How to Choose the Right Windows Replacement for Your Home

If your Windows North Attleboro MA are drafty, old, or damaged, a replacement can save you money and hassle. But before you call for an estimate, educate yourself on the different types of windows available.

Windows Replacement

CR tests single- and double-hung windows, which feature an open upper and lower sash. Also, look for windows without muntins (grids that divide a window into sections), which offer a clean aesthetic.

Energy efficiency is one of the most important considerations when choosing new replacement windows. It reduces heating and cooling costs by minimizing the transfer of heat between the indoors and the outdoors. This means your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard, prolonging its lifespan and lowering your utility bills.

Most replacement window manufacturers offer ENERGY STAR rated windows that meet or exceed efficiency criteria optimized for the region’s climate. This can lower your heating and cooling bills by 10-20% per year, saving you thousands over the windows’ 10-15 year lifespan. ENERGY STAR windows also qualify for rebates and tax credits that can significantly offset upfront costs.

The glass in your replacement windows can play a big role in their energy efficiency. Many windows have low-e or Low-Emissivity coatings and tints that allow a controlled amount of sunlight into your home without letting out the unwanted heat. These coatings and tints are available in a wide range of transmittance options that let you choose the amount of natural light that enters your home.

Window frames and spacers can impact a window’s energy efficiency as well. Some of these spacers are made from nonmetallic materials that don’t conduct heat and can lower the window’s U-factor, which measures how much heat is lost through a window. Similarly, double and triple pane windows often contain small amounts of nontoxic noble gas between the glass that improves insulation and lowers the window’s U-factor even further.

The most efficient replacement windows also feature gaskets that help seal around the frame and keep air leaks to a minimum. Depending on the type of window you choose, the gaskets may be made from nonmetallic materials or foam. The best option for homeowners looking to maximize their energy efficiency is vinyl frames, which have the greatest combination of quality, affordability and durability. Other options include fiberglass, wood and composite. However, these materials typically require higher installation and maintenance costs than vinyl. In addition, the insulation properties of composites and wood can degrade over time.

Durability

When it comes to the longevity of replacement windows, there are many factors that play into their durability. The most important considerations include the window material, frame type and glass options. Each choice impacts energy efficiency, insulation, and maintenance requirements. In addition, the design of the replacement windows and the way that they are installed can affect how long they last.

The most common replacement windows are made from vinyl, wood or fiberglass. All of these materials are durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, but some may require more frequent care and maintenance than others. For example, wood frames are more expensive than vinyl and require periodic maintenance to prevent issues like rot and cracking. However, they offer excellent insulating properties and add natural beauty to your home.

Another factor that can impact the durability of your replacement windows is the type of glazing you choose. Traditional annealed glass is a good option for budget-friendly windows, but it can lead to heat loss in the winter and excessive solar gain in the summer. If you want a more durable option, consider tempered glass. This type of glass is cooled quickly to boost its tensile strength, making it less likely to break and more resistant to impact damage.

Other options that can improve the durability of your new windows include thermal breaks, which reduce conduction and help with condensation resistance. In addition, choosing a high-quality weatherstripping will ensure that air does not leak around the edges of your windows.

While no window is designed to last forever, windows replacements can last between 15 and 30 years when properly maintained. If your windows are nearing the 20-year mark, it may be time to start thinking about replacing them with more efficient and durable options.

It is important to schedule your window replacement during milder weather. This is because caulking will not set well in very cold temperatures, and rain or humidity can cause moisture that could corrode the new windows. During the cooler seasons, you will also find that there are more professional installation services available, which can help to speed up the project and keep your costs low.

Style

The type of window and frame you choose determines how the new windows will look in your house. You can find a wide variety of sizes, shapes and colors to suit your taste and your home’s architecture.

Most homes use replacement windows, not new-construction windows, because they’re more cost-effective than full-frame units. They’re available in dozens of standard sizes for existing openings and come in wood, vinyl or aluminum-clad wood.

Replacement windows that are a good match for the original frames can add to your home’s value and make it easier to sell in the future, but it’s important to measure carefully. “Too many installers cut corners and order a window that’s too small,” says John Kolbaska, owner of the Window & Door Store By The Men With Tools in Staten Island, N.Y. That can create a gap between the frame and casing that must be filled with caulk or trim pieces.

If you’re replacing an older double-hung window, for example, remove the sash from the frame and take measurements from the sill to the head jamb on all four sides. This will give you a more accurate measurement for the new window than just measuring from the sash’s stops, which are inside the jambs and in front of the sashes.

After installing the new window, drive a loose screw through one of the upper side jamb holes to secure it in place and check that the window opens, closes and locks smoothly. If necessary, slip a few shims by each screw and screw them in, trimming the parts of the shims that stick out with a utility blade or handsaw.

If you’re installing a full-frame unit, you’ll need to remove and dispose of the old lead weights that counterbalanced the window sashes. Your local health department or garbage collector probably has procedures for safely disposing of them. You’ll also need to drill 3/8-inch-diameter holes through the exterior casings and blind stops where the weight pockets used to be, to spray foam into those areas and prevent water from getting into your wall studs or floor covering.

Installation

Depending on the style you choose and how elaborate your home exterior is, installing new windows can be quite an undertaking. Your contractor should lay down drop cloths and wear protective gear such as eye protection, gloves, and a dust mask. He or she should also make sure the window opening is clean and free of debris, nails, mortar, and other materials that could interfere with installation.

The most common way to replace windows is with a sash replacement kit. These kits give an old window frame new movable parts like jamb liners and a sash. The liners are fastened to the side jambs and the sash is slipped in between. The sash is usually held in place by a strip called a glazing bead. This is attached with adhesive that must be softened with a heat gun before it can be pulled off.

When replacing windows, you may want to consider options that improve energy efficiency and dampen sound. Look for features such as low-E glass, simulated divided lites, and maintenance-free exterior cladding. You should also pay attention to the frame material and design. Consider using fiberglass insulation and caulking to prevent air leakage. If your house is older, be mindful that the frames and trim might contain lead paint. You can check for this by submitting samples to a lab.

Installing new windows requires shimming to get the frame square and the sides straight. A professional can do this for you or you can do it yourself by drilling holes and inserting shims between the frame and wall sheathing. Once the shims are in, screw the replacement window in place. Before driving the screws, check the window for square by measuring diagonally from corner to corner.

Once the replacement windows are installed, they should be cleaned, sprayed with a water repellent, and lubricated. This will help ensure the windows operate and seal properly, keeping your house comfortable and lowering your utility bills. If you take care of your new windows, they will likely last for decades. A professional will perform a final inspection and walkthrough to ensure your satisfaction and answer any questions.