5 Important Factors When Buying Replacement Windows

Windows offer all kinds of benefits to any home. From letting in natural light to improving your interior’s ventilation to adding an extra layer of security to your property – your home windows must be in tiptop shape. However, what if they are old and damaged and you need replacement windows?

If you are at a loss when shopping for replacement windows, today’s post is for you. 

We will break down five of the most important considerations when you need to find replacement windows for your home. 

If you need replacement windows, there are many important factors to consider.

Different homeowners will have different needs for their home windows. As such, they will have to factor in different variables when buying new windows. These five vital considerations can be an essential buying guide before ultimately making that decision. 

Price and Performance of Replacement Windows

When it comes to residential replacement windows, the price doesn’t always specify performance. Some of the lesser expensive ones are proven to keep outside elements out than the pricier ones. 

The best thing you can do is to do diligent research. If you’re reading this article, that’s a good start. A good reference point to go by is going through customer reviews. Don’t just rely on the recommendations of salespeople.

As you know, the price will vary by the type of framing material you use, so you need to consider that. 

Framing Material of Home Windows

The first thing you have to think about when choosing new windows is the framing material. Different framing materials will each have their own set of pros and cons. Subsequently, each type of framing material will have its own subcategories such as insulation qualities, appearance, style, and durability – to name a few. 

Thus, it’s essential to look at your specific needs to weigh these factors and apply them to your situation. 

Replacement windows come in different framing materials.

Generally, the four popular home window framing materials are the following:

  • Wood
  • Fiberglass
  • Vinyl 
  • Aluminum

Wood

Wooden frames are one of the most popular and well-loved windows for home installations. A lot of people appreciate the classic and timeless look that wooden frames evoke. 

As a natural material, wood has been used in home architecture for hundreds of years. Windows with wooden frames offer unmitigated insulation that can last for several generations at a given residential property.

Wood can be either varnished or painted. This feature allows you to customize wooden frames with whatever color schemes you are going for in your home. 

Fiberglass

This framing material is a newer windows option for homeowners. Aside from its durability, many homeowners choose fiberglass because of its diverse visual appeal. This material can even pass for wood and other materials.

Many contemporary homeowners choose fiberglass windows. It has decent insulation capabilities and is weather-resistant. These features make it suitable for a variety of climates.

You don’t need to paint or coat fiberglass replacement windows. This framing material can retain the original color for years.

Vinyl

Newer properties – both residential and commercial – will typically have vinyl windows. This framing material features a sleek, shiny, and contemporary look. 

Like fiberglass, vinyl requires little to no maintenance; it doesn’t need to be coated or painted. However, vinyl frames can fade over time if exposed to direct sunlight. 

Aluminum

Aluminum frames are as popular as wooden ones. This type of framing material is more robust overall. Aluminum still faces the threat of color fading and corrosion. 

However, the durability and structural integrity of aluminum replacement windows make them ideal for larger structures. The strength of aluminum window frames also makes them ideal for hurricane-prone areas. 

Home Windows: Prioritizing What to Replace First

You need to replace your current windows. However, you have to stay within budget. 

If you can’t have all of your home windows replaced in one service, you can substitute a few at a time. To help you decide which windows to upgrade first, here are some helpful questions you can ponder:

  • Which windows are the most damaged or broken?
  • What rooms in the house are most used?

Heavily Damaged Windows Must Be Prioritized 

If you have windows that are warped, fogging, or falling apart, you need to replace them first. At this point, you need replacement windows out of necessity. If these issues are overlooked, they could bring more damage to your property. 

On top of that, your utility bills could skyrocket – if they haven’t already. Ignoring these issues could also end up costing you more than the price of new home windows.

Climate Control Is Important in Your Home

If you have an older home with similarly old and single-paned windows, you need to replace them as soon as possible.

These old windows are not functioning as they should anymore – especially in keeping the heating and air conditioning within your house. 

Consider the climate in your area before replacing your home windows.

This situation could either make your home too stuffy or too cold. Fortunately, there are energy-efficient replacement windows available for homeowners. 

Furthermore, you need to get replacement windows that match the climate of the place you are living.

If you live in a coastal area, aluminum windows may not be the ideal choice. 

If you live in an area with cold temperatures and stronger winds, you need to look for windows with good wind and low-temperature resistance.

This is when working with a local home windows company can be beneficial. They are the ones familiar with your area, so they know the challenges your home windows face climate-wise. 

These modern home windows are engineered to keep your home comfortable all-year-long. On top of that, energy-efficient home windows bring in huge savings on your power bill. According to the US Department of Energy, their Energy Star-rated windows can lower your power bill by up to 15 percent.

Replace Home Windows That You See the Most

After the heavily damaged windows, the next on your list should be the ones you look at all the time. These windows could either be those that no longer match the overall aesthetic of your home.

You and your family are the ones looking at these old and outdated windows the most. So why not give them a refreshing new look.

Need to Replace Your Home Windows? Here Are the Mistakes to Avoid:

Not Asking the Technicians Enough Questions

For some people, the less they know, the better. However, that’s not the case when you have a windows installation project.

Don't hesitate to ask windows installers question about the installation and maintenance process.

Make sure you know everything you need to know about the installation process. After all, you’re letting people into your home, and there is bound to be disruption to your day-to-day activities.

Not all home windows companies will have the same installation process. When you hire a contractor, ask them what you can expect before, during, and after the service.

Getting the Same Exact Style or Type of Windows

If you are overwhelmed by all the available replacement window options out there, it’s easy to get the same ones you already have. It’s what you are used to, so why go through the trouble of getting new ones?

That’s one of the most common mistakes homeowners make. 

Take a little extra time researching the best window options for your home. After all, you wouldn’t want to invest in home windows that won’t give you the best performance. 

Making an informed decision and selecting the windows that fit all your needs is worth it.

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