Things You Should Know Before Replacing Windows in Your Home

1. Things You Should Know Before Replacing Windows in Your Home

2. Replacing or installing windows can be stressful for many homeowners. Whether it’s deciding on which type of windows are best for you, choosing the right type of glazing, or even considering if you need new windows at all, there are a lot of factors to consider. To make the process easier for you, we asked the experts some of the most common questions homeowners have when it comes to replacing windows in their home. So, how do you know if you need to in your home? Perhaps you recently noticed that one or more of your windows have become difficult to open, a common problem, especially with wood windows. Maybe there’s too much sound pouring in from the street in front of your home, or condensation has begun building up between your double glass panes. Or, maybe you just realized that you’re spending more money each year in heating and cooling costs. These are the most common problems homeowners face and are usually good indicators that it’s time to replace your windows.

4. 1. How do I Know if Moisture is the Problem with My Windows? When moisture accumulates on the inside of the window, it may be a sign that your windows are starting to fail. If you are seeing condensation or mold inside the window and/or moisture pooling on the window sill, then you have reason to be concerned. Moisture issues typically show up in the form of fogging between the window panes or condensation on the side of the window facing your home’s interior. Double pane windows are held in place with a special seal which, over time, can harden and then crack. Particularly with vinyl windows, the window frame expands in the heat and contracts during the colder months. This pattern of expansion and contraction causes this seal to crack, resulting in fogging and, ultimately, what we call a failed window. If you’re experiencing these issues, there are some things you can try before window replacement Virginia. Make sure you have a moisture barrier in the crawl space under your home. Your whole house must work against cold air rising from the ground below. Ventilate properly when cooking, showering, and doing laundry. Use a dehumidifier if you have one and, if you have blinds, raise them to allow air to circulate against the window. If you have tried these solutions and you’re still seeing moisture inside your windows, it might be time to replace your windows.

5. 2. Should I Replace All of My Windows At Once? The answer to this question depends largely on the budget of the homeowner. While windows are often replaced in two or three stages (typically starting with the front of the house and then moving to the back, and finally to the upstairs), it is also important to know that once you order ten or more windows, the cost per window tends to remain the same. 

7. 3. How Do You Choose Windows For Your Home? The decision on which windows to install in your home is a daunting one but can be broken down into four considerations: material, type of window, glass package, and budget.

8. Window Materials Most window frames are made of one of three materials: wood, fiberglass, or vinyl. Wood windows are a good choice if you’re looking to match the window to an existing wood trim on your home’s interior. The most durable of the three materials, fiberglass windows (also known as composite windows) will typically have the longest lifespan. Finally, vinyl is the most popular by far, making up about 75 percent of all windows sold, and are available in a number of different colors.

9. Type of Windows There are a handful of options available for the type of window you can install in your home as well. Double-hung windows are the most popular of the group. These are designed to tilt into your home and can be cleaned without the need for ladders or stools. Sliding windows are a wider but shorter type of window replacement Northern Virginia and are also a good choice depending on your needs. Lastly, crank-out windows should also be considered as not only can they be used in a variety of different openings but are also the most energy-efficient option as well.  

10. Glass Package Regardless of the material or type of window you choose, the glass package is the most important part of your decision. Low emissivity coatings (Low-E) are recommended as they play a large role in making a home more energy-efficient by allowing heat into your home in the colder months and reflecting heat away from your home during the warmer months. This means that you save on heating and cooling costs. 

11. Your Budget When it comes to window shopping on a budget, feel free to choose the cheaper material and style options but do not take shortcuts with the glass package as a good Low-E coating will save you money in the long run.