PART ONE: SHOULD YOU BE THINKING ABOUT WINDOW REPLACEMENT NOW?
Windows play an important part in making your home a comfortable place to live in, but, much like roofing and siding, they will deteriorate over time. While repairs are a great way to get your windows back into shape, they won’t always be the right choice for you. Sometimes, windows are better off being replaced. Are you due for a window replacement? You can answer this question by taking into consideration the following functions of your windows: VISION A window is designed to let you enjoy outdoor views from the comforts of your own home. However, age and wear-and-tear can make windows blurry, no thanks to dirt and damage accumulating over the years. If your windows are getting in the way of you enjoying glorious views of the outdoors, it may be time to get them replaced. LIGHTING Windows let in a great deal of natural light. That’s why they’re crucial in successfully harnessing daylight in your home. Unfortunately, how much light a window lets in can be affected by its current condition. Say, a window is broken. It will then have to be covered up to prevent drafts and secure the home but it can no longer be effective in allowing sunlight into your home. If natural light is important to you, and your windows can no longer offer that, it may be time to get them replaced. INSULATION One of the primary functions of a window is to keep outdoor air from seeping through to maintain indoor temperature at a comfortable level. If your window no longer contributes to stabilizing indoor temperatures, it may be time to get them replaced.
PART ONE: SHOULD YOU BE THINKING ABOUT WINDOW REPLACEMENT NOW?
VENTILATION Unless you have a fixed window, you open your windows from time to time to let in fresh air. Ease of operation is integral to ventilation control so if your windows cannot provide that, like in the case of rusty hardware from old windows or warped frames from moisture damage, it may be time to get them replaced. PROTECTION As they are a part of your home’s exterior too, windows also help in defending your property from the elements. This means they should be durable enough to withstand whatever weather condition may come your way. If your windows are letting in rain, for instance, it may be time to get them replaced.
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There are a number of window replacement options available to you. Head on over to Part 2 of this e-book series as we discuss several window types to help you pick out the right one for you.
PART TWO: POPULAR WINDOW REPLACEMENT OPTIONS
Many homeowners will usually replace their old windows with new units of the same type but keep in mind that getting a replacement is an opportunity to give a different window type a chance. Each window type has its own set of strengths and weaknesses, and understanding these will help you pick out one that is most suitable for you. Some of the popular window replacement options you can consider include: DOUBLE HUNG WINDOWS The double hung window is perhaps the most popular type of window available to homeowners today. Featuring two sashes that slide up or down the frame, it features a timeless design that works well with a range of architectural styles and can accommodate an air conditioning unit (by keeping the lower sash up), if needed. Window openings aren’t as wide as what other window types have but good ventilation control is offered. Because a double hung window is operated by sliding sashes up or down, it is great for spots in your home where not enough space is available for hinged windows. CASEMENT WINDOWS Unlike a double hung windows, a casement windows can open as wide as its entire frame size, easily operable with one hand with a crank while allowing increased air circulation for better ventilation. It’s also a great option if you want to take advantage of daylighting because the window has a big glass area. This expansive glass feature lets the window offer unobstructed outdoor views as well, making casements suitable for bedrooms and living rooms.
PART TWO: POPULAR WINDOW REPLACEMENT OPTIONS
BAY AND BOW WINDOWS Bay and bow windows are actually composed of multiple smaller windows placed together in a curved layout. Because of this, they provide the most amount of natural lighting and offer more ventilation opportunities, especially if all panels are opened at the same time, plus the curved design expands floor space. To differentiate the two, remember: bay windows have three panels while bow windows have more than three but are usually fitted with four or five panels. FIXED WINDOWS As their name suggests, fixed windows are easy to identify as they cannot be opened or closed. They have expansive glass areas like casement windows so they are generally best for making the most out of natural lighting and outdoor views and if ventilation is not a priority. Fixed windows can also be installed side-by-side in such a way that you end up with a glass wall.
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Replacing windows offer a number of benefits. Head on over to the next part as we wind down this blog series with a discussion of the best benefit you can enjoy out of getting a replacement.
PART THREE: ENERGY EFFICIENCY - YOUR BEST REASON TO REPLACE YOUR WINDOWS
Although replacing your old windows with newer ones provide a lot of benefits, most homeowners today switch windows for its biggest advantage – improving your home’s energy efficiency. Energy costs are on the rise, after all, and air leaks from failing windows greatly contribute to it. Replacing windows helps stabilize indoor temperature in your home, keeping your HVAC system from working doubly hard and needlessly guzzling power. How does a replacement window achieve energy efficiency exactly? It’s thanks to the sum of its parts. MULTI-PANE GLASS What a lot of people don’t realize is that windows also let in heat alongside natural light. When too much heat is let in, it becomes a problem because it makes it harder to cool a home. Multi-pane window glass addresses this problem by limiting the amount of heat that passes through. This is why double-glazed windows have better thermal performance than single-glazed windows.
GAS FILLS Part of the reason why multi-pane glass works is the space between the glass panels. Air within that space is replaced with an inert gas, which works to further prevent heat transfer and improve window insulation. Many manufacturers use argon gas but xenon is also an option.
PART THREE: ENERGY EFFICIENCY - YOUR BEST REASON TO REPLACE YOUR WINDOWS
FOAM INSULATION Some replacement windows have frames consisting of two main parts: the outer surface, which could be made of vinyl, metal, or wood, and a “core” consisting of foam. The foam core has plenty of air pockets that work just like the gaps between multi-pane glass, absorbing heat and reducing heat transfer. Foam is also a lightweight material so frames remain functional without the heft when it is used. AIRTIGHT FRAME SEALS Window frames can offer great insulation on their own, depending on the material they are made from, but they won’t be as effective if they don’t feature airtight seals. Filling the gaps between the window frame and glass, seals help ensure that air leaks don’t occur. As they must keep up with the window, seals must also be durable enough to withstand wear and tear for years.
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Make the most out of getting replacement windows by working only with a professional. Talk to your local contractor today to get a good grasp of your options to help you pick out the best one for you and your home.
Seamless Exterior 6227 Nordic Drive Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613
(319) 277-3441 SeamlessExterior.com