When you notice unusual changes in your windows’ appearance and a draft is coming in from all over the house, it’s probably time to consider replacing them. After all, it’s not just aesthetics that matter when it comes to your windows but also their functionality. Specifically, here are some signs that you need new windows:
- Rise in electricity bill.
- Fog in the glass panes.
- Rotting or rusty frame.
- Mold and stains in the caulk.
- Warped frame or sill.
- Hard to open or close.
- Outside noise gets much louder.
- Rainwater is leaking around the frame and glass panes.
Don’t hesitate to invest in new windows, especially because today’s windows are designed to be more energy-efficient and more resilient than what you currently have. So here are some of the things that you should take note of when choosing replacement windows and hiring any of the top window contractors in Chicago:
Windows Come in a Range of Types
Thanks to the limitless possibilities in architecture, you can have any kind of façade you want. That means there’s also no limit to the styles of windows you can choose from. The only problem is that customization doesn’t come cheap. Then again, there are standard styles that could fit fine in most home designs that you can try them out, too. These styles include casement, double-hung, slider, and awning. Each suits a particular room in your home.
Know Your Windows’ R Value and U Factor
Without the windows, your home will look like a box made of less-than-a-foot thick walls. While it looks unappealing, such a design actually makes your home 100 percent insulated. If you bore holes on those walls the size of a large window, that insulation would go down to almost zero. Even if you install windows, they only restore a portion of the thickness required for the walls to be fully insulated. Increase the R-value and U-factor of the windows, however, restores the lost insulating power of the walls.
Windows Come in Different Materials
Apart from having a wide range of types, windows also come in a variety of materials, the most common of which are vinyl, wood, metal, and fiberglass. Choose a material that you think matches your home’s overall architecture, suits you budget, and of course lasts the longest. When it comes to longevity, fiberglass outlasts all of them, but it will still depend on how you care for your windows. Proper maintenance can help keep even vinyl windows, which is the least durable option, last for many years.
Choose the Right Window Company
Workmanship is key to your windows’ overall performance. No matter how superior the material and style you chose, if your windows were poorly installed, they won’t provide your home with enough insulation. It’s even likely that you will need to have them fixed just as frequently as you need to fix your car. Hiring any of the finest window companies in Chicago is your best bet for a well-installed windows.
