How to Choose the Right Windows for Your Home
New windows can add value to your home, improve weather protection, and provide a beautiful aesthetic. Choosing the right window can be confusing.
Replacement Windows Massachusetts mount in existing window openings without altering the exterior casings or siding. This makes them ideal for homeowners with curated homes that would be disrupted by major construction.
Many homeowners think that upgrading their windows to energy-efficient models will help reduce drafts and lower heating and cooling bills. The truth is that the amount you save depends on the type of window you choose and your home’s existing thermal insulation. Nevertheless, new windows can improve your home’s comfort and increase its value.
The most popular replacement window types include double-hung, sliding, and crank-out styles. Each has its advantages and disadvantages based on how you need to use the windows, your budget, and the architectural style of your home. For example, double-hung windows are easy to clean and are a good choice for homes with young children or pets. Sliding windows allow you to view the outdoors without compromising your privacy, while crank-out windows offer maximum ventilation.
When choosing a replacement window, pay attention to the frame material and its energy efficiency rating. Vinyl frames are typically cheaper, more durable, and more energy efficient than wood frames. They’re also easier to maintain. Wooden frames, on the other hand, are more expensive and require frequent painting or staining.
Aside from the frame, another factor to consider is how much natural light the window will allow into your home. For instance, if you have an old single-pane window with a bad window seal, installing a new double-pane window with low-E and argon gas in between will allow more sunlight into your home and make it more comfortable.
You can further boost your energy efficiency by incorporating between-glass blinds or shades that provide shading during the day. In addition to improving your home’s energy usage, this will minimize the amount of indoor allergens and dust that gather in your home.
Unless you’re an experienced do-it-yourselfer, most window installation projects are best left to professionals. The process of replacing your windows involves removing the old sashes and jambs and installing new ones. It’s also crucial to ensure that the new windows fit correctly. If your replacement windows aren’t properly installed, they could leak and not be as energy efficient as they should be.
Curb Appeal
Your home’s windows are right at eye level, and they can make a huge difference in your home’s appearance from the curb. They can take the attention off a sagging front porch or dingy lawn and put it on beautiful landscaping or a new paint job. When homeowners install replacement windows that complement the home’s style, they can really boost curb appeal.
When it comes to your home’s exterior, you want to make sure that it gives a good impression to everyone who visits or passes by, whether they’re friends, neighbors, or potential buyers down the road. If your house’s windows are old and worn, they can give the impression that you don’t care for your property or that it’s not well maintained. New windows can give the impression that you are on top of things and have been taking great care of your property.
New replacement windows can also provide a sense of luxury and elegance that can add to your home’s curb appeal. For example, bay and bow windows create a protrusion that adds visual interest, while awning windows extend outward for easy cleaning. Additionally, specialty window shapes like half-moon or pentagon windows can add a touch of character to the exterior.
Window replacement can also reduce outside noise, which can be a huge benefit for those living in noisy neighborhoods or near busy roads. In addition, some replacement windows are designed with easy operation in mind, featuring features such as tilting sashes or crank handles for easier opening and closing.
Curb appeal is a major factor when it comes to determining the value of your home, and installing replacement windows can significantly improve it. It’s important to remember that your windows are the first thing that anyone sees when they look at your property, so they need to leave a positive impression. Whether you’re looking to boost your home’s energy efficiency or improve its curb appeal, new windows are the perfect solution. Get started on your replacement window project today! Request a free estimate. We’ll discuss your options and help you choose the perfect windows for your needs.
Aesthetics
Windows and doors play an integral role in defining the aesthetic appeal of your home. When it comes time to replace your windows, you should consider how they will add to the overall look of your house. Depending on your preferences, you may choose replacement windows that complement the architectural style of your home or even opt for unique color and finishing options.
Traditionally, vinyl-framed windows are offered in white; however, many homeowners have been choosing to go with other colors. This is especially common with homeowners who live in earth-toned homes, such as those with tan siding or a brown roof. The good news is that you can find replacement windows in almost any color imaginable, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find something that coordinates with your home’s exterior.
Another way to change up the appearance of your windows is by re-painting them. This is a simple project that can be done without much cost. For example, if you currently have navy and cream windows, changing them to deep burgundy can help tie in the existing colors in your Michigan home with the new ones.
If you’re not ready to re-paint your windows, many manufacturers offer custom color upgrades for a fee. This may include matching the window color to branded paint at a large retailer or a custom mix made by the manufacturer. Often, these upgraded colors come with a higher price tag than the standard options offered by the window manufacturer.
Some replacement window manufacturers also offer simulated divided lights (SDLs). SDLs are spaces of grid bars between individual panes of glass that give a distinctly traditional, yet stylish, look to your windows. While they do make cleaning a bit more difficult, they are an excellent choice for historic applications and are often required by HOA guidelines.
When preparing to have replacement windows installed, it’s important that any furniture be moved away from the area where they will be placed. This will prevent damage, wasted time, and potential injury during the installation process. Additionally, you’ll want to be sure that any draperies or blinds are closed and out of the way as well.
Safety
The logistics and functioning of windows are rarely something homeowners think about—until something goes wrong. Having functional windows means that in an emergency, like a fire, your family can escape through them. But if the windows are hard to open or don’t open, your family could become trapped in their home.
Fortunately, modern replacement windows are designed with safety in mind. You can choose a window that is easier to open and close, or you can add an external locking system. There are also new materials that provide better strength and durability. This will prevent the windows from becoming warped or damaged by the weather, making them safer to use.
If you are planning on getting replacement windows, try to schedule them for a time when the weather is mild. This will allow the installers to work quickly and avoid any damage or moisture problems that may occur during extreme weather conditions.
When choosing a replacement window, it is important to consider the type of frame that you will want. Older frames made from wood and aluminum can warp or become damaged over time. This is a major risk for any homeowner. The frame of a replacement window should be made from a strong and durable material that will not warp or dent under pressure.
Another factor to consider when choosing a replacement window is the type of glass you want. It is best to opt for laminated glass, which will hold together if the window is broken into pieces. This will make it harder for burglars to break into your home, as they will likely move on to a more vulnerable target.
When choosing a replacement window, you should also consider the installation process and how easy it will be to get in and out of your house. You should also take into consideration the location of your home, whether it is located in a hilly or mountainous area, and what the local building codes are. For example, in some areas, it is necessary to have windows that meet specific hurricane or storm code requirements.
