How to Choose the Right Replacement Windows for Your Home

New windows are designed to keep cold air out and hot air in. They reduce drafts, which can help lower costs for energy and reduce wear and tear on your furnace and air conditioner.

However, choosing the right replacement windows for your home requires knowing your goals, wants and requirements for this particular project. A few simple questions can help you start.

Styles

When it comes time to replace windows, there are many designs to pick from. You may be replacing existing double-hung windows in your home with uPVC ones, for example or renovating a stone cottage from the past with huge expanses of glass and sleek aluminium frames. Or maybe you're in process of building a new home and want to choose windows that fit with the architectural style you have chosen.

The most common type of replacement window is the sliding gliding type which has slim vertical lines and a contemporary style that can be customised with shades or blinds that are between-the-glass. The gliding design also offers excellent ventilation and lets you easily clean your windows from inside the house.

Another popular option is casement windows. They're easy to open from the side or the top, which helps you ventilate your home more efficiently. These windows can either be installed with transoms or without based on the style you prefer. They're an excellent choice for openings that are larger than typical window sizes, such as bow or bay windows.

Awning Windows are hinged on top and can be opened like doors. They are ideal for bringing light into rooms that are dark or for sizing an area. These windows come with an adjustable handle or an adjustable crank handle to make opening and closing much easier.

Another style that you might select for a particular project is an insert replacement window. These windows fit into the frame opening and help preserve the original trim, siding, and frame. These windows work best for homes built in the past century that have a particular architectural style.

It is important to note that replacement windows differ from new construction windows in terms of the nailing fin and brick mold, so it's important to know the differences between these two types before choosing a window for your home. Also, remember that new construction windows can be installed on new additions and buildings with clear openings, but without existing trim or siding.

Contact a Pella showroom today to learn more about the options available and find the ideal replacement windows for you home. Explore our online gallery for inspiration and browse photos of beautiful replacements.

Materials

The frame material you choose for the replacement windows will impact how the window looks and performs. It is crucial to select the best materials that meet your design and budget goals. There are five top-quality options to consider: vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass wood, clad-wood, and wood.

Each kind of frame has distinct advantages. Vinyl frames are simple to maintain and cost-effective, while wood has an elegant look that provides superior insulation. Aluminum is a durable material in harsh conditions, and clad wood has the look of natural wood, but is able to withstand dents more easily than traditional wooden frames. Wood is a great choice for log homes or historic homes as well as Craftsman style houses.

The right frame material can have a significant impact on your home's appearance as well as energy efficiency. New window technologies have reduced air infiltration to almost zero and, when combined with the appropriate glazing can cut your cooling and heating costs by up to 40%..

Double-hung windows are made up of two sashes that move vertically on tracks and are counterbalanced by springs, allowing them to open and close. They're a favorite option for homeowners as they offer versatility and fit various architectural styles. The downside is that they're less energy efficient than other window types, and their sashes can become brittle or corrode in time.

A bay or bow window combines three or more windows into a single unit, and offers more light and space than a standard single-hung or casement window. They can be customised in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit in with any room. Bay and bow windows are a great way to bring more natural light into dark spaces or Fix creating a dramatic entranceway.

Sliding doors can be an ideal solution for those who don't want to open their windows. They can be set up in a gap between walls or attached to the wall above an existing door. They are available in a broad variety of styles and colors to suit your style.

In-swinging windows need more attention because they open inwards, not outwards. They also prevent air leaks and are excellent insulators. They are also well-liked in kitchens and bathrooms because they are easy to clean.

Cutouts

There are a variety of replacement windows you can pick from according to the style of your home and its requirements. They include picture windows, which are stationary and don't open and double-hung, casement, and shaped windows. In the majority of cases, you can install these types of windows on top of windows to drastically change a room's appearance without significant changes.

During installation, all the original windows' screens, sashes, and dividing bars will be removed, leaving only the frame that the new window can slide over. The industry calls these "jump frames," because the new window slides right over the previous one to hide it from view. If the frame's original extends a bit into the opening, it may be possible to trim some of it off. However, it's crucial to not cut off too much of nail fins, which are essential to allow air and water infiltration.

You might also want to consider full-frame replacement windows for your home. They can be used to replace a single window or to add additional windows. The nailing fins made of steel are usually hidden behind drywall after the window is installed. They are a great option for older homes because they look exactly like the original windows in the home.

Installing full-frame replacement log windows requires that the nail fin be matched to the surrounding logs. 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 an 2x box within the frame opening and sealing it to the abutting logs.

It is essential to employ an experienced installer if you decide to use an alternative window that has an entire frame. They'll have the tools and equipment needed to work safely on scaffolding and ladders. Additionally, they will know how to properly install the window so that it is both energy efficient and structurally sound. They will also be aware of how important it is to perform a thorough check of the window once it has been installed.

Energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is a major aspect to consider when replacing windows. Older windows let heat and cold to escape, which can lead to higher energy bills. Modern replacement windows are insulated, and help control temperatures, which reduces the stress on your HVAC system. They also let natural sunlight to enter your home, which reduces the need for artificial lighting.

Look for the ENERGY STAR and National Fenestration Rating Council ratings when selecting new windows to gauge their energy efficiency. The higher the rating the more efficient the windows. ENERGY STAR certified replacement windows can cut the cost of cooling and heating by as much as 30%..

The energy efficiency of a window is influenced by a variety of factors that include the sash and frame materials and double glazing replacement window the insulating properties and the glazing materials. For instance, wood sashes are more energy efficient than vinyl ones, and wood frames provide better insulation than aluminum. double glazing window replacement-hung windows offer higher energy efficiency than sliding windows.

In addition to reducing your energy costs The ENERGY-STAR-certified replacement Windows can help protect the environment by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. They also improve the quality of indoor air by cutting down on noise pollution. Older windows let outside sounds like traffic, barking dog, and loud music enter your home. New replacement windows reduce unwanted noise, allowing you the freedom to relax in your own space.

No matter if your replacement windows are double-hung, casement, or bay and bow windows, they should be easy to open and close, and also clean. Look for tilt-in windows, that allow you to access difficult-to-reach areas. You'll also want windows that lock securely and have an alarm system for added security.

If you're replacing windows on a historic building or simply updating your home, a high-quality installation is crucial. The right replacement windows will aid in reducing energy costs while also increasing security and comfort, and elevate curb appeal. Visit a showroom for more or browse your options online.