the homeowner’s complete guide...the homeowner’s complete guide to replacement windows 6 picture...

T H E H O M E O W N E R ’ S

COMPLETE GUIDEto Replacement Windows

Most people take the windows in their home for granted... It’s something we hardly think about—until there’s a problem.

When windows become too old or dysfunctional, it can affect

the comfort, energy efficiency, and ease of living in your home.

If you’re thinking of replacing some or all of your windows,

you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed with the options.

From window types to materials to pane options, there are

quite a few decisions to be made when buying and installing

replacement windows.

We created this guide to give you the information you need

to make confident, informed decisions about replacement

windows for your home. In this guide, you’ll learn:

DWhen to replace your windows

DFactors to consider when selecting windows

DDifferent options for window types, pane types, and

materials

DThe window replacement process

By the end of this guide, you’ll be empowered to find the right

replacement windows for your home in a way that’s simple and

stress-free.

ARE REPLACEMENT WINDOWS WORTH THE COST?

Home improvement projects are a great

way to increase your home’s market

value, but very few improvements

actually recoup 100 percent of their costs.

Replacement windows, however, are a

sound investment; you’ll recoup around 70

to 80 percent of your costs on your home’s

real estate market value. To give some

perspective, bathroom remodels all have

cost-value ratios of only around 56 percent.

In addition to resale value, replacement

windows also increase energy efficiency

and improve the comfort of your home.

With the increased market value, energy

efficiency and comfort that replacement

windows can bring to a home, they are

certainly a home improvement project that

is worth your time and resources.

The Homeowner’s Complete Guide to Replacement Windows 2

When to Replace Your WindowsUnless you’re a window expert, it’s not always easy to tell

whether a window should be repaired or replaced. Before making

any decisions, have a professional assess your windows for signs

of irreparable damage. Here are some signs your windows may

need replacing:

They’re old, drafty, single-pane windows

You find a significant amount of rot (wooden windows)

They’re damaged, warped or broken

They’re extremely difficult to open or close

They’re over 20 years old


Selecting Replacement Windows You’ve decided that it’s time for replacement windows—so where

do you start your search? There is a wide variety of options so

that you can get the right windows for your needs. Here are the

most important considerations you’ll need to take into account

when selecting replacement windows.

ENERGY EFFICIENCYToday’s window technology has come a long way from how

homes used to be built, and newer windows’ energy efficiency

is better than ever. When done right, replacement windows can

save you money on your energy bills.

The best way to compare window efficiency is to look at the

whole-unit U-value and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC).

U-Value: Rating for door and window units that describes how much heat energy is gained or lost. The lower the

U-value, the more energy efficient the system in question

will be.

SHGC: The fraction of solar radiation admitted through a window. The lower a window’s Solar Heat Gain Coefficient,

the less solar heat it transmits.

Why do these numbers matter? The less heat that you gain or lose

through your windows, the less you will need to run your heating

system or air conditioner. If you’re replacing outdated single pane

windows with little to no energy efficiency, you’ll see a larger

difference in your energy bill.



PRICEBudget is one of the biggest factors people consider when

buying replacement windows. Depending on the brand,

material, and style you choose, your costs could differ.

There are two different procedures for replacement windows:

Insert Replacements (Lower Cost): Reuse all interior and exterior trim; new windows fit inside the existing

window frame. Quick install and minimal materials required.

Vinyl Insert Windows: $425-$600 each

Wood Insert Windows: $575-$900 each

Full Tear-Out (Higher Cost): All new trim inside and out; new windows fit inside the stud (rough opening).

Much longer installation and more materials required.

Vinyl Full Tear-Out: $575-$900 each

Wood Full Tear-Out: $650-1,600 each

The drawbacks of cheap windows can add up fast. From

more maintenance to less energy efficiency to being drafty

or not opening properly, buying cheap window products

just to save a bit of cash isn’t going to benefit you in the long

run. Certain glass types and frame materials cost more than

others, and for good reason—they’re better at their jobs. Work

with a professional window company to understand what a

realistic budget might be and ask them to recommend high

quality products in your price range. Remember to find out the

installation cost, too!

APPEARANCEWindows are a prominent feature of any home, both

inside and out. Select replacement windows that

complement and enhance the look of your home.

Choosing the wrong style can detract from the overall

look of your home—and could even lower resale value.

The style of your home affects which windows will

look great once installed. For instance, traditional or

colonial-style homes look best with small double-

hung windows with divided lights, while ranch-style

houses often look best with swing-out casement

windows.

DURABILITY AND MAINTENANCEOnce your windows are installed, they’ll need to be

able to withstand the elements as well as be easy

to clean and maintain. Ask your window dealer

about the different materials available and the level

of maintenance required to keep them durable

and maintain their appearance. Here are some of

the maintenance tasks you may need to perform

occasionally:

Cleaning the panes and frames

Replacing worn-out seals

Repainting frames every several years

Attending to cracks, holes or splinters


PICTURE Simple design adds openness and natural light Typically does not open

Double Hung Windows • A traditional, easy to clean design• A window consisting of two sashes operating in a rectangular frame in which both the upper and lower halves slide up and down

Single Hung Windows• Conservative styling with a tilt-in sash for convenience• A window consisting of two sashes of glass, the top one stationary and the bottom movable

Casement Windows• A contemporary look for your home, operating smoothly with a fold in handle• A projecting window with a single sash hinged at the sides and usually opens outward like a door

Awning Windows• Opens out for ventilation and seals weather-tight when closed• Hinged at the top, projecting outward to provide ample ventilation

Sliding Windows • A modern style, perfect for rooms with limited space• A window where the sash moves horizontally

Bay Windows • Creates a dramatic focal point and a cozy spot to curl up in• An arrangement of three or more individual window units that project from the building from various angles, usually 30º and 45º configurations mounted with a head and seatboard

Bow Windows• An elegant curve offering a panoramic view• An angled combination of windows in 3, 4 or 5 lite configurations. The windows are attached at 10-degree angles to project a more circular, arced appearance

Garden Windows• A unique design, adding dimension and functionality• A three-dimensional window that projects from the exterior wall and usually has glazing on all sides except the bottom, which serves as a shelf

Picture Windows• Adds openness and increases natural light• A large, non-operating window that provides a panoramic view

Geometric Shapes• Creates an original, one-of-a-kind configuration• Specially designed windows classified as either Straight Line Geometrics such as rectangles, triangles, trapezoids, octagons, pentagons etc., or Radius Geometrics which include half-rounds, quarter-rounds, full-rounds, sectors, ellipses, eyebrows, etc.

Types of Windows

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Types of Windows

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Types of Windows

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Types of Windows

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CASEMENT Attached to the frame by hinges Typically opens outward like a door

SLIDING Open sideways, with one pane sliding over the other Used in openings that are wider than they are tall

AWNING Opens outward for ventilation Hinged at the top Often used in combination with another window style

Which Window Type is Right for You?Once you have an idea of the factors that matter most to you, it’s time to choose the type of replacement windows you’ll

be installing in your home. We strongly recommend having a professional window installation company assess your

home as part of your process. Some windows may be easier to install in your home than others, which could help cut

down on installation costs and overall project time.

DOUBLE HUNG Both the sash and the frame move up and down Sashes tilt for easy cleaning











Types of Windows

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Types of Windows

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Types of Windows

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Types of Windows

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Types of Windows

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Types of Windows

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SINGLE HUNG Top sash is fixed in place Usually conservative styling

BOW Offers a panoramic view Angled combination of windows in 3, 4 or 5 lite configurations

Creates a circular, arced appearance

BAY Creates a dramatic focal point Projects outward from an outside wall Features 3 or more individual, angled window units

GARDEN Acts like a greenhouse in your home Fitted with an exterior shelf for plants and herbs

GEOMETRIC SHAPES Specially designed, creates an original configuration Often found on historic homes Common shapes include trapezoids, octagons, half-rounds, quarter-rounds, etc.

WHAT IS LOW-E GLASS?

Low emissivity, or low-E coatings,

minimize the amount of ultraviolet and

infrared light that can pass through glass

without compromising the amount of

visible light that gets through. When the

sun shines through your window, low-E

glass will reflect a lot of that unwanted

energy back toward the outside instead of

letting the heat in. That means it’s much

easier to keep your house cool in the

summer and warm in the winter.

TYPES OF WINDOW PANES

Single Pane – Uses only one pane of glass. Although it’s true that single pane windows are still available today, we would

not recommend replacing windows in your home with single

pane windows! If you currently have this type of window, that

is probably one of the reasons you are seeking to replace them.

With the advances in window technology, few homeowners

continue to use single pane windows. Though inexpensive, these

types of window panes are poor insulators and would be better

used for outdoor sheds or garages that require little insulation.

Double Pane – Two panes of glass are separated by an insulating layer of air or clear, odorless gas. This is the most

popular replacement choice for today’s homeowners. These

durable windows protect your home from the cold during the

winter, keep A/C inside during the summer, and provide an

effective sound barrier. Additional Low-E coatings can block

harmful UV rays.

Triple Pane – Made up of three panes of glass. The middle pane is surrounded by inert gas on both sides. Triple pane windows

are ideal for insulation homes that are exposed to extremely

cold or hot temperatures, although they are a more expensive

alternative to double pane windows. Additionally, the energy-

saving factor between double and triple pane windows is quite

small, so, if you choose triple pane windows, be careful that this

upgrade doesn’t raise the price of your project beyond its value.


TYPES OF WINDOW MATERIALS

Aluminum – We would not recommend aluminum windows to many homeowners. While aluminum is extremely durable

and can withstand demanding conditions, these types of

windows not commonly used in residential construction.

Vinyl – This is one of the most popular window replacement materials available. Vinyl windows are made from PVC with

hollow chambers inside to help them resist heat transfer

and condensation. Vinyl windows don’t require painting or

finishing, and the material doesn’t fade or rot.

Wood – With a classic style that is readily customizable, wood windows are particularly attractive, especially in

interiors. Wood is durable, strong, and energy efficient.

However, wood windows often require increased

maintenance because of wear from the elements. Unless

diligently maintained, wood windows are prone to rot and

warping.

Wood-Clad – This material offers the benefits of wood on the inside, but are covered on the exterior with a tough, low-

maintenance aluminum jacket, which helps prevent rot.

Fiberglass – This newer window material is stronger than vinyl, however it does typically cost more and its color

choices are limited. Fiberglass windows are extremely durable

and won’t rot or decay. They’re ideal for larger windows

because their superior strength allows them to support the

weight of the glass panes.



How to Choose a Replacement Window Contractor Now that you are familiar your replacement window options,

it’s time to buy your windows and get them installed!

Here are some tips for choosing the right replacement window installers:

BEWARE THE PICKUP TRUCK CONTRACTORMany of the renovation horror stories you hear have to do with

“pickup truck contractors.” Homeowners hire a jack-of-all-trades

to complete their projects, instead of a trusted company with

a team of professionals, looking forward to a lower cost and

simplified process. But in reality, these types of builders often

don’t have the trade or time management skills to complete the

job properly and under deadline.

KNOW YOUR WARRANTY AND SERVICE CONTRACTWhen you sign a contract for the company that is to complete

your installation, be sure the contract includes your warranty

and service contract information. Understand exactly what the

warranty covers. Does it protect you if the installation was done

incorrectly, or only if there is a defect with the product itself?

Is the warranty just from the window manufacturer, or will the

installation company warranty their services as well?

HOW LONG?

This is one of the most loaded

questions in the window industry. When

homeowners ask this question, they could

be looking for a few different answers:

How long will you be in my house?

How long is the warranty period?

How long will my windows last?

Each of these answers depends on your

home, the scope of your project, and

the brand and type of windows you

purchased. Be sure to talk to your window

contractor about each of these “how long”

questions to help set your expectations

for the project.

ASSESS HOW LONG THE COMPANY HAS BEEN IN BUSINESS

When it comes to replacing windows, experience matters.

Window installation techniques are constantly being updated.

An experienced company that has been in business for many

years is sure to have a highly trained team and be up-to-date

on the latest best practices and products.

Other factors to consider: are the employees trained in proper

installation by the window manufacturers? Does the company

use subcontractors to handle their installations? It’s important

to have factory-trained technicians install your replacement

windows so that you can be sure the installation is being done

properly. Improver window installation can pose major problems

down the line—anything from leaks to drafts to lack of an

airtight seal.

We strongly recommend you work with a professional window

company throughout this process—that is, a company that sells,

installs, and services residential replacement windows. There are

a few reasons why this is the best option. A window company

has the knowledge and experience to help you choose the right

products for your home based on an assessment. But they will

also ensure a correct, professional installation that you can trust

to be done right.



The Window Replacement Process What happens from the moment you decide to replace your

windows to when the installers leave for the last time?

Here’s a snapshot of the window replacement process from

beginning to end:

CONSULTATIONThe very first step in replacing your windows is to define your

needs. When you call up a window company, you’ll be asked

many questions (Do you need full window replacements, or do

you just need to replace the glass? How many windows are you

replacing? What kind of shape are your current windows in? What

is your budget?) You may not know the exact answers to these

questions, but it will make the process go much smoother if you

can convey your needs to the professionals.

IN-HOME ASSESSMENTIf you and the window company both agree they can help you,

the next step is an in-home assessment. An estimator will come

to your home to measure and inspect your current windows to

ensure an exact fit for the replacements. They’ll also look for signs

of damage that may need to be addressed, such as rot.

WHAT HAPPENS IF WE FIND WINDOW ROT?

Rot is a common problem found on

window frames and sills. If window rot is

found during your assessment, be sure

your installation company is able to address

it during the installation process. Not all

window technicians will deal with rot, and

many will call in other professionals to

take care of it, which draws out the project

timeline. Also, be sure to select low-

maintenance, highly durable replacement

windows in order to avoid dealing with this

problem again.

WINDOW SELECTIONWith the right information gathered about your project, a

window specialist will help you select the best windows based

on the characteristics of your home. You’ll have the opportunity

to explore style, materials, and energy efficiency ratings with the

guidance of professionals.

PROPOSALThe window company will provide an estimate for your chosen

window products and installation costs. Once you sign the

proposal and provide a deposit, the work can begin!

INSTALLATIONInstallation technicians will work on replacing your old windows

with the new ones you’ve selected. They’ll remove the old

windows, and may remove the frames depending on the

recommendations from your in-home estimate. Then they’ll fit

the new windows into place, making sure they’re level, plumb,

and airtight. Experienced installers should be able to complete

approximately 6-8 windows per day.

ENJOY YOUR NEW WINDOWS!Replacement windows offer comfort and beauty to any home.

Enjoy living with your new windows, and be sure to check your

warranty if you experience any problems.


acmeglassvt.com(802) 658-1400

START THE CONVERSATION ABOUT

replacement windows for your home.

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