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 .