How to Choose the Right Replacement Windows for Your Home

New windows are designed to keep cold air out and warm air in. They also reduce drafts, which helps lower costs for energy and reduce wear and tear on your furnace and air conditioner.

To find the best windows to replace your home first, you need to know your goals, needs and wants. Start by asking yourself a few basic questions.

Styles

There are a variety of options when replacing windows. You might be replacing double-hung windows with uPVC in your home, or transforming a period cottage with large expanses glass and slimline aluminum frames. You could be building an addition and would like to select windows that match the style of your building.

The most popular kind of replacement window, the sliding gliding design, offers slim vertical lines with a modern look that can be personalized by adding between-the-Glass Window Replacement shades or blinds. The gliding style also allows for great ventilation, and you can easily clean your windows inside.

Another popular option is casement windows. They can be opened from the side or top making it easier to ventilate your home. These windows can be installed with or without transoms, depending on the style you prefer. These windows are an excellent choice for openings larger than standard sizes, like bay or bow window.

Awning windows on the other hand, hinge at the top and can be opened as doors. They are perfect for adding light to rooms that are dark or to increase the size of an area. These windows come with fixed handles or a crank handle to make opening and closing easier.

Insert replacement windows are another style you may select for a specific project. These windows are designed to fit into the frame's opening and preserve the original trim and siding. These windows are especially effective with homes built in the century and have a specific architectural style.

Replacement windows differ from new construction windows in regards to the brick mold and nailing fin. It is important to know the differences between these two types prior to choosing a window for you home. New construction windows are suitable for new additions or buildings with clear openings that don't have siding in place.

Contact us at a Pella showroom today to find out more about the options available and find the ideal replacement windows for your home. You can also look through images of stunning replacement projects in our online gallery to get inspired.

Materials

The frame material you choose for your replacement windows will affect the way your window looks and performs. You must select the appropriate material that fits your budget and style goals. You have five options including wood, vinyl aluminum, clad-wood, and clad-wood.

Each kind of frame has unique advantages. Vinyl is affordable and easy to maintain and wood is an elegant appearance that provides superior insulation. Aluminum is resistant to harsh weather conditions and clad wooden frames look like natural wood, but are more resistant to dents than traditional wooden frames. Wood is also a great option for log cabins, historic homes and Craftsman-style homes.

Selecting the right frame material will have a significant impact on your home's appearance as well as energy efficiency. New window technology has reduced air infiltration to a minimum and, when paired with the right glazings can cut your heating and glass Window Replacement cooling costs by as much as 40%..

Double-hung windows are made up of two large sashes which are able to move vertically along tracks. They are supported by springs and can be opened and closed. They are popular with homeowners due to of their versatility and ability to fit into many styles of architecture. They are less efficient in energy than other window types, and their sashes can warp or corrode with time.

A bow or bay window combine three or four windows into one unit, providing more light and space compared to a typical 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 to let more light into a dark space or add drama to an entranceway.

Sliding doors can be an ideal solution for those who don't want to open their windows. They can be hung between walls or mounted on the wall above the door. They come in a variety of styles and colors to complement your style.

In-swinging windows require more upkeep since they open inwards rather than outwards. They also prevent air leaks and are excellent insulators. They are also popular in kitchens and bathrooms because they are easy to clean.

Cutouts

You can choose from a variety of replacement windows based on the style and needs of your home. They include picture windows, that are stationary and do not open, as well as double-hung, casement, and shaped windows. These types of windows are able to be installed usually to replace window openings, transforming the look of a room with no major remodeling.

During the installation, all of the original window screens, sashes and dividing bars will be removed, leaving the frame, glass window replacement which the new window will be able to slide over. The industry refers to these frames as "jump frames," because the replacement window is positioned to jump over the previous one to hide it from view. If the frame is extended a bit into the opening, it might be possible to trim the excess. However, it is crucial to not cut off too much of nail fins, which are essential for water and air infiltration.

Full-frame replacement windows are an additional option that you may want to think about for your home. These are often used when you are replacing one window or when you want to add additional windows. They come with nailing fins made from metal which are usually hidden behind the drywall once the window is put in. This makes them a great choice for older homes, because they look similar to the original windows that were present in the home when they were built.

The installation of full-frame replacement log windows requires matching the nail fin to the surrounding logs. This will stop the water from getting in. This can be accomplished using a caulking product that matches the product or by building two-by-fours in the framed opening and sealing it with the logs that are adjacent.

If you decide to install windows that are full frame replacement, it's important that you employ an experienced installer. They'll have the tools and equipment needed to safely work from scaffolding and ladders. Additionally, they'll know how to properly install the window so that it is both energy efficient and structurally sound. They are also aware of the importance of completing a thorough examination of the window following installation and will ensure that all parts are working as they should be.

Energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is a key aspect to consider when replacing windows. Older windows allow heat and cold to escape, which can lead to higher energy bills. Newer replacement windows help control temperature and are insulated, which helps reduce the load on your HVAC. 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 choosing new replacement windows to determine their energy efficiency. The higher the rating the more efficient the windows are. Energy STAR certified replacement sash windows windows can cut heating and cooling bills by as much as 30%..

The energy efficiency of windows is influenced by many factors which include the frame and sash material as well as the properties of insulation and the glazing materials. For instance, sashes made of wood are more energy efficient than vinyl ones, and wooden frames offer better insulation than aluminum. Double-hung windows offer higher energy efficiency than sliding windows.

ENERGY STAR certified replacement Windows will not only lower your energy costs, but also help protect the environment through a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. They also improve the indoor air quality as they cut down on noise pollution. Older windows allow outside sounds to be heard in your home, such as traffic, barking dogs and loud music. New windows can cut out the noise that can disturb you which allows you to unwind and unwind in your own space.

If your replacement windows are double-hung, casement or bay and bow windows, they should be easy to open, close, and clean. Consider tilt-in sashes which allow you to reach those difficult-to-access spots. Also, windows should lock securely and have an alarm system for additional security.

A quality installation is essential when replacing windows in an historic construction or upgrading your home. The right replacement windows will aid in reducing energy costs, increase comfort and security, and increase curb appeal. Visit a showroom to learn more or browse your options online.