The Best of Residential Windows is a compilation of resources on...

Best Windows and Companies
Best Videos about Windows
Best Weekend DIY Window Projects
Best Information Guides on Windows
Best Alternatives to Replacement Windows
Finding the Best Installers and Professional Associations
Best Residential Windows in Big Improvement Stores
and... more.

Enjoy!Note: the resources listed in this page belong to the respective owners, with whom we don't maintain any affiliation. More...

Best windows and manufacturers

The list of the best-known residential window manufacturers includes giant companies like Andersen Windows and Doors, American Crafstman, Jeld-Wen, Marvin Windows and Doors, Milgard Windows, Pella Windows and Doors, Wilmmar Windows...

All these manufacturers have top windows, but there is significant differences of quality within the same brand. A large window manufacturer can be a good starting point to select your replacement or new windows, but just that.

You shouldn't forget that the best windows for you also depends on your climate, the side of the house where the window is going to be located, and involve elements like the design of the window (casement, double-hung, casement, sliding...) and sizes.

All these elements should be taken into account when trying to select the best windows. In other words: choose a top window manufacturer, or a company you trust, but pay also special attention to the window's rating label (Energy Star and NFRC in North America, the British Fenestration Rating Council in he UK or the Window Energy Rating Scheme in Australia) and its coefficients: the Solar Heating Gain Coefficient, the U-factor (insulation value), the Air Leakage coefficient or the Visual Transmittance coefficient. These coefficients depend on elements like the window glazing (double pane, gas filling), the spacers, the frames and sashes. See, for details on these issues: Window Best Rating.

Pay also attention to the warranty given by the manufacturer: a full lifetime window warranty it's a sign of top quality...

best online videos on windows

There are very few good online videos on window installation, window weatherstripping or solar films application - certainly because these jobs vary a lot with the type of window and walls or with manufacturers. But here is a small list, anyway:

Fine Home Building has some good videos related with the replacement of windows. The window manufacturer Peter Kohler also has some online videos involving repairing windows here.

For dummies has a good video on the weatherstripping of old double-hung windows (you can se it here). Gila offers some good videos about the installation of their solar window films, that can be applied to other brands. See them here.

For online videos involving the air sealing and caulking of windows and air sealing projects, see: The Best or Caulking and Air Sealing.

Best guides, catalogues and documents on residential windows

Large window manufacturers have a wide set of information (catalogues, technical information, window installation...) on their products. You just have to look for them in their sites. See, for an example, Pella.

Below we list four good online guides and documents on windows:

US Department of Energy Selecting Windows for Energy Efficiency
US Department of Energy Energy Savers, Windows
Energy Star Efficiency Windows: Performance criteria and USA climates zones
Natural Resources Canada: Buying Guide to Energy Efficient Windows

best places to buy windows, weatherstripping materials and window solar films

Window manufacturers have information on their sites about where to buy and how to locate their retailers. If you trust a particular manufacturer, or have already identified the brand and series of windows you want, go to the site of the manufacturer and look for their retailers.

Big home improvement stores like Lowe's and Home Depot are also selling some of the top window brands (and offering professional installation) at very competitive prices. Lowe's is currently selling Pella and ThermaStar, Reliabilt, Jeld Wen and Velux. Home Depot is selling Vantage Point, Anderson, American Craftsman, Jeld Wen and Sequel...

As to weatherstripping products and solar films for windows you can easily select and buy them in home improvement stores, local building supply dealers or even in big online retailers like Amazon.com. See: Amazon.com weatherproofing products

For the best air sealing products, see: Air Sealing Products and Materials

finding the best window installers

Window retailers and big improvement stores can assist you to find window installers, or offer you their own services and professional installers.

An alternative (in the USA) to find professional windows installers and professionals is the Resnet database: Resnet Window Repair.

Also in USA, the U.S. Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program may also help low-income families to find professionals associated to windows. See: State weatherization contacts.

Top window associations include:
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC): performance rating and certification of windows (USA and Canada).
International Window Film Association

The NWDA and the NFRC have a large list of window industry resources (North America). See them here and here.

UK: Energy Saving Trust UK, British Fenestration Rating Council;
Australia: Australia Windows & Doors Labeling: Australian GreenHouse Office.

best Weekend DIY window project

Replacing a window isn't a typical DIY weekend job. A bad installation (or repair) may be very costly in the end. You may follow the instructions of the manufacturer or some broad lines about installing of repairing a window, but you should be very well informed and skillful.

More typical windows DIY weekend projects include some projects like replacing a window glass (see for instance the Home's Depot guide on it) or weatherstripping and installing solar films (see Gila videos here) and storm windows.

For help on weatherstripping window projects you may look at...
Lowe's guide
Weatherproofing your windows with vinyl V-strips (Home Depot)
Weatherproofing casement and sliding windows (Home Depot)
Weatherstripping around windows and doors (Home Depot)

As to storm window weekend projects: some manufacturers offer kits for self-installation, with detailed information that you may follow... Lowe's is selling Comfort Bilt Storm Windows but there are other good manufacturers that you may consider and that aren't selling their products in big home improvement stores: Gorel Storm Windows, Allied Windows, Larson Storm Windows...

best alternatives to replacement windows

Replacing your windows is a costly project. And if you are in a tight budget or your windows aren't too old or too inefficient, you may want to consider alternatives to replacement windows.

Storm windows are one of them (see Storm vs. Replacement Windows).

Other alternatives comprise weatherstripping and air sealing. Or strategies involving sun reflective window films (in hot climates) and devices like awnings, overhangs, etc.

Best window audits

Energy audits include windows and the energy that is lost through them. Tests with thermographic cameras or the well-known blower door tests can provide good information on the efficiency of your windows...

Though with a wider scope, professional energy audits can be used to audit your windows. If you intend to consider this type of audits, see:

USA: Energy Star: Energy star audit partners or Resnet auditors.
Some states also have local organizations that can provide lists of energy auditors.

Canada: Natural Resources Canada UK: Energy Saving Trust Home Energy check page. Australia: The Australian Government Home Safety Plan

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Note: Thank you for taking the time to read the stuff in this page. But please note that all the resources listed here belong to their respective owners, with whom we don't maintain any affiliation. If you know a good resource on Windows and Weatherstripping that should be listed here, please let us know by email (see Home Page footer).Some resources are also promotional materials, but that's largely inevitable.