How to Choose the Right Replacement Windows for Your Home
New windows are designed to keeping cold air out and warm air in. They reduce drafts, which can help lower energy bills and cuts wear and wear on your furnace as well as air conditioner.
However, choosing the right replacement windows for your home requires knowing your goals, wants and needs for this project. A few simple questions can help you get started.
Styles
When it comes time to replace windows, there are plenty of styles to choose from. You may be replacing existing double-hung windows in your house with uPVC windows, for instance, or you could be remodeling a period stone cottage with huge expanses of
glass windows replacement near me and sleek aluminium frames. Or perhaps you're in the process of building a new home and are looking for windows that complement your style of architecture.
The most popular type of replacement
sash window replacement the sliding gliding model provides slim vertical lines with modern design that can be personalized by adding shades between the glass or blinds. The gliding design also offers excellent ventilation and allows you to clean your windows from inside your home.
Casement windows are another popular option. They can be opened from the side or top making it easier to let air into your home. These windows can either be installed with a transom or without one based on the style you prefer. They're a great choice for openings that are bigger than standard window sizes, such as bow or bay windows.
Awning windows are hinged on top and can be opened to act as doors. They're ideal for sizing up an area with limited space or for adding more light to a dark room. The windows have fixed handles or a crank handle to make opening and closing much easier.
Another style that you might choose for a specific project is an insert replacement window. These windows fit inside the frame opening, and help keep the original trim, siding and frame. These windows are particularly effective with century-old homes that have a distinct architectural style.
It is important to know that replacement windows differ from construction windows in the sense of the nailing fin and brick mold. It's important to know the differences between the two types prior to choosing a window for your home. Also, keep in mind that new construction windows can be put in on new additions as well as structures with clear openings that do not have existing trim or siding.
Contact a Pella showroom today to learn more about your options and find the ideal replacement windows for your home. Check out our online gallery of inspiration and browse photos of inspiring replacements.
Materials
The frame material that you select will affect the appearance and performance of your new windows. You must select the appropriate material for your budget and style goals. There are five options of high-quality to think about: vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum wood, clad-wood and clad-wood.
Each frame type has distinct advantages. Vinyl frames are affordable and easy to maintain, while wood has a timeless look and superior insulation. Aluminum is resistant to harsh weather conditions and clad wooden frames look like natural wood, but are more resistant to scratches than traditional wooden frames. Wood is also a good option for log cabins, historic homes and Craftsman-style homes.
The frame material you select will have a significant effect on the appearance and efficiency of your home. New
window glass replacement technologies have reduced air infiltration to almost zero and, when coupled with the appropriate glazing, can slash your cooling and heating costs by up to 40%..
Double-hung windows are made up of two sashes which move vertically on tracks. They are balanced by springs to allow them to open and close. They are favored by homeowners because of their flexibility and ability to fit into a variety of styles of architecture. They are less efficient in energy than other window types, and their sashes could be corroded or warp with time.
A bay or bow windows combine three or four windows into one which provides more light and space to a typical single-hung or casement window. They can be customized to fit any space. Bay and bow windows provide a great way to let more light into dark spaces or add dramatic appeal to an entranceway.
Sliding doors are a great option for those looking to let in fresh air without opening their existing windows. They can be hung between walls or mounted on the wall above a door. They are available in a broad variety of styles and colors to match your personal style.
In-swinging windows need more attention because they open inwards instead of outwards. However, they do help prevent air leaks and are effective insulators. They are also popular in bathrooms and kitchens because they are easy to clean.
Cutouts
There are a myriad of styles of replacement windows that you can select from depending on the style of your house and what you require. Picture windows cannot be moved and are not opened. Other types of replacement windows are double-hung or shaped windows. In most instances, you can put these kinds of windows over windows that are already in place to dramatically transform the look of a room with no major remodeling.
During installation, all the original windows' screens, sashes, and dividing bars will be removed, leaving only the frame, which the new window will slide over. The industry refers to these frames as "jump frames" because the new window slides right over the previous one to obscure it from view. Sometimes, if the initial frame extends beyond the opening it is possible to cut off a small portion of the frame, however it is essential not to remove too much of the nail fin which is essential to air and water infiltration.
Full-frame replacement windows are an additional option to consider for your home. These are often employed when replacing one window or when you want to add additional windows. They come with nailing fins made from metal, which are typically hidden behind the drywall once the window is being installed. They are a great choice for older homes as they are similar to the original windows that were in the house.
Installing full-frame
replacement glass for a window log windows requires matching the nail fin to the logs surrounding it. This will prevent the water from getting in. This can be done using an exclusive caulking product that matches the product you are using, or by building two-by-four boxes inside the framed opening and sealing it to the abutting logs.
If you decide to install a full-frame replacement window it is essential to employ a professional installer. They will have all the equipment and tools needed to work safely from ladders and scaffolding. Additionally, they will be able to install the window to ensure that it is energy efficient and structurally sound. They also know the importance of performing an in-depth inspection
Cost Of Windows Replacement the window after installation and will ensure that all components function exactly as they should.
Energy efficiency
In addition to aesthetics and ease of use energy efficiency is a major consideration when choosing replacement windows. Older windows may let warm and cold air escape, which can increase your energy costs. Modern replacement windows help to control temperature and are insulated which eases the burden on your HVAC. They also allow natural sunlight to enter your home, reducing the need for artificial light.
When you are choosing replacement windows, look for the ENERGY-STAR label and ratings from the National Fenestration Rating Council to assess their energy efficiency. The higher the rating, the more efficient the windows. Energy STAR certified replacement windows can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 30%.