As a homeowner, there comes a time when you have to make a few changes to your home. For some people, window replacement may not be high up their priority list. However, if you’re looking to sell your home or you want to upgrade it for your fulfillment, then you should highly consider giving your windows a complete overhaul.
Windows are among the first exterior elements that people see on a home’s structure. Having outstanding and high-quality windows can easily be the difference between a quick sale and having your house sit on the market month after month. So how can you tell that it’s time to make some changes? Among the most obvious signs are rotten frames or sills, foggy glass, troublesome opening and closing, draft entry, leakages, etc.
You will need to make an informed decision before making your purchase. Although it may seem expensive at the onset, engaging a trustworthy manufacturer will guarantee a return on your investment. Cheap is costly in the long run. You don’t want to have to deal with the same problem five years later. Whether it be vinyl, aluminum, or fiberglass, premium windows should serve you for almost half a century. What you need is to buy replacement windows from a manufacturer or supplier who stands behind their products and services with a warranty.
This article shall address some of the significant factors to consider when buying replacement windows. After all, windows can just as easily be a lifetime investment.
Before buying replacement windows, it is essential to ask yourself whether this is the right time. Have you ever heard the phrase, ‘timing is everything’? This is especially true when it comes to replacing your windows.
Each season has its advantages and disadvantages – it’s just a matter of individual preference. Some people prefer doing their window replacements during the hot and humid summers, while others prefer the cold, freezing winters. We shall discuss both groups to help you decide which is preferable for you.
Most people prefer the spring and summer seasons for all matters involving building and construction. Although this period may seem like an obvious choice to you, there’s one significant disadvantage that comes with waiting for this season – high demand! Just as you’re looking forward to the weather change, so are numerous other builders and homeowners. This directly translates into a huge demand for building professionals. Consequently, the prices are bound to go higher, and the waiting periods will be prolonged.
Waiting endlessly to replace your windows during the hot season can be problematic, especially if you live in a scorching area. For starters, your energy bills will skyrocket since your air conditioners will have to work overtime. On the other hand, if you minimize your AC usage, your house can quickly become unbearably hot.
However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t fix your windows during this opportune season. You can start your project during the mid-summer season when the demand starts to decline, and when the rates are more affordable. With high-end windows like Milgard, which come in double and triple panes, you are sure to save up on electricity bills.
Unbeknownst to most people, replacing your windows during the colder seasons has several unexpected benefits. For instance, did you know that there’s little demand for builders during winter? So if you’re working with a tight budget, this is the ideal time for you. You’ll enjoy better deals since most companies are looking to attract as many customers as possible during this slow period. You also won’t need to wait too long, if at all, to receive your products and service.
It could also be that you’re worried about the cold air gushing into your home during installation. Fortunately, seasoned professionals aren’t dissuaded by the cold weather. Although the cold winds cannot be fully avoided, the builders usually seal off rooms strategically to prevent any chances of unnecessary discomfort. These experts are also able to work smoothly while keeping complications to a minimum.
Whatever your reason may be for replacing your windows, it’s always best to upgrade. New window designs often come with improved technology. Upgrading your windows can give your home a new look that you can even match with your new porch decking, exterior cladding, and general décor. Below are some of the designs to consider:
These are some of the easiest to use and most elegant windows. As the name suggests, they operate by sliding either horizontally or vertically. Although they made their first debut back in the 17th century, the modern variety uses low-friction rolling sliders.
They are also easy to operate – once you unlock them, all you need to do is slide them to your desired position. Vice versa applies when closing. This easy-to-use feature makes them handy for areas that are difficult to reach.
Sliding windows are a perfect fit for compact rooms since they do not swing open. They are also customizable, meaning that you can get them as wide and tall as you would like. It is not uncommon to find sliding windows acting as doors to connect rooms. Their frames and panes come in numerous colors to match your preferred aesthetics.
Much like the name suggests, picture windows act as pictures would. So long as you place them strategically, they can frame the outdoor view to seem like a picture straight out of a cutting-edge camera. Since picture windows are fixed, they are popular with homeowners looking for magnificent unobstructed views. You can use them independently or alongside other window types such as awning, sliding, and casement. Much like sliding windows, they also come in various colors and materials to suit your taste.
Some of the most common windows on the market are casement windows. They are hinged on the window frame side and open outwards by turning a crank. A casement stay is used to keep them in place when open. One of the perks of using casement windows is that they generally have minimal air leakage rates compared to sliding windows since the sash closes by pressing against the frame. They are also great for hot climate areas since they promote natural ventilation. Just like most windows, they are customizable and easy to operate.
Other window designs to look into include awning, bay, double and single-hung windows, among many others. Depending on the frame materials, modern windows come in numerous colors such as black, white, bronze, brown, silver, tan, etc. However, ensure your due diligence before purchasing to avoid windows that fade quickly.
When it comes to selecting the perfect windows for your home, don’t forget about maintenance. Some designs and materials will require more maintenance than others. We shall delve into a few from both spectrums.
Whether they are made from vinyl, aluminum, or fiberglass, sliding windows will often experience rusting in the tracks if not regularly serviced. Since the tracks contain some metallic components, the runners will need lubrication about twice a year.
Fortunately, not much effort is required. Clean the runners using a damp cloth to remove any particles or dirt. Gently run a tiny brush along the track to force out any stubborn particles. When done, use a dry silicone spray to make sure the window is sliding smoothly.
As mentioned earlier, casement windows are hinged vertically to allow swinging. If you have used casement windows before, you may have noticed how they can sometimes require force to push them open. This may be a result of paint layers swelling and sticking the window to the frame. A little sanding along the frame’s vertical edges followed by a coat of primer should do the trick. If the hinges become loose, you can simply tighten the screws or replace the hinges altogether. None of this should take much of your time.
Casement windows also have other moving parts like cranks and stays that require maintenance. Fortunately, you can quickly fix the crank mechanism by lubricating the base of the crank handle. In cases where the problem persists, check for accumulated debris in the control-arm track.
Regardless of which material you pick, windows will always require maintenance. The case is even worse for homes along the coastlines.
Salt spray is highly corrosive and can damage even the most robust materials like fiberglass. That said, you should diligently clean your windows approximately four times a year to remove the salt build-up. Failure to do so could result in extensive rusting. A light cloth and some mild detergent should do the trick.
Did you know that after doors, windows are the next best entry points of a house? Burglars, especially the experienced ones, have a knack for finding weak points in people’s homes and offices. More often than not, people tend to leave their “inaccessible” windows unsecured or unfixed. On the other hand, some manufacturers produce subpar windows that even young children can easily crank open. That said, it is wise to invest in premium windows to avoid any break-ins or domestic accidents, especially where children are concerned.
In this day and age, there’s no need to install a metallic grille outside your window. Safeguarding your home is neither expensive nor difficult. For starters, consider replacing your standard windows with impact-resistant acrylic glazed windows. This polycarbonate laminate composition is highly resistant to forceful impacts, making your home secure from attacks. Consequently, the intruder will retreat, and if not, your secured windows will give you ample time to call for help. As a bonus, impact-resistant windows can also withstand debris attacks by intensive hurricane winds.
You can also consider installing windows that come with a burglar-proof film. These films are usually either transparent or tinted and are applied on both sides of the glass to hold the glass pieces together when they shatter. This often makes it harder for intruders to break in. Another perk of installing this film is that should your window panes accidentally break, they will not shatter into tiny glass shards, which could harm your family.
Some manufacturers also incorporate complex locking mechanisms into their sliding windows. Unlike standard locks, these high-tech ones are operated by cylinders, making it difficult for intruders to pick the lock. Last but not least, on the security list are alarm sensors. Modern sliding windows come with pre-installed alarm sensors onto their sliders, exposing intruders as soon as the windows are tampered with.
With modern windows, say hello to cooler summers and goodbye to cold winters. These windows come with double or triple glazed window sashes to meet the energy-efficient standards expected today. You can quickly recognize them by the ENERGY STAR rating stickers from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). These rating stickers allow homeowners and developers to determine a window’s performance and compare them with other suppliers’ products.
But how do these windows work? Energy-efficient windows come in different styles and material frames. Their performance depends on how well the materials can prevent air leakages and heat from passing through. The best materials to use are often the ones that are recyclable and require minimal maintenance, such as aluminum, steel, and uPVC. Although wooden frames have a lower environmental impact, they are relatively high maintenance.
Double and triple-glazed windows entail two and three glass panes fixed in a sealed unit. These glass panes are separated by gaps filled with air or an inert gas like argon. The glass used to make such windows is low emissivity glass (low-E) and has a thin coat of metal oxide on one internal glass surface. This coating allows the sun rays into a home and reflects heat, making it perfect for the winter seasons.
The optimum distance between the air gaps is 16mm, although smaller gaps may be a better solution in some instances. It is crucial to select windows with a low U-factor. U-factor refers to the rate at which windows conduct heat. The lower the U-factor, the better the thermal resistance, especially in colder climates. However, if you live in warmer areas like San Diego, select a window with a low SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient) to minimize heat gain during summer. SHGC is a measurement of solar energy absorbed through a window. That said, windows with low U-factors and low SHGCs are suitable for homes in temperate climates.
All the factors mentioned above are critical when buying windows, no matter your preferred aesthetics. Take a leap of faith! Leave the old behind and try out modern designs. However, before placing your order, ensure that you do your due diligence before selecting a particular brand or supplier. Check their online reviews and consult extensively. After all, installing replacement windows can be the difference between a profitable sale and a never-ending headache.
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