help lower the cost associated with purchasing replacement windows.
Rebates can ultimately save a homeowner hundreds or even thousands of dollars when buying new replacement windows, so be sure to look into these incentives before making a purchase. This could also include a consultation, installation, and purchase price.
Typically, the cost of repairs is almost equal to the cost of replacement. Another factor that affects the price of a replacement window, is the type of window you are replacing. Here are some common types of windows. This is a common type of window. These windows have a lower inside sash that slides up, as well as an upper outside sash that slides down. Overall, this improves air circulation, making it ideal for full screens. These windows are also easy to clean because you can easily tile the sash.
Keep in mind that most have a high trim on the still, which might require some shimming to get your AC stabilized. Double-hung windows also tend to do a better job of keeping out cold water and air. If you live in a windy and chilly climate like Chicago, or a rainy place like the Pacific Northwest, these windows are ideal for you.
Also if you live somewhere that gets really hot like Los Angeles , these windows are also ideal because they can keep the cool air in, and the hot air out. These windows hinge at one side and have a crank that lets you open these windows outward. These windows tend to be a little more airtight than double-hung windows.
This is because when they close, the sash locks up tightly against the frame. You cannot install window air conditioners on a casement-style window like you can with a double-hung style.
These windows open outward and are hinged at the top. Similar to casements, the sash presses against the window frame, which lets the window close very tightly. These windows are airtight and come with various unusual shapes and decorative glass accents.
These windows are the opposite of awning windows. Instead of only opening outward and being hinged at the top, hopper-style windows are hinged at the bottom and can open either outward or inward. Single-Hung looks like double-hung windows, but with these windows, only the bottom sash moves. Because of this, these windows tend to be less expensive than double-hung windows. The top sash on these windows is sealed to keep out water and cool air.
This style is made up of several glass panels that are all the same size and curve gently. Bow windows project from the wall outward instead of flushing with the wall. When choosing between a vinyl or wood window there are a few things to keep in mind. These windows are the most durable, beautiful, and energy-efficient you can buy. Not to mention wood interior improves your home aesthetics drastically, making it a potential main selling point to future buyers. These windows are made from a plastic PVC material.
Vinyl windows first debuted in the s as an alternative to wood windows which were more expensive. Today, Vinyl windows make up as much of the window market as wood windows. You can spot a vinyl window as they are usually white plastic windows. Over the last twenty years, vinyl windows have started coming in other colors besides white. When deciding between a wood and vinyl window, it all comes down to your priorities. Find a window company near you today and request quotes to compare today!
The safest solution is to seek a full repair service from professional window repairers. A possible exception may be if the particular material used is either extremely expensive or you are unable to find a replacement, in which case a professional repair job may suffice.
My husband and I just bought a little house that we would like to renovate into a small, modern cafe since it is just a block from downtown. My husband and I want to remodel our house windows, and we are looking for advice. I like that you recommended using Andersen windows or Pella windows since these are a trend right now. We will start looking for a glass company that will be able to customize a certain frame and window type.
I have a few windows that the seals are broken. Looking for a quote on a few or all depending on cost. Pella DOES offer a lifetime warranty on their aluminum clad wood windows, Impervia fiberglass, and all of their vinyl windows. They should have switched to vinyl clad or better yet fiberglass clad but it was cheaper to have attorneys fix up the warranty instead.
I have 21 regular widows from that I am looking to replace. I live on the Central Florida East Coast. In a hurricane prone zone. I have narrowed my choices down to PGT and Simonton.
The PGT has a 13 chamber rame and the Simonton has a 9 chamber frame. The install and the products seam to be veery similar.
One is called Vinyl Impact and one is called Vinyl laminated. There is only Is there something that would make me go Simonton over PGT. Simnton is listed 5 on this site. PGT is not listed at all. I can speak for the Simonton Series which has a better warranty. Double Lifetime with accidental glass breakage. However, PGT is reasonably new to HD and specializes in Impact glass, allowing for larger Window and door sizes based on design pressure. In addition to the manufactures warranty on both windows brands HD adds a Craftmanship warranty that covers the installation, meaning they will send installers to replace the window if it fails.
Where the manufactures warranty will ship you the parts to install yourself if you can prove it was a defective part. I had no idea that double-hung windows do a better job at keeping out cold water and air. I cannot stand the cold. I will look into replacing some of the windows in my house with these ones. Provia are vastly superior to anything listed, amerimax, as well. You get what you pay for.
Energy efficiency should also be considered when choosing type of windows that is what I have ask from our local window installers because it will save energy at home. Personally I like the picture window for the living room. I really liked your description of casement-style windows and how they can be opened wide or shut tight depending on the need of the homeowner. Choosing between excellent ventilation or great insulation sounds like a choice that I would enjoy since my area is known for pretty extreme climates.
I have an older home built in , I live in Minnesota where we deal with extreme cold and snow. I am going to replace 11 windows in a few months. I appreciate all the information given on this site, I really appreciate the good and not so good comments.
Thanks for the info on new windows and which window installation to choose. This is a good summary. I will turn customers looking to hire on to this as a reference. After going through your content and reading about different types of windows, I am confused between Milgard and Alside. I like both of them, now I have a choice to include both of them or one in my newly constructing house. I loved your blog as all the window ideas are very beautiful. Thank you. We have quotes from Pella, Anderson and a local company that installs Jeld Wen wood-clad windows.
All are very pricey for 19 large windows. We are planning to have an estimate done by a local company that installs Lincoln wood-clad windows. Do you have any recommendations on this product?
Vinyl windows are an affordable replacement window option made from polyvinyl chloride PVC. They are rigid and possess hollow chambers inside that make them energy efficient by helping them resist both heat transfer and condensation.
Vinyl windows need little maintenance as they do not require any kind of painting or finishing, and they do not fade, rot, chip, or peel. Most companies will offer lifetime warranties on their vinyl options. The material does, however, limit the choice of colors to shades of white, black, gray, and brown.
Also, vinyl windows can begin to warp when exposed to high temperatures and may expand and contract with temperature fluctuations. For these reasons, they may be better-suited for milder climates. Thanks for the tip that about how I should also consider the security features of a window replacement that I will be getting.
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