Making the Most of Getting
NEW WINDOWS
Just like many homeowners, you probably see your home as one of the biggest investments you’ve ever made in your life. There really is nothing quite like the pride and sense of fulfillment that owning a home bring. However, there will come a time when your home will start requiring more attention, what with constant use and weather exposure beginning to take their toll. There are many ways in which home problems can manifest but one of the most common is damaged and inefficient windows. If you suspect your windows are making your home less appealing, efficient or comfortable, it’s high time you considered a replacement project. This three-part ebook series is here to help you make the most of getting new windows.
PART 1:
Choosing the Right Window Design
Unless your windows get damaged by natural disasters, you will likely only need to replace your windows once in a lifetime. This makes it all the more important to carefully choose the right replacement windows.
What Makes Choosing the Right Window Design So Important? We’ve all heard the cliche, the eyes are the windows to one’s soul. When we take that into the context of home building, we can consider the windows to be the element that represents your home’s soul, reflecting the personality and tastes of its owner: you. Windows also complete your home’s overall design, so it’s crucial to choose windows matching your property’s architectural style. Additionally, window design dictates functionality. Interested in superior energy efficiency? Picture windows are the way to go. Looking to improve natural ventilation in your home? Casement windows are right up your alley. Want both? How these functions are met will depend largely on how your replacement window is designed.
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How to Choose the Right Window Design • Look for windows that match your home’s architectural style Windows are an important element in your home’s overall design. Fortunately, window styles range, ensuring there’s one that will match your home perfectly, whether your property is traditional- or modernthemed. • Understand the exact function you want a window to serve The basic function of a window is to let in light and air, but it also serves other purposes. Getting to know what each window style has to offer will help you narrow down options and zero in on the best choice for you and your home. • Think about your home’s interior, too Choosing windows based on architectural styles focuses on matching exteriors. However, you should also visualize how a specific type of window and its design will blend in with your home’s interior.
Quick Tip
Can’t find a window design that ticks all the boxes for you? Ask your local window expert about customization options you can take advantage of. In the next part of this ebook series, we’ll be taking a look at another important factor in choosing the right replacement windows: materials. Stay tuned!
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PART 2:
Choosing the Right Window Materials
Once you’ve shortlisted your window design choices, it’s time to consider materials. Window material will matter in almost every aspect of a window replacement project, from product and labor costs to window maintenance and longevity. Needless to say, you have to choose the right window materials to ensure that your investment proves worth it.
Today’s Top Window Materials: Your Best Options The window replacement industry is a huge one, with different manufacturers specializing in different types of products. Now, with all the products available on the market, you have to learn about the different kinds of window materials to ease the deciding process. Below are the most common window frame options available to help you get started: • Vinyl - Vinyl windows are best known for their affordability. They are also easy to maintain, but some may find them less elegant-looking than other materials.
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• Wood - Wood windows are the classic choice, offering Old-World charm with timeless appeal. Unfortunately, they require rigorous maintenance to stay beautiful and reliable. • Composite - Composite windows, like Renewal by Andersen®’s Fibrex®, combines wood fibers and other materials. These create highly durable framing material that combines the benefits of wood and vinyl, for instance, resulting in windows that insulate well, look good and don’t need a ton of upkeep.
Don’t Forget About the Glass Of course, windows are not all frame. You should also choose a window glass package that is not only durable but will also help make your windows more highly insulative and energy-efficient on the overall. To this end, it’s best to choose window glass that have the following features: • Low-emissivity coating - Virtually invisible metallic oxide coating, it reflects away as much heat as possible without compromising light transmittance. • Two glass panes - Dual-pane windows are designed to help stunt heat transfer, aiding in maintaining ideal indoor temperatures.
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• Gas fill - Inert gas, such as argon or krypton, that is better than regular air at insulating against heat transfer. • High-quality seals - Limits air leakage, keeping indoor heat in and outdoor heat out. The right window design and materials are just two parts of the perfect window replacement equation. Head on over to the final part of this ebook series to know more about another important factor: your window contractor. Stay tuned!
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PART 3:
Choosing the Right Window Contractor
Finding the right window for you is crucial, but all your effort will go to waste if you don’t make sure that your replacement unit is installed right. Windows are only as good as their installation, after all, highlighting the importance of choosing the right window contractor. To help you ensure you find the right one to work with, keep in mind the following tips: • Ask about permits and licenses - With these in place, it means you are doing business with a legitimate professional, one that has met standards and requirements to operate. • Ask about manufacturer certifications - Top manufacturers like Renewal by Andersen® only entrust their products to trained window contractors, guaranteeing they will be handled and installed accordingly. • Ask about insurance coverage - Reputable contractors follow a meticulous window replacement process, but sometimes mishaps may
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• Ask about warranties - You’ll know your window replacement project is in the right hands when the contractor you’ve teamed up with is able to stand behind their work, offering generous warranty terms because they are confident that the products and workmanship they offer will stand the test of time. Ensuring window replacement success heavily relies on how carefully you decide on the factors we’ve discussed in this three-part ebook series. There’s a lot you can learn by doing your own research, but you can’t go wrong once you’ve found the right contractor to work with. Aside from ensuring quality installation for you, your window contractor is there, after all, to guide you during the selection process, providing recommendations for replacement units based on your needs and preferences and answering any questions you might have. With the right window and the right contractor by your side, your replacement project is sure to go off without a hitch.
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RENEWAL BY ANDERSEN OF CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA 4856 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
(717) 591-4900
www.rbacentralpa.com