ooooo
Windows have always been an important part of your home, and they have evolved tremendously over the years. Gone are the days when windows were just holes in the wall meant only to let in light and air. These days, they also serve to help your home make a bigger impression from the curb. Do you have a stunning view of water from your bedroom? Windows can help you frame it. Looking to maintain your home’s vintage look? Windows can add to its architectural accuracy. Recent technological advances have even made it possible for homeowners to keep their living spaces more comfortable and energy-efficient with the right windows. That’s why you should invest in a prompt replacement should your existing units sustain extensive damage due to age or extreme weather. How do you get started on this project, though? We dedicate this ebook to helping you ensure a safer and smoother home window installation. We’ll take a close look at the warning signs of window damage, the factors you’ll need to keep in mind when choosing replacements, plus tips on hiring the right contractor for the job.
PART 1: WINDOW CONDENSATION - WHAT CAUSES IT?
Have you checked your existing windows lately? If they are old and failing, now is the perfect time to get newer, better ones from a trusted window replacement company in your area. Here are the worrisome signs you should check for: • Broken framing material. Frames and sashes make up your window’s structure. Any damage to them can compromise the entire unit’s operation and performance. Look for cracks, gaps and chips on the framing material. If the frames are made of wood, check for rot, mold, mildew and other signs of moisture damage. Warping may also occur because of constant exposure to weather and fluctuating temperatures. All of these point to windows nearing the end of their service life. • Condensation between the panes. “Sweating” windows don’t always mean failing performance; sometimes the issue lies with your home’s excessive moisture levels. Condensation occurs when warm, indoor air touches the colder glass surface of your windows. At times, however, window condensation is caused by the window’s insulating gas leaking out from between the panes. When this gas escapes, the window loses most of its insulating properties, making it easy for costly energy to leak out of your home via the window.
Part 1: Signs You Need a Window Replacement
• Difficulties in window operation. Is it getting harder to open, close or lock your existing windows? In addition to compromising your security, a malfunctioning window is a safety risk. Small children can push against them and have a serious accident when the locking system isn’t working properly. A window you can’t close fully can also let in cold drafts, compromising your home’s thermal stability. On the other hand, a unit you can’t open will allow heat and moisture to build up inside your home. Sometimes, the solution is simply a matter of replacing old and rusted hardware. However, if the windows have alignment or balancing issues, the better alternative is replacement. • Increased energy bills. Put all of the above indications together and you get windows that allow for significant energy loss. Gaps and cracks make it easy for drafts to enter your home and cause energy to leak out. Malfunctioning windows result in the same thing. Because your HVAC system works harder to fill the gap, more energy is used up, which means larger numbers on your monthly bills
ooooo
Stay tuned for the second installment of our ebook, where we will discuss the factors you should keep in mind when choosing new windows.
PART 2: HOW WINDOW CONDENSATION AFFECTS YOUR HOME
Window replacement takes considerable time and money, so make sure to cover all your bases before you make the investment. Here are some of the essential factors you should keep in mind: ● Durability. You’ll want replacement windows that can provide decades of reliable performance, so make sure to choose ones made of a durable framing material. There are many options available today, from classic wood and customizable vinyl, to sleek aluminum. Research these more popular choices to see which one best suits your budget and needs. For example, wood adds warmth and elegance with its natural beauty. This material is strong and insulates well, but is prone to moisture damage. Wood windows require constant maintenance to keep them looking good and performing well. Aside from being cost-effective, vinyl is easier to maintain than wood. It’s also extremely versatile, allowing access to a range of colors and textures. The only downside is its propensity for warping when exposed to extreme weather changes. Aluminum windows, on the other hand, are known for a sleek and modern aesthetic. The metal frames are more durable than vinyl, but they don’t offer much in the way of insulation. Consider composite windows instead. They can offer the best features of other framing materials, including wood’s strength and insulating properties, and vinyl’s maintenance-free performance. Because composite material is more durable than aluminum, it can resist cracks and chips. It doesn’t warp like vinyl and can maintain airtight seals to prevent energy loss. In fact, composite windows are so durable they can be shaped with slimmer frames so they can offer a larger glass area.
Part 2: Essentials to Consider When Choosing Replacement Windows
● Energy Efficiency. This should be a top priority when choosing new windows. A window’s energy efficiency, however, may depend on the glass included with it. Make sure to choose replacements with modified Low-E (low-emissivity) glass, which helps reduce the amount of heat transferred to your home via your windows. This allows for a more comfortable home, without increased energy costs. Because this advanced glass blocks the heat but not the natural light, you can provide a brighter, more open feel for your home. Pro tip: you can ensure you’re choosing energy-saving windows by looking for the ENERGY STAR label on them. ● Design. Don’t forget to take aesthetic appeal into account—choose replacement windows that complement your home’s architecture and exterior color palette. Some window styles work better with a specific architecture. For example, picture and gliding units are a staple in Modernist and Contemporary homes. Bay and bow windows are excellent options for Queen Anne and French Tudor homes. To add to the rustic charm of Cabin and Cottage homes, install casement windows. Some window styles, like double hung, can match any type of architecture, from classic Colonial and Farmhouse, to Contemporary-Modern.
Once you’ve taken these factors into account, choosing your replacement windows is easier. ooooo
In the last installment of our ebook, we’ll discuss how to hire a trusted window contractor for your replacement project.
GIVEN HOW WINDOWS CONTRIBUTE A HUG
Even the highest quality replacement windows are only as good as their installer. That’s why it’s vital to hire a reliable contractor to handle the work. Narrowing down your selection isn’t as daunting as you might expect. All you need to do is consider these handy tips: 1. Get local referrals. There’s no need to look up names online or in the yellow pages. Just ask your friends and neighbors for a referral. This provides you with a clearer idea of how a given company does business. Because they operate locally, you won’t have to worry as much about their travel time to your home, either. You can better ensure they’ll be able to arrive on schedule and complete the window project within expected time frames. A local replacement windows contractor is more likely to give your home improvement the full attention it deserves. 2. Look for the applicable licenses and insurance. You’ll want to protect yourself and your investment, so make sure your choice of contractor has the necessary credentials. A licensed window replacement company will make sure the work follows local building codes and regulations. Should anything untoward happen during the installation, they can also protect you better because they have insurance, which should include workers’ compensation and liability coverage.
Part 3: Getting a New Roof - Preparing Your Home for Installation Day
3. Check them out online. In this day and age, a contractor who doesn’t have a digital footprint is a red flag. Make sure to hire a company with a working and updated website. You should be able to look them up on prominent trade sites like Angie’s List and the Better Business Bureau. Confirm that they have received satisfactory scores and reviews from previous clients. Then, you can follow up by checking if they also have a physical business location. An established window contractor is essential to a successful replacement project. 4. Choose a certified window contractor. You know you’re in good hands when you hire someone who has earned the seal of approval from a top window manufacturer. A certified contractor allows access to high-quality replacement windows and many opportunities for customization. Adding a personal touch to your new units through color combinations, hardware finishes and grille patterns is half the fun in window replacement, after all. You’ll also benefit greatly from the generous warranties included with them.
ooooo
Getting started on your window replacement project can be less timeconsuming and stressful when you know what to prepare for and expect. With these tips, you can be sure you project will proceed smoothly and that’ll you’ll soon enjoy an improved home.
Renewal by Andersen of Los Angeles 1740 Crenshaw Boulevard Torrance, CA 90501 310-214-2222 www.rbalosangeles.com