The Basics of Window Replacement

Window replacement is a home improvement project that can bring an old, worn-out window back to life and improve its energy efficiency. It also allows you to customize the look of your home. But before you can start, it’s important to understand the process.

The first step is to measure the window opening, excluding any trim that may be attached to the frame. Measure from the outside edge of the frame to the inside edge, and use a tape measure to make sure you have accurate measurements. The shortest measurement will serve as the width of the window opening, and the longest measurement will be used to determine its height.

Once you have the correct measurements, you can order the window and have it installed by a professional contractor or certified dealer. The installation cost of a replacement window will depend on several factors including the size and style of the window, accessibility to the window opening, and overall complexity of the job.

Before installing a new window, remove all the blinds, shades, and curtains. This french entry doors will give you easy access to the existing windows, ledges and sills, and it helps protect the new windows from birds, weather, and animals. It’s a good idea to have the installers wrap these items in plastic.

Next, remove the exterior trim and glass ornaments on your old window. This will allow the new window to slide into place without a lot of disturbance.

If the old window frame, sashes, and side jambs are damaged or deteriorated, you might need to replace them all. This is usually more expensive than an insert or sash-replacement kit, and the installation can be messy. But it will result in a much more attractive window.

You can buy wood, vinyl, fiberglass, or aluminum clad window frames. Vinyl is a good option for single-family homes because it’s less expensive than wood, and it doesn’t rot or warp. However, it is not a recommended material for multi-dwelling buildings or for replacement windows in older homes because it’s not as strong as wood.

Whether you choose wood, vinyl, or aluminum-clad windows, it’s important to make an energy-efficient decision. Low emissivity coatings (Low-E), double-paned or triple-paned glass, and argon or krypton gas filled between panes can help reduce heating and cooling costs.

Finally, make sure you have a quality warranty that will cover the installation and replacement parts of the new windows. There are two types of warranties: lifetime and prorated.

In some states, homeowners can take advantage of incentives to install energy-efficient replacement windows. This can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your new windows.

The best way to find out if you qualify for these incentives is to check with your local energy office, and also the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE). It’s also helpful to know that most window companies offer a limited amount of rebates when a homeowner installs ENERGY STAR certified windows. For more information about this, visit: https://www.encyclopedia.com/literature-and-arts/art-and-architecture/architecture/window.