How to Find the Right Window Replacement for Your Home

Window Replacement Ellicott City, MD is an important home improvement project that can save energy, add comfort and increase property value. But the process can be time-consuming and costly.

Some homeowners choose to replace their windows in stages, doing one room at a time to spread the cost and disruption. Others do nothing more than repair existing windows.

There are many different types of replacement windows on the market and finding the right one will depend on a variety of factors. The style and operating method of the window, how it will be used in your home, and what type of performance you need from it are all important considerations. The frame material and insulation of the window are also important factors in deciding on the best replacement window for your home.

The most common type of replacement window is a double-hung window. These are very versatile and can be adapted to almost any house style. These windows offer increased airflow and are easier to clean than single-pane windows. They can be opened in a way similar to doors, making them ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.

Another type of replacement window is a bay or bow window. These are perfect for adding a visual focal point to your home. This type of window can add a sense of depth and drama to your living space, while also increasing natural light and enhancing privacy.

Bay and bow windows can be installed in various positions within your home, allowing you to make the most of their unique shapes. They can be fixed in place, allowing them to open like traditional windows or they can be hinged at the side so that they may be opened outward. These windows are also available in a wide range of colors and materials, ensuring that you can find the perfect match for your home.

Full-frame replacement windows, also known as new construction windows, are designed to be installed during a building project or major home renovation. They have nailing fins that are nailed directly into the wall of your home, and are often used in new construction projects or extreme repairs when the existing structure is beyond repair.

Insert replacement windows, on the other hand, are designed to be installed into the existing frame of your home. This type of replacement window is ideal for upgrading your current windows, as it allows you to keep the existing trim and siding intact, and is generally a much faster installation process.

Replacement Window Materials

If you want to upgrade the look of your home or save on energy bills, the frame material that holds the glass is a key decision. Each material offers advantages and disadvantages that you need to weigh.

The best choice for traditional homes is wood, which is durable and can be stained to match your décor. Wood frames are also natural insulators, which will keep your home more comfortable year-round. However, they can require more maintenance than other types of frames because they are prone to moisture damage and mildew.

Another option is fiberglass, which is a strong and insulating material. Fiberglass frames are not real wood, but they can be made to look like it and may include options for stained or painted interiors. Fiberglass is available at a lower price than wood or aluminum and is easier to maintain.

Aluminum is another popular choice for modern styles, as it is strong and resists corrosion in harsh environments. Aluminum frames are not as good at insulating your home, but they are less expensive than most other materials.

Composite frames are another option that combines the strength of different materials to create a stronger product. Owens Corning has a line of composite windows called Generations, and Marvin offers a line of Integrity windows made from Ultrex, which is a mixture of fiberglass and polymer resin.

Some frames are better suited for certain styles of homes, and you should discuss your preferences with your window installer before making a final decision. For example, iron frames are very durable and can add a classic touch to any style of house, but they must be carefully maintained to prevent rust or oxidation. You should also consider the durability of the glass you choose, as well as its ability to reflect sunlight and heat from indoors. If you are concerned about energy efficiency, then double- and triple-pane glass is the way to go. These glasses are thicker than single-pane glass, so they are more effective at keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer.

Replacement Window Installation

Installing replacement windows takes skill and knowledge of proper installation techniques. While DIYers can take on this project, it’s often best left to a professional contractor to ensure your new windows look and work great. Improper installation can result in drafty windows and high energy bills. In fact, poorly installed windows can even damage your home’s wood frame and drywall.

A full-frame window replacement involves removing the existing glass and sash, as well as the interior casing and trim around the opening. The old frames are removed and the new sash and window frame are installed in the opening, usually using a bead of caulk to seal the gaps between the new frame and house wrap or sheathing. During the window replacement process, contractors will check for any damage or rot and may need to perform a “cutback” by removing a strip of sheetrock and/or a section of window stool in order to accommodate the new frame.

While full-frame windows are ideal for new construction, many homeowners opt for a retrofit installation instead. Designed to fit into existing openings, these windows are available in dozens of standard sizes and styles, and can be fitted into almost any old or new frame. To install the window, the old sash and aluminum tracks are first removed, which can be done by loosening the sash pulleys with pliers and pulling out the sash tracks. Next, the window is inserted into the opening and shimmed to ensure it’s level and plumb.

When the window is in place, it’s insulated and sealed, preventing drafts and improving energy efficiency. Foam or fiberglass insulation can be stuffed into the frame, and the sill and jamb extensions are caulked. Finally, the sash is reinstalled into the track and the sash lock is engaged.

Before the crew leaves for the day, they should walk through the scope of the job with you to make sure you understand the process and answer any questions. Afterward, they should clean up the work area and dispose of any leftover debris. They should also inspect the frame to make sure it’s straight and free of mold or mildew. It’s important to do this because a crooked window won’t open, close or lock correctly and can damage the surrounding framing.

Replacement Window Warranty

When purchasing replacement windows, it is important to find a company that offers a warranty you can trust. By delving into specifics of coverage, asking pivotal warranty questions, and adhering to maintenance guidelines, homeowners can secure lasting protection for their investment.

Warranty lengths vary, but typically fit into one of three categories; lifetime, limited lifetime, and timeframe warranties. Lifetime window warranties cover all aesthetic and functional parts of the window for a certain amount of time, limited lifetime warranties cover only specific parts or types of defects, and timeframe warranties are good for a set number of years.

A few key factors to look for in a warranty are the following;

Generally, a manufacturer’s warranty covers all parts of the window that will likely need to be replaced, including the vinyl sash frame and mainframe, moving parts, fiberglass screen and screen frame, and the insulated glass unit. Some manufacturers also offer a lifetime glass breakage warranty that covers the cost of replacing any cracked or chipped glass in the event of accidental breakage. This optional warranty can be added to the contract at the time of purchase.

In addition to the coverage, it is essential to find a company with a solid reputation for providing quality products and exceptional service. By researching customer reviews and industry certifications, finding out how long the company has been in business, and checking for proper licensing and insurance, homeowners can feel confident in their choice to work with a company that offers a comprehensive warranty.

Finally, it is important to check if a window company has a stipulation for transfer of the warranty to a new homeowner, especially when a home is sold in a short period of time after the installation. Some companies have a one-time transfer only while others allow transfer to any subsequent owner of the property for up to 20 years.

Window replacement is a substantial financial commitment for any homeowner, and it is important to find a company that will stand behind their products and services. By examining the details of each manufacturer’s warranty, asking the right questions, and adhering to maintenance guidelines, consumers can ensure they are getting a valuable product that will last a lifetime.