Are you experiencing drafts near your windows? Are your energy bills through the roof? New replacement windows can bolster your home’s value and curb appeal, while adding comfort to your living space.
Whether you are planning to sell your home in the next few years or down the road, buyers will appreciate your investment in high-quality windows. Contact Your Home Exterior Solutions for professional help.
There are numerous styles, configurations and add-ons to choose from when choosing replacement windows for your home. It’s important to consider how they will look from both the inside and outside of your home, if you want them to open and close and how much natural light you’d like to let in.
Typically, the most common type of replacement window is the double-hung. It’s the most popular choice in America, and its sashes (the bottom and top part of the window that holds the glass) can move up and down, making it easy to ventilate rooms that get stuffy or that need cleaning.
Other options include casement windows, which can be cranked open to vent hot or humid air. These work well in bathrooms, kitchens and living areas to bring in light and fresh air while eliminating odors or excess moisture. Casement windows also offer a narrow profile that looks great in modern homes and fit well into tight spots, such as above sinks.
Bay and bow windows are combination windows that jut out from the wall, creating a space for more natural light in your home. They can be fixed or operable, and are available in a wide range of sizes from leading manufacturers.
Sliding windows (also called gliding windows) have slim vertical lines and are a good choice for walls that are wider than they are tall. They can be customized in two- or three-lite styles and come with reinforced sashes that glide smoothly for easy opening and closing.
Awning windows open from the top, and are a good choice for hard-to-reach places like above sinks and other appliances or in tight spaces. They are also easy to clean and are energy efficient.
If you are replacing existing windows in your home, a full-frame replacement is likely to be more expensive than a pocket replacement, but it may be necessary if your frames are rotting or damaged. With a full-frame replacement, your contractor will remove the old frame and replace it with a new one including a thin pocket where the replacement window will sit.
Materials
When selecting replacement windows, the type of frame and glass you choose can significantly impact performance and energy efficiency. The right window material, style and installation can help you create a beautiful and comfortable living environment while boosting your home’s resale value and curb appeal.
There are a variety of options available to meet your needs and budget. From wood to vinyl, fiberglass to aluminum, the material you select will impact how your windows look and perform. Each window material has its own advantages and disadvantages. Some materials require more maintenance than others, and some have better insulation or durability than other materials.
A window’s NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) label is an excellent way to determine the window’s quality and performance. This label provides valuable information about a window’s energy efficiency, safety, structural integrity and more. The higher the NFRC label, the more efficient and durable the window will be.
The type of frame you select will also have a major impact on the final product’s appearance and longevity. Vinyl and fiberglass are low-maintenance options that provide a wide range of color options for the exterior, while wooden frames offer a more natural aesthetic.
Some manufacturers offer a variety of composite or “clad” frames, which combine different frame materials to provide the best of both worlds. These products feature a wood or aluminum core with a plastic or vinyl wrap, which makes them strong and durable while offering the attractive look of wood.
In addition, composite and clad frames are more resistant to weathering than standard aluminum or vinyl, making them an ideal choice for harsh climates. Many of these frames are made from a combination of materials, including wood particles and resins, which makes them stronger and more stable than other frame types. They are also available in a wide range of colors to complement your home’s design. Many homeowners are opting for this type of window due to the versatility and beauty that it offers.
Energy Efficiency
Choosing energy efficient replacement windows will help you save on energy costs, improve home comfort, and boost your property value. But you should be aware that it might take a long time for the investment to pay off in terms of energy savings. To make sure that your windows are energy efficient, you should choose the appropriate frame material, select a glass type that meets your needs, and install them properly. In addition, you can use additional window insulation products to increase the efficiency of your new windows.
There are several ways to compare the energy efficiency of different replacement windows, including looking at NFRC ratings and ENERGY STAR certifications. These ratings can help you determine how much a specific window will cost, but they aren’t the only factors to consider. The NFRC ratings include an air leakage (AL) rating, which determines how tightly a window is sealed. The lower the AL rating, the more energy efficient the window will be. Another important NFRC rating is condensation resistance. This is optional for manufacturers to include on their NFRC stickers, but it can be useful in determining whether or not the window will allow water vapor into your home.
Solar heat gain coefficient and visible transmittance are also important energy ratings to look for when buying replacement windows. The SGHC rating indicates how much sun can pass through your windows, while the VT rating shows how much natural light passes through the glass. Generally, a higher SGHC rating is preferable for homes in warmer climates, and a lower VT rating will help to keep your home cool.
As homeowners become increasingly concerned about their carbon footprints and rising energy costs, the emphasis on green options has never been stronger. To help encourage sustainable choices, government agencies like the ENERGY STAR initiative offer incentives for energy efficient renovations, including replacement windows. The best way to learn about the latest energy-efficient window rebates and incentives is to visit your local utility company’s website, which will provide detailed information on available energy efficiency programs for your area.
Installation
In addition to their aesthetic benefits, new windows can help increase your home’s value. Many prospective buyers prioritize homes that feature recent improvements, especially those designed with energy-efficiency in mind. Compared to their old, inefficient counterparts, modern replacement windows are architected to offer superior insulation, reducing energy bills and maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature with less reliance on heating and cooling systems.
New windows can also enhance safety, allowing you to escape a fire easily by opening them. By contrast, older windows often won’t open, increasing the risk of injury and property loss. New windows are equipped with enhanced locking mechanisms and shatter-resistant glass to prevent intruders from entering your home.
Like other home improvement projects, installing replacement windows can be a DIY project. However, before you get started, make sure you have the right window measurements. This will ensure your new window fits correctly and is installed properly. You may also want to consider hiring a professional installer to minimize the effort and time required for the project.
Replacement windows come in a wide variety of styles and sizes to fit into your existing window frames. They can be single- or double-hung, with the lower sash sliding upward to let in fresh air and sunlight. They are available as insert replacements, sash-replacement kits, or full-frame windows. In most cases, installation of replacement windows is done from the inside. This involves removing the interior trim or casing and exposing the existing window frame. Then the new window is inserted into the frame and secured with shims.
The final step is to add caulk and weatherstripping to prevent drafts and leaks. A professional installer will also ensure the proper insulation and sealing to maximize energy savings. Energy-efficient replacement windows can reduce traffic, construction, and lawnmower noises from outside your home, creating a peaceful sanctuary in which to relax. They can also reduce the amount of dust and indoor allergens that circulate, making them a healthy choice for households with young children or pets.