Window replacement is among the most cost-efficient improvement projects homeowners can invest in. However, to fully make the most of this project, you should first learn about certain important aspects. Doing so assures you’re investing in the right choices, ensuring you’re getting the best products for your home and hiring the right professionals to do the job.
In this post, you’ll learn about the answers to questions many homeowners typically ask about window replacement, such as:
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What is a Replacement Window?
A replacement window is as its name suggests: a window designed to replace an existing unit in a home. They are different from new construction windows in that they are ideally custom-fit and manufactured to ensure a good fit in an existing frame. Essentially, a replacement window is designed to be placed within a window opening, while a new-construction window requires a new opening to be made to accommodate it.
Replacement windows are best custom-sized and made-to-order to make sure that it fits in your property without disturbing or changing other elements in your home, particularly the structural aspects.
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Why Should I Replace My Home’s Windows?
There could be a number of reasons why you would need to replace your old windows. This could include:
- Improved aesthetics. Who would want to look at old, tainted, foggy, and dilapidated windows, right? Old and damaged windows are unappealing in appearance, making your home look unkempt and neglected. By replacing your windows, you can improve the look of your home, both on the outside and inside.
- Increased energy efficiency. Today’s windows are equipped with energy efficiency features that are difficult to ignore. Renewal by Andersen windows, for instance, have low-emissivity glass that provide outstanding resistance to heat absorption. This means your windows will not let in unnecessary heat during summer, preventing your cooling system from working double time. Conversely, low-E glass will keep warmed indoor air from escaping your home, allowing for lower heating costs in winter.
- Enhanced overall comfort. Energy-efficient windows help make a home comfortable all year because of their insulation abilities. They keep the heat out during summer, and indoors during winter. They do these without compromising visible transmittance, too.
- Higher home resale value. Even if you don’t have any plans of selling your home soon, wouldn’t it be nice to know that replacing your old windows can actually increase your property’s value? This is because home buyers appreciate the idea that they won’t have to replace windows themselves after moving in and that they are getting a property with energy efficiency features.
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What is low-emissivity (low-E) glass?
The “e” in low-E stands for emissivity, which is a surface’s ability to radiate or emit heat. Low-E glass is a type of glass fitted with a microscopically thin, invisible layer of metallic oxide directly onto its surface.
When a low-E coating is applied on the outer side of the glass, it reflects UV and infrared rays from the sun, keeping both from entering the home. When the low-e coating is applied on the inner side of the glass, it bounces heated indoor air back to the home, preventing energy wastage.
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What is Fibrex?
Fibrex is a sustainable composite framing material exclusively used by Renewal by Andersen. As a composite framing material, it combines the strength, elegance, and insulative ability of wood and the ease of maintenance of vinyl.
Reclaimed wood fibers and PVC polymers is a combination and composition unique to Fibrex, making it one of a kind. Renewal by Andersen offers extensive warranties where Fibrex windows are used, backing up the material’s structural integrity and reliability.
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How Much Can I Save on Utility Costs When I Replace My Windows?
All this talk about energy efficiency is great, but how much can you really save when you replace your windows? This will depend on certain factors including the features and composition of your existing windows that will be replaced, as well as your overall lifestyle and energy usage.
Generally, however, you can expect to save as much as 40% on energy costs when you replace your old windows with energy-efficient ones such as those from Renewal by Andersen.
Getting new windows doesn’t have to overwhelm when you have all the information you need to make sense of the process. Whatever replacement windows you get, however, make sure you’re working with a reputable window contractor in your area to ensure the project’s success and make the most of your investment. Should you have any questions or concerns, your window contractor should be more than willing to provide you with the clarifications you need.
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Author Bio:
BJ Stucki is the sales and marketing director for Renewal by Andersen of Portland. When he’s not helping homeowners find the perfect window solutions they need in the field, he shares his extensive knowledge of the industry through the company blog. Check it out for updates from BJ!
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