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When it comes to home improvements, one of the most overlooked areas of the home is windows.
Your home’s windows can add beauty to the exterior and create comfort inside the home.
Replacing windows can be a stressful time, so here’s what you need to know to get started.
Benefits of Window Upgrade
Most home builders choose the cheapest materials available on the market to satisfy the minimum requirements to pass an inspection.
Unless you are customizing a new construction, you can bet the windows in your home are no exception. This doesn’t mean they are of terrible quality.
This just means there is definitely room for improvement compared to what’s available on the market. Upgrading builder-grade windows can potentially:
- Lower your electric bill
- Offer increased security
- Boost curb appeal and increase the resale value
- Improve home ventilation and overall room temperature
- Block harmful UV rays that may damage your personal belongings in the home
If you look at window replacement as an investment, the benefits really add up over time.
At Central Exteriors, they help you find the best products to match your goals. They deliver the highest quality services at the lowest possible price.
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Window Materials
Windows come in a variety of materials each with its own features and benefits. Climate, budget, and personal preference will all play an important role when considering which material to choose for your window frame.
Wood Frame
A well-built wood frame offers great insulation and energy efficiency. They are extremely durable and boast a lifespan of over 50 years.
Wood is also an incredibly versatile decor option since you can paint it to match any style. However, the performance of wood frames can diminish over time since they are prone to warping and cracking.
Wood offers beauty, but at a steep price as one of the most expensive window frame options.
Vinyl Frame
Vinyl building materials have come a long way and have become one of the most durable, cost-effective materials on the market.
They are incredibly low maintenance while still offering the energy efficiency you are looking for.
They do not require sealing, staining, or painting. One of the major drawbacks of vinyl is that they do not offer the same customized look that other windows do.
Composite Frame:
Composite frames are essentially a blend of vinyl and wood. Because of this, you get the durability of vinyl with the aesthetic beauty of wood frames.
These frames are generally less expensive than wood but more expensive than vinyl.
However, since the material is still relatively new to the market, prices and quality vary by manufacturer.
Aluminum Frames
Aluminum frames have made a comeback since their popularity in the 1970s. Most homeowners use them to complement contemporary and modern decor styles with their sleek look.
Unfortunately, since they are made of metal, aluminum windows can trap a lot of heat.
This could create problems for homeowners living in climates with high temperatures.
Window Glass
Unless you live in older construction, it’s unlikely any of the windows installed are single pane (meaning only one sheet of glass in the frame).
So, when designing your windows, you will build them as a double or triple pane of glass, with spacers in between.
Space is commonly filled with argon gas to help insulate your home from heat and cold. The glass may also be covered with a Low-E coating.
This is a thin layer of metal oxide applied to the glass that reduces the amount of heat passing through the glass.
When you decide to replace your windows, the good news is you don’t have to do it all at once. If a whole-house replacement is overwhelming, consider doing one side of the house at a time.
When the project is complete, you will have windows that not only boost your curb appeal but improve your home’s interior, as well.
