“Never Hesitate To Open New Windows In Your Life.“– Mehmet Murat Ildan
Do your research. That’s the advice coming from the experts to homeowners embarking on any type of home improvement project. Having a little background information before getting started with things is important, as it always helps homeowners to make more informed decisions throughout the course of projects.
If you’re a homeowner who’s thinking about replacing your windows? There’s probably so much that you don’t know, so familiarizing yourself with the fundamental aspects of window replacement may be the best way to stay within budget and get the best possible results for your project. Here is a definitive guide to window replacement that homeowners should follow to get the most out of their projects.
Understanding The Basics Of Window Replacement
Finding the perfect window for window replacement should be an easy process since homeowners have a wide range of different options to choose from. Nevertheless, before making a decision, you should ask yourself which type of window would best serve your home?
If you’re assuming that your window replacement option has to be the same as the windows you currently have, you may want to rethink that notion as replacing your current windows with an entirely different window style is totally doable.
Having a more in-depth knowledge of the products you procure for your home always helps you to make better purchasing decisions in the end. Window replacement is no different and knowing more about the windows you wish to install may be your best chance of finding the window that’s right for you.
Let’s begin by taking a look at the different types of replacement windows manufactured and the materials used to formulate them.
Materials Used To Formulate Replacement Windows
Wood, aluminum, vinyl and fiberglass are the four major materials used to manufacture a replacement window. Each material possesses its own strengths and although some are stronger, others are more appealing to the eye.
Selecting your window should mainly be determined by the purpose in which it is intended to serve. For instance, is it a kitchen or bedroom window?
Wooden Windows – Around for quite a while, wooden replacement windows are extremely, long-lasting and have exceptional versatility. Wood is stainable, paintable and can be adapted to any color change made in the interior or exterior of homes.
Although wood windows are a winner any way you look at it, they can demand high maintenance and be fairly expensive, however if you believe they make the ideal choice for your window replacement project, who am I to object, after all wood does make a beautiful window.
Aluminum Windows – Dating all the way back to the 50’s, aluminum windows have been and continue to be a popularly used material in the window replacement industry. Famous for its durability, lightweight strength, and low maintenance, the use of aluminum gave way to the manufacture of slimmer window sashes and frames, which allow for a more inconspicuous and unobtrusive design.
Also very easy to clean, aluminum windows are some of the easiest types of replacement windows to maintain, however, one of the biggest issues people have with them is their appeal. Although most say they look like something from the distant past, the truth is that their aesthetics have greatly improved in recent years so honestly, I wouldn’t count them out just yet.
Vinyl Windows – Vinyl is by far one the most popular types of material used for window replacement. Extremely durable, vinyl requires virtually no maintenance and are famous for being very cost effective.
This option usually works well for people who’re on a budget, however, not everybody tends to like the look that a vinyl window exudes. If this is somehow the case, wood clad vinyl can also be an option homeowners can take advantage of for a combination of low cost and aesthetic beauty.
Fiberglass Windows – Relatively new to the scene, these types of replacement windows have not yet gained that widespread popularity like that of other types, however, fiberglass windows may very well be the best combination of effective insulation, resistance to moisture and durability. These windows make an excellent long-term investment and can be easily customized to fit most modern window styles.
Popular Window Styles Homeowners Are Using For Window Replacement Projects
Apart from securing your home and providing protection from the elements replacement windows come in a variety of styles that bring new life to homes. Let’s have a look at some of the most popular replacement window styles being used today.
The Awning Style – This particular style carries a hinge at the top or bottom of the frame and the window and is designed so it opens outward. These help to make your interior living space seem bigger than it really is while adding a chic, elegant, finish to the exterior of the home.
Casement Style – Looking to capture lots of light and enjoy superb ventilation, then the casement style window replacement option may be perfect for you. The only drawback is its exterior clearance space, however, the casement style tends to seal better than the double hung types and can come in a variety of different colors.
Energy Efficient Window Technology – Topping the list as one of the most popular home improvement projects to date, using energy efficient windows for window replacement projects is really living up to its hype.
Designed to have low-solar-gain and spectrally, selective coatings this window replacement option facilitates superior heat reduction and minimal loss of light in the home. In a nutshell, homeowners can enjoy clear, unobstructed views with cool air on the inside.
Apart from this energy efficient replacement windows literally pay for themselves with the incredible savings and benefits they bring. Homeowners are sure to drastically reduce energy consumption and utility bills when they use this window style, which is clearly a big reason why their use is becoming so popular.
Don’t Need A Whole New Window? – Some Window Replacement Projects Only Require Glass Replacement
Believe it or not there are some window replacement projects that only require simple glass replacement, however, different types of windows or windows in different areas of the house might call for different types of glass. For these types of window replacement projects you want to make sure that the type of glass you choose serves well wherever it is placed.
For instance, some window replacement glass is formulated with low e coatings to absorb and reduce heat, which is great for living rooms and kitchens, while some are designed to provide extra comfort and additional protection for rooms like bedrooms etc.
Some of these glass options include:
- Single Pane Glass
- Double Pane Glass
- Triple Pane Glass.
- WUIBS Fire-Rated Glass
Among these options, WUIBS fire-rated glass is mainly installed in homes located in moderate to high wildfire zones and are actually required to be installed by law in California.
Triple panes are the best at keeping out drafts but are expensive while double panes tend to sell the best because of their excellent balance between cost and performance.
The purpose of this article is mainly to ensure that homeowners have a thorough understanding of all of the different factors and variables associated with window replacement; This way they have a general idea of what they want for their home when the time comes.
Window replacement is a somewhat complex job, so why not leave it to the experts. Here at D&D Glassworks, we can help you every step of the way with your window replacement projects.
Carrying the latest styles and colors, in different types of window or glass replacement options, we can take care of everything for you, including the installation of windows or glass.
Contact us today at 707-536-9183 to learn more about our rates, products, and services or you can visit our website at danddglassworks.com for more information.