Windows are an essential part of any home, but they occasionally need replacing like anything else. If your windows could use a swap out for new ones, it’s time to go window shopping–literally! Read on to find out more about how to narrow down your options and find windows you’ll love.
Choosing New or Replacement
When you want to change the size/shape of a current window and put a replacement window in, you can go with a new one. These do however usually need a contractor in order to install properly. If you don’t want to pay for labor, you may not want to go this route. However, if you want to update the look of your home and do want all-new windows, this is the best option.
Selecting a Style
Single and Double Hung
These types of windows are a popular choice. They have two separate sash (pane of glass in inner frame) that slide to open or close. Single hung windows slide up from the bottom to open, but double hung windows can be opened from the top or bottom, good for letting fresh air into the home and a good choice for families.
Casement
Check out casement windows as well– this style of window has a large hinged vertical sash that swings out using a lever.
Awning
This style of window hinges at the top. You open it by tilting the window at the bottom (looking like an awning, hence the name). A frequent choice for coastal or beach homes and bathroom remodels.
Slider
This type of window is great for limited outside space to open, as they slide open from the side.
Choosing Your Window Glass
Glass improvements mean that there are more types than ever available to choose from. You can choose from double to quadruple pane glass and choose pane distance.
Low-E Glass
This type of glass has a thin layer on the surface that reduces heat flow, reducing energy emissions. Low-e coatings have been developed to minimize the amount of ultraviolet and infrared light that can pass through glass without compromising the amount of visible light that is transmitted.
Impact Resistant Glass
As you can imagine, this type of glass it resistant to impacts. The focus for impact-resistant products is on the interior pane of glass, not the exterior pane.
The important thing is how the glass breaks, and what damage might be done to the people and property inside the home after the impact. Impact-resistant glass is designed to break into smaller, rounded, “pebble-like” pieces and is therefore a good option when looking at safety.
Which choice is right for you?
As with any product, windows are only as good as their brand, quality and make. Choose a product you feel confident by a known company if you have any hesitations. At the end of the day, you want a quality window that is energy efficient and complements your home’s décor within your replacement window budget. If you choose a professional glass company like Dimensions in Glass, your window replacement may be custom, wherein the frame and the glass or ordered specifically for your project. This is especially important for coastal homes, historic homes and remodels.
At Dimensions in Glass, we specialize in the following types of window replacements — Don’t hesitate to call us if you have any questions or need professional advice.
- Re-glazing single panel broken glass. This is typically in an older style wood framed window (the window could be a fixed pane, a double hung window-slides up and down, or a casement style window-cranks out to either left or right). The glass can be clear plate, clear tempered, clear laminated, tinted, or if an older house (which is fairly common here) authentic restoration glass which is mouth blown and identical to how glass was made 100’s of years ago. This can be significant if a house is registered on the historic landmark society.
- Replacement double pane windows. This is a factory made unit GLASS ONLY that replaces an existing double pane unit (also know as thermal glass units, insulated glass units or double pane units). This can be for any of the above styles of windows and could also include skylights. Double pane units will fail over time. (they are designed to fail as it is a good business for the manufacturers-don’t print that). Over time the perimeter seal of the two glass panes will separate and then the units get cloudy. The only way to remedy this is to REPLACE the said unit with an identical product to match existing windows in house or building.
- Vinyl replacement windows. These are for mid-level, low-level and production homes where they have existing older wood style windows with single pane glass. It is easy to remove old wood sash only and replace with a complete vinyl unit insert. They don’t disturb much on the existing interior and exterior wood window casing or trim. There are a variety of options.
- Aluminum framed windows. Usually for commercial work, office buildings or contemporary homes. Many options here in frame styles, colors, glass types and efficiency, storm/hurricane options, any color possible using laminated glass, could be bullet resistant, etc.
- Steel sash windows. These are not very common as they can get very expensive. These are usually specified by high-end architects where “old-age style and authenticity” are important.