Windows are an important part of your home. Along with their many benefits, they also add aesthetics to your place and tie the house together. Installing windows is a major undertaking—a costly and potentially life-changing decision. Windshields, glass, and frames need to be matched exactly to the existing window openings.
Choosing a new window is an expensive project that requires careful consideration on all fronts: aesthetics, construction quality, energy efficiency, and the possibility of increased home value. When a family makes a switch from a single pane of glass to double or triple-pane windows or even vinyl windows, they can save considerably on their heating bill as well as leave fewer pollutants in the environment by reducing energy consumption overnight. Whether you’re buying windows for a new house or replacing the old ones, here are some options to choose from.
1) Double-pane
The double-pane window is a relatively economical choice that comes in many custom styles. Double-pane windows offer increased insulation, better sound control, and an enhanced safety factor compared to single-pane glass or vinyl. This type of window is ideal for homes with moderate climates—a concern due to the increased cost of heating over time—and can provide energy savings during hot summer months as well as provide protection against the cold. These windows tend to be more expensive than their single pane cousins and may not be appropriate for homes in cooler climates.
2) Triple-pane
Triple pane windows provide even more insulation, better sound control, and an enhanced safety factor compared to the double-pane option. It is rightly called the “king of windows” because of its energy efficiency. On average, a triple-pane window can save up to 50% of heating and cooling costs in a home. If you’re looking for a window replacement, you may want to consider this. Moreover, triple-pane windows are usually very durable when compared to double panes. Triple panes are usually more expensive than double-panes because of the extra expense of the rollers used to install them.
3) Glass
The traditional glass window is beautiful and can turn out to be the best option for your home. However, you have to be careful as many times, glass windows are installed incorrectly and require a significant amount of maintenance. More often than not, it is necessary to replace a single pane window with a double-pane one to make sure that prying hands or scrapers can’t break into your home and steal valuables.
4) Vinyl
Vinyl windows are the ideal environmentally friendly option for homeowners who want to enhance both their aesthetics and their energy efficiency. Keep in mind that these windows may respond to temperature fluctuations.
Some Preparation Tips While Installing New Windows
Before you begin to work, make sure that you know exactly what you are getting yourself into. There are a few questions that every homeowner should be able to answer before choosing a window replacement company.
The first question to ask is whether or not your window openings are larger than the new windows. New windows can be installed in standard-size openings, but if the opening is smaller, it will not be able to accommodate the new windows properly. Since this is a major safety factor, it’s best practice to consult with an expert before making any decisions about your new windows.
