Window Replacement Process
When considering the replacement of your windows there is a number of items that need to be addressed including your different window replacement options, choosing the right window glass, and things to be aware of during the window installation process.
Window Replacement Process Involves Decisions
Windows serve a multitude of functions, from sealing your home against the elements to enhancing the appeal of the house. However, they can be more of a hassle than expected if they are not chosen correctly or installed and maintained properly.
What Should You Consider When Replacing Windows?
When deciding what you are looking for in a window, you should consider what you are looking out at through that window.
- Consider the climate:
- Is it hot and dry?
- Is the winter long?
- How much precipitation falls annually?
All of these scenarios have an effect on which window will be the best fit in your home.
Water Damage
It has been said that the greatest natural force on Earth is water. Water has shaped and carved every land mass and covers over 75% or the world so imagine what that can do to your home. When moisture penetrates the wood framing it can cause warping, rot, and mold problems. In the winter this water can also freeze causing the wood to expand and in some cases it can cause the glass to crack or the seal in between the double pane windows to be compromised leading them to fog up and retain the moisture in between when the glass heats up.
Window Replacement Options
Vinyl WindowsVinyl windows are the most popular of windows for the simple fact that they are the easiest to maintain. Vinyl does not require painting and they will look brand new for many years. If the house has white trim, the standard white vinyl will match easily and will look great with no effort.
Wood WindowsWood has many aesthetically pleasing qualities and is also a natural non-conductive material for heat or cold. It is also the most vulnerable material to the elements and will typically have to be replaced more often than windows made of other materials. It also requires much more maintenance than other typical window materials. It will require repainting/staining, weatherproofing, and in some cases termite or pest treatment.
Aluminum WindowsAluminum is lightweight and durable however, the most obvious draw back is that it transfers heat and cold much more rapidly than any other material. They have a baked on enamel coating which cuts out the need for repainting.
Fiberglass WindowsOf all the materials that windows are made of, fiberglass is the most durable and maintenance free. They are also the most expensive to buy and install.
What Options Are There When Choosing Window Glass?
Much like the glass in doors, the glass in windows can be treated in a certain way with special glazes which:
- Resist theft
- Reduce the UV radiation
- Reduce the amount of heat/cold lost through the glass
What To Be Aware Of When Installing A Replacement Window
The most important role of a window is to guard the home against all elements, especially water. There are a few commonly overlooked areas that should be addressed when installing a replacement window. Here is a good guide on what to watch for.
- Look for spaces at the bottom of the frame that the old window sits on
- It is a good idea to fill those in with caulk before the new window is installed
- Paint or seal any exposed and unsealed wood all around the window frame
- Pay special attention to the caulking where the window touches the window frame both on the inside and the outside
- Outside caulking is the first line of defense against water, make sure it is done properly
- Use an expanding foam sealant around the window after it has been installed
- This will help to stop the exchange of air from the inside
