Replacing Residential Windows
Multiple window replacements can provide you with a uniform look, and ensure energy efficiency throughout your home.
Window replacement can benefit residential buildings in many ways such as increasing safety and reducing outside noise. However, the two main reasons for replacing your residential windows are enhancing the appearance of your home and improving your energy efficiency.
What Exactly Is a Replacement Window?
A true replacement window is a window that’s custom-built to fit within the opening of an existing window. It’s built to fit precisely and can be installed without disturbing the interior and exterior areas around the window.
What are the advantages of custom replacement windows over pre-made, standard-size windows stocked at home centers and lumberyards?
Because custom windows are made to fit perfectly, they provide the best energy efficiency (which saves energy costs). They also install much more easily and with very little mess. Also, because of the myriad of options available that affect appearance and efficiency, custom windows allow consumers to design exactly the windows they need or want.
How Much Do Replacement Windows Cost?
Standard windows typically cost less in the beginning, but other expenses and factors—like additional labor and the disruption to the home—can outweigh the original savings.
For example, installing stock windows requires that you add brick or siding to the exterior, and drywall or other materials to the interior. In addition, custom-made windows allow you to choose the best solution to the problems you want to solve by replacing windows.
A lot will depend on your regional location as well as your area’s pricing trends.
What Are Energy Efficient Windows?
When replacing your windows, you want to look for windows that use Low emissivity glass or Low-E glass. This will improve the energy efficiency of your home. Low-E glass has a thin layer of coating on one side to help insulate your home.
This extremely thin coating is a clear silver layer between two metal oxide layers. This coating helps to reduce heat loss by reflecting the heat back into the house. Low-E glass also helps to block harmful ultraviolet rays from entering your house that can cause fading of fabric, photographs, furniture, and other valuable items.
When opting for energy-efficient windows, however, be sure to always check they carry the necessary certifications such as the Energy Star mark.
Do Replacement Windows Really Pay For Themselves or Is That Just a Sales Line?
It’s true if you select high-quality, energy-efficient windows that savings will vary. What is a fact, however, is that expertly engineered and well-built windows lower home energy consumption. With vinyl-framed windows, maintenance is also virtually eliminated. No need to scrape and paint windows.
These energy and maintenance savings will allow you to recoup your window investment over time.
How Are Replacement Windows Any Different From Older Windows In Terms of Cleaning?
Many high-quality windows are actually engineered to make cleaning easier. For example, double-hung windows with the latest internal constant force balance system allow a homeowner to easily maneuver the sashes up and down. They tilt in—and lock securely in place—for safe, easy cleaning. Quite a difference from old wood windows that stick and are difficult to move up and down.
Will New Windows Eliminate Condensation?
Actually, no. Condensation is moisture vapor suspended in the air, and that’s something no one can guarantee to eliminate.
However, high-quality vinyl windows incorporating warm-edge technology glazing systems will help to reduce condensation because they’re much less thermally conductive than other window types.
They can help keep the temperature of the window warmer—minimizing the hot and cold differences that turn moisture into condensation.
Some Of The Top Reasons for Replacing Your Windows
- Leaky windows are the obvious reason for replacing old wooden windows, with energy-efficient ones. Leaky windows are the obvious reason for replacing old wooden windows with energy-efficient ones. The old wooden window frames definitely have charm and appeal, but they are not practical. You don’t have to worry about losing your home’s charm, by replacing your windows, newer windows are available in all styles ranging from ultra-modern to traditional. By not replacing your leaky windows, you can actually cause more damage because the leaks can cause rot to the structure or the finish of your home. Stopping the leaks and energy efficiency almost goes hand in hand. Older homes generally are not very energy efficient because of leaking windows and doors, or because of insufficient insulation. Simply replacing your windows and doors can reduce your energy bills, saving you money.
Replacing the windows in your home will also give your home an updated appearance. The difference new windows make to any room of your home may surprise you. They can lighten the darkest areas, changing the whole feel of the room, giving it a warm welcoming feel.- Of course, the whole idea when replacing windows is to rid yourself of those one or two leaking windows or old wood frames, which have begun to rot. However, instead of replacing the one or two windows, why not replace them all. Multiple window replacements can provide you with a uniform look, and ensure energy efficiency throughout your home. The change will be well worth it.
- The final reason, for replacing your windows is to improve the appearance of your home. Larger new windows can bring more light into dark rooms, creating new views, and providing a more refined look to the exterior of your home. There are so many options in various price ranges you can find windows to fit your budget and create the home you’ve always wanted.