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What are the best replacement windows?
Well, finding the right windows for your home takes a bit more work than walking into a store and picking something you like. You also have to think about the type of glass, the frame material, the style, and more.
We’ve put together this guide to help you figure out what to look for in the best replacement windows.
So let’s get started!
In This Post:
What Are the Best Replacement Windows?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best window replacement for your home depends on a number of factors, including the style of your home, the local weather, your budget, etc.
The best window replacement for you might not be the best window replacement for your neighbor.
Because of this, make sure you spend some time thinking about the following things before investing in replacement windows.
The Glass
One of the first things you need to consider about your replacement windows is the glass package. This will determine the energy efficiency of your window, which can either cost or save you a lot of money in the long run.
Because of this, you should upgrade to double-pane windows (if you don’t have them already).
Instead of having one sheet of glass, double-pane windows are made of two layers of glass that sandwich an empty pocket between them. This pocket is either full or air or a type of gas, such as argon gas.
The air or gas gives your windows an extra layer of insulation. This prevents as much energy from escaping your home and keeps the inside more comfortable.
Stay away from single-pane windows. These windows might be cheaper upfront, but they aren’t energy efficient. The money you save at first won’t make up for how much you’ll lose later.
The Frame
The three most common types of window frame materials are vinyl, wood, and composite. Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of each one.
Vinyl
Vinyl frames are cheap and maintenance-free. After you install them, you won’t have to worry about repainting them or restaining them.
However, they don’t have a lot of color options. Most vinyl window frames are white, and you won’t be able to paint over them. Vinyl frames also have a limited number of hardware options, meaning you might not be able to get the window style you want.
Wood
Window frames made of wood are one of the most beautiful types you can get, but they’re also much more expensive than vinyl options.
Since wood is prone to mold, rot, and warping, you’ll also have to spend time maintaining it, including resealing and repainting. Because of this, wood isn’t a good choice if you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, snow, hail, etc.
You can customize wooden frames to look almost any way you want, meaning you’ll be able to find the color and style that best matches your home.
Composite
These types of window frames are made out of fiberglass (or another combination of materials), and they’re designed to look like natural wood windows. However, they’re even cheaper than vinyl frames, and they don’t require the same amount of maintenance as wood frames.
But composite frames do have their limitations. You might not be able to find composite frames in a wide variety of colors, so if you want your frames to match the color of your home, this type of frame might not be your best option.
The Style
Not all windows open from side to side. You can find window styles that are all different shapes and sizes and that all have different features.
For example, some common window styles include:
- Double-hung windows
- Casement windows
- Awning windows
- Fixed windows
- Slider windows
- Bay windows
- Etc.
You can also work with a window company to get custom-designed styles. These ensure you get exactly what you’re looking for and that the style compliments the rest of your home.
The Company
Choosing the company that will install your window replacements is almost as important as choosing the windows themselves. Make sure you do your research so you find a reliable, experienced company that can provide quality work.
Do a quick Google search for window installation companies in your area. Then spend some time reading their reviews on a website like Yelp. If you can, get in touch with some of their past clients and ask them what they thought of the company’s services.
You can also ask the company for references. If they don’t have any or won’t give them to you, that’s a red flag. You might want to take your business somewhere else.
Once you have narrowed down your list to two or three choices, it’s time to start comparing prices. You obviously want something in your budget, but that doesn’t mean you should go with the cheapest option you can find.
Remember, you get what you pay for. A cheap company might do cheap work, meaning you’ll have to spend more money on repairs later.
If you aren’t sure where to find a good company, this window installation company is a good place to start.
Installing the Right Replacement Windows for Your Home
So what are the best replacement windows?
Well, it depends on the style of your home and where you live. You might not want to install wood frames in a place that gets a lot of snow, and you might not bay windows if you don’t have a lot of space.
If you need inspiration or advice, talk to your window installation company. They’ll be able to help you narrow down your choices.
Want some other helpful home design tips?
Make sure you take a look at the rest of our blog!
