Transcript
Page 1: Avoid Big Window Replacement Mistakes

AVOID BIG WINDOW REPLACEMENT MISTAKES: A 3-PART GUIDE FOR HOMEOWNERS

THE WINDOW REPLACEMENT PROCESS: WHAT MAKES AN EXCELLENT INSTALLATION?

Page 2: Avoid Big Window Replacement Mistakes

AVOID BIG WINDOW REPLACEMENT MISTAKES: A 3-PART GUIDE FOR HOMEOWNERS

THE WINDOW REPLACEMENT PROCESS: WHAT MAKES AN EXCELLENT INSTALLATION?

PART 1The Window Replacement Process:

What Makes an Excellent Installation?

Window replacement is a process that involves a number of factors. It may seem rather complicated for a homeowner like you, and you may be easily overwhelmed by all the details, but don’t fret. As with any home improvement project, there’s always some room for error and everything will be fine if you at least know the basics involved. One surefire way to avoid big and costly window replacement mistakes is to educate yourself

about the process itself.

Page 3: Avoid Big Window Replacement Mistakes

AVOID BIG WINDOW REPLACEMENT MISTAKES: A 3-PART GUIDE FOR HOMEOWNERS

THE WINDOW REPLACEMENT PROCESS: WHAT MAKES AN EXCELLENT INSTALLATION?

PRE-INSTALLATIONThe window replacement process starts even before your window contractor comes knocking at your door with your new windows. If your contractor performs these pre-installation measures, you can be assured of a smooth-sailing project.

• Custom measurements. The window contractor’s factory-trained representatives must take custom measurements ahead of the scheduled replacement job to guarantee that the new windows fit the openings, and that the succeeding steps will be performed properly.

• Window crew arrival. Once the measurements have been taken, your windows will be designed and the window crew will arrive at your house, bringing all needed materials, tools, and equipment.

• Preparing your home. To reduce stress and eliminate complications, the window crew must move valuables and furniture away from the work area or areas.

Page 4: Avoid Big Window Replacement Mistakes

AVOID BIG WINDOW REPLACEMENT MISTAKES: A 3-PART GUIDE FOR HOMEOWNERS

THE WINDOW REPLACEMENT PROCESS: WHAT MAKES AN EXCELLENT INSTALLATION?

ACTUAL INSTALLATIONOnce the team has set up in your home, it’s time for the actual replacement window installation.

• Removal of old windows. The window contractor should be able to remove the old windows without causing any damage to your home and belongings.

• Installation of new windows. The crew will fit the replacement windows into the opening. In case any of the surfaces is no longer level, which is common in older homes, they will perform the necessary steps to make it level, and to ensure a perfect fit. Once the replacement windows are set, their operation will be tested.

• Weatherproofing the home. Gaps around the window must be sealed, usually with an insulating foam. This will ensure that your windows are weatherproof, and your home’s energy efficiency is enhanced.

POST-INSTALLATIONTo wrap up the window replacement project, a reliable contractor will usually do the following:

• Finishing touches. The insulating foam applied to seal and weatherproof your new window may not instantly match the look of your home. By applying trims with matching style and color, your new windows will become more aesthetically pleasing. The trims also serve as a water-resistant insulator.

• Area cleanup and project finalization. Window replacements usually come covered with a protective film when delivered. The last step involves the removal of this film to reveal the real shine and beauty of the new windows. Furthermore, the crew should also clean the work area and dispose of any waste properly.

Page 5: Avoid Big Window Replacement Mistakes

AVOID BIG WINDOW REPLACEMENT MISTAKES: A 3-PART GUIDE FOR HOMEOWNERS

THE WINDOW REPLACEMENT PROCESS: WHAT MAKES AN EXCELLENT INSTALLATION?

PART 2Window Features That Guarantee

Quality

By replacing old, inefficient windows, you are giving your home a chance for an updated look as well as improved efficiency, comfort, and value. You and your family also get to enjoy savings on your monthly energy bills. To ensure the success of your window replacement project, you need to choose the right products. Here’s a simple guide to the

window features that guarantee quality.

Page 6: Avoid Big Window Replacement Mistakes

AVOID BIG WINDOW REPLACEMENT MISTAKES: A 3-PART GUIDE FOR HOMEOWNERS

WINDOW FEATURES THAT GUARANTEE QUALITY

WINDOW FRAMEToday, there are a number of options available for you to choose from when it comes to window replacement framing materials. However, if you wish to maximize your investment, you must choose one that fits these requirements:

• It must have outstanding insulation properties• It must be able to reduce heat transfer

significantly• It must be durable, with the ability to resist

weather, moisture, and pests• It must be low-maintenance

Among the newer materials that offer these characteristics is Fibrex, a type of composite frame that is twice as strong as steel, and lighter and more durable than vinyl or fiberglass. Its insulation properties are also comparable to that of wood. Because of its durability, it also requires minimal maintenance.

Page 7: Avoid Big Window Replacement Mistakes

AVOID BIG WINDOW REPLACEMENT MISTAKES: A 3-PART GUIDE FOR HOMEOWNERS

WINDOW FEATURES THAT GUARANTEE QUALITY

WINDOW GLASSAll window glazing may look the same at first glance, but there are vast differences to their specific features. To make sure that you are getting an energy-efficient window, it must have the following glass features:

• Double or multiple panes• Low-emissivity glass coating• Inert gas filling• Warm-edge spacers• High-quality seals

ENERGY EFFICIENCY VALUESTo know for sure if a replacement window is energy-efficient, it must have NFRC rating values that are within recommended ranges.

• U-Factor - measures the rate of heat loss through a window assembly. The lower the value, the better.

• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) - measures the fraction of incident solar radiation that a window lets through. The lower the value, the better.

• Air Leakage (AL) - measures the rate of air infiltration and leakage that occurs around the window frame. The lower the value, the better.

• Visible Transmittance (VT) - measures the fraction of visible, natural light transmitted through the window. The higher the value, the better.

At this point, you should already have an idea about the features that you should look for in a product to ensure

window replacement success. To complete this guide, we are giving you more tips and recommendations so you can avoid window replacement mistakes. Stay tuned for our next part!

Page 8: Avoid Big Window Replacement Mistakes

AVOID BIG WINDOW REPLACEMENT MISTAKES: A 3-PART GUIDE FOR HOMEOWNERS

THE WINDOW REPLACEMENT PROCESS: WHAT MAKES AN EXCELLENT INSTALLATION?

PART 3More Tips and Recommendations

Window replacement is a project that you must pay careful attention to. Replacement windows are an investment meant to last for at least 20 years. This means that you, your family, and whoever it is that will reside in your home will have to live with these windows for quite some time. Here are some additional tips and recommendations that can help you avoid common window replacement

mistakes, and ensure success.

Page 9: Avoid Big Window Replacement Mistakes

AVOID BIG WINDOW REPLACEMENT MISTAKES: A 3-PART GUIDE FOR HOMEOWNERS

MORE TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

KNOW WHAT EXACTLY IT IS THAT YOU WANT

Windows are among the most important elements of your home. Your choice of window type, color, style, and materials will greatly impact not only your home’s appearance, but its energy performance as well. For this reason, before signing up for window replacement, you must be clear about what you want to achieve. By relaying your goals clearly to your window contractor, the project can go much smoother, without any undue complications.

DO NOT FORGET LONG-TERM COSTS

While the initial cost of window replacement is a factor that must be looked into, life-cycle costs are also important. These include energy, painting, maintenance, and cleaning, among other expenses associated with owning the windows you choose. Remember that over the years, these costs can exceed the initial cost, particularly if you do not choose your windows wisely.

Page 10: Avoid Big Window Replacement Mistakes

AVOID BIG WINDOW REPLACEMENT MISTAKES: A 3-PART GUIDE FOR HOMEOWNERS

MORE TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

PRIORITIZE MAINTENANCEEven if you choose the most durable windows that require the most minimal maintenance, you should still do your part in keeping them in tip-top shape. Be prepared to clean them regularly, removing dirt and debris that may compromise smooth operation. Check for damaged or malfunctioning parts and have them repaired or replaced immediately, as needed.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT COMPANYFor a good product to perform as expected, you must find a window company that has employees with adequate knowledge, training, and experience in installing and servicing your chosen replacement windows. Installation plays a vital part in the success of a replacement project, as windows must fit perfectly into the opening to ensure optimal function and performance.

Avoiding big window replacement mistakes shouldn’t be so hard. All you need to do is educate yourself about the things that you must look for in a product and what to expect from a window contractor. If you still have questions that you’d like definite answers to, it’ll be best to find a professional who can provide you with more information and recommendations.

Page 11: Avoid Big Window Replacement Mistakes

AVOID BIG WINDOW REPLACEMENT MISTAKES: A 3-PART GUIDE FOR HOMEOWNERS

MORE TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

RENEWAL BY ANDERSEN - KANSAS1222 East 10th Street, Great Bend, KS 67530

855-871-9140www.southardrbaofkansas.com


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