If your current windows are over a decade old and are damaged and drafty, then you should replace them as soon as you can. New windows have a lot of great benefits. They are easier to operate and maintain. They don’t let in drafts and they can improve your home’s energy efficiency and comfort. There are many window manufacturers out there, however, so you might find it hard to choose between all the different brands. You need to have an easy way to find out if a replacement window is good.
That’s where we can help you. Clear Choice Exteriors Findlay is the leading residential roofing contractor in Bowling Green, OH, and nearby areas. We are also a window replacement expert. In this article, we will provide you easy-to-follow tips so you can easily find out if a replacement window brand is a good fit for your home. We will also have a brief discussion on how to tell if you need to replace your windows and we will give you tips to help you prepare for your window replacement project.
How to Tell If You Need New Windows
According to research by the EPA, there are 26 windows in a typical two-story house. Naturally, this makes a full window replacement a significant undertaking. It takes a lot of resources and effort to replace all the windows in a home, so you need to make sure that it’s the right choice for you. In general, you need to replace your old windows once they are too much of a hassle to maintain or when they cost you money. Here’s how you can tell.
First, ask yourself if you think cleaning and maintaining your current windows is more trouble than it’s worth. Old painted windows require regular scraping and painting and they can be hard to lift, swing or slide. If cleaning and maintenance are so difficult that you’d rather not do it, then replacing your windows is a good idea. Next, ask yourself if your current windows are comfortable. Old and damaged windows often leave rooms feeling either chilly or overheated. Both scenarios can be uncomfortable in our area’s weather.
Then you need to determine if your old and damaged windows are worth repairing. Many windows can be repaired and restored, but it takes a lot of time and effort. You might need to find replacement hardware or look for window parts that are no longer manufactured. Some types of damage like rot or fogging between the window panes can’t be repaired as well. The money used to repair old windows might be better used to replace them instead.
Qualities You Need to Look for in Your New Windows
Before buying a replacement window, we strongly recommend that you visit a showroom and compare different brands or different window models from the same brand. As the leading choice in window and residential roof repair services in Bowling Green, OH, we believe that the quality of a product can be seen in its details. Carefully examine the display windows in the showroom and evaluate their materials and construction. Assess the display windows according to these criteria.
Ease of Maintenance
Can you easily reach the interior and exterior glass for cleaning? If the window is designed to tilt in for cleaning, then you need to test out this mechanism in the showroom. Ask your window company about how easy or hard it is to maintain the window’s mechanisms. Check if the window parts are available if they wear out. In addition, ask your window company what you need to do if the window glass breaks or fogs. A good window is easy and affordable to clean and maintain.
Ease of Operation
Test the window and check if they open and close smoothly and see if the window latches firmly. A good window is a breeze to operate. Look at the locking devices and the cranks and runners to see if they are solid and made of good materials. A quality window can withstand heavy use. If your window has insect screens, then they need to be easy to remove as well.
Appearance
Take a close look at the replacement window and imagine what it would look like in your home. Does the style and colors of this window match both your interior and exterior? Some window companies have software that allows you to preview what the new windows will look like once they are installed. Take advantage of this. In addition, check the quality of the muntins and the hardware as well. These details matter a lot when it comes to a window’s appearance.
Warranties
Make sure to compare the warranties when choosing between two window brands. Read the warranties carefully. Good warranties cover the workmanship, window glass, window frame, window parts and finishes. Pay special attention to the section in the warranty discussing glass replacement. One of the worst problems you can experience in a replacement window is seal failure. Once the seal between the glass panes fails, the window is no longer energy-efficient.
Glass Packages
You need to choose a replacement window that has energy-efficient glass packages. The glass in this window has a low-emissivity coating and argon gas between the window panes. These two features greatly improve the window’s energy efficiency. Energy-efficient window glass reduces the amount of heat that can transfer through the window. This makes it easier for your HVAC system to maintain your desired indoor air temperature.
As the leading window and roof replacement service in Bowling Green, OH, we recommend looking for energy-efficient glass packages that will excel in all four seasons. Our summers can be sweltering and our winters can be cold and windy. A good replacement window has energy performance ratings that show that it can save energy all throughout the year.
Look for the NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) label on your replacement window and read it. You need to find the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) rating and U-Factor rating. The SHGC rating measures the ability of the window to prevent solar heat from passing through. The rating is measured from 0-1 and low numbers are better. The U-Factor measures the ability of the window to prevent indoor heat from escaping through the glass. The rating ranges from 0.20-1.20 and low numbers are better. Your new replacement window should have good ratings for both SHGC and U-Factor.
Preparing for Your Window Replacement
You should remove all wall hangings and window treatments before window installation day to give the workers easy access to your windows. If necessary, you should also move your furniture to give the window installers enough space to work. Consider taking measures to protect your furniture and floor since there might be a lot of dust during the window replacement. Talk to your window company in advance and explain which areas of your home they have access to.
In addition, you should also talk to your neighbors and warn them about your window replacement well in advance of installation day. Home improvement projects are noisy and you don’t want your neighbors to experience an unpleasant surprise. You should also review your window warranty and ask all the questions you need to ask your contractor before work begins.
Once you understand what qualities to look for, you will have an easier time evaluating the quality of your replacement window options. If you have a clear idea of what a good replacement window is like, then you’ll find it simple to check if the replacement window you’re buying fits your criteria. In addition, don’t be afraid to ask a contractor for professional advice on what kind of window is best for your home. They will be able to provide you with a detailed explanation that involves the technical specifications of the window.