Replacing old windows can improve the overall look of your home. It can also add value and increase resale appeal.
Choosing the right replacement windows is important to ensure long-term satisfaction with your project. For professional help, contact Your Home Exterior Solutions now!
There are a lot of decisions to make when replacing your windows. Style, color, material, frame type and add-ons are just some of the options available. It can be overwhelming. But the good news is that a trusted window installer can help you with all of these details and walk you through your options.
The window styles available to you depend on the architectural style of your home, how the windows will be used and whether they are for new construction or replacements. Some of the most popular options include double-hung and sliding windows. These types of windows feature an operable bottom sash that can be raised or lowered and a tilt-in top sash for easy cleaning. Double-hung windows are also easy to open and provide ample airflow.
Sliders are another option that offer easy opening and closing. This window style is great for a kitchen or dining room where you may want to open the windows for fresh air but are concerned about the potential of small children climbing on the window sash. These windows also come with a variety of operating systems. Some have cranks or handles while others have push-up, pull-down operation.
Bay and bow windows are more of an accent or decorative style and are typically located in areas where you want to bring visual interest to a space. These windows are built of multi-paned glass and often come with a decorative trim that enhances their appearance. They can be installed on a new addition or on the exterior of your home.
Other types of replacement windows include casement and awning windows. These windows hinge on one side and open with a crank or handle. They are narrower than some other replacement windows and can be difficult for determined intruders to break through. This makes these windows a solid choice for homes in high crime areas.
Vinyl replacement windows are becoming a more common product in American homes. They are manufactured from a durable and low-maintenance material that can be easily painted. They are a less expensive alternative to wood and aluminum windows but still offer great energy efficiency and durability.
Materials
If you are replacing windows in an existing home or building a new home you need to choose the right materials. You will want to select a window material that is going to match the style of your home and complement it rather than clash. You will also want to consider the cost and energy efficiency of your choice. The most common construction materials for windows are vinyl, composite, clad wood, and aluminum. These windows all have different advantages and drawbacks.
The majority of replacement windows are made of vinyl. This is because it is a highly durable and economical choice. It is also an excellent choice for harsh climates because it resists fading, rusting, and other types of weather damage. You will need to be careful when purchasing vinyl windows because it is important to purchase a quality product that will perform well in the elements.
Fiberglass is another popular choice for window frames because it provides a natural look and has great durability. It also withstands harsh weather conditions, such as high winds and heavy rains. However, it is more expensive than vinyl and can become dull in appearance over time.
When choosing a fiberglass composite window you should look for a manufacturer that offers a warranty and has a good reputation in the industry. Some manufacturers also use a special insulating foam that helps improve the performance of their products.
Wood is a great option for those looking for a traditional look and has been used in homes for centuries. It is strong and can withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rains and snow. It is also a green option because it is a renewable resource and can be reused again and again. It is a little more expensive than other window frame options, but it is worth the investment because it will add to the overall value of your home.
Both new construction and replacement windows can be built using wood frames. The main difference between the two is that new construction windows have metal nail fins while replacement windows don’t. These fins are installed on the exterior edges of a window and help to hold it in place while the surrounding wall is being constructed.
Energy Efficiency
The right windows make a home more comfortable and efficient, increasing its value. They also offset the homeowner’s carbon footprint. Energy efficiency is achieved by reducing the amount of electricity and gas used to heat and cool the home. These savings will add up over time and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.
There are a number of options available to you when selecting replacement windows, with a wide range of frames styles and materials. The choice will be largely dependent upon the architectural style of your home and what best complements that design. Frames are typically made of vinyl, wood, fiberglass or aluminum. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses: vinyl is inexpensive, durable, and low maintenance; wood offers classic beauty but can be affected by moisture changes; fiberglass provides an insulated barrier that is lightweight, stable, and easy to work with; and aluminum is very strong and affordable.
New replacement windows are available in all these designs, as well as a host of customization and upgrade options. These include upgrades to handles and locks, the addition of a between-the-glass grille or blinds, and screens that can keep out insects and debris without hindering views or air flow.
The most popular replacement window opening style is the double hung, but sliding and bay and bow windows are also good choices. These types of windows are easier to operate, and their wider openings offer more opportunities for ventilation. However, sliders are generally less energy-efficient, as they have more joints and gaps where heat and ice can leak in.
When selecting replacement windows, pay special attention to their U-factor ratings. These ratings are calculated by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). The lower the U-factor, the better the window is at insulating and regulating temperatures.
While many homeowners are drawn to the prospect of lower utility costs, it is important to remember that a full home energy assessment will be necessary in order to determine exactly how much your home can realistically save. According to Wasielewski, it could take up to 70 years for the cost of energy-efficient windows to be recouped through energy savings. This is well beyond the life of most window warranties, and the lifetime of the homeowner.
Warranty
If a company is offering a warranty on its replacement windows, read through it carefully. There are a lot of loopholes and exceptions in these warranties, so the wording is very important. For example, if the company offers a lifetime warranty, find out whether it covers your life or the window’s lifespan. If the window has to be replaced, the manufacturer may only cover the cost of the new product.
One important consideration is that the warranty must include labor coverage as well. Having a good workmanship warranty can help you save money in the long run, especially if your new windows were installed incorrectly. Many manufacturers offer these warranties and will cover the costs of labor to fix any problems caused by their installation services.
A good warranty will also include a list of things that can void the warranty. These can be as simple as using a harsh cleaning agent or drilling a screw into the frame of the window. Some companies also impose maintenance requirements that you must follow to keep the warranty valid.
Another aspect of the warranty to look for is whether it includes transferability. This is a great option for homeowners who are planning on selling their home in the future. If the warranty can be transferred to the new homeowner, it adds value to the house and increases the likelihood of a quick sale.
Some replacement windows also feature more conspicuous labels from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) that show their energy performance ratings. These are a great way to see at a glance the energy efficiency ratings of different types of windows.
In addition to the warranty, you should also consider if the company that produces the windows is capable of installing them as well. Having the same company produce the window and install it will eliminate the need to work with multiple contractors, which can be a hassle and can result in inconsistent quality. This can also save you money in the long run by reducing the number of fees and charges you must pay.