Why to replace windows?
I've heard people ask, "Why would I want to replace perfectly good home windows?" My answer is always the same, "Are you really sure your windows are perfect?"
Just because the wind doesn't blow the curtains around doesn't mean they are perfect. In a well insulated home, the greatest amount of heat loss is through the windows. There are two reasons for that: 1. There are generally a lot of windows in each home 2. Most homes only have single pane windows. But there are several reasons for getting new windows.
Energy Saving
With double pane windows you can reduce your utility bills dramatically. With triple pane windows, the heat loss through the windows will be reduced by an average of 50%. Dead air spaces in the windows helps reduce heat loss and with triple pane windows there are two dead air spaces in each window. The dead air spaces capture most of the heat coming in through the windows in the summer time to help reduce cooling costs, also.
Added Security
The old style wooden windows were actually very easy to gain access through for burglars. It was very simple to unlock them from the outside, so there was no need to break the glass and risk being heard by neighbors. New windows today have a much more complex locking system making it very difficult for burglars to gain entry without breaking the glass. And when you have to break through two or three windows the chances of being heard are greater, increasing the risk of being caught.
Easier Cleaning
The old wooden windows were a pain to clean. You had to clean the inside of the window then go outside to clean them again. And that was just the downstairs windows. For second and third story windows you needed a ladder to clean them. And that is always dangerous. With new windows you clean the inside then unlock and swing the window in to clean the outside portion. No need for going outside or for a ladder. Cleaning them is a breeze.
Nicer Appearance
Remember how the wooden windows used to rot after a few years and you had to replace either the window or the casing? Not anymore. New windows are actually much more pleasant to look at.
Increases Home Value
By replacing your old windows with new ones, you can drastically improve the resale value of your home. If you are thinking of selling your home, consider replacing the old windows, if you haven't already, and you could recoup up to double the cost of replacing them. New windows today are more cost efficient, easier to maintain, bring added security to your home, esthetically more pleasing and they raise the property value of your home. There are few sensations better than the knowledge you have not only increased the value of your home, but also reduced the need for maintenance.
Window Types
Looking for information on home window types, let us help you with our guide to home window types. We'll describe for you the different window
types for your home to aide you in that final decision of what type is right for you.
Casement Windows
Casement windows are swinging, crank windows. They swing from the side and typically in an outward fashion, however, they can be designed to swing inward. They are operated with a crank mechanism rather than a push open or pull open method like most other windows.
Double hung Windows
Double hung windows are the most commonly used type of windows. They open either by pushing the bottom sash up or pushing the top sash down and when partially opened will stay in place. With double hung windows the sashes of the window not only slide down or up but also opens inward and outward allowing for easy and convenient cleaning especially on upper floors of the house.
Sliding Windows
Sliding windows are exactly what their name implies. They slide open similar to how a patio door slides open, however, unlike a patio door that opens from both sides a sliding window has one fixed side and one sliding side.
Hopper Windows
Hopper windows are more commonly used in basements. They are similar to a casement window in that they are hinged but instead of hinges on the side and opening out they are hinged on the bottom and open inward from the top.
Awning Windows
Awning windows are similar to hopper windows with the exception that they are hinged on the top instead of the bottom and swing open from the bottom outward instead of from the top inward. Awning windows typically have a crank or some other similar mechanism that is important in keeping the window open in the event of high wind where without the crank they would slam shut.
Fixed Windows
Fixed windows are exactly that, fixed. They are not hinged, they do not open in any way so they do not offer any kind of ventilation whatsoever. Fixed windows are by far the least expensive of all windows because they do not require any hardware. They also offer the best seal and therefore are the most energy efficient of windows.
Bay or Bow type Windows
Bay windows have multiple panels that extend beyond the wall of your home. They are great for creating the illusion of a larger area in a small space. Commonly bay windows have a fixed center window and casement windows on the sides so you have the choice of having a bay window that can be opened for air and ventilation.
