PART 1: WHAT ARE REPLACEMENT WINDOWS?

Unless your home is newly constructed, it’s probably safe to say that it’ll have a number of existing windows that’ll soon need to be changed out. Over time, those old windows may have developed issues, or you may simply want to update your home’s look or are looking to improve your home’s overall energy efficiency. Here’s where you’ll want to consider getting replacement windows.

Replacement windows are meant to be installed in existing wall openings to minimize disruption to existing trim, siding and exteriors. Often, because replacement windows are installed within existing frames, they are slightly smaller than the original window.

There are three kinds of replacements homeowners can opt for, depending on the condition of their old windows:

• SASH REPLACEMENT. In a sash replacement, existing frames are given new parts: old sashes and parting stops are removed, and new jamb liners are added. This is an economical way to have your windows replaced, but it does have a number of aesthetic disadvantages.

• SASH-AND-FRAME REPLACEMENT. Also called a pocket window, a sash-and-frame replacement is the typical “replacement window”. A new unit is fitted into old jambs and stops with new jambs and liners. This is the least labor-intensive of all the replacement window types; however, it is also the most expensive.

• FULL WINDOW REPLACEMENT. A full window replacement involves installing a totally new unit with all-new components: from framing to glazing, sealants, caulking, and insulation.

PART 1: WHAT ARE REPLACEMENT WINDOWS?

Different materials may be used for replacement window frames, including vinyl, wood, aluminum-clad, and fiberglass and other composites.

What’s the big deal with replacement windows?

In recent years, Remodeling Magazine has reported high resale values for homes with replacement windows. This year, admittedly, recoup values appear to be lower than the figures seen in 2014 – but that shouldn’t discourage you from including replacement windows in your home improvement plan. There are various advantages associated with replacement units, some of the most beneficial of which include:

• ENERGY EFFICIENCY. Swapping out your old window unit for a new one brings the promise of potentially enjoying higher energy efficiency. Most sash-and-frame units, for instance, feature low-e glazing, which can help facilitate heat loss (or gain, depending on existing climate conditions) inside your home. Full units, on the other hand, can be designed for maximum energy savings – from the framing to your choice of gas fills.

• IMPROVED PERFORMANCE. Overall, your window’s functionality increases when you replace damaged parts with new ones. New jamb liners in a sash replacement could mean easier operation for double-hung windows, while a full replacement can bring benefits such as natural daylight, improved ventilation, and better heat control to your home.

PART 2: DO YOU NEED REPLACEMENT WINDOWS?

Replacement windows offer many advantages, but are they truly necessary for your home? Tick off these boxes to determine the answer.

Are your windows leaky? Loose glass or faulty sealing between the sash and the frame is the usual cause of leaky windows. Leaky windows, in turn, cause heat loss and gain, as well as admit drafts and wind-driven rain.

Are there physical signs of damage? Cosmetic signs of damage such as peeling paint and rotting frames are not merely signs that your windows are aging; they also indicate that your windows may have lost much of their functionality.

Have you observed any fading in your home’s furniture or artwork? Some windows admit glare or an overabundance of sunshine into your home, which can quickly ruin your furniture, artwork, and other interior elements.

Is it difficult to operate your windows? If your window mechanisms for locking, sliding, and other functions are tough, noisy, or otherwise inconvenient to use, a replacement may well be in order.

Is your home getting drafty? Extra air infiltration is another warning. Aged wood windows, in particular, can warp from excessive moisture. As a result, they can be too tight in some areas, while creating gaps in others.

PART 2: DO YOU NEED REPLACEMENT WINDOWS?

Special Considerations When Replacing Windows

Just because you need a window replacement does not mean it can be done at any time, with any process. Mind these factors to make sure you gain the best results.

• COLD SEASON. A window replacement during winter means possibly exposing the rest of your home to the elements. Make sure that the openings are properly sealed, and cold-weather application recommendations are followed. Insulation around the frames should also be adequate.

• HISTORICAL RESTORATIONS. Replacing historical windows is a tough job, but it can be done. Specific product choices in glazing and arched framing, for instance, should be monitored. Also, the replacement window should match the home’s overall architectural style, as well as the original windows’ colors. Local building codes and recommendations from the Historic Preservation Office should also be followed.

PART 3: WHO WILL INSTALL YOUR REPLACEMENT WINDOWS

Much of the success of your window replacement depends upon your contractor, which is why he or she must be:

• LICENSED. Home improvement licensing is approached differently by different states. Here in New Jersey, for instance, anybody working on windows, roofs, siding, and other parts of the home needs to be registered. The Contractor’s License Reference Site is a good resource if you want to verify your contractor’s credibility, and it covers all 50 states.

• REPUTABLE. New Jersey’s Contractors Registration Act makes it easy for homeowners to file complaints against a contractor or check on past complaints against potential contractors. Similar programs exist for other states; check with your labor department.

• ETHICAL. Codes enforced at the local and state level streamline the replacement process, as well as ensure the safety and energy efficiency of your new windows. Your contractor should be knowledgeable in the various reference standards used in the windows industry.

• CERTIFIED. Certification by an association or manufacturer speaks volumes about the kind of service a contractor will provide. Such bodies mandate their members to deliver top-notch results, and you will find that you will have more peace of mind if you choose a reliable window installation professional.

PART 3: WHO WILL INSTALL YOUR REPLACEMENT WINDOWS

Other Considerations

Your choice of window material should also be a serious consideration when commissioning a window replacement. Vanguard, Sunrise and other established brands offer more in the way of aesthetics, energy efficiency, and functionality. Check your contractor’s product offerings to make informed decisions.

In addition, educate yourself about current trends and technologies in the industry. The shift towards adopting greener materials, for instance, pays off well – in terms of energy savings, improved comfort, and even tax credits. Plus, if you are hoping to sell your home, buyers will be more interested if they know that your windows are already covered with warranties.

VALIANT HOME REMODELERS

578 ROOSEVELT AVENUECARTERET, NJ 07008

(732) 333-6223

VALIANTHOME.COM