8 Tips For Boosting Your Replacement Windows Game
How to Choose the Right Replacement Windows for Your Home
New windows are made for keeping cold air out and warm air in. They help reduce drafts, which reduces costs for energy and reduce wear and wear on your furnace and air conditioner.
However, finding the best replacement windows for your home requires understanding your goals, wishes and requirements for this particular project. You can get started by asking yourself a few simple questions.
Styles
There are a variety of options when replacing windows. You might be replacing double-hung windows in your home with uPVC ones, for example, or you could be remodeling a period stone cottage with large expanses of glass and sleek aluminium frames. You may be building an addition and would like to select windows that complement the architectural style of your home.
The most popular style of replacement window is the sliding gliding type that offers sleek vertical lines and a modern look that can be customized with between-the-glass blinds or shades. The gliding style also permits excellent ventilation and it is easy to clean your windows inside.
Casement windows are another popular option. They can be opened from either side or the top making it easier to ventilate your home. They can be fitted with a transom or without one based on what you prefer. They’re a great option for openings that are bigger than normal windows, such as bow or bay windows.
Awning Windows are hinged on top and can be opened to act as doors. They are perfect to add light to an otherwise dark space or for sizing an area. They come with either a crank or fixed handle for effortless opening and closing.
Another style that you might select for a particular project is an insert replacement window. These windows fit into the frame opening, and help preserve the original trim, siding, and frame. These windows are particularly effective for homes built in the past century that have a distinct architectural style.
You should note that replacement windows differ from construction windows with regard to the nailing fin and brick mold, so it’s crucial to understand the distinction between these two types before choosing a window to fit your home. Keep in mind that new construction windows can be installed on new additions as well as structures with clear openings that do not have existing siding or trim.
Contact us at a Pella showroom today to learn more about your options and discover the perfect replacement windows for your home. Browse our online gallery for inspiration and browse photos of beautiful replacements.
Materials
The frame material you choose for your replacement windows will influence how the window appears and performs. It’s important to find the best materials that meet your design and budget goals. There are five high-quality options to think about: vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass, wood, and clad-wood.
Each kind of frame has its own unique advantages. Vinyl is easy to maintain and cost-effective and wood is a timeless beauty that offers superior insulation. Aluminum is strong and durable in harsh climates, and clad lumber has the appearance of natural wood, but is able to withstand dents more easily than traditional wooden frames. Wood is also a good choice for log cabins, historic homes and Craftsman-style homes.
The frame material you choose will have a major impact on the appearance and efficiency of your home. New window technologies have reduced air infiltration to a minimum and, when combined with the right glazings can cut the cost of cooling and heating by up to 40%.
Double-hung windows are comprised of two large sashes that are able to move vertically along tracks. They are anchored by springs, and can be shut and opened. They are favored by homeowners because of their flexibility and ability to fit into a variety of architectural styles. They are not as energy efficient as other window types and their sashes could be corroded or warp with time.
A bow or bay window combines three or more windows into one unit, providing more light and space than a typical single-hung or casement window. They can be customized to suit any space. Bay and bow windows provide a great way to let more natural light into a dark space or to add the drama of an entranceway.
Sliding doors are a great solution for those who do not want to open their windows. They can be placed between walls or placed on the wall above a door. They are available in a range of styles and colors to suit your style.
In-swing windows require more care because they open inward instead of outward. However, they’re an excellent insulation, and they can also help to prevent air leaks. They are also popular in kitchens and bathrooms because they are easy to clean.
Cutouts
You can select from a wide selection of replacement windows, based on the style and specifications of your home. They include picture windows, which are stationary and don’t open, as well as double-hung, casement, and shaped windows. These types of windows can be installed usually to replace window openings, transforming the look of a room without major remodeling.
During installation the window’s screen, sashes, and dividing bars are removed, leaving a frame which the new window will slide right over. The industry calls these «jump frames» because the new window is positioned to jump over the old one to block it from view. If the frame’s original extends a bit into the opening, it may be possible to cut a portion off. However, it’s important to not remove too much of nail fin, which is essential for water and air infiltration.
Full-frame replacement windows are another option that you may want to consider for your home. They can be used to replace a single window or to install additional windows. They have metal nailing fins that are usually hidden behind the drywall once the window sash replacement is installed. They are a great choice for older homes since they look exactly like the original windows of the home.
When installing full-frame replacement windows in log homes, ensure that the nail fin is matched with the logs surrounding it to stop moisture from entering the home. This can be achieved by using a caulking product that matches the product or by building a box of 2x4s inside the frame opening and sealing it against the logs that are adjacent.
It is important to hire an experienced professional installer when you choose to install a replacement window with a full frame. They’ll have the tools and equipment needed to work safely from scaffolding and ladders. They will also know how to install the window in a way that it is sturdy and energy efficient. They will also understand how crucial it is to perform a thorough check of the window after it is installed.
Energy efficiency
Aside from aesthetics and ease of use energy efficiency should be a major consideration when choosing replacement windows. Older windows allow heat and cold to escape, resulting in higher energy bills. Modern replacement windows are insulated, and help control temperatures, which reduces the load on your HVAC system. They also allow natural sunlight to enter your home, reducing the need for Casement artificial lighting.
Be sure to look for the ENERGY START and National Fenestration Rating Council ratings when you are choosing replacement windows to gauge their energy efficiency. The higher the rating the more efficient the windows. Windows that are ENERGY STAR certified have been proven to reduce heating and cooling expenses by as much as 30%, saving you money on utility bills over time.
The energy efficiency of windows is influenced by a variety of factors that include the frame and sash window replacement materials, the insulating properties, and the glazing materials. For instance, wood sashes are more energy efficient than vinyl ones, and wood frames are more insulating than aluminum. Double-hung windows are more energy efficient than sliding windows.
In addition to reducing your energy bills In addition to lowering your energy bills, ENERGY STAR-certified replacement Windows help protect the environment by cutting greenhouse gas emissions. They also improve indoor air quality by cutting down on noise pollution. Older windows allow outside sounds to creep into your home, like traffic, barking dogs and loud music. Replacement windows can cut out the unwanted sound, giving you to be able to relax in your own private space.
If your replacement windows are double-hung, casement or bow and bay windows, they should be easy to open, close, and clean. Consider tilt-in windows that allow you to access difficult-to-access areas. You’ll want windows that have alarms and locks that are secure to lock.
If you’re replacing windows on an older building or upgrading your home, a top-quality installation is crucial. The best replacement windows can cut down on the cost of energy, improve security and comfort, and also improve curb appeal. To find out more visit a showroom, or explore the options online.