marvin

What Should I Look for When Buying New Windows?

Is it the right time you are planning to look for new windows? Maybe your home needs mere
updates, repairs or more energy efficiency. Whatever is the reason, a few essential things are
best to know before deciding to buy new windows. Take time to consider the important
things before investing in new windows and doors.

When to Buy?

Selling your home, weather damage, or remodelling are some of the reasons compelling to
buy new windows. Just as an instant need, buying new windows is a personal preference.
Whether you wish to reduce your energy bill or want to stay in style, updating your windows is
certain to improve the mechanics and aesthetics of your home. Hiring a window and door
company for replacement windows will help in knowing what to look for when buying new
windows.

Which are the right materials?

Look for energy-efficient windows. The window material is an important aspect to consider
and explore before deciding. You must consider your climate, the place you live, your house
age, the windows location within your home, and the material to fit properly.

The common materials are fibreglass, wood, aluminum, and vinyl. Fibreglass windows are
expensive but are stronger than vinyl windows. Wood is common, but repainting and
maintenance is a must. However, wood is the sturdiest and looks good. Though, Vinyl
insulates well, requiring no repainting and less maintenance.

Single, Double, or Triple Pane Glass?

Single pane glass windows do not insulate properly and break easily. Double pane windows
trap air between layers and eliminate heat loss. You can choose double pane windows
offering insulation in varying degrees. The Double pane windows prevent heat loss as they
have an invisible metal coating. The double-pane glass windows help with insulation with
argon.

If your area receives urban noise, the double or triple pane windows are of immense aid to
insulate against sound. The triple-pane is 10 to 14% expensive than the double-pane.
Nevertheless, if you are living in a cold climate area or wish to stay in this home for a longer
period, it is a valuable investment to invest in triple-pane windows.

Know “R-value” and “U-Factor”

R-value refers to the window's energy efficiency. With a higher R-value, the insulating power is
greater. Single pane windows feature 1 R-value, while double pane has 4 as R-value and
triple-pane has 5-7 R-value.

Same as the R-value, the U-factor indicates how your window conducts non-solar heat.
The lower the U-Factor, the better is the energy efficiency.

Always buy windows with high R-values and low U-factors to enjoy potential tax credits.

by marvin

5 Questions to Ask Before Getting Replacement Window

Are you considering replacing the windows in your home or business? While this decision can greatly enhance your property's energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal, navigating the process can be fraught with challenges. To ensure a smooth and successful window replacement project, it's essential to partner with a reputable window replacement contractor who can guide you through the process. By asking the right questions, you can make informed decisions and select the best replacement windows for your specific needs and preferences. With this in mind, here are five crucial questions to discuss with your window replacement contractor before proceeding with your project.

• Do I need new windows?

Before rushing into getting replacement windows for your home, you should consider whether you truly need new windows or not. Window replacement is often costly; so, you must be certain that it will be worthwhile before investing in it.

If your windows are leaking air, difficult to operate, or having visible condensation in their glass panes, you need new windows. You also need new windows if the windows in your home don’t fit the design or style of your home. You should also replace your windows if they are too old or lack the latest security features.

• Do I have to replace all windows at once?

Sometimes, you need to complete replacements of all windows in your house. Other times, you only have to replace a few. Nonetheless, the main reason for changing the windows will play a key role in determining whether you have to replace all or not.

If all windows are outdated, you can hire windows and doors companies to replace all windows. However, if only a few windows have condensation between their glass panes, you can replace only the affected ones. So, think about the reasons and cost of window replacement to find an answer to this question.

• What are the available window options?

Before getting replacement windows, you should learn more about the various options of windows available in the market. Overall, you need to consider the window materials such as vinyl, metal, wood, or composite.

Also, think about the window styles that fit the design of your home. Some of the common window styles you can get include casement windows, sliding windows, awning windows, single-hung windows, and double-hung windows. Read about the various window options before choosing replacement windows.

• What kind of warranty is available for the replacement windows?

If you are ordering the windows from windows and doors companies, endeavor to ask them about the kind of warranty that comes with the windows. Remember that the warranty is the only factor that can protect you from any damages to the windows.

• What are the additional features of the windows?

There are some additional features that can be instrumental in helping you enjoy the benefits of the windows. These features include Low-E glass that protects your furniture and other belongings against the effect of UV and IR rays. The energy efficiency ratings of the windows are other vital things you must consider.

Having gotten answers to these 5 important questions, you should be able to get replacement windows without any stress. Better still, you can hire windows and doors companies to get the best replacement windows and also handle the window replacement.

by marvin

5 Warning Signs It's Time To Replace Your Windows And Doors

Several homeowners ignore the current condition of their windows and doors. And by the time they notice that something is wrong with their windows and doors, the damage is already beyond repairs – making their replacement inevitable. As a homeowner, you should carry out periodic checks on your windows and doors. And when you notice certain signs, you need to replace your windows and doors.

Are you searching for why you should replace windows and doors? Read the following five warning signs.

1. Visible Physical Damage

One of the reasons why you should replace windows and doors is visible physical damage to them. If your windows and doors have defects such as warping, chipped parts, broken glass, rotten frames, water damage, and lots more. Physical damage compromises the integrity of your windows and doors. As a result, you should prepare to replace them as soon as possible.

2. High or Increasing Energy Bills

Another warning sign it is time to replace your windows and doors is a sudden or gradual increase in your energy bills. The loss of energy efficiency brought about by compromised windows and doors usually increases energy bills. The increase arises as your HVAC binges on energy to keep your home cool or warm as drafts get into the house.

3. Difficult Operation

Another factor why you should replace windows and doors is difficulty in operating your windows and doors. If they are still in great condition, your windows and doors would open and close smoothly and easily. However, when it becomes a great hassle to open, close or lock your door or windows, it becomes necessary to plan for a replacement project.

4. Draft Around Windows and Doors

Your windows and doors should close and seal up completely and prevent air from filtering into the house. However, when you stand by your windows and doors, and you feel a draft of warm or cold air blow into your home, you unarguably must plan to replace your windows and doors as soon as possible.

5. Loss of Visual Appeal

If the style of your windows and doors have become so obsolete that they do not match the architecture or visual appeal or aesthetics of your home, you should replace them. There are new designs, enhanced materials, and modern styles that will improve the aesthetics of your home.

Takeaway

The above reasons are five warning signs why you should replace windows and doors. As soon as you notice any of the signs, you should find a reputable windows and doors company for the replacement project.

by marvin

5 Questions To Ask Before Getting Replacement Windows

Window replacement is a way of increasing energy efficiency while it improves the curb appeal. Replacing windows with single-pane or for the entire house, needs to give a sincere thought before making a final decision.  Windows and doors replacement projects bring up several questions and unique challenges.

Five questions to ask before getting replacement:

1. Do I have to go for new windows and doors?

There may be few signs in the doors or windows causing loss in energy efficiency. If you consider there is a need for windows replacement, first check these pointers:

• Is there air leakage?
• Do you have difficulty in opening or operating the windows and doors?
• Are you able to see between glass panes visible condensation?
• Do you see exterior paint peeling?

Look at your home windows and doors. Realize the time if it requires an update. There are different ways to ensure energy efficiency. Yet, ensure to meet the requirements of Energy Star ratings as per your climatic conditions in your region.

2. What will be the installation method?

Poorly installed windows decrease the window replacement advantages and result in water or air leakage. Ascertain the windows are installed properly by hiring a windows and doors company for replacement windows.

Ask before deciding, what they will be doing. If the installation is ‘full-frame’ or ‘pocket replacement’.  A full frame installation is to replace the entire window while the pocket replacement is to leave the outer frame intact. However, proper flashing, insulation and sealing is required to ascertain best performance. Remember, it is not the right time to cut corners.

3. Can I match the windows design to my house style?

There are various style options for windows. It complements the house style or design. You must choose a suitable design, focusing on the grille pattern and operating style.

Windows, single or double hung styles, both are appropriate choices, but the architectural shapes, the casement provides visual appeal. Even, a grille pattern, non-traditional gives a fresh look to your home.

4. Will there be color options?

The color options for the windows and door are not confined to white and beige. Nowadays, there are light and dark color in the exterior frames. Besides, solid colors come in a variety and choosing wood grains on the windows and doors matches your home interior design.

5. Project timeline?

People do not realize that the delivery time for specialized windows is longer. Yet, knowing the timeline gives peace of mind. Thus, ensure the timeline while hiring a windows and doors company for replacement windows.

by marvin

5 Signs It's Time to Replace the Windows in Your Home

Windows are integral part of your home. Without them it is not complete. You cannot ignore the fact that if you do not take care of windows then you might face problem in future. Now, the question is how you know that windows needs replacement because they cannot talk! They can’t talk but you can find out signs that will say that window replacement is the need of the hour.

1. Windows are damaged, broken or warped

There are many damages that can be repaired, but still there are certain damaged when window replacement is the best solution. You might find out that windows are not operating properly or they are worn out and broken. There is cold draft inside your home. When all this occurs it is best that you work on replacing the windows.

2. Energy bills are high

There can be other causes too for a high energy bill but when the windows gets worn out they can be one major cause and of course a sign. When the windows are damaged they cannot control the air inside your home. In such situation the HVAC system works harder to maintain the inner temperature, thus increasing the energy bills.

3. Your home is going through makeover

It might not be a sign that the windows needs replacement but when you are going for a complete renovation of your home, then you cannot leave the windows alone. They might have worn out, or may be broken at places. If you leave them like that then the aesthetic value of your home will decrease. Thus, it is important to change the windows then.

4. Outside noise becomes disturbing

Sometimes it may be tough managing the outside noise. They may be increasing every day. One cause is of course increase in traffic, but when you close your windows then such sound should not be there. If it is there then it means that the windows are not able to stop the sound as they should. It’s time to work on them.

5. Condensation build up

There may be cracked window glass or condensation may build up between the glass layers. When the windows are frosting in between the glass layers it shows that the seals are not working. There is no more insulating gas that will maintain the temperature. The best thing to do then is to go for window replacement.

by marvin

How Do I Know If My Windows Really Needs Replacing?

It is a question that might come to your mind as you do not know when the right times for replacing your windows. Actually, to be honest there is no fixed time for window replacement. You have to take action if you find that they are worn out or there are other problem created in your home that can be resolved by replacing your windows.  So, when is the time for replacing? You can look out for such signs:

1. Encountering Draft 

When you experience warm or cold zones in your home, particularly by your windows and doors, this can be brought about via air entering and getting away from around your casings. Not exclusively does the draft upset the degree of solace in your home, it additionally makes your HVAC framework work harder to keep up your optimal inner temperature of your home, diminishing your home's degree of energy effectiveness.

2. Troublesome Operation 

Your windows and doors should open and close effectively, in the event that you start to see friction when attempting to open or close your windows, or notice additional power and exertion is expected to work a window or door, this ought to be taken as an indication of a significant issue. Now and again, these issues can be settled with some upkeep, yet on the off chance that the issue perseveres you should investigate substitutions.

3. Increased Energy Bills 

In the event that you have seen that your energy bills have been consistently raised, and you haven't rolled out any exceptional improvements to your use, your windows and doors can be capable. As referenced above, if your windows and doors have broken seals, permit in drafts, or have some type of harm. They are done working at ideal productivity levels. This can bring about expanded energy utilization and bills as your HVAC framework should work more enthusiastically to cool or warmth your home.

4. Structural Damage 

Windows may have worn out with time leading to structural damage. Split glass, twisted or spoiled edges, and broken seals will prompt expanded energy utilization as featured previously. Nonetheless, these additionally represent a security hazard, as these are a few signs that potential interlopers search for when attempting to recognize obvious objectives.

5. Condensation between Windows Panes 

Condensation is normal when it occurs inside or outside the window panes. However, when it becomes in between then then you must understand it’s time for window replacement.

by marvin