Our industry expert replacement window tips and advice can help you make a more informed decision when it’s time for buying replacement windows. By following some of our replacement window tips and advice, you can be a more educated consumer and will have a better chance of choosing the replacement windows that will best meet your needs, as well as your budget.
8 Replacement Window Tips And Advice
Everyone can use a few tips and some advice before making a large purchase – especially one that they will have to live with for a long time. So, with that in mind, here are 8 replacement window tips and advice to help you with your purchase.
Buy From A Reputable Dealer, Company Or Store
It is best to buy your replacement windows from a local replacement window retailer or wholesale distributor, so you can easily go back to them if there are any problems. These businesses also typically have qualified installers that you can use or can refer you to recommended window contractors to get the job done right.
Research Replacement Window Manufacturers Before You Buy
It’s a good idea to do some checking into replacement window companies to see which ones have good feedback ratings and have developed a good reputation. Check into what people have to say about the company, check if any complaints have been lodged against them with the Better Business Bureau, and also do some research into their warranties, including what they cover and for how long.
Check Out References
Sure, you may have met with a few installers and have narrowed down your choices based on certain criteria that may be important to you, such as price, contract terms or just your “gut” feeling. Now, take it one step further and check up on some of the window contractor’s references they’ve provided and if possible, go see some of the previous jobs they’ve completed. Find out if other people were happy with the outcome of their window replacement job and see if there were any issues or problems you should be aware of.
Splurge a little for Custom-Manufactured Windows
The price may be a little higher up-front than standard stock-sized options, but the benefits are usually worth the extra price. When replacement windows are custom made specifically to fit your window opening, you have an easier installation process (resulting in lower replacement window costs because there is less “extra” work to do). And, since the windows will fit better, your energy bills will be reduced due to enhanced thermal performance of your new windows.
Consider Replacement Window Materials Wisely
You’re going to have your new replacement windows for a long time, so it’s a good idea to give some serious thought to the type of material they are made from. You may love the look of wood windows, but will you be willing to do the maintenance that’s required over the years? Even if you opt for clad-wood windows, you’ll still have to maintain the interior portion of the windows by staining, painting and/or sealing them periodically. If you opt for vinyl replacement windows, you won’t have to deal with the maintenance issues, but you may not like the look of them as much.
Look for the Energy Star® Label
The Energy Star label will be a good indicator of which replacement windows offer better energy performance. The result? Lower energy bills as well as enhanced indoor comfort. From 2010 onward, standard to higher end options will be Energy Star certified windows – so make sure yours are as well.
Inquire About The “Guts” Of The Window
The most important factor in energy efficiency and comfort when it comes to replacement windows is the type of glass and seals that are used. You should opt for double-paned windows and may want to bypass the hefty price associated with triple-paned windows. They may not offer you that much additional energy efficiency and can be rather heavy, causing increased strain on the mechanics of the window.
Triple paned windows also have twice as many seals that can eventually go bad and cause air leakage. Instead, look for double-paned glass that has the most space between the panes. The wider the space, the more insulating air or gas that exists between the glass, making them more energy efficient.
Weigh The Benefits Of Gas Fills Carefully
Some replacement window manufacturers will give you the option of getting gas fills between the panes of glass, typically argon gas. These gas fills will provide additional insulation for your window, but the gas, which is heavier than air, may tend to settle or may even leak out over time, negating the increased energy efficiency they initially offer and becoming a waste of your money. This isn’t always the case, so you will have to make your own decision about whether to opt for gas fills or not.
Related Topics
Ten Reasons For Replacement Windows
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Window Warranties
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