When old windows sag, let in drafts and don’t open easily, it’s time to replace them. Fortunately, you can do it without disturbing the interior moldings or exterior trim and siding. For professional help, contact Your Home Exterior Solutions.
If you’re considering replacing your windows, you should be aware that there are many additional costs to consider in addition to the cost of the windows themselves. Those additional costs may include demolition, labor for removing and installing the new windows, and fees for cleaning or removing debris or hazardous materials from the home. The price of window replacement can also increase if your house needs repairs before the windows are replaced, including siding repair or drywall repair.
Your windows’ size and type impact the total cost of the project. For example, larger windows are more expensive to install than smaller windows. Additionally, windows with more panes are more expensive than single-pane windows. The type of frame is another factor in the total cost, as well. For instance, fiberglass frames are more expensive than vinyl frames, but they’re longer-lasting and more energy efficient.
Another important factor is your window’s location in the home. Windows on the ground floor generally cost less to replace than those on a higher level or those that are located slightly underground (like egress windows). You should also consider the style of your windows when determining the total cost. Older homes often have single-hung windows, while more modern houses feature double-hung windows.
Homeowners who choose to do a DIY installation might save some money, but it’s not usually worth the risk. Incorrect window installation can lead to air leaks, moisture infiltration, broken window parts, and other costly problems. Additionally, most manufacturers require professional installation to ensure the warranty is valid.
If you are willing to pay for professional installation, you can save money by buying in bulk and purchasing a discount from a company that offers discounts on multiple windows. You can also reduce your costs by having the windows installed during the off-season when companies are less busy.
Finally, you should also ask about the company’s financing options and whether a home equity loan might be an option to help with the cost of Window Replacement. These loans can offer a more flexible payment plan and allow you to make payments over time, which can help ease the financial burden.
Energy Efficiency
Window replacement can increase your home’s energy efficiency, which can cut down on heating and cooling costs. Modern windows have advanced glass that is insulating and blocks UV rays, which can damage your furniture, artwork, and carpeting. The type of frame you have plays a role in insulation as well. Wood frames are a good choice because they don’t conduct heat and cold as easily as aluminum. Fiberglass is another option that’s less expensive than wood and still has excellent insulating properties.
Your location and your home’s orientation also play a role in energy efficiency. The ENERGY STAR program recommends using insulated windows for homes located in climate zones 3 to 9.
You can find out how a window performs by looking at its energy-use and labeling. The ENERGY STAR label includes a U-factor and R-factor rating, which indicates how much heat passes through the window. A low R-factor rating means the window is more insulated, while a high U-factor rating indicates the window has poor insulating qualities.
Energy efficient windows also have special spacers between the panes of glass that help block heat from escaping in the winter and entering your home in the summer. They can also have argon or krypton gas sealed in between the glass to improve the window’s insulating capabilities even more. These features can add to the upfront cost of your project, but they can pay off by lowering your monthly utility bills.
Other upgrades can improve a window’s energy efficiency, such as weatherstripping and insulation. These can help seal the gaps around your window and prevent heat from escaping in the winter and cool air from entering in the summer. However, they can add to the initial cost of your project and may not provide a high ROI.
Installing ENERGY STAR-certified windows can result in a tax credit of 30 percent for your purchase through 2032. This can help offset the cost of higher-priced upgrades, which may be an important consideration if you’re planning to sell your home in the future. Ask your window retailer and installer about the availability of these incentives.
Style
Window replacement is an opportunity to elevate the aesthetic of your home. However, the style of window you choose can also affect your energy efficiency and performance.
When choosing the type of window to replace your existing ones, consider the architectural style and how you’ll be using the space. This will help you determine what types of windows are ideal for your home and how much they cost to operate and maintain.
You’ll also want to consider the material with which the frames are built. Vinyl, wood-clad, and fiberglass frames are all energy efficient options that look great in almost any home. However, vinyl is the most popular option due to its affordability and long lifespan. If you’re looking for something with a shorter lifespan, you might consider wood or aluminum.
The type of windows you choose will also influence the cost of installation. New construction windows, for example, can be nailed directly into the walls of your home, making them less expensive than replacement windows that need to fit inside the existing frame.
Some windows require a special installation process, which can increase the price of your project. For instance, if you’re replacing a single-hung window with a double-hung, you’ll need to remove the parting beads to free the upper sash. This may require a ladder and some muscle, but it’s worth it for a more attractive window.
Other window styles that are often more expensive include bay and bow windows, which extend out from your house to create a space like a nook or flat area. They’re also a great way to add curb appeal to your home.
Another factor that can affect the cost of window replacement is the condition of the wall and surrounding trim. If the walls are damaged or need to be reinforced, this can add to the overall price of your project. In addition, you’ll want to consider if your new windows will need special features, such as sound reduction or impact resistance. This information can be found in the NFRC ratings of your potential windows.
Installation
Window replacement requires the removal of existing windows and construction of a new frame or casing to house the replacement windows. Depending on the method of installation chosen, this can be relatively simple or quite complicated. Generally, full frame replacements involve removing the entire existing window and window casing while retrofit replacements replace the existing window sash within the frame and are usually less disruptive to the home’s existing framing.
Window professionals can often advise homeowners on the best option for their homes based on the condition of the existing frames and trim, the age of the home and local building codes and ordinances. They can also offer options to improve energy efficiency, which may reduce monthly utility bills.
The window installation process can last from a few days to a couple of weeks or more, so it’s important to consider this time factor when planning for the project. A good time of year to replace windows is late spring or summer when temperatures are milder. This helps keep the crew comfortable and makes it easier to work with the materials.
Once the new windows are installed, the installers check that the windows fit properly and are sealed, caulked, and insulated on both the interior and exterior to promote window performance and help reduce energy costs. This can add to the upfront cost of the project but may pay for itself in utility savings over time.
After the installation is complete, the crew cleans up all work areas and hauls away and disposes of all old windows and debris. Then the homeowners do a walkthrough with the crew leader who ensures that everything fits perfectly and is functioning correctly.
When hiring a professional to install replacement windows, homeowners should look for a company that is insured and has a physical address and an occupied office location. This prevents scammers from taking a deposit and disappearing with the money. It is also a good idea to choose a company that offers financing options to minimize the initial upfront costs of the window project.