Replacement Windows | US Home Improvement

“I still can’t believe it,” Marlene DuBois said.  “Normally, I have to have my fuel tank refilled three times during the winter.  Last year — the truck only had to come twice. We saved almost $1,000 — and the only thing we changed was replacing the windows in the house.

DuBois’ daughter, Sophia, is an ardent environmentalist.  “It just made me nuts to see how much energy was being wasted in Mom’s house.  Did you know how much heat just escapes through older windows? Practically half!  And that means she’s got to run the furnace more…and what kind of impact does all that lost heat have on the environment? When you’re talking about global warming and losing ozone, we just can’t afford to ignore that!”

Together, Sophia and Marlene selected 12 replacement windows. “We went with Alside Excalibur Vinyl replacement windows,” Marlene said, “because they offered the  highest quality for the price, and they require very little maintenance.”

“Mom’s getting too old to be climbing a ladder and washing windows,”  Sophia added. “These windows tilt in, so she can clean them from inside the house.  And the vinyl frames don’t fade, so we don’t have to worry about painting them ever.”

Marlene, like many homeowners, is growing older every year.  Aging homeowners share a number of concerns which make the savings and energy efficiency offered by replacement windows increasingly attractive.

First, many older homeowners are extremely concerned about their financial situation. The recent economic meltdown has played havoc in retirement funds: there are fewer dollars available for retirement, and they have to go further than ever before.  Spending money on home heating is a necessity — but spending money on home heating to have that warmed air escape through leaky, inefficient windows is foolishness at best.  Consider the $1,000 Marlene saved.  What would an extra $1,000 buy? Those funds could be used for any number of things: food, medicine, traveling to see grandchildren, and more…

Second, there’s the safety issue.  There comes a certain point where climbing up rickety ladders to scrub windows isn’t a viable decision. Tilt-in cleaning is safer.  Additionally, fully functional windows — such as those offered by Alside — allow the homeowner rapid, easy egress from the home in case of fire or other emergency.

Can we say “HEAT WAVE”?  Throughout much of the country this week, temperatures have sky-rocketed, sending the mercury soaring. Eighty degrees, ninety degrees, even one hundred degrees! Summer is here, and it’s here with a vengence!

At the same time, energy prices are continuing to rise.  Optimistic reports that we’d hit a peak are apparently incorrect — you need go no further than your nearest gas station to check the numbers!  Yet salaries aren’t growing as rapidly: every dollar has to go further.

That’s why replacement windows are looking particularly attractive for the summer!  Soaring temperatures mean it’s time to run the air conditioner.  If you’ve lucked at your electricity bill lately, you know that’s not an inexpensive proposition.  It costs a lot of money to keep your home cool — and if you have leaky windows that allow all of that expensive cooled air to escape into the great outdoors, the situation becomes even more costly!  Energy experts tell us that a home could lose up to 40% of the cooled interior air — an inexcusable waste, particularly in this economy.

Luckily, there is a solution. Replacement windows — vinyl replacement windows, such as the Alside Excalibur line, fiberglass replacement windows, and wood replacement windows — eliminate the wasteful loss of cooled air.  With triple-pane glass, rigid frame construction, and insulating gas pockets, Alside Excalibur replacement windows can be your secret ally in the battle against the summer sun!

What if you’re not a fan of air conditioners? Funny you should say that.  Replacement windows might be your best friend as well.  Look around your home. How many of your windows open? Do they open easily, or do you have to struggle and strain to lift the sash? Do they stay open in the desired position, or do you have to prop them open?  In many older homes, the existing windows are in poor repair, and do not function properly.  In many newer homes, particularly those built during the late 80’s and early 90’s, builders used original construction windows. These windows were designed to be cheap — and they were! Leaving homeowners with windows that fail to perform as promised.  You can’t open these windows to catch a passing breeze or let some of that summer sunshine in.   Replacement windows, on the other hand, open easily, stay open in the desired position, and close safely and securely when you’re done enjoying the great outdoors.

The quality of education received at an institute of higher learning is dependent upon many things.  One of those things is the comfort of the faculty, staff and students.  Windows can play a pivotal role in comfot according to a recent article in The News Gazette.

With old, single pane leaky and in some cases broken windows, the University of Illinois has had difficulty maintaining consistent interior temperatures. Additionally, the poor repair of the windows allows pests to come into the building — namely bees, which aren’t anyone’s favorite visitor!

This situation is not unfamiliar to many homeowners, who find themselves with less than adequate windows. They may have single pane leaky or damaged windows, such as those the University of Illinois has, or newer original construction windows, selected by the builder to save money, and offering shoddy construction and limited functionality.

Replacing inadequate windows with high quality vinyl replacement windows, such as Alside Excalibur, can change the picture entirely. Because replacement windows are very highly energy efficient, it becomes possible to maintain a consistent interior temperature. No longer do homeowners have to worry about being too cold one moment, far too hot the next: by preventing the loss of heated or cooled air, replacement windows allow homeowners to have the ambient interior temperature of their choosing!

As a nice bonus, replacement windows save you money: retaining the heated or cooled air means you don’t have to generate any more. This means you run your furnace or your air conditioner less: good for the earth, good for your wallet. Replacement windows are ‘green friendly’ on many levels!

Obviously, replacement windows — whether they’re vinyl replacement windows, wood replacement windows, or fiberglass replacement windows — come with two or three intact panes of glass. There are no cracks or breaks allowing pests to come in. When properly installed, not only do replacement windows keep bugs out, they can also significantly reduce or even eliminate entry by air and moisture. This adds years to the life of your home

“Home replacement windows pay for themselves!”  It’s a common phrase you’ll hear time and again while shopping for replacement windows.  But how true is it? How does payback work? How much money will you save, and how quickly can you recoup the cost of having replacement windows installed?

Replacement windows pay for themselves by saving you money on other expenses — namely heating and cooling.  Much of a home’s energy can be completely lost through leaky windows and doors — if you have single pane glass windows, you can have as much as 40% of your home’s heat escaping to the great outdoors without ever noticing it!

Modern replacement windows, particularly highly efficient vinyl replacement windows, such as Alside Excalibur, keep that heated, expensive air inside where it belongs.  This allows you to maintain a more comfortable living environment without continually running your heat.  If you look at the money saved by running your heating system less often, and compare it to the costs of having replacement windows installed, it’s pretty easy to extrapolate the rate of payback.   Realistic estimates (which are dependent upon home size and the type of windows being replaced, as well as the type of replacement windows you’re installing) for payback range between 8-15 years.  If you’re planning on staying in your home, that’s the blink of an eye.  If you’re planning on selling your home before the payback period plays out, you should know that home replacement windows are one of the most attractive, appealing upgrades buyers are looking for.

Bear in mind that heating and cooling costs are not the only savings associated with home replacement windows.  Let’s look at some of the other ways replacement windows can save you money.

By preventing or minimizing air and moisture intrusion, replacement windows can make it easier to control the humidity within your home — a major contributing factor in controlling the growth of mold and mildew, including the dreaded toxic black mold.  Reclaiming a home from black mold growth can easily cost thousands of dollars.

The same air and moisture penetration that facilitates mold and mildew growth within your home also brings in environmental allergens and irritants.  How much do you spend on over the counter allergy remedies? How about doctor’s visits, co-pays, testing? How much time do you miss from work, bringing children with stuffy heads and runny eyes to see the pediatrician?  These costs add up: compare them to the cost of installing replacement windows. While replacement windows can’t eliminate all exposure to environmental allergies, they can certainly help you control and minimize the effect pollen, dander, and chemicals have on your life.

Finally, can you put a price on peace of mind and security?  Broken, weak, and sub-standard windows present two security hazards to your family: bad guys can get in, and if there’s a fire or other emergency, these windows can slow your ability to get out!  Fully functional, working, secure replacement windows offer safety and security: a priceless commodity that’s hard to value.

Factor in the health benefits, safety and security, and energy savings, and it’s clear how replacement windows pay for themselves!

Considering home replacement windows? There are many reasons to do so.  Home replacement windows offer the homeowner enhanced energy efficiency, which means more affordable heating and cooling bills. The insulated frames and rigid construction of high quality replacement windows, such as the Alside Excalibur Vinyl replacement windows, help reduce air and moisture penetration, which can positively impact your health, and make your family more secure.

High quality replacement windows are an investment: most homeowners can reasonable expect to spend several thousand dollars on the job. With economic circumstances tighter than ever, many homeowners are looking for ways to save money. This raises the immediate question: is installing replacement windows a do it yourself job?

Most construction and home renovation experts say “No!”  even if the homeowner possesses better than average remodeling skills.  Here’s why:

Look at the Time

If you’ve never installed home replacement windows before, you’re going to be learning ‘on the job’.  This, in and of itself, adds a considerable amount of time to the job.  Where is this time coming from? Are you taking hours off from work? Losing precious weekend time with your family or friends? Trying to squeeze extra hours in an already packed day? A home replacement window installation team already knows how to do the job and can get the task done in a minimal amount of time.

Look At the Logistics

Replacement windows — vinyl replacement windows, wood replacement windows, and fiberglass replacement windows — are heavy.  They’re awkward to move around — not to mention lifting up into place on a second or third floor!  Add sliding glass doors, patio doors, or French doors into the mix, and you compound the problem.  A home replacement window installation team has the manpower and training to make moving multiple heavy windows a snap.

Look at the Legal-ese

Check out the fine print on the contract and guarantees for your home replacement windows.  Many times, the protections offered in these documents are dependent upon having the windows installed by a qualified, approved team. You’re not considered a member of that team — so opting to install your windows yourself can void that guarantee.  If something goes wrong, you’ll be on your own.

The day your replacement windows arrive is very exciting — and very nerve-wracking.  Choosing to invest in your home by installing vinyl replacement windows, fiberglass replacement windows, or wood replacement windows is a smart decision.  You want to make sure that your replacement windows are installed correctly to realize the maximum benefit.  Here is a six point checklist you can use to help ensure your replacement windows are installed properly.

Point One: Have you researched the team and their warranties?

One of the first steps in selecting replacement windows is researching the company that sells the windows — and the team they use to install the windows. One of the advantages to buying your windows from a replacement window specialist, rather than a discount store, is that replacement window specialists tend to use their own dedicated team of installers, whereas discount stores subcontract the installation job, often to the lowest bidder.

Make sure to check out the warranties on installation.  A quality replacement window installation team will stand behind their work with a strong guarantee.

Point Two: Are the replacement windows level and square?

Using a level, you’ll want to check that each window is installed properly.  Replacement windows should be level — meaning that when you place a level on the window sill, the bubble should line up precisely between the two markings.  Additionally, windows need to be square.  You can check this with a carpenter’s square or by measuring the windows corner to corner.  The two measurements should be identical.

Point Three: Are the replacement windows plumb?

Replacement windows need to be plumb.  Using your level, check to make sure that your replacement windows are installed straight up and down, not angled to one side or the other.  If a window is not plumb, you have a greater chance of air infiltration and difficulty operating your windows.

Point Four: Do the replacement windows work properly?

Replacement windows should operate effortlessly: you should be able to open and close your windows easily.  Test them all: do they tilt in for easy cleaning? Do the locks work properly?  Check this right away!  If there is a problem, the replacement window team needs to address it.

Point Five: Are the replacement windows sealed and insulated?

Replacement windows are designed to be installed with exterior sealers and insulation both in the frame and beneath the sills.  Check to make sure there are no visible gaps, and that the work is done in a neat, attractive fashion.  You don’t want your replacement window team to skimp on caulk or insulation: this will result in subsequent problems.

Point Six: Has the replacement window installation team cleaned up after themselves?

Installing replacement windows can be a messy job.  A reputable team will clean up after themselves, making sure that there’s no broken glass, debris, or building materials left behind.  Some of these materials can be hazardous, especially to young children, so you want them removed.

We hear a lot about how home replacement windows — and here, we’re talking about high quality vinyl replacement windows, fiberglass replacement windows, and wood replacement windows — can enhance the energy efficiency of your home and raise your home’s resale value.  And while that’s all lovely, wonderful information, there are times it’s really not enough.  If you are going to make a major investment in your home, such as installing replacement windows, you want to know what these windows are actually going to do for you.

Here are five ways home replacement windows improve your quality of life:

1. Increase the amount of natural light.

One of the most common benefits of having replacement windows installed is the increase in the amount of natural light that enters the home. We all need a certain amount of natural light for optimal health: researchers have linked natural light exposure with emotional well being.

Interior decorators also agree: natural lighting can do marvels for the look of your home. Natural light can create a warm, inviting, cheerful space — marvelous to live in and enjoy!

2. Create a more comfortable living space.

The energy efficiency offered by replacement windows saves you money and is good for the environment — but did you know it also makes the interior of your home more comfortable? By eliminating drafts and keeping warmed or cooled air inside, replacement windows help you control the interior temperature of your home. You decide how warm you want to be — replacement windows makes it easier to stay at that temperature!

3. Make you healthier.

There are a number of ways that replacement windows can help make you healthier. Replacement windows with double or triple pane glass, rigid frame construction and other features help minimize air and moisture intrusion. This means that fewer allergen triggers make it into your living space — if you’ve ever had hay fever, you appreciate the value of a pollen-free zone! Additionally, by helping maintain a consistent interior temperature (see the previous point) you’re creating an environment conducive to better health for children and the elderly.

4. Make your home ‘work’ better.

A home is actually a complex set of systems, in which windows play an integral role. When windows can’t be opened, this can create problems: every home needs adequate air exchange, particularly in moist environments like kitchen and bathrooms. Often original construction windows do not open at all — or they do not open easily, meaning that the homeowner doesn’t open them. Replacement windows, on the other hand, particularly vinyl replacement windows, open easily, making them a more functional part of your home’s overall systems.

5. Make your family safer and more secure.
   

It’s impossible to overrate your family’s safety and security! What value can you put on the well being of your children, your partner, your parents, your loved ones? Flawed and insufficient windows are a common point of entry for many criminals. Replacement windows, on the other hand, offer enhanced security. Additionally, since replacement windows open easily, they allow for rapid exit in case of fire or other emergency — a critical consideration when seconds could mean the difference between life and death!

Shopping for replacement windows can be confusing and intimidating.  Generally, as a homeowner, you’re operating ‘blind’, making a purchase you don’t know a whole lot about.  Replacement window technology has advanced tremendously over the past few years, and if you’re not up on the energy efficiency features, construction methods, and what windows are best for your given environment, it’s hard to know if a bid given to you by a replacement window specialist is fair or not.

Here’s how you can discover if you’re being quoted accurate prices or if someone’s trying to rip you off:

The Replacement Windows Being Quoted

Are you considering vinyl replacement windows, fiberglass replacement windows, or wood replacement windows? Each type of replacement window has an appropriate application — but there is a range of prices associated with the different types of replacement windows.   Wood replacement windows tend to have the highest prices, while fiberglass and vinyl replacement windows are more cost-effective options.  Make sure you understand what type of replacement windows you’re talking about, and what the average price range for that type of window is.   Your quote should be in keeping with that range.

The Brand of Replacement Windows

There are a number of companies offering high quality replacement windows, including Alside, Harvey, and Anderson.  Other manufacturers present replacement windows that they say ‘are good as’ these top brands — but that’s not necessarily true!  Compare the prices of the replacement window brand you’re being quoted with the prices of established industry leading brands: you shouldn’t be paying as much for no-name windows as others pay for the very best!

The Sales Tactics Being Used

High pressure, rapid fire, intense sales techniques are a definite red flag.  If a contractor wants you to commit to the replacement windows in a hurry, not allowing you any time to check prices, there’s a better than good chance that the quote you’ve been handed is on the high side.  Additionally, look out for quotes given without seeing your house, taking any measurements, or really understanding what your family’s window needs are.

Homeowners can save up to $1,500 on qualified home improvement projects as part of the Economic Stimulus Package, which means that this may be the ideal time to replace your existing leaky, single-pane windows with vinyl replacement windows, wood replacement windows,  or fiberglass replacement windows — all of which offer superior energy efficiency, with double or triple pane glass, insulating argon or krypton gas, and insulated, rigid construction frames.

High quality vinyl replacement windows, such as the Alside Excalibur line, offer a cost effective, attractive way to take advantage of government incentive programs. Available in a wide range of styles, with a beveled mainframe design that complements any decor,  these windows are sleek and surprisingly elegant.

When considering vinyl replacement windows, one factor to consider is the maintenance and upkeep.  You’re enjoying savings now, but you want to make sure that those savings extend over the lifetime of your windows! Windows that require annual painting and labor intensive upkeep are not necessarily a good investment of your money.  Alside Excalibur and other high quality vinyl replacement window lines offer the ultimate homeowner benefit: little to no maintenance requirement!  These windows never need painting!  They tilt-in for easy cleaning — you can put that bulky and potentially unsafe ladder away!

Make sure that your replacement window specialist is a qualified installer for the Stimulus Package credit. You will need supporting paperwork to claim your tax savings! Go with an established, respected pro: not some fly by night bargain company.  You’ll be glad you did!

Home replacement windows are a popular upgrade, allowing many homeowners to enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, an improved appearance, better home security, and a more comfortable living space. Often, if a homeowner is not replacing all of the windows in their home at once, they opt to first replace the windows in the rooms that are used most often: the living room, kitchen, bathroom, and master bedroom.

This is a sensible decision, but it often means other, critical windows are neglected during the process.  For the purposes of this blog entry, we’re going to consider some of those forgotten windows and look at what you need to know about replacing attic windows, dormer windows, and upstairs windows.

Point Number One: Heat Rises!

No matter where you live or what type of home you have, one fact remains consistently true: warmed air rises toward the ceiling and beyond, while cooler air lingers near the floor.  Inefficient attic windows, dormer windows, and windows in upstairs rooms can allow a tremendous amount of this rising warm air to escape into the cold sky — not what any homeowner wants.  Replacing attic windows and dormer windows with vinyl replacement windows, fiberglass replacement windows, or wood replacement windows can minimize this heat loss significantly.  This reduction is due to the enhanced energy efficiency of replacement windows with double or triple pane glass, insulated frames, insulating gas pockets, and low e coatings, such as Alside Excalibur windows.

Bonus Tip: Boost the energy savings by using ceiling fans to push warmed air back down into living areas before it has a chance to escape!

Point Number Two: Replacement Window Size Really Matters!

Attic windows and dormer windows are seldom ’standard sized’, especially in older homes.  Opting for replacement windows found at a discount store may seem to save some money, but when you take into account the substantial amount of work it will take to properly fit and install these windows, the savings evaporate.  The custom sizing and quality installation associated with top notch replacement windows, such as Champion, Alside, Harvey and Pella, can eliminate both the extra hassle associated with smaller windows and any worries about air and moisture infiltration.