Why No One Cares About Windows Replacement

When it's Time for Window Replacement

It's time to replace your old windows if they are no longer able to protect your home from the elements, reduce noise or enhance its architecture. Where do you begin?

There are many things to think about. Let's break down the process to assist you in making your decision the best one for you: style, energy usage and the labeling, installation and price.

Energy Efficiency

One of the most popular reasons homeowners decide to invest in new windows is to cut down on energy consumption. In reality replacing old windows that are drafty can cut cooling and heating costs by as much as 20 percent. Many people are disappointed when they discover that their energy savings do not make up the initial cost of their new replacement windows for a prolonged period of time.

Window performance and operation are vital aspects to take into consideration when replacing windows. If a window isn't working properly can increase your home maintenance expenses, utility bills and increase the chance of air leaks. For example, windows that don't move up and down or slide from side to side properly may need to be replaced due to the fact that the frames have swollen or warped due to excessive moisture caused by condensation and/or lack of proper sealing.

Mildew or mold on the inside and outside of the frame is a further indication that it's time to replace your windows. This usually indicates failed weather stripping or seals that have been damaged. If these issues are not treated promptly, the resultant mildew and mold can cause health and safety problems for your family.

Replacement windows for new homes can enhance security for your home as well as curb appeal and resale value. These advantages are enhanced if windows that are used in renovations are energy efficient, as defined by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC).

The efficiency of windows is measured by their U-factor. The lower the U-factor, more insulation power the window is. A good rule of thumb is to search for a U-factor below 0.26. The frame material and design are important factors to consider for energy efficiency. Vinyl is durable and low maintenance, but it may contract and expand when the temperature changes. This can lead to leaks. Wood is a classic choice and provides better insulation however, it requires regular maintenance. Aluminum is lightweight and easy to maintain and conducts heat quickly.

To get the most benefit from their replacement windows, homeowners should hire an expert contractor to install windows. A professional can also help you choose the right windows for your home's architectural style and climate zone, and can provide you with details on the resale value of windows and homeowner satisfaction.

Style

New windows will always enhance the value of your home. However, once you start looking at the types, styles and configurations available, it can get overwhelming. It's not just about style or functionality. The wrong windows can actually reduce the value of your home.

Window companies have a number of ways to replace windows that are old with more energy-efficient windows, based on the condition of existing frames. A contractor can replace the frame on the outside with pockets. The interior trim and sashes remain intact. Another method, often suggested for older homes or in older areas with strict requirements for grills, is a sash pack replacement double glazed windows. These are kits that come with aluminum jamb liners made of wood or clad and replacement sash for the lower and upper half of the window.

The process of replacing the full frame requires removal of the frame and sash. This is often advised when the windows are so worn that they're beyond repair. Full-frame installations are a good choice when homeowners want to change the window style, such as replacing double-hung windows with sliders or Glass window replacement casements.

When buying replacement windows, look for those with the NFRC label, which shows the window's energy efficiency rating. The higher the rating the more energy-efficient the window.

Take off the stops that secure your window prior to installing the new window. Carefully work around the sill of the current frame to make sure you don't damage the wood, and if necessary, shim it. When the new window is set then shim the top and bottom edges to ensure a secure fit. You can also apply caulk to the outside edge to seal it.

If your window isn't quite right for the opening, use foam-rubber backer rod to fill in any gaps that are larger than 1/4 inch (0.64 cm). This is a superior option to caulk that can trap moisture, leading to wood rot and mold. If your gaps are wider, you can add furring strips of 1 inch (2.5cm) to the frame. This will increase the height.

Budget

The initial cost of window replacement is expensive, but it's worth it for the energy efficiency it brings and the improved comfort it provides to your home. It also increases the value of your home and may aid in reducing utility costs. Before you begin your project, you need to make a budget that will guide your spending decisions. To determine the appropriate amount, take into consideration your household's energy needs and the type of windows you'd like to install. A reputable windows contractor can provide insight into your costs outside your personal goals and provide suggestions to reduce them.

Window frame materials are one of the main factors that affect the price of replacement windows. Aluminum and vinyl frames are the least costly options, while wood and composite frames cost more. Consider the benefits and drawbacks of each frame material to help you select the best option for your home. Wood windows, for instance, are more durable, offer better insulation, however they require regular maintenance and are prone to moisture damage. Aluminum and vinyl windows are less expensive however they're susceptible to rust and don't provide the same amount of insulation as wood.

The window replacement company you choose to work with will offer a variety of ways to install windows that affect overall costs. The most labor-intensive is complete frame replacement, in which the entire existing window is removed and replaced with a new unit. This approach is generally recommended when your frames have begun to rot or are damaged and is often necessary for historic renovation projects. Insert windows is a less costly option. In this process, the existing operating hardware and sash are removed, but the exterior trim and siding remain intact. A new glass window replacement is then put into the opening and secured to the wall, then insulated and sealed.

If you're tackling the job yourself, be sure to include the cost of the equipment you require. A tape measure, a waterproof shim and caulk gun are all essential. Make sure you buy shims of different thicknesses so that you can accommodate the various sizes of your window sills as well as head jambs. Also, you'll need elastomeric caulk to fill any gaps between the frame and casing.

Installation

Windows come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit the architectural style of each home. Options include single-hung, double-hung, sliding bay bow, casement, circle garden, awning egress and jalousie windows. They are also available in different materials and finishes. Some are insulated to improve energy efficiency.

Replace your old, inefficient windows with energy-efficient double-hung windows and save money. The process is simple however it's worth the effort. You'll also get the advantages of having a gorgeous new window.

Take off the screen and sash prior to installing the new window. This makes it easier to move the frame around and also protect the window's materials. After the window is moved into place, you'll need to apply caulk along both sides of the frame and around the gap, in the event that there is one, use the recommended caulk for doors and windows.

You can choose to use cedar or plastic shims, according to your preference and the condition of the frame. This will ensure that the window is set properly in the opening. Be cautious not to over-shim the window, however, as this could cause water and condensation to build within the frame and Glass Window Replacement cause damage to the material.

Your installer will ensure that the frame is level, straight and completely caulked after the window has been put in. Install any trim that was removed from the interior to make room for the window. Then, paint or stain the window to be in keeping with the colors of your home. Be sure to seal and insulate the jambs, sills and flanges on the outside of your home to enhance the window's performance.