What is the most important consideration to me?
- When selecting home replacement windows, you need to know what the most important criteria are to you, as the individual homeowner. Are you hoping to upgrade your windows in an effort to attract buyers and raise the selling price on your home? Is there a certain look or appearance you want your home to have? Will installing french doors, patio doors, or other types of replacement windows and doors improve the functionality of your home?
- What environmental factors do I have to consider?
- How much maintenance do I want to do?
- What does my budget look like?
In short, what are you trying to accomplish by installing replacement windows? The answer to that question will help you select the replacement windows that are best for you.
Where your home is and what type of weather is prevalent in your area has a tremendous impact on replacement window choices. If you’re in a heating dominant environment — one in which you need to heat your home for several months out of the year — you’ll need home replacement windows that offer the maximum energy efficiency, in order to keep warmed air indoors with you. Cooling dominated environments require replacement windows that help deflect some of the sun’s heat and allow the interior to remain cool and comfortable.
There are other considerations: homes located in damp, moisture rich environments will want replacement windows that are rot-resistant, such as vinyl replacement windows. Areas that struggle with pest problems, such as termites and carpenter ants, will be best served by replacement windows that don’t appeal to the voracious critters, such as vinyl replacement windows or fiberglass replacement windows.
Some homeowners derive real, genuine pleasure from spending free time and weekends puttering around the house, scraping and painting window frames and climbing ladders to wash grimy glass. If that’s the case, you’ll want to forgo vinyl replacement windows, which are virtually maintenance free. Vinyl replacement windows never require painting: solid color construction means that any scratches or damage will be virtually unnoticeable. One unpleasant chore eliminated! Tilt in construction makes washing windows easier and safer.
If you want to have regular window maintenance be part of your routine, then you’ll want to investigate wood replacement windows. Fiberglass replacement windows require less maintenance, and vinyl replacement windows are virtually maintenance free.
Money matters. Sometimes, money matters a lot. There’s a tremendous difference in prices, especially when you’re comparing wood replacement windows, fiberglass replacement windows, and vinyl replacement windows. Wood replacement windows are consistently the highest. Fiberglass and vinyl replacement window prices are often comparable, although there are regional price fluctuations. You’ll want to consider your budget, how many windows need replacing, and what is the best use of your money.
Vinyl home replacement windows are often cited as the most cost effective choice for homeowners. You can get more window for your money by opting for vinyl home replacement windows. For homeowners with numerous windows requiring replacement, this can be a critical difference!