Get the facts about window replacement in the USA. From choosing the right materials to understanding costs, we’ve covered you with essential information.
When people want to improve their homes, changing their windows is very important. If your windows are old or not working well, or if you just want them to look nicer, it’s important to understand how to replace windows.
This guide has been carefully researched for you. It will tell you everything you need to know about existing window replacement in the USA. We’ll talk about the different types of windows you can choose from and the important things to think about before you decide.
After reading this article, you will know a lot about replacing windows. This will help you make smart choices to make your home look better and work better.
Table of Contents
Does Your Windows Need To Be Replaced?
Windows, like most things in a home, doesn’t last forever. People usually change their windows because they’re broken, hard to use, or just to make their homes look nicer.
If you think your windows need to be replaced, most contractors in Lansing will check them for free to see if they need to be fixed. Here are the most common reasons people get new windows:
Broken Windows: This includes cracks, chips, or if the frame is damaged, like if it’s bent or has dents.
Drafty Windows: If you feel cold air coming in through your windows, it might be time for new ones. Windows should help keep your home warm.
Hard to Open: Windows should be easy to open and close. If they’re not, they might need to be replaced.
Foggy or Dirty Glass: If your windows are foggy, it might just mean they’re dirty. But it could also mean there’s a bigger problem, like a broken seal.
If your windows have any of these problems, it’s probably time to get new ones.
Energy Efficient As An Important Factor In Replacement Windows
Keeping a home warm in the winter and cool in the summer can use a lot of energy and cost a significant amount of money each year. Studies show that up to one-third of the energy (energy efficient windows) used to heat and cool a home can be lost through poorly insulated windows and doors.
Reducing the loss of energy through windows can make a big difference in how much is spent – and saved – on home energy bills.
That’s why it’s important to have replacement windows made of materials that create an effective thermal barrier to prevent “energy transfer” between the home and outside weather conditions.
Quality replacement windows feature insulating frame materials, high-quality seals, and multiple panes of low-E (low emissivity) glass. A quality window will have the NFRC test results on a label affixed to the window. You will find it on the Sunrise Replacement Windows installed by Hi-Tech Windows & Siding.
Every Sunrise replacement window installed, regardless of style or size, includes the essential elements of an energy-efficient window.
The windows have high-density vinyl windows frame for rigidity and insulation value, low-E glass packages with sealed edges to prevent thermal transfer, and weatherproof seals to prevent air infiltration. All windows are custom fit for the home and professionally installed to be snug and cozy.
How Do You Choose Windows For Your Home?
Choosing new windows for a house might seem tricky, but it’s easier when you break it down into four things to think about: what the windows are made of, what style they are, how energy-efficient they are, and how much they cost.
Window Frame Materials
Most windows are made of one of three materials: vinyl, wood, or fiberglass. Vinyl is the most popular material, accounting for about 75% of all windows sold.
It comes in many colors, so you can match it to your home’s style. Vinyl replacement windows are also energy-efficient and weather-resistant, making them durable in the short term.
If you want to match the existing windows wood trim on your home’s interior, choose wood windows frames. However, if durability is your main concern when looking at replacement window options, fiberglass windows (also known as composite windows) will typically last the longest.
Windows Types
There are a few different types of replacement windows that can be installed in a house. Double-hung windows are the most popular choice. These windows are designed to tilt into the house, making them easy to clean without needing a ladder or stool.
Sliding glass doors are wider but shorter than double-hung windows and can also be a good option depending on what you need. Lastly, crank-out windows are worth considering because they can fit into different openings and are also the most energy-efficient choice when buying replacement windows.
Glass Package
When choosing a window, the glass package is the most important part. If you want a window that saves energy, it’s recommended to choose low emissivity coatings (Low-E), double-paned or triple-paned glass, and have argon or krypton gas filled between the panes.
These features help keep your home warm in winter by letting heat in and cool in summer by reflecting heat away, which saves you money on heating and cooling costs.
Your Budget
Opting for less expensive materials or styles when figuring out the cost of replacing Energy Star Certified windows might seem like a good idea. However, it’s important not to cut corners when it comes to the glass. Choosing a good Low-E coating can save you money over time and make your home more energy savings.
Important Terms To Know
To conduct thorough research and talk intelligently to a window professional, it’s helpful to understand some key terms. Here are a few important terms to know as you begin your window replacement journey:
Window Styles
Single Hung: On a single-hung window, the top part stays still and cannot be opened. Only the bottom part can move to open or close the window.
Double Hung: A double-hung window has two parts that can be opened separately. Both parts slide up and down in tracks in the frame. They stay in place because of friction, counterweights, or springs.
Slider Windows: Slider windows are easy to open and close. They let in the air like single or double-hung windows, but you slide them sideways to open and close them.
Casement: A casement window has a hinge on one side. This hinge lets the window open like a door, swinging either to the left or to the right.
Bow & Bay Windows: A bay window has a large center window with two smaller windows on the sides. It sticks out from the wall. A bow window also sticks out, but it is made of four or more windows that are the same size, giving it a curved shape.
Construction
Pane: This is the glass part of the window. You can choose one, two, or three layers of glass.
Frame: The frame is the part of the window that holds the glass in place. It doesn’t move. Frames can be made of different materials like vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum, clad, or wood.
Muntins: These are bars that make patterns on the window. They are like the window’s decoration.
Sash: The sash is the part of the window that opens and closes. It holds the glass. It doesn’t move like the frame does.
Window Installation Options
Having a professional install your windows is just as crucial as selecting the right type. Incorrect window installation often leads to windows failing early.
To make sure your best replacement windows last a long time and work well, they need to be installed perfectly. Even though do-it-yourself options might seem attractive, incorrect installation will ultimately cost you more.
Conclusion
Before a professional window installer arrives, homeowners should take down any curtains or blinds from their windows. This helps the installer access the inside to set and caulk the windows. To give installers space to work, move any furniture at least 3 feet away from the windows.
Also, clear any valuable items around the windows. If you found this information helpful, share this post with others. If you have more questions, feel free to comment below.
FAQs
What is the difference between a new window and a replacement window?
Replacement windows are like puzzle pieces that fit into the old window frame. New construction windows need the old frame to be taken out before putting in the new window.
How much does Windows USA cost?
Getting new windows usually costs about $700 per window. However, the price can be anywhere from $671 to $1,387 for each window, including the materials and the work to install them.
What is the lifespan of replacement windows?
Residential awning windows typically last between 15 to 30 years. If you take good care of them, they might even last longer than 20 years. But when your windows get close to being 20 years old, it’s a good idea to start thinking about getting new ones.
