When homeowners decide to replace their windows, they can choose between various styles, types, and materials. The most important decisions are usually related to energy efficiency, durability, and price.
The best way for homeowners to narrow down their choices is to attend a home consultation—in-person or virtual—before they get quotes. Contact Your Home Exterior Solutions for professional help.
Many homeowners spend a lot of time and money on interior home improvements with the hopes of raising their property value and selling it at a profit. While those projects are certainly important, it is also vital to focus on improving the exterior of a home as well. Curb appeal is the first impression that potential buyers will have of a home and is often the only opportunity to make a good first impression.
While the definition of curb appeal can vary from house to house and neighborhood to neighborhood, the term usually refers to the overall appearance of a home as viewed from the street or sidewalk. This includes the front yard, walkways, driveway, and other outdoor fixtures. It also includes the overall color scheme and design of a home’s exterior. By investing in improvements and maintaining them, you can greatly improve your curb appeal and help make your home stand out from the rest.
Window replacement can be one of the most effective ways to boost your home’s curb appeal. Depending on the type of windows you choose, you can create a completely new look for your home and potentially increase its value. You can also choose from a wide variety of colors, grid patterns, and other features to make your windows look just the way you want them to.
Insert replacement windows are a great option when you want to replace your existing windows but don’t want to disrupt your home’s original architecture. These windows are designed to slip into your existing opening and can be fastened to the old side jambs and liners. They can be installed in as little as one day, assuming there are no problems discovered with the frames or sills.
While replacing your windows with new, energy efficient models can help reduce your energy bills and improve your home’s comfort, they can also add to the curb appeal by transforming the look of your home. For example, you could install bay or bow windows to add a dramatic architectural element to the facade of your home.
Energy Efficiency
When you replace old windows with newer models that are more energy efficient, your home will experience significant savings on heating and cooling costs. In fact, homeowners that invest in higher-efficiency windows typically save around 12% on their energy bills every year.
There are many different features to look for when choosing a window that is energy efficient. For starters, the frame and sash materials are critical. Aluminum frames, for example, allow hot and cold air to easily pass through from one side to the other. Vinyl and fiberglass, on the other hand, are better insulators and block drafts.
Another consideration is the glazing. In order to maximize energy efficiency, the gaps between the glass should be filled with a nontoxic noble gas. These gases, like argon and krypton, reduce heat flow and improve insulation. Other energy-saving features include reflective films, tints and low-emittance coatings, which help keep your home comfortable by reflecting radiant heat back into the house.
If your current windows are worn and outdated, it is time to upgrade to a model with an ENERGY STAR rating. ENERGY STAR windows have been tested to ensure that they meet specific standards for energy conservation and performance. The higher the ENERGY STAR rating, the more energy-efficient the window is.
You can also find windows that have been tested and certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). This organization issues labels that rate a window’s ability to resist wind-induced pressure. The greater the label, the more resistant the window is to wind-driven pressure.
Other signs that it’s time for window replacement include having trouble opening and closing the windows, noticing condensation or fog on the windows, dingy paint or faded interior surfaces and high utility bills. Window replacement is a smart investment that can boost your home’s curb appeal and increase its value while saving you money on energy costs and offsetting your carbon footprint.
When it comes to installing replacement windows, full-frame installation is key for optimizing energy efficiency. This is because replacing just the sash isn’t enough to prevent heat transfer and drafts. In addition, full-frame replacement includes removal of the existing frame and construction of a new, more effective seal. This will ensure that your windows are not only attractive, but they are well-insulated and built to last.
Durability
Window replacement is a big investment, so you want to ensure that your new windows are durable enough to last. Fortunately, the right materials and proper installation can help make your windows more durable and long-lasting. But it’s important to note that the durability of a window is determined by more than just its build-quality and material. There are many other factors that affect its longevity, including energy efficiency, moisture resistance and maintenance.
The type of window frame you choose plays a big role in the durability of your replacement windows. Popular options include aluminum, solid wood and vinyl. Vinyl is quickly becoming the standard choice because it offers affordable and efficient protection while also being easy to maintain. However, the one drawback to vinyl is that it can crack due to temperature changes. This can cause leaks between the glass panes of a double or triple-pane window, as well as moisture problems in your home.
Moisture issues typically show up as fogging between the window panes or condensation on the interior side of your windows. This can lead to mold growth, as well as damage to the window and frame. If you have noticed any of these problems, it is time to consider new windows.
Another factor that influences the durability of your windows is how well they are insulated. Look for windows with a low U-factor to reduce the amount of heat that escapes your home. You can find the U-factor on your window’s label, and a lower number is better.
Finally, you can further enhance the durability of your windows by adding upgrades like a thermal break. This technology increases the tensile strength of your window, so it is less likely to break. It also slows the rate at which heat transmits through your window, which cuts down on your utility costs.
If you are looking for new replacement windows that will last for years to come, contact George J Keller and Sons today. We have years of experience installing windows from the top manufacturers in the business, and we know how to install them so they can stand up to harsh weather conditions and daily wear and tear.
Water Damage
Water damage is one of the biggest concerns homeowners have, and window leaks often lead to mold growth, drywall sagging, wood frame rot, and more. If left unchecked, these problems can require costly remodeling to repair. A professional window installer should know how to handle these issues, and can help ensure the installation is done properly.
Look around the bottom corners and sill of your windows for signs of moisture. Any slight discoloration, a piece of trim that feels soft to the touch, or wall paper bubbling up are all indicators that you may have moisture seeping into the area around your window.
If you notice any of these symptoms, immediately call a professional to take a look. They will be able to determine where the leak is coming from, and whether it is a result of the windows themselves or something else.
While some of the above symptoms can be caused by window leaks, other issues could be causing the problem. The gutters on your roof may be overflowing, causing rainwater to run down the walls and into the area around the window. The fascia boards above the window may be installed at an incorrect angle, not facing outward to control water flow away from the house.
It’s very rare for a new window installed according to today’s standards, coupled with a quality installation job, to leak, but if you do experience water damage it’s important to act quickly before the issue gets worse.
Inspect your windows regularly, especially the bottom and sides, to make sure they are still in good condition. Be sure to clean the caulking around the outside of your windows, and use a wire coat hanger to clear any dirt from weep holes on the bottom of the window frame. If you hire a contractor to install new windows, be sure they can talk about their installation process and how they intend to manage water as it relates to your window. If they can’t adequately answer this question, keep looking for a more qualified contractor. This will minimize the risk of leaks and other damage to your home, and increase the longevity of your windows.