There are any number of reasons for a homeowner to consider getting replacement windows for the home. Whether you are swapping out your old windows for ones that will boost your aesthetics or function, the decision should not be made without adequate research and thought. After all, window replacement is ideally a long-term investment – one that you expect to last for your home’s lifetime, if possible, so doing it right should be a priority.

In this 3-part post, you will learn about the important factors and considerations that go into completing a successful window replacement project.

Things to Consider When Planning A Window Replacement

To start off, let’s take a look at the top things to take into consideration when shopping for replacement windows.

1. ENERGY EFFICIENCY

During your search for replacement window products, you will come across windows with varying degrees of energy performance. The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) rates Energy Star windows according to these features:

• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). This measures how well a window can block or keep heat out. The lower the value, the better.

• Visible Transmittance (VT). This measures how well a window can let natural sunlight in. The higher the value, the better.

PART I - WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE GETTING A WINDOW REPLACEMENT

• Air Leakage (AL). This measures how well a window can prevent air leakage through small joints and cracks. The lower the value, the better.

• Condensation Resistance (CR). This measures how well a window can resist condensation buildup. The higher the value, the better.

You should keep in mind that every window will be rated differently based on different combinations of the factors we’ve just described. Also, remember that while there is no set formula to determine the “best” ratings, you are more likely to benefit from energy-efficient replacement windows if you have a qualified professional install them.

2. YOUR HOME’S LANDSCAPING AND ARCHITECTURE

No question about it: Your our new windows need to match your home’s look and architecture. However, more than aesthetics, consider too that your home’s design will also affect energy efficiency. Basically, how light and heat enter your home will determine how much you can save on energy costs with your window upgrades. For instance, if one side of your home is directly exposed to heat and sunlight, be sure to choose windows that will help you reduce your summer cooling costs.

3. WINDOW FRAME OPTIONS

Various window frame options also offer different advantages and disadvantages. Products available on the market will have varying lifespans and prices, so you’ll need to find products that offer the best of everything: durability, ease of installation, ease of maintenance, beauty, and energy efficiency. Composite frames such as Fibrex, for instance, can meet all such requirements.

PART I - WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE GETTING A WINDOW REPLACEMENT

4. GLASS OPTIONS

When it comes to glazing, you should opt for double or multiple panes filled with inert gas. Having warm edge spacers, high quality seals, and low-emissivity coating are other important features that contribute towards a window’s insulation capabilities.

Getting replacement windows can be a great way to improve the beauty, comfort, and value of your home. In the next post, we discuss the window replacement mistakes that you must avoid at all costs to make sure that you make the most out of your investment.

PART I - WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE GETTING A WINDOW REPLACEMENT

In the previous blog, we established just how important an investment window replacement is. Good windows will typically have a life expectancy of 35 to 50 years, which means that you will have to live with them for a pretty long time. This is one of the reasons why you should work towards picking out good products and having them properly installed. Your choices will impact greatly on reducing your energy and maintenance costs while keeping your family and household comfortable and secure. In this post, we discuss the window replacement mistakes that can prevent you from reaping the benefits of new windows.

FOCUS ON INITIAL COSTS ONLY

The cost of replacing your windows with new ones is a major factor homeowners have to consider. However, it is also important that homeowners also look at life cycle costs, including energy, maintenance, cleaning, and painting and repainting, among others things. Over the life of your new windows, these costs can actually exceed the initial cost.Your primary goal is to look for and find cost-effective replacement windows -- windows that are durable and energy-efficient, and which won’t require costly maintenance measures.

REPLACING IN KIND

While you may love the look of your existing windows, don’t replace them with exactly the same kind, type, and style of windows without first taking other options into consideration. While replacing in kind may be easier to do, it also takes away the opportunity to take advantage of the advanced features available in new replacement window products, particularly in terms of energy efficiency and extreme durability.

PART II - MISTAKES TO AVOID

IGNORING THE INTANGIBLES

Energy efficiency itself can be more or less quantified these days, thanks to the ratings standardized by National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) and Energy Star. But aside from this aspect, there are other intangibles that must be taken into consideration. These include comfort and appearance. Windows that can keep the heat in during winter and keep the heat out during summer can help your home maintain comfortable indoor temperature levels. Furthermore, while you look for the most efficient products, you must also make sure that the new windows match your home and enhance its aesthetic appeal.

NOT HIRING A PROFESSIONAL

As mentioned earlier, window replacement is an important investment and having your new windows installed only by a professional contractor contributes towards ensuring that it’s done right. Professional installers are trained and experienced to properly take measurements, prepare your home and windows for the project, remove and dispose of old windows, and install the replacement windows. By hiring a professional window contractor, you save yourself from the hassle and expense that improper installation can bring about, including but not limited to premature damage and deterioration of the windows, and compromised energy efficiency.

Now that you’ve learned about the window replacement mistakes that you should avoid, you are probably now in the market to consult with and hire a professional window replacement contractor. In the next post, we share the things to consider when searching for and choosing a professional for the job, so stay tuned!

PART II - MISTAKES TO AVOID

Once you’ve selected the right windows for your home, it’s time to look around and hire the right professional to make the most out of your new investment. You see, even the highest-quality windows will not perform as intended unless installed properly. In this post, we will take a look at the things that you must consider when searching for and choosing a window replacement contractor.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

Handling windows is no joke and is not to be treated lightly. Apart from the fact that windows are made mainly of glass, which makes them pretty delicate by their very nature, windows need to be measured and installed carefully and properly. Otherwise, you could end up compromising the windows’ function, longevity, and energy efficiency.

To verify a contractor’s knowledge and experience, you can ask them for a portfolio of previous projects as well as a list of references or customers whom you can contact. You may also research online or check the contractor’s website for customer reviews and testimonials.

CERTIFICATIONS AND AFFILIATIONS

When you have found the perfect replacement windows for your home, you must hire a contractor who is certified and trained to install them. Most manufacturers factory-train their contractors and certify them to ensure that the products are installed and serviced according to stringent standards and guidelines. Furthermore, most window manufacturers require their products to be installed by certified contractors or dealers, or else you could void the warranty.

PART III - THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A WINDOW REPLACEMENT CONTRACTOR

It is also recommended that you transact with contractors who are affiliated with trusted industry organizations such as Angie’s List. This gives you the assurance that a contractor has a proven track record recognized by authorities in the field.

INSURANCE AND WARRANTIES

A responsible contractor will have the insurance and bonds that will protect its customers from unnecessary obligations and expenses, particularly when something goes wrong and gets damaged, or the job is not completed. Warranties and guarantees, on the other hand, give you the peace of mind that your new windows will still be covered against premature damage in relation to faulty product make and installation, even years after they have been installed.

Perfecting window replacement may seem confusing, but in reality, there’s one simple trick you can do: consult a window professional who can walk you through the ins and outs and provide you with industry-proven recommendations and information.

PART III - THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A WINDOW REPLACEMENT CONTRACTOR

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7750 E Greenway Rd #105 Scottsdale, AZ, 85260

480-612-0706

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