Renovation
7 Key Things You Should Know Before Replacing Your Home Windows
Replacing your home windows is equal parts exciting and anxiety-inducing. After all, there’s a lot involved in the window replacement process, and it, at times, can become overwhelming.
For this reason, it’s not something that you should go into unprepared. Before you replace your windows, you should know exactly what you’re getting yourself into.
Need help understanding? We have you covered. Here are 7 key things you should know before replacing your home windows.
1. New Windows Will Increase the Resale Value of Your Home
If you’re skeptical as to whether replacing your windows is the right decision, you should know that it’s not just an aesthetic and functional enhancement, but a financial one as well.
The simple fact of the matter is that adding new windows to your home will increase its resale value. In fact, some estimates show that you can get up to an 85% return-on-investment when adding new windows. So, if you installed $8,000 worth of new windows, you would be able to bump your selling price up by as much as $6,800.
This is particularly important to know if you plan on selling your home in the near future. You can get a little use out of your new windows, and then use them to optimize your selling price.
2. You Have a Number of Materials Available to You
Typically, when people think of residential windows, they think of wood and vinyl. While these two materials are certainly an option, they are far from the only options available. Other materials include fiberglass, aluminum, and composite, all of which have their own identity in terms of functionality and aesthetics.
Before you impulse buy on the first window you come across, you’re advised to read up on these different materials. After all, you’re going to have these windows for the next 20 to 40 years. You want them to be the right ones.
3. You Have a Variety of Styles to Choose From
When replacing your windows, you not only have a number of materials to choose from but a number of styles as well. So, while you have the option to install the standard hung, sliding, or casement windows, you are not limited to them.
For instance, perhaps you’d rather install awning windows? These windows open in an outward direction, forming a shape that is similar to that of an awning. In doing so, they repel rain while continuing to allow plenty of ventilation.
Or maybe you’d rather go with bay or bow windows? These are large decorative windows consisting of between 3 and 6 panes. They work terrifically in dining rooms, living rooms, and the like.
Other options to consider include picture windows, transom windows, and garden windows, to name just a few. Again, before you lay any money down, you should take a good look at your options.
4. There Are Many Signs That Windows Need to Be Replaced
While you obviously have the option to replace your windows as you please, you might rather wait until they’ve run their course functionally. If so, there are a number of signs to look out for indicating your windows have bitten the proverbial dust.
For example, one of the surest signs you need new windows is that they’re drafty. If you feel cold coming through them in the wintertime and heat coming through them in the summertime, they’re due for a change.
Another sign would be that they’re difficult to open and close. This problem occurs over time and while it can sometimes be repaired, it usually triggers a full replacement.
On the search for more bad-window symptoms? Read here to find them.
5. Adding New Windows Will Improve Energy Efficiency in Your Home
Window manufacturers are always going lengths to ensure that their products are of as high a quality as they can possibly be. As a result, windows are perpetually becoming more energy efficient.
What this means is that, by replacing your windows with new ones, you will almost undoubtedly improve the energy efficiency of your home. This is particularly true if you haven’t made a change in several decades.
Your windows will seal out heat and cold whilst also keeping heat and cold in. As a result, it will take some strain off of your heater and air conditioner. This, in turn, will save you money over time.
6. Your Installer Matters
So many people think of window installation as a simple process that anyone can complete. However, while you might be able to install your windows on your own, you should know that the skill and expertise of a window’s installer has a large impact on its overall efficacy.
For this reason, it’s recommended that you hire a professional window installation company to install your windows. Having professionals install your windows will maximize their duration, their efficiency, and their overall functionality. Over time, this decision will save you substantial amounts of money.
7. A Repair Will Sometimes Suffice
Thinking about replacing your windows for functional purposes? Maybe they’re sticking and not opening as easily as you would hope? While a replacement might be needed, there’s also a chance that a repair will suffice.
Unless you’re dead set on a change, we recommend bringing in a professional window specialist to assess the state of your windows. If they can be fixed with repairs, you’ll only have to pay for the repairs. If full replacements are needed, you’ll know without a shadow of a doubt and can move on with full confidence in your decision.
Learn More About Replacing Your Home Windows
Do you have more questions about replacing your home windows? Well, then you’re in the right place. Property Talk has all of the answers you seek.
Whether you’re looking for info on window materials, window maintenance, window repair, window replacement, or otherwise, our site has you covered.
