What You Need to Know Before Purchasing Replacement Windows

All windows reach the end of their lifespans eventually. If the windows in your home are difficult to open, let in excessive noise and drafts from outside, and appear outdated or damaged, it may be time to replace them.

Replacing your windows is one of those fun home improvement projects that can allow you to enhance your home in several ways. However, before you choose your window style and replacement contractor, you’ll want to do some research to ensure that you make an informed decision about your new windows.

Here’s some information about replacement windows Springfield homeowners need to know before purchasing them.

New Windows Can Reduce Your Energy Costs

If you’ve had the same windows throughout your home for several years, you may have never considered how they contribute to your home’s energy efficiency. However, if your windows are more than a few years old, they probably do a poor job insulating your home. Air may easily seep through the frames, impacting your home’s internal temperature.

Thankfully, many replacement windows provide excellent energy efficiency, helping to reduce your energy costs and insulate your home. As you search for the right replacement windows to add to your home, you should consider how each option measures up for energy efficiency.

You can examine windows’ energy efficiency through two primary measures. First, the U-factor indicates how easily air can escape through the windows. Meanwhile, the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) indicates how much sunlight the window lets into your home. You can learn more about these measures on the Energy.gov website.

You May Also Need to Replace Your Window Frames

If it’s time to replace the windows throughout your home, it may also be time to replace the window frames. If you’re not sure of the condition of your window frames, we recommend examining them closely and checking for signs of:

• Rot
• Deterioration
• Splitting
• Cracks
• Air leaks

Your window contractor can help you determine whether or not a window frame replacement is necessary. However, we strongly recommend considering this service even if your window frames appear to be in good condition now.

You may be able to save money on installation costs by replacing the frames and windows at the same time, rather than waiting a few years for your frames to deteriorate more. Additionally, if you’re replacing your windows with a different style or material, you may need to replace your frames anyway to fit the new windows.

Some Replacement Windows Are Safer Than Others

Your windows can play a significant role in your home’s safety. Therefore, as you consider which types of windows to choose for your replacements, we recommend keeping safety as a top priority.

Replacement windows can include a few elements that enhance their security. For example, impact-resistant windows can withstand harsh blows, providing advanced protection against home invasions. Even choosing materials like tempered glass or laminated glass can provide adequate security against break-ins.

If you have small children in your house, you may want to choose replacement windows that can only open from the top or that have secure locks. Doing so can prevent your children from falling out of their windows.

Finally, you may also want to consider how well replacement windows would measure up during a house fire. 

You May Not Need to Replace All of Your Windows At Once

If you’ve noticed that a few windows throughout your home look a little worse for the wear, you may assume that you need to replace all of the windows. However, replacing your windows in batches could provide several benefits.

First, many contractors simply won’t replace all of the windows in your home on the same day. Most contractors prefer to complete the project in batches — typically, the front of the house one day and the back of the house the next. As a result, replacing all of your windows in one go probably won’t save much time compared to splitting up the job.

Additionally, you typically can’t receive any discounts for purchasing windows in bulk. As a result, purchasing half your windows now and the other half in a few years should be just as cost-effective as buying them all at the same time.

Finally, some of your windows may be in worse condition than others, requiring a sooner replacement. For example, the windows that receive direct sunlight in your home may fade faster than those in the shade most of the day. Similarly, if a few windows have experienced weather damage, you may need to replace them before the others.

New Windows Can Come In Several Price Ranges

If you haven’t replaced your home’s windows in a while, you may not know what to expect in terms of cost. In reality, replacement windows can come in several price ranges. If you’re looking to stick to a specific budget, you’ll want to research the factors that affect window costs and choose options that fall within your budget.

Typically, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300 per window. Most contractors add labor costs to the base costs of the window replacement materials. As a result, you may end up paying a few hundred more dollars for labor.

However, the type of window you choose affects your costs. Single-hung, double-hung, picture, casement, and sliding windows all come in different price ranges.

Additionally, the size of your windows can impact replacement costs. For example, if you have an entire wall of floor-to-ceiling windows, you’ll probably pay more than you would to replace typical bedroom windows.

If you’re concerned about costs, you can always request an estimate from your window contractor before proceeding with the project. The best window contractors provide free in-home estimates, allowing you to receive precise quotes for your window replacement project costs.

Working With a Professional Contractor Is Essential

Replacing the windows in a home is a big project that requires extensive skills, training, and knowledge. As a result, we don’t recommend replacing your windows yourself. Doing so could negatively impact the windows’ security, energy efficiency, and appearance.

Instead, the best way to optimize your new window replacements is to work with an experienced, professional contractor. At Nova Exteriors, we have spent years perfecting our window replacement process, allowing clients like you to feel confident in our expert craftsmanship and reputable techniques.

Contact our Nova Exteriors team today at 703-386-7949 to schedule your free in-home window replacement estimate.

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