5 Things you must know about residential window replacement

5 Things You Must Know About Residential Window Replacement

Posted by Danny Peterson on Wed, Jul 10, 2013

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It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re dealing with residential window replacement. You want to make sure the choices you make provide the best value possible, while also ensuring that the new windows blend in seamlessly with the rest of your home. Combining aesthetics and energy saving abilities is certainly no easy feat. If you’re a homeowner who is focused on saving money on your monthly energy bills while also keeping your property looking sharp, here are some tips to consider:

#1 Know The Markings

Residential windows come with a variety of labels that explain that particular window’s energy efficiency. As you browse for new windows for your home, you should look for the energy label from the National Fenestration Rating Council, which promotes energy efficiency standards around the country. It’s also important to understand terms like R-values, U-factors, and low-E coatings. Inefficient windows account for about 30 percent of the loss of the house’s heating and cooling energy, making selection of energy efficient windows a must. It’s wise to consult with a professional in order to make sure you understand exactly what the various symbols mean, thus allowing you to make the best choice for your house.

#2 Look For Extra Panes

Windows that are triple-paned are more energy efficient and are a strong investment in the long run. Though they may be slightly pricier during the initial residential window replacement process, they end up paying for themselves over time as you save money on your energy bills. These kinds of windows usually have some sort of gas between the panes, like argon or krypton, which ensures better insulation.

#3 Keep Safety Codes In Mind

There are some regulations that a homeowner must follow when it comes to residential window replacement, and it’s important to learn and understand these rules. For example, you should use tempered glass in a window that is adjacent to a door or inside a shower or bath. This kind of glass breaks into small, dull pieces should it get broken, thus protecting a resident from sharp and dangerous glass chards that can cause serious injury.

#4 Focus On Fit

Even the most energy efficient windows won’t work if they don’t fit properly. You need a little extra room for shimming and insulating, but every small crevice must get filled in with insulation. In order to see if your new windows are allowing drafts in, hold up a candle next to the window and see if it flickers.

#5 Invest In New Trim

It’s worthwhile to invest extra money in new trim as you put new windows into place at home. Window trim that is not replaced is subject to damage; also, trim that doesn’t match the windows can cause the home to take on a disjointed look.

Proper installation is a crucial part of a successful window replacement for any home. An attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the process is a must in order to ensure that the finished product blends in with the rest of the home and doesn’t let energy seep out. In order to ensure that you’re selecting windows that will save you money on your energy bills while helping the house to look fresh and well cared for, it is often beneficial to work with a professional throughout the residential window replacement process.
At the same time, it is also important to partner with a home improvement contractor who not only understands your goals, but also one who respects your budget and your timeline. Ask for referrals from trusted family and friends and before signing on the dotted line for your residential window replacement project, make sure you check out online reviews. You want to make sure you choose a home improvement contractor you can trust.

Photo by: NAVFAC

Tags: residential window replacement, window replacement

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