3 Things You Should Know Before Replacing Your Windows
May 31, 20233 Things You Should Know Before Replacing Your Windows
One of the best improvements you can make to your home is replacing old, worn-out windows with more durable and energy-efficient features. When it comes to choosing the right window for your home, we’ve got some good news: there is a wide variety of windows on the market, and assessing the needs of your home is essential to finding just the right replacements. In order to make the choice a little easier, we’ve listed 3 essential considerations to think about when choosing the best new windows for your next home improvement project.
1) Wear and tear
So, how’s the weather where you live? If you live in a moderate climate with relatively mild temperatures and minimal severe weather events all year, then vinyl windows might be right for your home. However, homes that experience wider temperature difference between winter and summer should steer clear of these materials as they can warp and crack when too hot or cold. Wood and fiberglass windows are great for homes that experience tough winters and summers, as they offer superior insulation and are less prone to seal failures that can cause outside air to leak into your home. Although these materials tend to be more expensive, they also require less maintenance and repair over time, which makes them very cost-effective.
2) Home insulation levels
If you find yourself constantly fiddling with your thermostat, it could mean that your windows need replacing and that your home needs to be re-insulated. It can be easy to forget that insulation degrades over time, and heat can easily escape through unprotected walls and attic. Before winter sets in, check to make sure you have a full foot of insulation in your attic, and you can buy an inexpensive infrared thermometer to check the insulation in your walls. Although installing new windows can help further insulate your home, they won’t be able to help much if there’s poor heat transfer everywhere else.
3) Glass Style
Not all glass panes are created equal! When installing new windows, you should definitely consider choosing insulated glass panels to further protect your home. Although these windows tend to be a bit more expensive than single-panes, the money you’ll save on your energy bills will more than pay for the investment over time. Plus, energy-efficient glass now comes in all sorts of styles and textures, which you can use to create attractive accents or privacy barriers in your home.
Any home renovation project requires you to examine the needs of your home, and windows are no exception. As you assess the thermal, stylistic, and durability needs of your space, you’ll be able to narrow down your window choices — believe us, there’s a lot! If you’re unsure as to which windows would be best, your local home improvement center may be able to walk you through all of your different options.