Gone are the days when windows were simply viewing component. Today, thanks to innovative manufacturing processes, they are more durable than ever and are also highly energy-efficient, helping you make your home’s interior more comfortable while saving on energy costs. What’s more, today’s windows are available in numerous styles, colors and sizes, allowing you to easily complement your home’s architectural design. If your current windows are more than 10-years-old and are starting to show signs of deterioration, then it might be time to consider a replacement. Getting a window replacement can indeed be a significant investment but it’s also a beneficial project to consider. The key is in knowing what you’re doing. If you go into the process uneducated, you can easily make mistakes that will cost you both more time and money.
PART 1: DOUBLE HUNG WINDOWS
If you have noticed that your windows are no longer boosting your home’s appearance or protecting it from the elements and noise, it might be time to replace them with new ones that increase curb appeal, ,reduce energy costs, and keep your home comfortable. Choosing and purchasing replacement windows for your home, though, can be a challenging task. With so many options available on the market today, many homeowners are not sure what to look for. Indeed, it can be easy to get lost in the sea of window replacement options, but with proper guidance and preparation, the entire process could be quite simple. To start, be sure to consider the following essentials: YOUR CONTRACTOR Not only are there a plethora of choices for replacement windows—it can also be hard to choose the perfect contractor for the project--what with hundreds of companies willing to lend you a hand. Window replacement should be taken seriously, however, that’s why a professional and experienced contractor should be at the top of your list.. Before deciding on which contractor to hire, be sure to ask your candidates the following:
PART 1: Window Contractor, Warranty, and Materials
• Are you fully licensed and insured? • What certifications do you have? • How long have you been in the business? • Can you give me some references?
These questions will help you determine which contractors deserve your business and which ones don’t. Additionally, do your research and look for online reviews and testimonials to give you a better grasp of your prospects’ capabilities. WARRANTY COVERAGE Window warranties are often overlooked by homeowners. Before purchasing a product or hiring someone to perform the installation, it’s important to be clear about the warranties included so you can get the absolute peace of mind you deserve. The best window replacement projects are covered with both material and workmanship warranties. These warranties make sure that any defect or issue involving the products and installation processes will be immediately solved at the manufacturer’s and contractor’s expense.
PART 1: Window Contractor, Warranty, and Materials
MATERIAL OPTIONS The material of your new windows will play a huge role in their overall performance, beauty and efficiency. Before making a decision, you need to study the pros and cons of each option. Composites like FibrexÂŽ , for instance, combine the beauty and insulative abilities of wood with the maintenance ease of vinyl, bringing you the best features of two materials in one.
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It can be difficult to ensure your window replacement’s success. To prevent problems and achieve remarkable results along the way, you need to consider several factors. Learn more about them in part 2 of this ebook!
PART 2: CASEMENT WINDOWS
A window replacement project can be a smart investment for your home, if done right. When you replace your old windows, you can enhance your home’s curb appeal, while making it more comfortable and energy-efficient. Several factors come into play when you’re planning to get new windows. Among the key factors necessary to ensuring your project’s success are the following: • Window Placement – When getting new windows, it’s highly important to consider how each room in your home could benefit from them. Start by identifying the specific needs of each room; maybe your kitchen needs more natural light and ventilation or maybe your living room needs an upgrade in appearance. You should also check if your windows are up to code in terms of local egress requirements. • Right Design – New windows play a key role in boosting your home’s beauty and function. Top-quality replacement units, with the right customization, can drastically transform your structure inside and out. Fortunately, today’s windows come in a wide array of styles, colors, shapes and sizes to fit just about any architectural design. From traditional double hungs, casements, and bay and bows to contemporary picture, sliding,and specialty windows, you have plenty of options for your needs. For the perfect combination, don’t hesitate to consult your contractor.
PART 2: 4 Key Factors to Successful Window Installation
• Energy Efficiency – Given today’s rising energy costs, energy efficiency is one of the top priorities of most homeowners when investing in new windows. After all, indoor heating takes up approximately 42% of the average homeowner’s monthly energy consumption,, while air conditioning takes up another 6%, according to the Energy Information Administration. To make sure you’re installing energy-efficient windows, choose replacements with energy-efficient frames and multi-pane, low-emissivity glass. They have the ability to prevent energy loss while helping regulate your interior temperature, with minimal help from utility systems.
• Cleaning and Maintenance – Preserving the beautiful appearance of new windows can be a challenge, especially when it comes to those upperstory units. To address that problem, you need to choose replacements that require little to no maintenance or are designed for easy cleaning, like double hung windows that tilt in for convenient cleaning indoors. ooooo
Window replacement is complex, and for the average homeowner, mistakes are easy to make. In Part 3 of this ebooks, we’ll discuss some of the common mistakes that plague replacement projects and ways to avoid them.
PART 3: PICTURE WINDOWS
When you’re planning to invest in window replacement, it’s easy to find yourself overwhelmed by all the options available to you. In fact, most of the window replacement mistakes homeowners make come from a lack of understanding and knowledge of the different styles and materials replacements come in today. To avoid such problems, you need to take the time to educate yourself, researching options available to you so you can make informed choices about your window replacement project. Below are some of the common mistakes homeowners make when dealing with window replacement, along with ways to avoid them: • Not Asking Enough Questions About Their Project. It’s natural to feel some anxiety when replacing the windows in your home. After all, window replacement is one of the biggest and costliest projects you can invest in. As a homeowner, it’s crucial that you are fully informed about the process your contractor will follow and what you will need to ensure your project’s success. As such, don’t hesitate to ask questions, or for a written plan listing the steps involved in the actual replacement process. As much as possible, you should always stay in communication with your contractor to remain up-todate with their progress. While it’s not necessarily wrong to place your full trust in your contractor, you should be involved in all aspects of your project to avoid issues and misunderstandings.
PART 3: Common Window Replacement Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
• Focusing Solely on the Price. Yes, high-quality windows usually are more expensive than other options, but they offer truly longer-lasting value. Instead of fixating then on how much you will be spending or saving, focus more on the value you will be enjoying when you buy new windows. Do your research to find out why some frame materials, glass options and accessories are more costly than others—the difference usually boils down to the energy-efficiency levels, the shatter resistance of glass and the overall beauty of the units. • Using the Same Window Type. While there may not be anything necessarily wrong with the window type you’ve always used, choosing it out of familiarity will prevent you from seeing what other options have to offer. Today, there are much more to window styles than there were some ten to 20 years ago. It’s wise to get to know all options available to you, assessing pros and cons before choosing a replacement window.
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Window replacement is a project most people will do once or twice in their lifetime. As such, you’re going to want to make the most of it. Take the time to get to know your options and obligations and you’re sure to make the most of your investment. Should you wish to learn more about window replacement, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a reputable window expert in your area.
Renewal by Andersen of Montana 2601 Overland Ave. Suite 2, Billings, MT 59102 (406) 259-3944 www.rbamontana.com