Windows are an often overlooked home improvement that can greatly impact your house’s curb appeal and energy efficiency. New windows also offer a high return on investment when it comes time to sell your house. Window styles range from the common double-hung to sliding, awning, hopper, bay, and bow windows. Choosing the right style for your home’s architectural style and opening type is important to achieve the best look for your house.
In addition to a window warranty, window companies offer a comprehensive installation warranty that guarantees your new windows will be installed properly. This helps to ensure your home’s windows are installed to the highest quality standards and are free from defects.
When you’ve decided on a few different window replacements, go ahead and contact your competitor. They can give you a free estimate. Then you can contact the salesperson for the company you were hoping to work with and ask them to give you a quote.
The right window style can give your house a timeless, functional, and attractive look. Common window styles include double-hung and single-hung windows. Both traditional choices offer good ventilation and easy access to clean the window’s exterior from inside your house. Our design team will help you choose the best window type based on your home’s specific needs and architectural features.
Another common window style is the casement or awning, which can be opened by turning a hand crank for ventilation. This style is common in homes with windy or rainy climates and can be useful for allowing in fresh air without letting in too much heat in the summer.
Decorative glass windows are also popular and deliver a design point without sacrificing privacy or natural light. They can be found near doors, in bathrooms or kitchens to create a focal point and add some color.
With the cost of energy rising, getting the most efficient windows for your home is a smart move. Whether you are building a new home or replacing older windows, choosing the right type of windows can make your house more comfortable and save you money on your heating and cooling costs.
An ENERGY STAR label is one of the first things to look for when shopping for replacement windows. This will tell you the window’s energy efficiency and which areas of the country it is certified for.
Additionally, look for ratings on the NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) label to find the most efficient windows for your climate.
If you live in a colder climate, looking for lower U-factors and less solar heat gain is especially important. This will help prevent your heater from working as hard, reducing energy expenses in the long run.
Once you’ve selected a replacement window, it’s time to prepare your house for installation. This involves a number of steps. Start by inspecting the old frame. This includes checking the rotted areas around the jamb and sill. If you notice any soft spots, call a carpenter for help.
Measure the smallest width and height dimensions to ensure the new windows fit. Getting this right will save you from sanding the frames down later and adding filler strips.
If you have double-hung windows, the replacement window will be installed into a pocket opening between the sash and the frame. Take measurements of the entire pocket, including the stop moulding.
If you have older windows with sash weights or springs, the installer will remove them. They will also cut the plastic covers on sash springs to let the weight fall inside the frame.
A window warranty is a great way to protect your investment and ensure your new windows perform as expected. However, it would be best if you were sure to understand the details of your warranty before signing a contract.
The most common type of window warranty is a manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty. It usually covers the insulated glass unit, frames, sash and hardware.
Some windows also have a glass breakage warranty. If the insulated glass breaks, it will be replaced with another insulating glass unit at no charge to you. This type of warranty typically lasts for the homeowner’s life and can be transferred to subsequent homeowners.
It’s also a good idea to shop around for better deals on doors and siding from a couple of different window replacement companies. They may have lower prices because they’re competing for business and have a higher overhead so that you may get the same work for a lower price.
