Getting window replacement right takes a lot of considerations. You have a number of options available to you, after all, each offering something for you and your home to enjoy. This guide is here to help you sift through all your choices and zero in on the best one.
Window Style and Operation
Choosing window style is largely a personal preference, but it should also be taken as a design consideration that must be based on your home’s style and overall appeal. Popular window styles include:
• Casement. This type of window pivots on hinges attached to the side of the window frame, basically opening like a door. Usually taller than wide, casement windows provide top-to-bottom ventilation when opened, and seals completely when closed.
• Double Hung. Windows of this type slide up and down. Featuring a timeless design, double hungs offer a classic yet flexible look that makes them suitable for both traditional and contemporary homes.
• Sliding or Gliding. As they slide horizontally, sliding or gliding windows are very easy to operate with a slight push. They also typically feature expansive glass areas, allowing them to offer unobstructed views of the outdoors.
• Bay and Bow. Bay and bow windows essentially look the same but differ in the number of window panels they incorporate; bay has three while bow typically uses four or five. These windows make a room feel spacious because they have a lot of glass that lets in a lot of natural light, and jut out of exterior walls to physically create added space.
Framing Material
Wood used to be standard in windows. However, thanks to technological advancements, alternatives have been developed, not just building upon what makes wood windows great but addressing their flaws as well. These alternatives to wood as framing material include:
• Vinyl. Probably the most common and popular material today, vinyl is generally hailed for offering incredible value given its cost and the benefits it offers, like durability and ease of installation and maintenance.
• Aluminum. Like vinyl, aluminum is durable. Unlike vinyl, it resists heat better, helping reduce thermal transfer into a home.
• Fiberglass. Fiberglass too has incredible durability, which makes it last long. As a window frame material, it offers outstanding heat and cold resistance, making it a great choice for any kind of climate.
• Composite. If you really like the look of wood but don’t want to deal with its advantages, Fibrex, an example of composite framing material, may be what you’re looking for. Why? Composite material can be made to mimic the look of wood but is resistant to moisture damage and easy to maintain.
Glass
Low-emissivity glass is quickly becoming the standard for window glass because of its many benefits. Low-E windows reflect away unnecessary heat while letting in as much visible light as possible. However, they block ultraviolet light, helping prevent fading inside the home. Look for double-pane construction too for enhanced insulative properties.
Your choice of window style, framing material, and glass come together to bring you the perfect window replacement. This is why it’s important that you carefully go over each consideration.
Finding the right window is just the first step. To ensure quality window replacement, you have to ensure proper installation. More on that in Part 2 of this blog series!
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