Remodeling your home calls for picking the right windows. Here's how to get started.
Why You Should Replace Your Windows
One of the most important home improvement projects you can do to increase the value of your home are window replacements. Window replacements are a great exterior home improvement project that can boost the value of your home and your return on investment. They keep drafts from coming in the home, reduce noise from entering your home, and enhance the look of your property with attractive options.
Know Your Window Frame Options
Window frames offer a wide variety of aesthetic and functional features. There are many window frame options to choose from to get your window replacements project off to a great start. It’s important to get it right the first time too so that you can save on costs and time. Some of the most common window materials for frames include the following:
- Vinyl: This low-cost option is great for insulating the home. It's strong and durable and is resistant to rot, insects and moisture.
- Fiberglass: This maintenance-free option makes cleaning windows simple. It's a stronger frame option than vinyl and resists cracking, warping or rotting. The surface of fiberglass also makes it easy to paint over for a custom look.
- Wood: Wood offers a high-end appeal and is easy to paint or stain for a custom look.
- Aluminum: This frame option is very strong, which makes thin frames possible for a modern look. It also resists moisture, rot and insects for longevity. Aluminum frames provide extra space to include more glass for a contemporary appeal.
Choose a Window Type Designed for Efficiency and Curb Appeal
Choosing the right window type for your project can help improve your home’s curb appeal. There are also window replacements that are built for efficiency. Here are a few options to consider:
- Double hung windows
- Casement windows
Explore the Glass Options for your Replacement Windows
It’s vital to understand what solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and U-value. Both help to determine how efficient the window will be in the home. The U-value measures insulator efficiency of materials while the SHGC measures how much solar radiation passes through your windows. What is vital to remember is that higher SHGCs mean more shade while lower U-values mean more heat insulation. Therefore, it's important to know which window glass options achieve the heat and shade performance you need. There are several window controls that can help control how much heat and light that passes through the glass.
Here are some glass options to consider:
- Double pane
- Triple pane glass
- Heat mirror
Hire a Professional Window Installation Company
While the do-it-yourself style of home projects may work for small projects, seeking a professional help for installing your windows is vital to saving valuable time and money. It’s easy to make mistakes, but what’s not easy is trying to swallow the costs. Crooked or poorly framed windows could cause issues that can last for years. However, you can reach out to a professional window installation company for help. Ensure your window replacements are installed right the first time by hiring a reputable window installation company.
By replacing your windows, you can easily gain a return on your investment because it adds value to your home by boosting the property value. Spring is just around the corner, and window replacements are a great home improvement project to tackle. Whether you're remodeling the entire home or just your home office, it's important to install your windows correctly. You can get the expertise you need by enlisting the help of a professional window installer to take care of your window replacement needs.
The opinions and advice expressed here are not vetted by Team Dave Logan and you should always do your own research and due diligence prior to starting any project.
