Connect with us

Renovation

7 Tips on New Window Installation for Homeowners

windows

According to IBIS World, “over the five years to 2019, Window Installation industry revenue is expected to increase at an annualized rate of 2.4% to total $4.9 billion.”

A 5 billion dollar industry is nothing to sneeze at. The latest advancements in technology have created new window options that can improve every aspect of their performance.

Whether you want to maximize durability, usability, looks, or energy savings, these tips can make sure you find the right option during your next new window installation.

7 New Window Installation Tips

1. Window Frames

The materials available for window frames vary extensively in terms of cost and performance.

Aluminum is the cheapest option you’ll be able to find. Unfortunately, there’s a reason it’s so cheap. Aluminum is a very poor insulator, so you’ll be paying for those cheap windows through your energy bills for years to come.

On the other hand, aluminum can make a great choice for a garage or storage unit window. Anywhere that doesn’t need to be temperature-controlled can benefit from efficient aluminum frames.

Vinyl is the next cheapest option, and unlike aluminum, vinyl is an excellent insulator. On top of that, vinyl window frames can last for decades. They are resistant to mold, mildew, and corrosion.

So what’s the catch? There really is none; vinyl frames are a great product. On the other hand, many people prefer the look of wood frames.

Wood frames are more expensive, but there’s no beating their classic look. On the other hand, they don’t last quite as long as vinyl frames.

Composite window frames combine the best of wood and vinyl frames. Composite frames are made of the same materials as vinyl, but mixed with particleboard or laminated lumber to imitate the classy look of wood frames.

Like vinyl frames, composite window frames last for decades and resist mold and mildew. They’re far more expensive than vinyl.

2. Pane Selection

Your windowpane selection will affect how energy efficient and how soundproof your windows are.

Advertisement

Whatever type of glass you use, you can choose between single, double, and triple panes.

Naturally, the more panes you use, the more expensive the window is going to be. Also, the more panes you use, the more soundproof and the more energy-efficient windows you’ll enjoy.

The best glass for windows depends on what you’re looking for. Special energy-efficient glass can help lower your energy bills, saving you hundreds of dollars per year.

Tempered glass, on the other hand, is a great choice for bathrooms. If accidentally broken, tempered glass will crack, but won’t shatter and scatter across the floor like other types of glass will. That makes it a go-to choice for the safety-concerned.

3. Window Design

Once you have your window frames and window panes picked out, you’re going to have to decide what design of window you want. Window design is all about functionality and looks.

Picture windows can contribute to a picturesque setting and let light into the house. However, they don’t open, so they provide no ventilation benefits.

Window types that don’t open can be much larger than windows that do open. Because the glass just has to sit in one place and no one ever needs to be able to move it, you can even install huge, long windows that fill your rooms with light.

On the other hand, one of the reasons we get windows is so they open, right? Single and double-hung windows are some of the cheapest and most popular window designs that open.

Both types are made of two panes that are hung in two sashes. On single hung windows, one sash moves to let in air. On double-hung windows, both sashes can open.

Casement windows are another popular option. A casement window swings open to allow airflow through the entire space of the window. They’re a great choice that combines ventilation and affordability.

Sliding windows are another popular option. Sliding windows have a little of the “best of both worlds” dynamic to them. Since the bottom of the window always rests against the inside of the wall, they don’t have to support their own weight like casement or hung windows.

This means that sliding window styles can be far larger than casement or hung windows. This larger size allows you to enjoy more illumination and ventilation. Sliding windows require an extra-tight seal, so make sure to find quality window installers whatever your selection.

Advertisement

4. Follow Local Neighborhood Rules

Keep in mind that your neighborhood may have certain requirements for window choice. For example, some older, “classic” neighborhoods all have wood window frames. In order to have the same style in all the houses in the neighborhood, these neighborhoods may have laws that require everyone to keep wood window frames.

Even if it’s not required by law, make sure to think about how your windows will fit in with the neighborhood style. Whether you want to stand out or fit in, you’ll need to pay attention to what kind of windows your neighbors have.

5. Enjoy Windows Matching Your Rooms

Usually, we’re stuck with our windows the way they are and we have to design different room styles to harmonize with our windows. If a beloved furniture item clashes stylistically with the window, there’s not much we can do.

Replacing your windows is the one time you can design your windows to fit your room, and not your room to fit your windows. Take advantage of it!

6. Consider Repair Options

If you’re looking to replace windows because they are broken, keep in mind that repair jobs usually cost roughly half as much as a replacement job.

7. Account For How Long You Intend to Live At This House

Vinyl may last up to 40 years, but if you’re only going to be in the house for 10, that may not matter to you. Keep in mind how long you’ll be at your current house when you’re selecting the right windows for you.

Keep Your House Looking Its Best

We hope you learned something helpful about new window installation. To learn more about managing and beautifying homes, check out our other pages!