7 Factors to Consider When Purchasing New Windows

7 Factors to Consider When Purchasing New Windows

February 15, 2021
By:
Martin Whitmore, President of US Window & Door
man looking at the window

Purchasing new windows for your home can be an intricate process but is a worthwhile investment. You would want to get the right one when looking for new windows for your home that offers great functionality, style, and for the best price.

When you build a new house or replace existing windows, the first step is to determine the architectural style of your house so that you can choose windows that reflect and complement that style. Once you have set the style for the windows in your home, you will need to select a window brand that is made of a specific material such as glass, wood, steel, glass, or metal. Regardless of the brand you choose for your new windows, it is helpful to know what to consider when purchasing new windows for your home.

planning budget for home improvement

Budget

Calculating the cost of a new window can be difficult as there are a handful of factors that contribute to the final price. The cost of new windows can vary greatly depending on what type of window you buy and how many you need, as well as the size of the window. The average cost of replacing a window is influenced by several factors, including the material used for the frame and the company you choose to supply and install the window.

Replacing windows costs about the same as installing new windows, but because there is less work involved in the installation of an existing frame, the total cost is normally lower. The cost of the actual window may not be much higher, but the amount of work required to install a new window will make the price considerably more expensive than just replacing it.

Size is another factor that can determine the price of a window when purchasing new windows. Larger windows require a larger amount of frame material such as glass or steel.

The size of the window and the material used (glass, steel, aluminum, or other materials) play a role in determining the exact window cost.

You may also want to consider the R-Value of each window as it will indicate the cost of building materials such as wood, glass, metal, and other needed materials. The final cost depends on the type of window you select and the size and shape of the new window. To get an exact price for your new windows in San Diego, you need to get your window manufacturer or service provider to measure your windows at home so that they can provide you a quote and also recommend the best style and frame material for you.

Material

When it comes to choosing windows for your home, one of the first things you should do is to determine which frame material best suits your needs. Consider what material the window is made of to decide whether or not you need a new or a replacement window.

Window material and design options

If you have aluminum windows and are planning to replace them, fiberglass or vinyl windows can be a good choice if your new windows fit your existing windows better. Fiberglass and vinyl window inserts cost about the same as a brand new window unit and are easier to install if you leave the old frame and cladding intact.

A few factors play a role in buying new windows, and you should do your research on these window material options and choose a window company who can guide you and provide more information to help you make the right decision.

Research and determine the right design and material properties, consider whether the weather is taking its toll on your latest windows or doors, and know what to look out for in terms of quality and durability. Make sure you know exactly what you will get when you buy a new window, so you can be sure it will last for decades and find out how much your new window will save you over time.

Style

Your new window’s style and design sounds like a simple choice to make, but there are still a lot of things you need to take into account when it comes to choosing the right window from your home;

♦ Deciding which type of window is best for you

♦ Choosing the right glazing

♦ Whether or not you need a newer window at all

There are a lot of factors to consider, but some of the options can be confusing. Once you have chosen a new or replacement window, the next decision is what style and type you want.  

Choosing a window style is a crucial step when buying new windows or replacing existing ones. Whether you are adding upgrades, building a new home, or simply replacing windows, it is important to understand the different window styles available to you before making a purchase.

energy saver windows

Choosing a window style can be a personal preference, but it is also a design consideration based on how the window should look from the inside.

The choice of window style depends on the size, shape of your home, as well as what is present in your old home. Consider a few different styles, shapes, and configurations before selecting windows for your home. Understanding the different options available to you and the value they bring to your home helps you know what to look out for when buying new windows.

Warranty

If you are building a new house, scrutinizing your existing windows’ condition, or considering having windows replaced, it is worth fully understanding the window warranty. Warranty protection for new windows is important because you know that you can count on long-term support when purchasing what is likely to be a significant investment for your home.

The warranty for the replacement of windows helps protect your new windows in San Diego and is a great way to ensure that your windows are always protected from unexpected problems. If something goes wrong with your new purchase, it is very important to understand your warranty in detail.

The first question that comes to mind in the new window market is: “How long does my warranty last?” If your new window should last about 25 years, you want it to be under warranty for the duration of that period. Guarantees for windows and doors are important because they assure you that you are buying a quality product and that the manufacturer or dealer is ready to secure your parts if there is a problem with any of them.

Some lifetime limited guarantees come with anything you want or need to cover. Some prorated warranties are for windows that cover 5-10 years and are available only for some very high-quality windows. A proportional warranty for replacement windows is essentially defined as the duration the manufacturer will provide for each part of the window.

Lifetime warranties are the most common type of window warranty for new windows, but it is important to know that they are limited to the lifespan of your window and not to the life of you as the homeowner.

A lifetime limited warranty can only be applied to parts that need replacing, and these parts will, in most cases, not include the work required to repair the effects of a window or door. It is also important to know that the labor costs of replacing the installation do not fall under this guarantee. If the window is not properly maintained, the manufacturer may not assume the damage.

Finding a guarantee that is fully transferable is one of the most important things to consider when looking for windows because if you have a problem before deciding to sell your house a few years later, you can be sure that your windows are covered.

Transferable warranties cover your windows even after you move and are just another thing that makes new windows attractive to potential home buyers. This gives the new owner security and becomes a big selling point when you put your house on the market.

tall large windows in modern house

If you are considering installing a new window, make sure to ask your company what the window warranty covers. Once you have identified the advantages and disadvantages of the window warranty, double check your warranty’s coverage, duration and terms so you can get the best out of your window.

At US Window & Door, we’ve partnered with Milgard to offer our customers a Lifetime Limited Warranty so you don’t just get the best windows in the market, but also the best protection available for your windows, so you can enjoy worry-free beautiful windows for decades to come.

Installation

If you are buying a replacement window, you will probably need to hire a qualified local installer to install the windows at home. This is one of the most important decisions you have to make when installing new or replacement windows in your home. If you plan to replace your windows as part of your DIY efforts, knowing what to look out for when buying a replacement window will help ensure you choose one that suits your needs. If so, do not simply choose the window manufacturer that produces the cheapest windows, but choose the window with the highest value and with the best material.

window installer home improvement

Cleaning and Maintenance

Another essential factor to consider when selecting replacement windows is how much maintenance you want to perform on the windows after installation. The type of material you choose can dictate the amount of work you will need to do to keep them clean and maintained. It will also help in determining the potential costs of making sure they continue to be pleasing to the eye and functional at the same time for years on end.

When purchasing new Windows, you would want your windows that are of high quality to require minimal upkeep, and are easy to clean. The good news is, there are a lot of good options in the market that will meet these criteria. Vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass windows are your best options because of the following;

window options on shelf

♦ They require low maintenance

♦ Are built for durability and strength

♦ Can withstand extreme weather conditions

♦ Do not need to be constantly updated

Materials such as wood and steel require constant upkeep, which is why most people prefer high-quality and affordable vinyl. Unlike wood, vinyl windows also do not corrode or warp, they do not need repainting, making them easier to clean and easier to maintain.

Energy Efficiency

Whether you choose to replace your current windows or install new ones, choose the most energy-efficient windows you can afford. Purchasing new windows may seem expensive at first glance, but once you evaluate your monthly energy savings over the year and the savings you get from them, it can be one of the best improvements you can make to your household.

New window technology has evolved significantly, and a new set of windows could make your home much more energy-efficient. Low E-glass is considered by almost all window manufacturers as the standard for all new windows. Upgrading Standard Low E to the new High-Performance Low E will ensure even greater energy efficiency.

There are also some energy variables to consider when replacing windows, as old windows will leak more air and lose more heat than new ones. It is also important to understand the climatic conditions in your region before deciding what type of window frames you want to buy.  

Choosing the Right Windows for Your Home

When deciding to replace your home’s windows, it is important that you choose a product that is supported by the manufacturer or installer. This is the most important choice to make when installing new windows or replacement windows in your home.

windows in modern house

Identifying the main reasons that justify the need for newer windows can help you decide if you need a replacement. For example, if the window frame of your old house is not in good condition, then replacement windows are not a good choice, and you will need to install a new one entirely.

If you are interested in finding new windows for your home, it is smart to do some research beforehand so that you are able to make a more informed decision. For further assistance in finding out what style of windows, material, glass, and properties are right for your home, talk to your local window expert, US Window & Door, today.