How to Choose the Right Replacement Windows for Your Home

New windows are designed for keeping cold air out and warm in. They reduce drafts which lowers energy bills and reduces wear and tear on your air conditioner and furnace.

To choose the best windows to replace your home it is important to first understand your goals, requirements and desires. You can get started by asking yourself a few basic questions.

Styles

When it comes to replacement windows, there are many designs to pick from. You might be replacing double-hung windows at home with uPVC ones, for example or remodeling a period stone cottage with large glass expanses and Double sleek aluminium frames. Or maybe you're in process of building a new addition and want to choose windows that complement your architectural style.

The most popular style of replacement windows is the sliding gliding type which has sleek vertical lines and a contemporary look that can be customized by using shades or blinds between the glass. The gliding design also offers excellent ventilation and allows you to clean your windows from inside the house.

Another option that is popular is casement windows. They're easy to open from the side or top and help you air your home more efficiently. These windows can be installed with or without a transom, according to your preference. These windows are an excellent choice for openings larger than standard sizes, for example a bay or bow window.

Awning Windows are hinged at the top and can be opened to act as doors. They are ideal for adding light to rooms that are dark or for sizing an area. The windows have a fixed handle or an adjustable crank handle to make opening and closing easier.

Another option you can pick for a specific project is an insert replacement window. These windows are inserted into the frame opening, and help keep the original trim, siding and frame. These windows are especially effective for homes with a particular architectural style.

It is important to know that replacement windows differ from construction windows with regard to the nailing fin and brick mold, therefore it's important to know the differences between the two types prior to choosing a window for your home. New construction windows are also suitable for new constructions or buildings with clear openings that do not have siding in place.

If you're thinking about replacing your existing windows, call an Pella showroom to explore your options and find the ideal replacement windows for your home. Explore our online gallery for ideas and browse pictures of stunning replacement windows.

Materials

The frame material you select for your replacement windows will influence how the window looks and performs. It's important to find the appropriate materials based on your budget and design goals. There are five options including wood, vinyl, clad-wood, and aluminum.

Each kind of frame has distinct advantages. Vinyl frames are affordable and easy to maintain and wood is an elegant look that provides superior insulation. Aluminum is durable in harsh climates, and clad lumber has the appearance of natural wood, but is able to withstand dents more easily than traditional wooden frames. Wood is a great option for homes with logs or historic homes as well as Craftsman style houses.

The frame material you select will have a significant effect on the appearance and energy efficiency of your home. New window technologies cut air infiltration to nearly zero, and when combined with the appropriate glazing can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 40%.

Double-hung windows have two large sashes that are vertically moved on tracks and are counterbalanced by springs to allow them to open and close. They are favored by homeowners because of their flexibility and ability to fit into many styles of architecture. However, they're less efficient in energy than other window types and their sashes may warp or corrode over time.

A bay or bow windows combine three or four windows into one unit that provides more light and space to a standard single-hung or casement windows. They can be customized in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit any space. Bay and bow windows are an excellent method of bringing more natural light into dark spaces, or creating a dramatic entranceway.

Sliding doors can be a great solution for those who don't want to open their windows. They can be placed between walls or hung on the wall above a door. They are available in a range of styles and colors to suit your style.

In-swinging windows require more upkeep because they open inwards rather than outwards. However, they do prevent air leaks and are effective insulation. They are also easy to clean, they're an extremely popular choice for bathrooms and kitchens.

Cutouts

You can select from a variety of replacement windows, based on the style and requirements of your home. Picture windows cannot be moved and are not open. Other types of replacement windows are double-hung or shaped windows. In the majority of instances, you can put these kinds of windows in place of existing window openings to dramatically change a room's appearance without significant changes.

When the window is installed the window's original screen and sashes as well as the dividing bars are removed, leaving a frame which the new window will slide over. The industry refers to these frames as "jump frames" because the new window slides right over the previous one to obscure it from view. Occasionally, if the original frame extends into the opening in a small way, it's possible to trim off a part of the frame, but it's important not to remove too much of the nail fin which is essential to air and water infiltration.

Full-frame replacement windows are a different option to consider for your home. These are often used to replace a single original window, or if you wish to add additional windows. The metal nailing fins are usually hidden behind the drywall after the window replacement cost has been installed. They are an excellent choice for older homes as they look exactly like the original windows in the house.

Installing full-frame replacement log windows requires that you match the nail fin to the logs around it. This will prevent the water from getting in. This can be accomplished by using a caulking system that is specifically designed to match the product you are using, or by constructing a 2x box inside of the framed opening and sealing it to the adjacent logs.

It is crucial to hire an experienced installer if you choose to install a replacement window with a complete frame. They will have all the tools and equipment required to safely work from ladders and scaffolding. They will be able to install the window in a way that it is both structurally sound and energy efficient. They will also understand the importance of being able to perform a thorough check of the window once it has been installed.

Energy efficiency

In addition to aesthetics and user-friendly, energy efficiency should be an important factor when choosing replacement windows. Older windows can let cold and heat escape, resulting in higher energy bills. Modern windows are insulated, and help control temperatures, which reduces the stress on your HVAC system. They let natural sunlight into your home, which decreases the requirement for artificial lighting.

When you are choosing replacement windows, be sure to look for the ENERGY STAR label as well as ratings from the National Fenestration Rating Council to determine their energy performance. The higher the rating is, the more efficient the window. ENERGY STAR certified replacement windows can reduce the cost of cooling and heating by as much as 30%..

There are a variety of factors that affect the energy efficiency of windows including frame and sash materials as well as insulating properties, and glazing materials. Wood sashes, for example, are more energy-efficient than vinyl sashes. Likewise, wood frames are more insulating than aluminum. Double-hung windows are more efficient in energy than sliding windows.

In addition to lowering your energy costs, ENERGY STAR-certified replacement Windows aid in protecting the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They also improve indoor air quality by reducing noise pollution. Older windows allow outside noises to be heard in your home, like traffic, barking dogs, and even loud music. New replacement windows reduce unwanted noise and allow you to relax and unwind in your own space.

If you are replacing windows, windows should be simple to open, close and clean. Try tilt-in windows, that allow you to access difficult-to-access areas. You'll want windows with an alarm as well as locks that lock securely.

A quality installation is essential when replacing windows in an historic building or updating your home. The right replacement windows can reduce energy costs, improve security and comfort, as well as improve curb appeal. Visit a showroom to find out more or browse your options online.