Important things to know about replacing your windows
For obvious reasons, your house will never exactly be able to tell you what is going wrong with it or what type of maintenance it needs. But, a lack of proper or timely maintenance will give enough signs you soon won’t be able to ignore. As far as the windows of the house are concerned, it is easy to know when they need some extra work. They wouldn’t last you forever; however, if you maintain them well, and order only high-quality windows, they could serve you for approximately two decades or more. When it comes to windows, several factors come into consideration.
How to know that it is time for window replacement
There are a few telltale signs, which will indicate that your windows are due for replacements. Here, we have included the top five signals, which can hint that it’s time to buy new windows:
- Your windows are broken, warped, or damaged
At times, it is just not possible to repair your window. So, you have no option but to replace it. However, if the problem with the window is minor, for instance, it only needs new hardware or weather stripping, then a repair could be the most suitable option.
During winters, windows provide you some heat by letting the sunlight inside. However, drafty windows tend to bring about a hike in your electricity bills by up to 25 percent. Thus, window replacement could be a good way out. You can replace your old windows with ones that are more energy-efficient to help you lower your cooling and heating bills. It could be a great selling point when you intend to sell your home. However, please understand that not all windows are the same. Hence, you have to question yourself – what do you expect or need from them? When you have better clarity on it, it would be fairly easier for you to find your choice. Using windows with insulating glass could also be a preferred option to keep your energy bills in check.
A pivotal feature of any home is its windows. So, naturally, if your windows look worn out, they will make your house seem old. Take some time and closely observe the windows of your home. What is the problem? Is the color fading out? Is the material of the window warping? Does the old screen take away the visual appeal of the house? If yes, you need a window replacement. However, when you look for new windows, please know that your first consideration has to be their sturdiness and durability. Design only comes a close second. Of course, your chosen design should be in sync with your house’s theme, but picking just anything without an analysis of the quality, only because it looks a certain way, is a wrong approach. If you are planning to elevate the appearance of your house by changing the windows, you could consider changing the type of the window. For instance, if you have always had a fixed sash window, you could now change it to a window that opens. This would give you a more airy interior as it will improve the airflow of your house. You could also consider installing larger windows in the room. This will help you increase the degree of natural light, which flows into the room. This change could bring in both health and aesthetic benefits.
Do you reside in an area, which was recently hit by a strong storm or a hurricane? Is your area prone to persistent weather changes? If yes, you are probably aware of the higher chances of damaged windows. People who live near the coasts have to be particularly concerned about the exterior of their homes, especially the windows. If the humidity, coastal winds, or sea salt, worry you, you could consider replacing your old windows with new ones that have Ultrex® fiberglass. The good thing about these windows is that they are stable and resist corrosion, even in extreme weather conditions. It is so because its material expands at a similar rate as the glass. However, irrespective of whether you live in coastal areas or not, if your priority is a low-maintenance window, then Ultrex® fiberglass could be one smart choice. Its finish is approximately three times thicker as compared to other materials. Hence, it does not peel, crack, chip, or dent easily. This makes the option easy to manage.
Did you just move into a historic home with windows that just don’t go well with its historic charm? As you know, windows have the potential to dramatically elevate the look and feel of the home. So, if you wish to tone down the windows or make it bolder, you could consider a window replacement.
How to take measurements for window replacement
If you plan on ordering windows, you have to be accurate with the measurements to ensure that you find just the right size. Here are some measurement tips whenever you want to undertake window replacement.
- Measuring the width
Firstly, you have to measure in-between window jambs at three key points, the bottom, middle, and the top of your windows. The measurement has to be taken right from the surface of window jambs and not from the parting beads or the trim strips. Of the measurements, you’ll have to use the smallest of the measurement for ordering the windows. - Measuring the height
The height has to be measured from the highest point of the sill of the windows, (i.e., the surface, which is closest to the interiors of the windows) up to the top-most end of the window opening. You have to make three measurements — one towards the left, one in the center, and one on the right-hand corner of the windows. Then, you’ll have to use the smallest of the height measurements for ordering the new windows. - Measuring the depth
For the depth measurement, you need to ignore the parting strips and the pulleys as for the installation of the replacement windows, these have to be removed. There has to be a minimum of 3 ¼ inches of the opening depth amid the outside blind stop strip and the inside window trim. This space is mandatory to ensure that it can accept the requisite depth of the replacement window. - Ordering new windows
When you order the new windows, you have to provide for the opening measurements only. The window manufacturer will deduct these from your measurements: after a deduction of ¼-inch in the width, the width would be cut to an approximate ⅛-inch increment. Secondly, after a deduction of ¼-inch in the height, the height would be cut to an approximate ⅛-inch increment.
Replacement window buying guide
If you are considering replacing your windows, you need to be particularly careful about two things: what are the replacement options available, and what are the alternatives in frame materials? Here, we’ll discuss both of them, one by one.
Window replacement options
When it comes to replacing the windows, preferably, there are two options available, namely insert windows and full-frame windows.
- Insert windows
Also known as the pocket windows, in these, the existing sashes are replaced with smaller windows, which fit easily into the current frame. For this, you need to ensure that your current frames are in fairly good condition. It is certainly more Do-It-Yourself friendly than its counterpart full-frame ones. - Full-frame window replacement
In this, you’ll replace the existing windows and the frame together. It is ideal if the old frames are deteriorating. This can be done if you are planning a home improvement project or want to change the home’s decor.
Frame material options you should know about when considering window replacement
The type of frame material you pick will have a direct impact on the durability assurance and the overall maintenance needed. Here are some common material options available in window frames that you can consider.
- Vinyl
This is the most common material opted by people considering window replacements. The vinyl windows are composed of impact-resistant, durable, and rigid PVC, i.e., polyvinyl chloride. Furthermore, they have hollow chambers on the interiors, which resist condensation and heat transfer. One incredible factor about vinyl window frames is that they are low maintenance. These do not require any finishing or painting, and the material never rots or fades out. - Aluminum
If you are seeking an economical alternative for your windows, you could opt for aluminum ones. These are light, durable, and certainly quite easy-to-handle. Such windows require almost negligible maintenance and are highly corrosion-resistant. - Wood
A popular choice, especially when it comes to the interiors of the windows, is wood. The great thing about wood is that it doesn’t conduct as much cold or heat as opposed to the other materials. Moreover, the condensation level in wood is almost negligible. In most cases, the wood windows that you get in the market are unfinished. However, if you wish to save yourself some work, you could pick ones that are already primed on the interior as well as the exterior surfaces. It is also possible for you to buy the wood windows that are already painted in certain standard colors. - Clad-wood
Many people aren’t aware of this type of window frame. The thing with this frame is that it will give you the benefits of wood on the interiors, but have an incredibly tough exterior, which is comparable to aluminum. This is certainly a low-maintenance version of it. It is the cladding which prevents the rotting of the exterior and makes it durable. These types of windows are ideal for newer constructions. - Fiberglass
These windows are waterproof and durable. They do not peel, warp, crack, rot, bend, rust, or corrode, and are easy to maintain. Moreover, these will last you several years without a worry. Another big plus about these frames is that they have low thermal expansion and low heat conductivity. So, even if they do expand or contract, it would be at a much lower rate as compared to the others.
Other considerations
In addition to the ones mentioned above, there are two other considerations that could affect your decision. These include:
Window styles
When you are undertaking window replacement, you would want to pick a one that is either of the same design or style. However, there’s no rule as such that you have to compulsorily do the same. If you want, you can always experiment. Hence, if your budget allows, you can pick a replacement window in a completely new style, look, or design. It would be a great way to give your home a fresh look. Here are some basic styles that you can opt from:
- Bow
- Casement
- Garden
- Slider
- Bay
- Double-hung
- Picture
Built or construction
When you are seeking a replacement window, you will have to ensure that the construction is weather-tight. Naturally, you would expect excellent craftsmanship. For this, you should opt for fusion-welded windows, as they assure durability and strength. Pick glasses that are effective at blocking the harmful UV rays.
