A Few Considerations for Window Replacement

If you’re looking to get efficient window replacement done on your home, then it's a good idea to plan your purchase well. However, getting new windows isn’t just about looking for the most efficient or the most affordable; it's also about knowing which one will work best for your home. Hence, to help you decide, here are some tips on picking a window style or type that can replace your old one:

First, mix and match your home’s architectural design with that of your windows (you might have to do some research for a wide variety of options). For instance, colonial homes look great with small double-hung windows, whereas swing-out casement windows fit perfectly in ranch houses. Many modern homes use large-panel picture windows that can offer their living spaces as much outside view as possible.

Next, your windows of choice should also allow for as much ventilation as a room needs, which means that depending on where you put it, fixed or operable windows will either work for you or simply be a bad choice. Your bathroom, for example, could make use of window styles that you can open easily, especially when it gets stuffy inside and your exhaust fan isn’t doing its job quite well.

Finally, your replacement windows should also be geared toward accentuating your interior, especially if you have classy, colorful, or creatively designed rooms. 

Considerations for Window Replacement at Home

There are several important factors to consider when you want to replace your windows at home. You will need to determine whether a partial or a full replacement (i.e. sash replacement, sash-frame replacement, or complete unit replacement) is necessary, and whether you should work on the installation by yourself or with the help of a window replacement contractor. Failure to choose the right window type and materials might render most of the benefits associated with this home improvement project ineffective.

It is also not enough to merely focus on shopping around for the most appropriate window types (e.g. awning, casement, bay, gliding, double hung, picture), colors, sizes, and finishes. You need to carefully evaluate your specific needs and goals for replacing windows and choose the options that are most applicable to your location’s climate. Awareness of energy-efficient frames and glass, design and installation options, and window performance is also beneficial.

Moreover, a thorough assessment of the available brands and materials should also be done. You should look for a credible contractor offering custom-fit/build services with proofs of warranties on both services and materials. Take note that the decision to install replacement windows in Philadelphia, or elsewhere for that matter, should not be heavily determined by costs or budget constraints.

Always Work with Philadelphia Window Companies

Winter is a season to look forward to in Greater Philadelphia, a region where huge, extravagant cultural celebrations take place year-round, especially during the holidays. However, for those who live in homes with leaky windows, the cold season is a nightmare to endure. That's why people need to employ methods to endure climate changes without suffering—not unlike how animals of the tundra adapt to cold climate by growing long, thick fur. Installing energy-efficient Philadelphia replacement windows is one such way, and choosing the best units is made easier by the EPA’s Energy Star program.

Well-known manufacturers of energy-efficient replacement windows provide a variety of Energy Star-qualified units. With the help of replacement window companies, you won't even have to look for the right windows yourself since all the units they install are high-quality and energy-efficient. In addition, these companies have people who are well-versed in replacement window installation.

While replacing your windows by yourself can save you some money, you will never outperform a skilled and experienced professional installer. DIY often leads to disaster or messy and inefficient results, and that's why you should hire a professional to do it. Keep in mind that the reason you want your old windows replaced in the first place is to enjoy a warm, energy-saving indoor environment.

Warrant of Repair: Understanding Window Warranties

Generally speaking, warranties for windows are classified as either limited or full, with the main difference being the coverage of the window brand’s liability. Naturally, a full warranty is much better because it provides basic compensation like free repairs or replacement should the window fail to live up to the window brand’s guarantees or a full refund if the homeowners want to, as per the statutes given by the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. However, a full warranty isn’t exactly for life and may only last for 15 years before expiring. That is the purpose of a lifetime warranty.

Homeowners should read the terms and conditions of their window warranty very carefully: tampering with the window or purposely inflicting damage on it can void the warranty. This means that carrying out a DIY (do-it-yourself) window repair project over the weekend can nullify a window's warranty. There may also be specific points on how the coverage of the warranty actually works. For one, some window manufacturers may require the homeowner to notify them first of a window defect before he or she can call on a professional window company for repairs.

Such rules aren’t difficult to follow if the homeowner is responsible and sensible enough. Provided people take the time to look for the best window warranties, they also won't need to fork out cash for window repairs.

Fibrex Fortress: Windows with a Superior Frame

Fibrex might sound like fanciful fluff to many a skeptic, yet the product has some very real benefits. Homeowners suffering from old and worn windows might want to consider making the switch to Fibrex before it’s too late. Fortunately, there are many local retailers who offer such superior windows.

Fibrex is actually a combination of wood and a plastic polymer, giving it the properties of both vinyl and wooden frames. Like vinyl, Fibrex doesn’t need to be painted (as the vinyl looks simply marvelous even without coating), and requires little to no maintenance. Additionally, Fibrex has the superior insulating properties of wooden frames without the shrinking and warping risks associated with wood.

Such features are especially useful for the chilly winter season, wherein the cold can easily slip through or permeate warped windows; old wooden frames won’t fare well against the bitter cold and could, in fact, lower a household's heating capabilities, thus warranting replacement. Fibrex windows will serve homeowners well for a very long time, though they will have to be installed professionally for best results. It would be best to leave the installation to a certified contractor, so homeowners like you should look for certification before hiring a contractor.

Preventing Window Decay with Fibrex Frames

Americans have proven their resilience, especially in the wake of Hurricane Sandy last 2012, and whatever Old Man Winter has in store for the country this year, they will surely cope with it gracefully. However, the same can't be said for vinyl windows; temperature changes—from cold to warm or vice versa—will likely cause vinyl frames to contract and expand, affecting air leakage and insulation. Such cases will require replacement windows for homes that can remain unaffected by sudden shifts in temperature.

Locals can consider wood frames, but when the winter weather begins to give way to wetter conditions such as freezing rain, wood frames will be especially vulnerable to moisture, deteriorating at a rapid rate. A better alternative to wood windows are Fibrex replacement windows, which are composed of wood fiber and thermoplastic materials that resist rotting, decaying, peeling, cracking, or flaking even under extreme weather changes. Folks need to remember, though, that the type of window is integral to how Fibrex windows perform, and awning windows may provide locals an effective way to keep the cold air and chilly wind out.

In the past, America’s winters had been easy to predict. The current winter season, however, is a curveball that is difficult to anticipate. To cope with the effects of such changes on vinyl windows, locals can rely on window companies to provide them with weather-resistant Fibrex varieties.

Why You Probably Need to Replace Your Windows

Many people tend to think that window replacement is only necessary when their window is damaged by a storm or an errant baseball. However, there are many other reasons why window replacement is necessary. If you have yet to replace your windows since they were installed, go over the scenarios below to see if you would benefit from window replacement:

You’re Selling Your House

Realtors often tell homeowners that replacing or remodeling certain aspects of a home can help raise the going price of a home. Many prospective buyers tend to favor homes with new, energy-efficient windows because it allows them to skip expensive window replacement once they purchase a house.

Your Windows are Old

As a window ages, it is bound to become less efficient in trapping and retaining heat due to failing window seals. In addition, many older windows lack proper locks, leaving your home susceptible to break-ins.

If you find that you are in any of the situations above, you may want to consider having your windows replaced. When having windows replaced, be sure to choose an energy-efficient window. According to experts, energy-efficient windows, such as Fibrex windows, allow homeowners to save nearly 35 percent on their energy bills.

Awe-Inspiring: Benefits of Awning Windows

Windows don’t only perform the vital function of ventilating your home, they also add beauty and charm to it. These days, there are many window materials and styles to choose from, but one is gaining popularity among homeowners who want to add a practical yet contemporary look to their home. If you’re one such homeowner, then perhaps beautiful awning windows are perfect for your home.

Awning windows are similar to casement type windows, but unlike other casement windows they are hinged at the top instead of the sides so they are lifted up when opened. They are installed closer to your ceiling than other window types, so heat can rise up and escape your home easily. Given their design, awning windows can remain open even when it’s raining to allow cool air into the house.

Due to their higher placement, awning windows allow you to decorate a room with tall furniture like cabinets or shelves without blocking ventilation. What’s more, awning windows will also provide you with greater privacy since they are small and quite discreet than other types of windows. In other words, you can open your windows without inviting the unwelcome attention of strangers and passersby. Lastly, their unique design will make your home the envy of neighbors.

Finding Replacement Windows with the Best Value

If you’ve dealt with home repairs before, you know very well that prices vary tremendously from one replacement product to another. The same thing applies to replacement windows. So how do you find replacement windows with the best value? The answer to this question lies in finding the right window product and the right installer for it.

Finding the right window product

When looking at replacement windows, three materials stand out: composite, wood, and vinyl. Composite windows are considered the youngest of the group and includes materials such as vinyl/wood pulp mixtures and fiberglass. Composite windows are known to take the best features of wood and vinyl, which means they are easy to maintain, energy-efficient, durable, and beautiful—all at the same time.

Finding the right window installer

There are many contractors out there claiming they can install your window for you, so choosing the right one is just as important as choosing the right window product. To help you with this quest, be sure to check online reviews from trusted review sites like Guild Quality or Angie’s List. Moreover, don’t forget to ask them what window brands they offer. If the contractor says they are an exclusive distributor of a certain window product that you trust, it’s a good sign that they are the right contractor for the job.

When is it Time for a New Window Installation?

Although windows can be made from tempered glass and reinforced, stainless steel frames, they still don’t last forever. There will come a time when your window panes and frames will require a total replacement job. While a brand-new window installation may be impractical in some instances, cases of physical damage often require closer assessment to determine whether a replacement is indeed in order.

Broken or cracked glass panes are usually better off replaced rather than patched up and resealed. Similarly, badly damaged window frames only need to be replaced so long as the glass is still relatively intact. Obviously, when both parts of the window are no longer in top shape, the entire window has to be substituted with a better one. Care should be taken when replacing windows for historic homes to retain their authentic look and architectural value.

Meanwhile, some households simply opt to replace windows that no longer satisfy in terms of performance and/or appearance. The former is especially true whenever energy efficiency is taken into account because some windows bring in excessive heat and sunlight indoors rather than block these elements. As a result of poor thermal insulation, households suffer higher heating and cooling costs as well as unnecessary discomfort and even damage to furniture.

Which Window Wins: Selecting the Right Windows

Windows can appear as simple as a single pane of glass or as complex as a multi-paned casement. With a wealth of styles and features, homeowners can choose from hundreds of window styles nowadays. Some homeowners feel intimidated by the large selection of windows and might not know which ones to install. Fortunately, there are basic rules of thumb every homeowner can keep in mind in order to choose the best possible windows for their residences.

Durability is one of the most important considerations when purchasing windows. Homeowners should always pick fixtures that are recognized to be sturdy and long-lasting. Glass and glazing aside, homeowners should also pay special attention to the quality of window frames. Materials such as Fibrex®, which offer incredible toughness and minimal maintenance, are certainly worth considering.

Energy efficiency is another concern homeowners should tackle when choosing replacement windows. Since windows can help regulate heat loss and heat gain, it is only fitting that homeowners choose properly insulated windows with low-emissivity coatings. By reducing heat loss, households stand to gain significant cost savings. All thing considered, windows are more than just decorative elements and are, in fact, rather crucial to your household’s comfort all year round.

Replacement Windows according to Home Style

New Jersey homeowners who plan to acquire existing homes would do well to keep their home's architectural style into consideration when undertaking window replacement projects of any sort. Given the lack of a dominant architectural style in several areas, it pays to know how best to upgrade the look of a home built in diverse architectural styles such as Greek Revival and Tudor. In any case, deciding which window style best goes with your home’s design may be a bit more challenging to figure out.

Fortunately, homeowners can apply a few time-tested tricks to ensure their replacement windows don't look terribly out of place. For instance, a home with supporting columns in either the Corinthian or Doric style as well as low-pitched hipped or gabled roofs was most likely built in the Greek revival style. This design aesthetic is grandiose in scale and character, and is best complemented by minimalist double-hung windows.

On the other hand, homes with steeply pitched roofs as well as chimneys and arch doorways most likely have Tudor-style homes. This architectural style originated during the Elizabethan period in England, and is known for its simple elegance. Bay windows that provide ample views of the outside look absolutely splendid in Tudor-style homes by virtue of their .