How to Choose the Right Replacement Windows for Your Home
New windows are designed to keep cold air out and hot air in. They help reduce drafts, which lowers the cost of energy and also reduces wear and wear on your AC and furnace.
However, choosing the right replacement windows for your home is knowing your goals, desires and requirements for this project. Start by asking yourself a few basic questions.
Styles
There are many options when it comes to replacing windows. You might be replacing double-hung windows in your house with uPVC windows, for instance, or you could be renovating a stone cottage from the past with huge expanses of glass and slimline aluminium frames. You may be building an addition and you would like to select windows that match your architectural style.
The most popular type of replacement window, the sliding gliding design, offers slim vertical lines with contemporary design that can be customized by adding between-the-
Glass replacement in windows shades or blinds. The gliding design also allows for great ventilation, and you can easily clean your windows inside.
Another popular choice is casement windows. They can be opened from either side or the top which makes it easier to let air into your home. These windows can either be fitted with transoms or without based on what you prefer. They're an excellent choice for openings that are more than normal windows, like bow or bay windows.
Awning windows are hinged on top and can be opened as a door. They're great for sizing up an area with a limited space or for adding lighting to a dark space. These windows come with fixed handles or an adjustable crank handle to make opening and closing much easier.
Insert replacement windows are a different design you can choose for a particular project. These windows are designed to fit in the frame's opening and protect the original trim and siding. 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 terms of the nailing fin and brick mold, therefore it's important to know the difference between these two types before choosing a window to fit your home. New construction windows are also suitable for new additions or buildings with clear openings that don't have existing siding.
Contact a Pella showroom today to find out more about the options available and find the ideal replacement windows for you home. Check out our online gallery of ideas and browse pictures of stunning
replacement glass for windows near me windows.
Materials
The frame material you select for your replacement windows will influence how the window appears and performs. It is important to select the best material that fits your budget and design goals. There are five options of high-quality to consider: vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum, wood, and clad-wood.
Each kind of frame has unique advantages. Vinyl frames are cost-effective and easy to maintain, whereas wood is timeless and has 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 right frame material can make a big difference in the appearance of your home and its energy efficiency. New window technologies reduce air infiltration to a minimum and, when paired with the appropriate glazing can reduce your heating and cooling bills by as much as 40%..
Double-hung windows consist of two large sashes which move vertically along tracks. They are supported by springs, and can be shut and opened. They are favored by homeowners because of their flexibility and ability to fit into many architectural styles. They are less energy-efficient than other window types and their sashes could be corroded or warp with time.
A bay or bow windows is a combination of three or four windows into one that provides more light and space to a standard casement or single-hung window. They can be made to order with a range of shapes and sizes to fit any room. Bay and bow windows are an excellent way of bringing more light into dark spaces, or making an entrance more dramatic.
Sliding doors are an excellent alternative for those looking to let fresh air in without opening their existing windows. They can be set up in an opening between walls or attached to the wall over an existing door. They are available in a range of styles and colors to complement your style.
In-swinging windows require more maintenance since they open inwards instead of outwards. However, they do prevent air leaks and are excellent insulation. They are also easy to clean, they're also a popular option for bathrooms and kitchens.
Cutouts
There are a myriad of styles of replacement windows you can select from, based on your home's style and needs. Picture windows are not movable and are not opened. Other types of replacement windows include double-hung, shaped, and casement windows. In most instances, you can put these types of windows on top of existing window openings to dramatically alter the appearance of a room without significant changes.
When the window is installed, the original window screen, sashes, and dividing bars are removed, leaving the frame which the new window will slide right over. The industry calls these "jump frames" because the replacement window jumps right over the old one to block it from view. Sometimes, if the initial frame extends beyond the opening, it's possible to trim off a part of the frame, but it is essential not to remove too much of the nail fin which is vital for air and water infiltration.
You may also want consider full-frame replacement windows for your home. They are usually used to replace windows that are only original, or if you wish to install more windows. The nailing fins made of metal are typically hidden behind drywall after the window has been installed. This makes them a great choice for older homes because they look similar to the windows that were originally installed in the house when they were built.
Installing full-frame replacement log windows requires that the nail fin be matched to the logs surrounding it. This will prevent moisture from seeping in. This can be achieved by using a caulking product that matches the product or by constructing two-by-fours in the framed opening and sealing it against the logs that are adjacent.
If you choose to use a full-frame replacement window it is crucial to hire an experienced installer. They'll have the tools and equipment to work safely on ladders and scaffolding. In addition, they will know how to properly install the window to ensure that it is both energy efficient and structurally sound. They also understand the importance of completing an in-depth inspection of the window after installation, and will make sure that all components are functioning in the way they should.
Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is a major factor to consider when replacing windows. Older windows can let warm and cold air escape, resulting in higher energy costs. Modern replacement windows are insulated and help regulate temperatures, reducing the strain on your HVAC system. They allow natural sunlight into your home, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
Look for the ENERGY STAR and National Fenestration Rating Council ratings when selecting new windows to assess their energy efficiency. The higher the rating, the more efficient the window. ENERGY STAR-certified replacement windows are proven to reduce heating and cooling expenses by as much as 30%, thereby saving you money on utility bills over time.