People spend thousands of dollars to make their home look fantastic and feel comfortable. Most probably, you have also invested a huge amount in remodeling your kitchen or bathroom. No doubt, all home improvement projects add value to your home and increase your level of comfort. However, of all such projects, one of the most important, yet often neglected, is windows replacement.
Most people don’t even realize the function windows perform and this result in ignoring their maintenance. Failing to maintain your windows will cause problems such as leaking water, rotten frames, and damaged hardware. And when this happens you need to either repair or replace your windows.
If your windows have completed their lifespan, it’s best to replace them. Investing in replacement windows is a great way to improve the beauty, value, and comfort of your home. However, choosing the right type of replacement windows is one of the toughest decisions you’ll have to make for your home.
Before making this investment, you need to consider the different style, material, energy efficiency, maintenance, and functionality of each type of windows. This means in order to make a well-informed decision, you need to do some homework. So, here’s what you need to know before you make this investment.
- Choosing the Right Style
When it comes to replacing your windows, you don’t need to stick with your same old window style. You should research about new styles that may work best for your home. Find windows that can solve the issues that you have faced with your older windows such as difficulty to operate or clean. There are numerous types of windows that offer some amazing features. For instance, if you’re looking to improve the ventilation of your home, you should better look for casement or awning windows. However, make sure that the style you choose matches your home’s overall theme.
- Check Energy Ratings
One of the major reasons for replacing windows is improving the energy efficiency of your home. The windows of your home play a vital role in reducing your energy cost by preventing air leakage. As such, when looking for replacement windows you need to consider the energy ratings of the products. For best possible results, go for windows with double or triple panes. Moreover, choose a durable material which is easy to maintain and moisture resistant. Make sure the windows you choose fit snugly so that there’s no air seepage. It is necessary that you understand what energy ratings mean so that it becomes easier to pick the right product. There are many benefits of investing in Energy Star rated windows. In addition to making your home comfortable, these windows can also bring you tax benefits.
- Functionality
At the time of selecting windows, don’t make a final decision based on the lowest price or aesthetics only. The windows you choose should also be functional to meet your long-term needs. For instance, if your room has little space for window operation, then hinged windows might not be best for you. This is because these windows require more space to open. So, it’s better to look for windows that have a compact design such as double-hung or sliding windows. Also, if you’re looking for a window that gives you unobstructed view and ventilation is not your concern, go for picture windows.
- Installation Is As Important As Choosing Right Products
Most people focus all their attention on choosing the best type of windows. Obviously, it’s vital to pick the right products but the proper installation of windows is equally important. To avoid repair costs in the future, you need to find a reputable windows company that can skillfully install your windows. Make sure the installer is a licensed professional who is trained to perform this job.