The Value of Replacement Windows

Article by Tammi Priester

It happens all too often. You are sitting in your home & you feel a draft, almost like a breeze that comes in with shivering intensity. You wander around your house trying to determine if someone left a door or window open & it is then that you nail down the source of your chills. It is indeed a window, but it’s not even open! The draft is coming from the air seeping through the frame. There is no more denying it…it is time for replacement windows.Before you begin the process of searching for a replacement window manufacturer or a home improvement contractor, you need to make a few decisions first. The first is how much you are willing to spend. There are all types of designs & models of windows out there. Depending on your budget you can spend anywhere from 0 to ,500, or more, per window depending on size, style and options. The best way to develop a solid expense plan is to determine how much money you are willing to spend BEFORE you start shopping for windows or contractors. The second decision is to determine which windows need replacing. There is no need to replace every window in your home. It is possible for some windows to deteriorate faster than others. This could be a result of extended exposure to the elements or a different type of window that aged better than the others. Also, you may not want to install all the replacement windows at once. Perhaps you have a contractor friend who would be willing to install them a couple at a time. This will allow you to purchase the best windows possible, without worrying about the cost. However if you hire a professional window replacement contractor, they will more than likely require you to replace a certain number of windows at a time.Before choosing a window there are lots of things to think about such as; maintenance, material and look, hardware, efficiency & glass type, and installation. Below are some helpful hints and questions you should review before you get started:Maintenance: Mainly do you want a low maintenance product inside and out or just outside? This can alter the window you may want to purchase.Material and Look: Do you want a natural wood product with a variety of interior wood species like; pine, fir, oak, maple, cherry, alder or mahogany or would you prefer a vinyl or a composite material?Hardware: Selection of hardware is also to be considered. The varieties are almost endless to start there are; the painted finishes of white, brown, and clay. There are also the finer finishes of; bright brass, antique brass, oil rubbed bronze, satin nickel, chrome, and stainless steel.Efficiency: Some other important things to look for are the overall efficiency of the windows you are choosing. Make sure to ask what type of glass they are, or can be, made with. Does the glass filter the damaging ultra violet rays? Some glass can insulate as much as an R6 or better. Glass Type: If you choose divided lite options, they are available in a variety of different sizes, styles and shapes, Rectangular, curved, and diamond to name a few.Installation: So after you’ve made your selections and you have received your new windows one of the most important things about your product is the proper installation of them. All windows should be installed by a qualified licensed contractor. They should be shimmed, plumbed, and squared for proper installation. After the product has been secured to the wall it should then be fully sealed around the perimeter with sealants.Replacing your windows can be expensive, but there are ways to finance the work & there are also tax credits to help defray the cost. The benefits to replacing your old drafty windows include: Lower Heating & Cooling Bills – Those cold & warm drafts you feel is the energy being seeped out of your home! Replacement windows will better insulate your home & this can dramatically reduce your heating & cooling bills & put extra money in your pocket every month. Prevents Sickness In Your Home – If you have been noticing frost or condensation building up on your windows, then you are not getting the proper insulation. Overtime this moisture build up can lead to mold growth which could cause you or your family to become sick. Prevents accidents from cracked or broken windows – When a window has a slight crack in it, there is the danger of the entire window or pane breaking. This could cause injury to the people in the home. Prevents interior damage from the sun – Newer windows provide better UV protection and can prevent fading and bleaching of wall paper & paint in the interior of your home. Increases Resale Value – Getting replacement windows that look aesthetically pleasing can increase the resale value of your home.Replacing windows can be a daunting process, do the research, hire people you trust & find the best replacement window for your home & your budget. The sticker price may be a little high, but you will reap the benefits for years to come! If you live in Stamford or surrounding areas in CT & NY contact The Window people today by visiting their website http://www.thewindowpeople.net

Kaitlin Poe show step-by-step proceedures for replacing an old aluminum sliding window in a adobe brick house with new low-e, double pane window.Tools needed include: drill, screwdriver, hammer, chisel, caulking gun, safety glasses, tape, caulk, masonary screws. 15 minutes.