Key Factors to Consider When Installing New Windows
With more natural light being one of the things people look for in modern homes, replacement windows have become one of the smartest upgrades a homeowner can make due to their high return on investment. However, choosing new windows for your home is not as simple as pointing at pictures in catalogs. Windows are a long term investment, and you don't want to make a decision you'll regret for many years to come. To ensure that you get windows that meet your needs, these are some of the considerations you need to make.
Aesthetic quality
How the windows you install look on your home will have a huge impact on how satisfied you are with your purchase. You want windows that not only blend in with the overall design of your home but also compliment it. First of all, you need to choose the right style of windows that suits your home, such as casement windows if you have a ranch-style home or sliding windows if you have a contemporary home. While the exterior aesthetic of your windows is vital, you must not forget about the interior appeal. Consider key elements like proportion and the shape of your space so that you choose window designs that balance perfectly with the walls, floors, and ceilings.
Energy efficiency
The energy efficiency of your windows is important not only from the perspective of saving money on energy bills but also for promoting environmental sustainability. Windows are made up of different components like the glass, frame, and hardware, all of which need to work together to provide substantial protection from heat loss or heat gain. For example, a window frame that uses timber or uPVC provides better thermal performance than standard aluminum windows. Good weather seals also prevent air from entering or leaving your home through cracks and gaps around frames and sashes. The two most important things to look out for are the U-factor, which measures a sustainable window's insulating qualities, and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), which measures how well windows can decrease heat gain inside your home.
Materials used
The materials used to make the window frames and sashes will affect the cost, performance, and durability of your windows. You have a few options when it comes to window frame materials; aluminum, vinyl, fiberglass, and traditional wooden frames are the most common ones. Each material has its pros and cons. For example, wooden frames look great, but they are expensive and can easily get destroyed by rotting or ants. Vinyl is cheap, but it cannot take a coat of paint.
Type of glass
Advancements in technology have also expanded the window glass options that are available today. Besides choosing between double-pane, triple-pane, or even quadruple-pane glass, you can also choose the distance between panes. The more the space between panes, the more the argon gas used, which translates to more insulating power. You can also go for impact-resistant glass especially if you have young kids that are always throwing things on the windows when they are playing outside. The beauty of impact-resistant glass is that it holds up beautifully under extreme weather and while it may crack when stuck, it won't shatter and spread sharp glass shards all over your home.
Windows play a key role in aesthetics, security, comfort, and energy efficiency in your home. Since new windows are expected to serve you for up to two decades, you need to do your homework before choosing the right windows to avoid headaches later on.
