Although replacing your home’s old windows with new vinyl windows is beneficial to your home, it is a project that needs good planning. Well-installed vinyl replacement windows are very energy efficient, but if they are wrongly installed, these windows might fail to function well.
Energy efficiency can help you save a lot of money in the long run. The new windows also help improve your home’s curb appeal and increase its security and comfort. WindowTech Windows and Doors compiled the following tips to consider before buying vinyl windows. Take a peek.
Table of Contents
1. Go For a Style That Compliments Your Home
The style of window you choose will all depend on your preferences. However, besides taste and your home’s general look, the type of window you select should also be able to serve a particular purpose.
- Casement Windows
If you want a more expansive and unique view of your house, these are the best types of vinyl window to buy. They open up to 90 degrees, making it easy for them to clean.
- Awning Windows
These are good for ventilation, and they open up and outwards to let in air. They are also the best for blocking rain.
- Hung Vinyl Windows
You can get them as single or double-hung. These vinyl windows have tiltable sashes that make the window easy to clean. They are also good for ventilation. Single-hung windows come with one operable sash while double-hung windows come with two operable sashes.
2. Go for the Right Color
Before deciding on a specific one, explore the options of colors available. You can choose to choose an exterior cap-stock. This kind of color is durable and resistant to scratch. Water-based weather-resistant paints are commonly used. They add style and appeal to the window.
3. Look for Energy Efficiency in Windows
Your windows are responsible for energy efficiency in your home, so it is a crucial factor to consider. For energy efficiency, go for a window with double or triple glass panes filled with argon gas in between the panes, or a Lo-E. These properties help the window minimize heat transfer, meaning your house will retain most of its heat during winter and not let hot air in during summer.
4. Hardware
Most people overlook things like locks. For maximum security, ensure your vinyl windows have a multipoint lever lock and a crank. You can get them both in different colors like white and brushed brass, among others. You can also customize them into the color of your choice or to fit your theme.
5. Choose the Right Installation Method
If you don’t want to change the look of your home, choose a retrofit method. With this method, you install the new window in the existing frame, and it should fit well. The brick-to-brick installation method requires the installer to remove the old frame and install a new frame for the new window. This one is ideal if you want to change the look of your house entirely.
