What Do NFRC Performance Standards Mean?

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) offers plenty of resources to help consumers find the most effective replacement windows for their home. One of the ways they accomplish this is by providing performance standards against which many window replacement products are judged. You can find these ratings on the NFRCof a unit.

Knowing about window performance standards and understanding what they mean for your home are two very different things, however. Read on as Renewal by Andersen® of Portland shares a quick guide.

U-Factor

If you’ve shopped around for window replacement options in the past, you’re likely to have come across the terms U-factor and R-value. In a nutshell, these are measurements of how much heat is transmitted through a material. R-value is used for siding and roofing, while U-factor is more commonly used for replacement windows. The lower this number is, the better the window will be at keeping your home insulated.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient

The solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) is typically displayed as a decimal between zero and one. This is a measurement of how heat from the sun passes through the windows and into your home. The lower this number is, the more effective your windows will be at blocking heat transfer.

Other Performance Standards

Sound transmission (how soundproof the window is), visible transmittance (how much natural light can enter the window) and air leakage (how sealed the window is against leaks) are other measurements highlighted in the NRFC label of a window product.

At Renewal by Andersen® of Portland, our replacement window consultants can help you find a product with ratings that are 100% right for your needs. Give us a call at or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation and request a free estimate today. We serve homeowners in Salem, Lake Oswego, Portland and other neighboring communities in Oregon.