Windows are more than panes of glass. Windows offer your home protection from intruders. Windows keep out the rain and snow, but let in the breeze and the morning sunlight. Windows accent your home’s look and help manage its temperature.

But windows can get old. Over time, those panes of glass stop regulating heat, the frames become warped and weak, and water begins to leak through.

If you think your windows have reached this point, then you must replace them. But don’t think of it as a chore; replacing your windows gives you the opportunity to upgrade the look and style of your home, as well as save a few bucks on your utility bills.

There are all kinds of choices to make when deciding on what windows are right for your San Diego home. Do you prefer the look of wood or do you want the durability of vinyl? Will sound control windows improve your home life? Should you make your windows bigger, or even install a bay window?

We’ll go through each of these questions below to help make your tough decisions much easier.

What Are Windows Made Of?

The most important decision you’ll make is what type of window material you want to use. The best options are usually vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass. Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each type:

• Vinyl
• Cost – Modern vinyl is fairly inexpensive and widely available.
• Durability – Current vinyl windows are highly durable and have a long usage life.
• Strength – Heat-welded joints make vinyl windows strong enough to protect against anything thrown their way.

• Aluminum
• Durability – Aluminum windows often outlast other types.
• Strength – Lightweight and sturdy, aluminum is a premier material for most commercial applications, and even many residential units.
• Aesthetic value – Aluminum isn’t necessarily known for its warm and welcoming appearance (like wood), but for ultra-modern homes or remote residential properties, aluminum adds a beautiful touch.

• Fiberglass
• Large spaces – Fiberglass is the reason boats are so strong, and therefore is ideal for large window spaces that require ultra strength and endurance.
• Aesthetic value – Fiberglass can be manufactured to mimic the look of vinyl or wood, giving you options when designing your home’s décor.

Window Design Options

Beyond the material, you can customize the windows in your entire home, or just a specific room, using a variety of design techniques.

Bay Windows

Bay windows are a great way to increase the amount of light that comes into a room, as well as the view you get from inside. Bay windows are ideally built from a material that offers high aesthetic value as well as strength and durability, like wood or vinyl.

Sound Control Windows

For those of you who live in loud environments where traffic, low-flying planes, or construction sites are common, sound control windows are a lifesaver. If you work the night shift and need quiet sleep during the day, or if you just prefer a quieter home, consider installing sound-dampening windows or having your new windows glazed with a special compound that absorbs annoying sounds before they reach your ears.

Choosing What Works

Now that you’re a little more informed about what types of windows are available and a couple of the design options you have to work with, you can start putting all the pieces together.

If you need any help assessing your windows, our experts can come to your home or business, check out your windows, and help you decide which windows are best for your lifestyle and budget.

After all, windows are more than just panes of glass!