Replacing your home’s windows can be overwhelming, but it’s a vital part of your home-maintenance routine. Since windows play a critical role in ventilating, insulating and regulating your home’s comfort levels, keep a few things in mind to ensure the success of your window replacement.
Exterior Source, your local home improvement contractor, elaborates below.
Consider the Framing
Framing materials abound, ranging from classic wood frames to sturdy fiberglass. Vinyl remains a solid choice due to its immunity to the things that plague wood, and its longer service life. Aluminum frames are also great because they insulate better than vinyl and come in more colors.
Windows and Home Value
In addition to their functional role, windows are a visual component of your home’s exterior. As such, it’s important that you pick windows that will increase the value and curb appeal of your property. Wood frames may be the quintessential aesthetic choice, but vinyl and other higher-rated frame materials offer more long-term value due to their durability and weather tolerance.
Window Glazing
Your new replacement windows will either come as single- or dual-glazed. We recommend dual-glazing due to its insulation; the airtight seals will last for more than 20 years. By contrast, single-glazed windows, despite being cheaper, won’t last as long and have less natural insulation.
Check the ENERGY STAR® Label
Finally, make sure your new windows are as energy-efficient as possible. The simplest way to make sure you’re picking the right window for your home is by checking for the ENERGY STAR® label. Any product with such a label means the windows are energy-efficient and can help reduce your total energy consumption.
At Exterior Source, we install windows and seamless gutters. We carry a range of energy-efficient window systems from Sunrise® Windows. homeowners should call us at (804) 275-5323 to learn more about our home improvement services. For Tidewater Residents, call us at (757) 464-2060.