Quality Replacement Windows

While you may not know it, your windows are the biggest problem in having an energy efficient home.  The best solution to this is finding good, high quality replacement windows.  This, of course, is not the only reason to go for good quality windows.  You also don’t want to go to all the work of replacing the window just to have them fall apart in five years.  Back in the early 1900’s such high quality materials were used that many of the windows in those houses are still in perfect condition over 100 years later.  It’s all about the quality, but you need to know how to find it.

It doesn’t really matter what materials you are looking into buying, you can find the quality that you are looking for.  There are two independent testing associations that you should check for certification from.  These are the most important aspects to finding the replacement windows that will guide you to the best windows money can buy.  No matter what the salesman will try and convince you of, use these facts and certifications as your authority.

The very best replacement windows are the ones certified by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC).  The AAMA is considered the top standard since they test the quality of the material, how the materials are assembled, and the integrity of the finished product.  The testing is all and random and incredibly rigorous.  Once a manufacturer decides to have the AAMA certify their window they sign a contract that allows the AAMA unannounced, random access to their production line. This ensures that you will get only the best quality.

The NFRC mainly focuses their testing on energy efficiency.  This means they test for R-values of the glass and air infiltration, among others.  But be aware that the NFRC label can be a little bit misleading.  They will put their label on windows that merely meet the minimum standards, so some window will be much more energy efficient than others within the same company.  They do provide the numbers and values that tell you just how energy efficient that particular window is, and they provide a guide to interpret these number.  But ultimately it is your responsibility to figure out the greatest value.  Ideally you want to find windows with both certifications to know you are getting the best.  Be aware that both associations install a label on the side of the window.  So it won’t be seen once the window is installed.  To be entirely sure the certification exists, try to get a peek at the window before installation for this label.

Are Replacement Windows A Good Investment

When you move into an older house more than likely it will have older windows.  Your first instinct will probably be to install replacement windows at once.  Everyone has heard that old windows will cost you hundreds of extra dollars in heating or cooling costs, but is replacement really the best option?  This is an extra important question when finds are tight and every dollar needs to be spent on vital repairs.

One thing is for sure when you have older windows.  If you decide not to replace them, at some point you will have to repair them.  More likely is that you will have to replace them fairly regularly until replacing them becomes inevitable.  If that repair will require replacing or removing the paint, chances are high that the paint will contain lead.  Be sure to be well informed on all the dangers of lead.  Even small amounts of lead dust can cause massive amounts of damage to you and your family, even the family dog.

Even though it doesn’t seem that the old windows are very leaky, or are not really letting in that much air, they still can be.  Old windows can be the biggest gap in your energy efficiency.  Single-pane windows have a terrible R-value and no insulation, meaning a majority of the air in the home will be lost.  If the caulking is worn and old, that can also allow massive amounts of air in and out.  You can make some other efforts to improve the insulation of these old windows.  For example you can install superb weather-stripping, re-caulk all the windows, and shrink-wrap them in plastic during extreme weather.  This can help you minimize the air loss, but it won’t be as good as higher quality windows.  So if energy efficiency is something that’s important to you, replacement windows are definitely in your future.

Most important you need to determine if your savings will offset the cost of replacement windows.  Sit down with a pen and paper and start adding.  Figure out your current annual expenditures in heating and cooling.  Now you need to figure out the cost of all your replacement windows.  Add up how many windows you need and the cost of each.  Let’s assume for the sake of these numbers that you will save 30% in energy costs.  How many years will it take for you to get back the money you spent replacing the windows in savings?  If it’s more than about five years then it may not be the right time to replace your old windows.  It’s nearly impossible to make completely accurate analyses for this cost-savings projection, but it does give you a rough estimation of whether it will be a good investment.

Installing Replacement Windows

Replacement windows can be expensive enough without having to add in the extra cost of having a contractor come to your home and install them.  Contractors can charge a hundred or more an hour in addition to the several hundred per window that you already spent.  But with a half a day’s work, you can install  replacement windows on your own.  Not only will you save the expense, you will have the pride of knowing that you can make all improvements and renovations to your home for many years to come.

This how-to will assume that you have already measured your window and ordered the windows with these measurements.  First, you should examine the windowsill to make sure there is not wood rot.  There is no point in installing new windows into a rotten frame that needs replacing itself.  Now that you are sure the windowsill is solid, carefully remove all inside stops of the existing windows.  Be sure not to damage them or throw them out since you can use them again with the new windows.  Now remove the window sashes themselves, cutting through any nails that are holding them in place.  Remove and old caulk and clean the frame up as much as you can.  You need to either pull out any existing nails or completely drive them in.

Now you need to make sure the new window actually fits the frame opening.  Put it in place to ensure a proper fit and then remove it again.  At this point you should run the caulk along the inside edge of the remaining outside window stops.  Also run a bead of caulk along the windowsill.  Place the window back into place and ensure that it is level and square.  Use a level to make sure it is sitting plumb with the frame and measure diagonally from corner to corner each way to make sure it is sitting squarely.  Shim the window as necessary to hold it in place.  Now is the time to reinstall the inside stops, using new finishing nails, and caulk them where they meet the frame of the window.

Also be sure to check the outside of the new windows.  The window should either come with a naturally sloped frame or have an insert that you can use to cover any gap.  If neither of these things is the case, simply cover the gap with a piece of wood and caulk the seams where the insert meets the frame.  With just these few simple and straightforward steps you can save yourself a lot of hassle with hiring a contractor to install the replacement windows for you.  No expertise is needed, just some time and perhaps an extra pair of hands to help with placing the windows.

Replacement Sash Windows

If you live outside the United States, chances are you are very familiar with sash windows since they are the most common and popular type throughout the region.  But if you live in the US you may not have ever even heard of them before.  So naturally you might have no idea if they would be good window replacements or even what they offer.  The first that must be answered is exactly what is a sash window and why would you want replacement sash windows?

Sash windows are basically two wooden frames that are mounted in a larger vertical frame.  The frames, called sashes, hold one or sometimes two panes of glass.  The sashes slide up and down on the two tracks in the frame so that the windows may be opened and closed.  If there are two panes of glass then the window is called a double glazed sash window.  There is also a variety of sash window that has multiple panes of glass, called lights, in each sash.  These are held in place by strips of wood or metal known as muntin bars.

When you are considering replacement sash windows, cost can be a big factor.  Replacing a single one can cost several hundred dollars, more so if they are a rare type of window in your area.  The more expensive are the wooden sash windows.  These are popular because the muntin bars are removable, which gives some choice into how the window looks and makes it easier to clean.  But there are also replacement sash windows that are aluminum on the outside and offer more choices in color and style.  Another benefit to aluminum sash windows is that they never require any maintenance or painting.  Aluminum also tends to be more versatile in size and availability as well.  Nearly all sash windows have the feature of tilting inward so that the outside can be cleaned from indoors; this is ideal for second story windows.

With the availability factor most companies who will installing or replace sash windows are also the manufacturers, limiting the number of people you have to deal with.  But with limited manufacturers comes limited competition and increased prices.  You can best benefit from this by finding a company that offers warranties of at least 10 years.  They should also be a well-established company so that you can rest assured that they will not be out of business if you need a repair.  If you do not already have sash windows, you might be better served replacing your windows with the same type of window you have now, simply because of the price factor.  But if sash windows are something that you simply must have, shop smart and look at all your options before committing to one contractor.

Vinyl Replacement Windows

There are many reasons to buy replacement windows.  Perhaps your home is very old and built when aluminum windows were all the rage.  Perhaps you just want to give your home a new look and add on to your other home improvement projects.  With the numerous options you have it’s important to know what you’re buying before you start looking. Vinyl replacement windows are the most popular replacement window for a lot of very good reasons.

Cost is more than likely a big factor in your decisions about home improvement, as it is for most people.  Replacing your windows can mean a very high price tag.  Especially if you are replacing numerous windows of varying size.   If you are on a tight budget vinyl replacement windows are your best bet.  They will be the cheapest and have a larger variety to choose from as well.

If you live in a climate where the temperature has a tendency to fluctuate a lot then vinyl windows will be the most economical choice in the long run.  Even with a mild climate, having old and drafty windows will leave your house perpetually cold or hot depending on the season.  So you turn the heat or air conditioning up, but it never gets better and just costs more money.  Vinyl dual-pane windows will keep out the cold in winter and keep the cold in during the summer.  They will also offer you some degree of sun protection.  A lot of companies apply a low-e coating to the vinyl windows that will block out a lot of harmful rays from the sun.  This can protect your carpets and furniture and save you those replacement costs a few years down the road.

Security can be a great reason to choose vinyl replacement windows, especially if your existing windows are old or flimsy.  All vinyl windows have a solid locking device and should have burglarproof features that come included in the price.  The double paned glass of vinyl windows is also a security measure.  If the family dog or rowdy toddler decide to run into the window at breakneck speed there is a much smaller chance the shatterproof glass will break and injure someone.

Some windows can be very noisy, and this is especially a hassle if you live on a busy street or near a highway.  Single-pane or aluminum windows really do nothing to block out the noise and sound and the last thing you want is that interfering with your sleep or peace and quiet.  But good vinyl double-pane windows will greatly decrease the outside noise and make your home a more peaceful place to be.  Even if your neighbor’s dog barks all night long, you will not be disturbed.

Wood Replacement Windows

Considering replacement windows is a big task.  There are many choices to make and factors to consider.  Like anything else wood replacement windows have their good points and bad points.  You have to weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision.

Wood replacement windows are available in a wide variety of types including dark woods like mahogany or cherry to the lighter woods like pine.  The interior frame, which is exposed in your home, can either be stained to a shade of your choice or left natural.  If you choose, you can even paint the wood.  Although if you don’t wish to have the look of wood, another material choice might be better for you.  But wood windows have a very high aesthetic appeal to both homeowners and potential homebuyers.  If you want a fantastic way to increase your home’s resale value, consider putting in some wood replacement windows.

Wood windows do often carry a high price tag.  The price will vary a lot depending on the type of wood or stain that’s being used, but it will be a lot more expensive than vinyl or aluminum windows.  If you plan on being in your home for a very long time, it will definitely be worth the price to have such a distinctive and beautiful look in your home.  But if you are planning on moving in a year and have no desire to increase the value of your home, you would probably be better spending that money elsewhere.

Also keep in mind that wood windows will require a lot more maintenance than most other window types.  Not only will the windows have to be sealed or painted at the time of installation, but throughout the life of the window.  This is only the inside of the window since the outside has cladding to protect them.  But painting wood is a very precise and difficult task, as is sealing it.  So it can mean a lot of work.  If you live in a very humid or warm climate, wood windows will become even more expensive in repairs.  The humidity or extremes in temperature can cause the interior wood to warp or become misaligned.  This can mean anything from a costly repair to reposition it or an even costlier complete replacement if the warping is especially bad.

But if you live in a mild climate with no drastic extremes in temperature, then wood could be the perfect choice for you.  Wood is naturally very insulating.  If it’s cold outside, feel the frame of a wood door or window.  You will find that it is warm compared to the outdoor temperature.  Wood windows are the best at insulating against heat and cold.  Naturally this will save you money on your heating and cooling cost and ultimately the windows will likely end up paying for themselves over a few years.

Compare The Cost of Replacement Windows

Replacing your windows can be a huge hassle if you go into it without any idea of what you’re looking for or how much to expect to pay.  You may expect to find the salesperson to be the most helpful, but you must remember they are a salesperson.  They may not be giving you the best possible deal to make a larger sale.  Knowing how to compare deals will ensure that you know the most accurate cost of replacement windows.

Most importantly you must determine what type of windows you need.  There are cheaper vinyl windows all the way up to custom crafted wooden window.  The price varies greatly from one end of the spectrum to the other, but prices will also vary within the different types of window.  To better assess the cost of replacement windows consider how long you’ll be in your home.  If it’s less than five years or so, consider going with cheaper window.

When you are looking around at windows at the store, ask for the cheaper window.  Most of the time the salesperson will pitch you a higher priced window first, second and possibly even third.  If they show you a style that you like, ask for the window that’s a step down from that.  If they get pushy with you, inform them that you’d like to purchase your windows there but that you have a budget and will not deviate from that.  If you make it clear that you intend to be stubborn on the price any good salesperson will then find you the perfect window in your price range.  If they don’t move on because that company is not working for you, and any good company would.

Don’t buy the first offer you get when comparing the cost of replacement windows.  Different companies have different offers and you might have to go a few places before you know what the best deal is.  Also keep in mind that the price is dependent on two things.  Only half of the cost is the actual windows.  The other half of the price is the installation.  Even should you do the installation yourself, you will have to pay for supplies and take the time to do it, which is definitely costly.  While you are still shopping get quotes from a few highly recommended handymen or contractors.  Or, if you are doing the installation yourself, go to the hardware store and figure out the cost of all the supplies you will need.  This should be added to the cost of the actual windows to determine if it’s within your budget.  If not, cheaper windows may be the easier way to bring down the cost.

Finding Cheap Replacement Windows

There are many reasons to replace your windows, but ultimately there is one reason for buying cheap replacement windows.  Most people are more willing to foot a top-dollar cost on other home improvement projects because it’s a single unit job.  Like a water heater or a stove, expensive but you only buy one.  But if you have twenty windows to replace, saving an extra $10 per window can make a big difference.

The number one way to find cheap replacement windows is to avoid name brands.  Traditional name brands like Andersen or Pella have higher prices than any other, even for the lowest end window styles.  If you can afford it, name brands are great.  They have a great reputation and can charge that high price for a reason.  But middle of the road windows will also suit just fine.

Try and buy common style windows whenever you can.  Double hung, casement and slider windows tend to be the cheapest.  Once you venture into the avenues of hexagons, circles or bay windows the price is going to jump quickly.  Also check the grade of window you’re buying.  Any window that says architectural grade is going to be very expensive.  Contractor grade windows work just as well and are nowhere near the others in price.

If you can, avoid buying at an authorized dealer.  This is not the place to find cheap replacement windows.  Authorized dealers are generally only selling one brand; this eliminates the competition of having other brands available.  Competition is what makes for low prices.  Another thing you should consider is whether you really need those special features.  Low-e coating or specialty hardware will cost more to have installed than to install yourself later.  Burglar latches should not be on this list, they should come with no cost from any replacement window company.

Materials are also something to look at when you’re looking for cheap windows.  Wood is probably the most expensive material.  Fiberglass is less expensive but vinyl is definitely the cheapest.  Vinyl windows are perfectly durable and can even be bought to resemble wood.  So do a lot of thinking before you decide to pay more on expensive materials, you might be able to do without it.  One little known fact is that almost any replacement window company out there will negotiate the price.  This is especially true if you are buying a large volume of windows at one time.  Usually all it takes is counter offering about 20% lower than the price you were quoted.  If it doesn’t work, move onto the next company.  You can save hundreds this way; it’s worth the effort.

Choosing Replacement Windows

With heating and cooling costs always on the rise, outdated windows can really create a dent in your budget.  If you find your windows are drafty and ultimately costing you money, its time to think about choosing replacement windows.  Not only will you add value to your home, you’ll save yourself money in the long run.  There are many styles and types to choose from, and all bring different advantages and disadvantages with them.

Clad windows give you the look of wood inside your home with the durability and quality of weatherproof aluminum on the outside.  They are the most expensive of the replacement windows but are really the best of both worlds.  Clad windows come in two options for the outdoor side, aluminum or vinyl.  Vinyl is wonderful for upper floor since they are nearly maintenance free.  They insulate better than most, so if you live in an extreme climate they will have the biggest impact.  Scratches don’t usually show since the color isn’t just on the surface, it penetrates all the way through the material.  Aluminum is better for mild climates since it doesn’t insulate as well as vinyl.  But they do outshine vinyl by a mile when it comes to being resistance to damage and overall durability.  They do need more maintenance, as scratches will usually need to be painted over.

Pure aluminum is also popular when choosing replacement windows.  Since they are not liable to split, warp, or shrink they are a good investment.  They are also lightweight, which is great for do-it-yourselfers.  The biggest disadvantage is that they are not good for insulation against condensation, so definitely not a proper choice for your beach house.

If you have unlimited funds on your quest for choosing replacement windows, you can’t get a much better option than steel.  They are mostly used in commercial projects and are very expensive.  But they are by far the most durable and resistant to weather than anything else.  Steel will outlast any other choice by many years.

Fiberglass windows are among the newest on the market.  Because of this your options for color, style of size may be more limited.  Despite this they outrank every material besides steel in terms of durability and overall quality.  If you have large windows fiberglass is your best choice.  They are especially capable of supporting very large panes of glass.  Even if you can’t find the right color, it can be painted without warping or peeling so feel free to invest with no reservations.

Regular vinyl windows are unlike clad windows because they are hollow inside, while stile being strong.  They are sturdy but keep in mind that they can warp in extreme heat or cold.  They are the most affordable choice and will certainly provide many years of quality for your home.

Remodel With Replacement Windows

Walk into any home improvement warehouse this week and you will find people scurrying about looking at different products to remodel their homes. Kitchen cabinets and counter tops are always a popular area, but where are you remodeling dollars best spent? Nothing dates a home like old windows. Replacement windows not only can update your homes appearance quickly, but the proper choice for replacement windows can begin to pay dividends immediately in energy costs.

Choosing replacement windows should begin with reaching the energy savings possibilities with each window manufacturer. Technology for window design has advanced significantly in recent years. Now not only can you choose replacement windows that are aesthetically pleasing to the eye, but very beneficial to your monthly energy budget.

The Government’s ENERGY STAR website labeled windows, doors, and skylights are twice as efficient as the average replacement windows manufactured just 10 years ago. They help cut your heating and cooling costs and can make your home more comfortable without compromising cost, comfort, versatility, or style.

These high-performing windows are available in virtually every window type, including single and double-hung, casement, horizontal slider, fixed, picture, and patio slider. Additionally they are manufactured and constructed with the most common frame materials, including aluminum, fiberglass, vinyl, and wood.

These Energy Star rated windows may qualify for tax credit benefits so it will serve you best to investigate and find out what qualifications must be met to receive the credit.

No doubt you will find cheap replacement windows in your shopping for windows. Cheaper is not always better with replacement windows. Remember energy costs will not be going down and it is best to consider your replacement windows as an investment in your home and in your future energy expenditures. High quality , Energy Star rated windows will also help with the resale value of your home, and one of todays most benefical home improvement ideas.