Buying new windows can be a great choice for any home. Updated windows can not only look better on your home, but also provide increased energy efficiency, greater control over airflow and natural light inside your home, and boosted property value. If you’ve determined your home needs new windows, remember that the new windows you choose will likely stick around for many years.
If you want to make the most informed decision possible, there are four key questions you should ask your contractor before committing to a window replacement. As you browse through available window options, take time to ask the following four questions to help you make an informed decision.
“What can I expect in terms of quality?”
Windows from the leading manufacturers are well built and should last a very long time with proper upkeep. While you want to purchase windows that you find aesthetically pleasing, be sure to talk to your installation team about their recommendations in terms of quality. Take your time when browsing through the available options. Look for windows that not only offer the aesthetic qualities but also the performance you expect.
If you live in a home that has very little sun protection, it may be worth investing in windows that offer UV protection. Over time, sun exposure through your windows can not only influence the temperatures inside your home but also damage various surfaces. Overexposure to sunlight can cause paint to fade and damage furniture upholstery. If the sunlight is constantly increasing interior temperatures in your home, your home’s air conditioning system will need to work harder than it should to keep your home at your desired temperature.
An experienced window installation team will have the experience to determine the ideal windows for your home, whether you plan to replace existing windows or replace your windows and add new ones. High-quality windows can provide you with additional protection from severe weather, provide greater control over airflow and natural light, and will generally last much longer than cheaper windows.
“How energy efficient are these new windows?”
Energy efficiency is a major concern for many American homeowners. Monthly utility bills can fluctuate throughout the year for many different reasons, and one of the most commonly overlooked factors that may lead to higher than usual utility bills is window quality. If you have old windows with gaps in their frames, cracks in their panes, and other issues, it’s very likely that they are failing to keep the outside air temperature from influencing the temperature inside your home.
Ask your window installation team for their thoughts on energy efficiency. They can recommend windows with high energy efficiency ratings and help you choose new windows that meet your expectations in terms of energy efficiency and aesthetics. Window manufacturing has evolved tremendously in recent years, and it’s now much easier to get the style of windows you prefer with performance that ensures value.
You can also inquire about additional features such as UV protection and anti-glare finish to reduce the amount of sunlight that will filter through your windows. When it comes to your windows, they influence energy efficiency not only by the way they prevent outside temperatures from influencing the interior temperature, but also the amount of light they allow into your home. You can take advantage of natural light to cut down on energy consumption for interior lighting, and you can choose window coverings to ensure excessive sunlight isn’t driving up your energy costs when you don’t need the extra light.
“What should I expect from the installation process?”
When it comes to replacing windows in your home, it’s a good idea to plan to replace all of them at the same time. This ensures you can track the lifespan of your windows more easily, but you may prefer to replace them in stages in some cases. For example, if you have different styles of windows in different areas of your home, you may want to replace one type of window at a time.
The installation process will vary based on the number of windows you plan to replace, whether you’re adding additional window space, or if you are planning to install multiple types of windows throughout your home. Your installation team should be able to give you a rough idea of what to expect from installation prior to performing the work.
Depending on the time of year, your installation team may hang drop cloths or other temporary barriers inside the rooms where you’re replacing windows. These barriers can help prevent the outside air from influencing inside temperatures too severely during installation. The installation team should also place some type of protection down around each window opening to protect the floor as they remove your old windows and install the new ones. If they need to adjust the window openings, they may need to cut into the walls, and this process can create quite a bit of debris.
“What kind of warranty does the manufacturer offer?”
Warranty coverage is another important consideration for a new window purchase. Leading window manufacturers offer various types of warranties, and you’ll want to ensure the manufacturer of the new windows you choose will cover the various issues your windows could face in your area.
Read the warranty terms for your new windows carefully. Some will only apply for certain terms, such as 10, 20, or even 30 years. Some warranties will require you to pay a portion of replacement costs while others may fully cover replacement in certain situations. For example, some windows may offer lifetime coverage for glass but limited coverage for non-glass parts.
It’s also important to remember that most window warranties don’t cover accidental physical damage, natural disasters, or damage caused by airborne pollutants or abrasive cleaning products. Window warranties generally only apply with professional installation, so if your installation team makes any mistakes during the installation process, these issues could void your warranty coverage. At Able Roof, if your window fails to perform due to defective workmanship, window failure, or parts, we’ll fix it at no charge for the first 5 years. See details.
Choosing new windows shouldn’t be a chore. It should be a fun and engaging process that enables you to make informed and valuable decisions for your home. One of the most important parts of choosing new windows for your home is deciding on your installation team. Able Roof has extensive experience installing all types of windows on all kinds of homes, so get a free estimate on your window replacement job today and our team can help you choose the best windows for your home.
