How to Choose Replacement Windows for Your Home

Windows wear out over time. When yours wear out, and you want to replace them with new energy-efficient options. Double pane windows will significantly bring down your home cooling and heating costs while revamping your curb appeal to give your home a tinge of glamour.

However, choosing the perfect fit window can be a daunting task considering that they come in many styles, materials, and features. Besides, since a windows replacement is a major investment, doing your due diligence before making a choice will save you a lot of headaches. In this post, we share with you the details on how to choose replacement windows for your home.

New Windows or Replacement Windows? 

One of the crucial choices you have to make is whether to buy a new set of windows or replacements. So, what’s the difference between the two options?

1. New Windows 

A new window is normally installed when you want to increase or reduce the size or the shape of your existing window openings. In doing so, you usually have to install an entirely new set of windows. To get it right the first time, it generally requires that you hire a windows contractor. Although new windows may not be as costly as replacement windows, they are labor-intensive, which raises their cost.

2. Replacement Windows 

Replacement windows, on the other hand, involve removing your old windows without reducing or expanding the window opening and replacing the windows with a new set that perfectly fits the existing opening. Replacement windows cost almost the same amount as new windows, but the installation is less labor-intensive, which makes them less costly.

Replacement windows are a great option when your aging window frames are still in great condition or if the trim is a good fit for your current décor. The fact that it’s less labor-intensive makes replacement windows perfect if you are on a budget. Depending on your supplier or manufacturer, you can get a custom size or a regular size.

Replacement Window Styles

After making up your mind on whether to go ahead with new windows or replacement windows, the next milestone is choosing the style or the type of windows you want for your home. The most common types are; double-hung windows, casement windows, awning windows, and sliding windows.

Window Materials 

Once you are certain of the window style, next, you need to choose the window material. The most common window materials are wood and vinyl windows. Besides the two, there are other variations like aluminum windows and wood-clad windows, which are not so popular because they are not as energy-efficient as the two.

Choosing the Window Glass

Technological advancements have led to the development of a variety of window glasses. This has expanded the options you can choose from. Be it a single, double, triple, or quadruple window pane; you can be sure that there’s a window glass for your panes.

However, the number of window panes on the style you choose does not necessarily improve or reduce the energy efficiency of your window, but how much air the panes of the glass trap does. Lately, most manufacturers use inactive gases between the panes to enhance the panes’ energy efficiency, which insulates way better than air.

Quality of the Window

For windows, you get exactly what you pay for. The quality is usually directly proportional to the amount you spend. While the window’s cost is a significant consideration when making a purchase, it is vital that you go for a quality pick made by a renowned window manufacturer. A quality window will give you a lifetime’s service and lower your bills because they are low maintenance and save on energy.

Warranties 

Some windows come with warranties while most don’t. Take some time to examine the manufacturers’ warranties with regards to the insulation properties, the window glass, and fogging. A company with a reputation to keep will give you warranties on those while a careless company won’t.

Get an Experienced Window Contractor 

Getting an experienced windows contractor is a big deal. There are many contractors out there, but not all of them can be trusted, so don’t take chances. There are many ways to spot a suitable window replacement or installation expert, but your best bet is to go for a contractor who has been trained by the manufacturer. If you can’t find one, call your local home improvements association and kindly request them to help you find a popular windows contractor.

If you are in Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Maryland, contact Aspen Home Improvements for all your renovation needs. Schedule your free home inspection today to get started on your next window replacement project. Aspen Windows is a reputable windows installation company with over 25 years of experience assisting clients to get the best windows service.