Even the sturdiest homes aren’t exempt from wear and tear. At some point, certain parts of your home will need to be replaced–and your windows are no exception. Unfortunately, this can sometimes be overlooked by first-time homeowners who are caught up in the excitement of buying a home and moving in.
The general lifespan of windows is 15 years. However, there are many reasons for wanting to replace your windows. If you experience any of these issues in your new home, you may want to start shopping for new windows.
- Your windows are not as energy-efficient as today’s models
- Your windows are difficult to open and close–or don’t do so at all
- Your windows exhibit issues like cracks or allow drafts to enter your home
- You simply want to change or update the look of your windows
It is very likely that this will be the first time you are buying windows. If so, you may find that the wide range of available windows for sale can be a little intimidating. Don’t worry. This handy home window buying guide will help you narrow down your choices and pick out the perfect new windows for your home:
1. Choosing the Type of Window You Prefer
One of the first steps towards buying new windows is choosing the type of window you want. There are many types of windows, but the following are the most commonly used ones for homes:
- Double-hung
- Double-hung windows are among the most popular choices for residential buildings. This window type consists of two sashes that slide up and down, allowing the upper portion of the window to open or close vertically.
- Slider
- Slider windows are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners who are looking for a more modern feel. Just as its name implies, slider windows glide along a pre-set track to allow the window to open or close, making operation simple for all ages.
- Casement
- Casement windows offer a very classic look, which explains why they still remain a popular choice. This type of window are designed to pivot on hinges located on the side of the window frame and are operated by turning a crank.
The type of window you choose is entirely up to you. Some people choose the window type based on how easy it is to operate. Other homeowners choose a type based on aesthetics. In short, there is no “right” or “wrong” choice, but deciding on a type helps to narrow down your choices significantly.
2. Choosing the Window Material
After you’ve chosen your preferred window type, you’ll need to decide on the material used for the window frame. There are two extremely popular choices:
- Wood
- Wood is the ultimate choice for those looking for a classic look and feel thanks to the warmth of the material. On top of its aesthetic benefits, wood is a fantastic insulator (almost 400x better than stainless steel), which can lead to remarkable savings on your energy bills when installed properly.
- Vinyl
- The biggest advantage of vinyl is its affordability when compared to most other materials. They are also incredibly easy to maintain. Simply wipe it down with a damp hand towel and you’re good to go. Lastly, vinyl is versatile in its aesthetics, with many models able to replicate the look of more expensive materials.
Although there are other options available, most homeowners mostly stick to these two options due to their relative affordability, respectable durability, and pleasing aesthetics. Of course, you may definitely choose a frame made of a different material if you wish. Simply consult a trusted home improvement contractor like Muller Exteriors to see what other options are available to you.
3. Double or Triple Pane Windows?
Pane simply refers to the number of glass panels your windows will have. Keep in mind that some companies will express the number of panes may express this as “glaze”, (e.g. double glaze). Why is this important? It’s because in between each pane of glass, manufacturers will add a layer of argon or krypton gas. This layer is what helps with insulation and energy efficiency.
When deciding between double or triple pane windows, it’s best to see which options fit your budget best. Both double and triple pane windows are significantly more energy-efficient than single pane windows. Take care, however, to actually read the Energy Star rating of each window. There may be instances when a well-made double pane window outperforms a triple pane window.
4. Reading Energy Efficiency Ratings
Energy Star rated windows are easily among the best windows for a home since these windows were specially designed to maximize energy efficiency and long-term savings on your energy bills. Of course, some windows will outperform other models, so it’s important to know how you can tell which windows are the most energy efficient ones. You can easily check this by taking a look at the R-value and U-Factor of the window.
- R-value
- R-value rates the material’s ability to resist the flow of heat. The higher the R-value, the more the material is able to reduce the rate of heat transferred or lost. This value speaks more about the material used to manufacture your chosen window.
- U-Factor
- U-factor measures the rate of heat transfer or how well the overall product prevents heat from escaping. The lower the U-factor, the less heat is lost over time. Due to how this is measured, U-factor is a very important consideration for homes that experience very cold winters.
Overall, you’ll want to look at both ratings when choosing a new set of windows. Try to go for windows that offer you the lowest U-factor and highest R-value within your budget. These options will give you more value for your dollar and help you recoup the cost of the windows through energy bill savings faster.
5. Professional Installation
After you have a good idea of what type of window you want for your home, make sure you get in touch with a respected local contractor. Although you can install your own windows yourself, there are a few reasons why window installation should be left to the pros.
Installing a window requires a good deal of experience to accomplish properly. Improper installation easily leads to numerous problems. One such problem involves compromised energy efficiency. This is mostly because poor installation leads to issues like drafts, messy caulking, and cracks. There’s also the matter of the window underperforming in terms of energy efficiency.
When choosing a contractor for window installation, go with a trusted name in your local area. Don’t be afraid to ask your new neighbors for their recommendations. Going with a respected local contractor, like Muller Exteriors, allows you to see previously accomplished projects in the neighborhood. Likewise, a local contractor can help you find the best deals on your new windows.
This concludes our guide on how to choose windows for your home. Simply follow these steps and you’re sure to find the right windows to replace your existing ones. For more help, you can always ask for advice from your friendly window installation company. Don’t forget to bookmark this page for easy access while shopping for new windows!
