Explore Your Window Replacement Options

Welcome to the James River Windows Learning Center

Discover expert insights and comprehensive guides to help you make informed decisions about window replacements for your home.

Empowering Homeowners with Knowledge

The James River Windows Learning Center is dedicated to providing homeowners with valuable information on window replacement options. Our mission is to educate and empower you to make the best choices for your home, ensuring you receive high-quality, custom-made windows that fit your needs and budget. Serving central Virginia from Roanoke to Richmond, we are committed to offering affordable solutions and expert guidance to enhance your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.

Know Your Numbers

Did you know? All Windows sold in the US are tested for performance and energy efficiency. Below are some of the most important numbers to know when comparing new windows for your home.

U-Factor

The lower the U-factor (value) the more energy efficient the windows will be. The U-factor calculates the whole window’s energy efficiency (glass and frame). A difference of .01 in the U-factor changes the energy efficiency of the product by almost 4%. The

U-factor is the most important energy number when choosing a window.

Consumers can go to www.nfrc.org to look up any window’s U-factor.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient

A lower SHGC means more radiant heat is blocked, but that is not always better. Solar Heat Gain has to do with how much radiant heat from the sun actually passes through the glass. The higher the number the
more radiant heat can pass through. This is beneficial when the weather is cold and extra heat is beneficial, but detrimental when cooling your house becomes a priority.

Pay extra attention to this rating when considering how the sun’s heat will affect your windows.

Air Leakage

The lower the Air Leakage rating, the tighter the window. A window with a great U-factor and SHGC but a poor Air Leakage rating can seriously hurt the window’s overall performance and therefore the comfort level in your home.

Condensation Resistance

CR (Condensation Resistance) measures how well a window prevents condensation from forming on its inside surface. It’s rated on a scale from 1 to 100, with higher numbers meaning the window is better at resisting condensation. The rating is based on how the inside surface temperature reacts to indoor humidity levels of 30%, 50%, and 70% when the outside temperature is 0°F and the wind speed is 15 mph. CR helps compare different windows and their ability to resist condensation.