How to Choose the Right Replacement Window for Your Home
If your windows are old, worn or you’ve noticed issues with energy efficiency, it may be time to replace them. Adding new windows can be a great way to add beauty, value and energy-efficient features to your home.
There are many replacement window options to choose from. These include sash kits, insert replacements and full frame replacements.
Sash Kits
If you are replacing your sash window, a sash kit may be the best solution for you. Sash kits are very easy to install and typically include the sashes, jamb liners, and glass.
Sash kits can be manufactured in a wide range of styles and materials, including wood, aluminum clad and vinyl. They feature double pane insulated Low-E glass, UV protection and muntin (grilles) patterns.
They also provide a tilt-out sash capability for ease of cleaning and maintenance. They are typically less expensive than full replacement windows and offer immediate energy savings.
To install a sash kit, you must first dislodge the old sash from the frame. This is accomplished by pushing up on the sash on one side and then lowering the sash toward the other side until the two metal tabs come loose.
Insert Replacements
Warren Window Insert window replacements, also called frame-in-frame replacement or pocket windows, are often a good choice for older homes. They are less expensive and easier to install than full-frame replacements and can preserve existing interior trim.
Inserts are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, including single-hung, double-hung and picture windows. They offer many advantages, including energy efficiency and moisture/leakage resistance.
However, there are a few pre-requisites that will determine whether or not they are a good option for your home. If the existing wood frame of your windows is in poor condition then you will probably need to choose a full frame replacement instead of an insert.
To install an insert replacement window, first measure the existing opening exactly as the manufacturer instructs. Then, order a unit that is about 1/8 inch shorter and narrower than the opening. Proper sizing is critical, so consult with the window specialist at your home center.
Full Frame Replacements
A full frame replacement involves removing your existing windows and installing a new one in their place. This approach is a little more intense than pocket window replacement but will give you the best chance of maximizing glass area and opening energy efficiency.
When you choose a full frame replacement, your old windows are completely removed down to the studs along with interior and exterior trim, and in some cases, siding. This ensures that any hidden issues like water damage, wood rot, or poor installation are revealed during the process.
Often, this will reveal areas that may have been overlooked before and allow your old windows to be repaired. This will help to mitigate the impact of these issues on your home in the future.
Full-frame window replacements are a great option for all types of windows, especially those that have visible signs of rotting wood or are older. They also help you to maintain a uniform look throughout your home while minimizing any disruption on the exterior of your house.
Contact Us
The team at Signature Window & Door Replacement will be happy to help you with any replacement window issues. Our home window experts will take accurate measurements to ensure that your new windows fit perfectly.
A number of common problems homeowners have with their current windows are broken glass, condensation on the exterior and interior surfaces, and a temperature difference between the inside and outside. These can indicate that the seal is broken and will need to be replaced with a hermetic one.
Getting your home windows replaced will also solve any issues you may have with noise pollution from traffic, which can be difficult to ignore when your windows are leaking. Additionally, a moisture leak can cause damage to your floors, drywall, and ceilings if it is left unchecked.
This company has done a great job of providing varied contact options on their ‘Contact Us’ page, including email, phone numbers, and a live chat option for when customers need fast response time. It is also easy to use, with a simple form that allows visitors to filter out what they are looking for so that they can get the answer they need as quickly as possible.