Homeowners may first hesitate when they consider taking on a project as big as replacement windows, but the cost benefits realized in the long run make this a worthwhile endeavor. While the up-front costs can be considerable, there are payoffs in both savings on your energy bill and improvement in your home's value and looks for this popular home improvement project.
If you still have single-paned windows, replacing them with energy-efficient windows can save you between 10 and 25 percent annually on your heating and cooling bills, according to Consumer Reports. The options in energy-saving windows are impressive, with manufacturers offering everything from windows with low-E heat reflective coatings to multi-paned windows with argon or krypton gas trapped between the panes.
The market for replacement windows is competitive, so it's a good idea to do some homework before you start shopping. A good place to start is to think about the type of window that would best fit your home and your lifestyle. General types of replacement windows include:
Casement replacement windows, which are attached to the frame with hinges on the side of the window. They open outward with a crank.
Awning replacement windows, which are hinged at the top and also open outward.
Sliding replacement windows, which open from side-to-side along a track.
Double hung replacement windows, which are a classic look that consists of an upper piece and a lower piece. The separate pieces slide open vertically with a sash.
Single hung replacement windows, which are similar in appearance to double-hung windows, but the top piece is fixed and only the lower piece features a movable sash.
Picture replacement windows, which do not open. These are also known as fixed windows and are appropriate where light or a view is desired but ventilation is not needed.
Bay replacement windows, which consist of three window pieces joined in such a way that they form a small bay protruding out from the house. Bay windows increase the area and the light in a room; usually the center window is fixed and the windows on each side are movable.
Bow replacement windows, which consist of 3, 4 or 5 windows in a single frame. Generally, all the windows are equal size and provide a circular arch appearance that protrudes outside the exterior wall of the house. A bow window will give you a better view at the surrounding scenery and a brighter and bigger room at the same time.
Garden replacement windows, which serve as a spot for plants and flowers and is usually installed above kitchen sinks or in dining rooms to give the room a more spacious and bright look.
Skylight replacement windows, which when installed in your attic room will almost assuredly turn it into the most preferred room in your house. They dramatically increase the amount of natural light in the house and are very useful for ventilation.
Once you have determined the type of window that you need to replace, there are still more decisions to be made. Window materials vary considerably in features such as strength, expense, durability, and other factors. The most common materials used in windows include:
Wood replacement windows, which are one of the most attractive window materials and come in a wide array of colors and designs. The downside to wood is that it requires a fair amount of regular maintenance and does not always withstand the weather over time.
Vinyl replacement windows, which are low-maintenance, inexpensive, and last a long time. "Vinyl is final" is a saying in the window industry.
Aluminum replacement windows, which are easy to maintain and strong. In colder climates, it is advisable to use thermally-improved aluminum windows, as regular aluminum windows conduct cold temperatures to the point where moisture or frost could form on the window glass inside the home.
Fiberglass replacement windows, which are increasing in popularity. Fiberglass offers many of the advantages of vinyl but is stronger and also more durable than vinyl.
Composite replacement windows (also known as hybrid or wood-clad windows), which offer the advantages of vinyl or aluminum, but also have the aesthetically-pleasing look of wood.
Steel replacement windows, which are very strong making it possible for narrow frames to hold great expanses of glass. Mainly used in big office buildings.
Another decision concerning replacement windows has to do with the glass that makes up the main part of the window. In earlier times, single-paned windows were the standard, but modern manufacturers offer options that increase the energy efficiency of the window while also reducing noise. Options include:
Double-paned windows, which are also called double-glazed windows. These consist of two panes of glass with the space between the panes filled with air, or for better insulation, with argon or krypton gas.
Triple-paned windows, which add an additional pane of glass to the double-paned window configuration, making them very energy efficient, but also adding to the expense of the window.
In some cases, the problem with existing windows may not be with the frame but with the actual glass, as is the case when the seal on a double-paned window has failed. In this situation, replacing just the pane of glass can save a great deal of effort and money. Homeowners with some home improvement skills can safely take on the task of replacing just a pane of glass. Try to match the type of glass that was originally in the window so it will match your other windows. Exercise caution when working with glass; be sure to wear safety goggles and heavy gloves. Aluminum-framed and vinyl-framed windows can be reglazed by inserting a new pane of glass into the window sash, where it is held firmly in place with a rubber seal, a metal clip, or plastic molding. In the case of wood-framed windows, putty (also known as glazing compound) and glazier's points are required to hold the new piece of glass in place.
While do-it-yourselfers may be tempted to take on the job of replacing the entire window, it really is a task best left to the experts. Professional window installers have the experience and the specific tools needed to quickly and efficiently perform this job; it is not a task that is easily learned, as many a home improvement aficionado has found out for themselves.
Since the market for replacement windows is highly competitive, it is fairly easy to find a good deal on this important home improvement. It is important to invest the time up front to shop around and compare prices from several different suppliers. In addition, be sure to request quotes from local windows replacement contractors; they are experts in replacement windows and know both where to find the best windows at competitive prices and how to efficiently install them. It's always a good idea to get a detailed quote in writing, and don't be afraid to ask for references, as well. Take the time to contact the references from your top bidders; it's better to find out early if there are issues with the quality or reliability of the contractor before you start the job. As a final note, don't ever pay for the entire replacement windows project at the beginning of the job.