Are you in the market for new windows? If so, you’re likely wondering how to go about choosing the right replacement windows for your home.
It can be tricky — after all, there are a lot of different factors to consider. But don’t worry, we’re here to help.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the 15 most important questions you should ask before buying replacement windows. By asking these questions, you’ll be able to narrow down your options and find the best windows for your home!
Why Are You Replacing Your Windows?
Before you can begin shopping for replacement windows, ask yourself why you’re replacing them.
Are your current windows old and drafty? Do they have mold growing on them from condensation buildup? Are there cracks in the glass that make it difficult to see through?
Knowing what problem needs fixing will help determine the type of windows you should buy.
If your old windows are simply outdated or no longer fit your style, then you may want to consider buying a new window style altogether.
Are You Changing the Style of Your Window?
One of the first things you’ll need to decide is whether you want to change the style of your window.
Windows come in a variety of styles, including:
Bay and Bow
Looking to increase the natural light that enters your house? Both bay and Bow windows are perfect options! These two types of windows extend outward from your home and can add a lot of character to your property.
Casement
Casement windows open at a 90-degree angle, allowing you to get easy access to fresh air and sunlight. They’re also great for tight spaces, as they don’t require any extra room to open up while providing one of the most energy-efficient windows on the market
Double-Hung
Double-hung windows are one of the most popular window styles. They open from the top and bottom, making them perfect for ventilation. Plus, they’re easy to clean!
Single-Hung
Single-hung windows are very similar to double-hung windows, but they open from only the bottom. They’re a great option for homes with small children as these windows have a lower risk of damage or failure.
Single slider
Single slider windows are a bit like sliding glass doors — they open horizontally with the help of rollers, making them easy to clean and maintain. They’re also energy-efficient!
There are a few more windows on the market, but these are the most common.
If you want to replace your windows but keep the same style, that’s okay too! It’ll make things easier for you and your contractor and won’t take as long to replace. The choice is all up to you.
What Size Windows Do You Need?
This is another important question to ask yourself before buying replacement windows.
You want your new window to fit nicely into the opening. Otherwise, things can get tricky later. It’s always better to replace like-for-like, if possible.
To do this, you’ll need to take some measurements. If you’re not sure how to measure for a window replacement, we’ve got your back!
The first thing you want to do is measure the width and height of the existing opening that needs replacing. Next, check out which type of window frame material would be best for your home.
What Type of Window Frame Material Do You Want?
There are three main types of window frame materials: vinyl, aluminum, and wood.
Vinyl
They’re affordable, energy-efficient, and low-maintenance. Plus, they come in a variety of colours to match any home!
Aluminum
A great option if you’re looking for a window that will last. They’re durable and can withstand the elements, but they can be quite expensive.
Wood
A classic choice that comes with its own set of benefits (like better insulation) and drawbacks (like higher maintenance).
Once you’ve chosen your frame material, measure the window frame width. This measurement is called a “rough opening” and will help you determine what size window to purchase when ordering custom windows from a manufacturer or supplier — so be sure to get it right!
What Kind of Glass Do You Want?
There are many different types of glass for replacement windows, but not all of them are created equal.
Consider the climate of your area as well as your energy-efficiency needs when choosing a type of glass.
Here are the most common types:
Double-Pane
Double-pane windows have two layers of glass and help keep your home insulated, keeping those pesky drafts out in the cold where they belong!
Triple-Pane
If you’re looking for even more energy efficiency, triple-pane windows are a great option.
They’re often used in colder climates to keep homes warmer during winter months and help reduce sound pollution from outside noises like traffic or construction work happening nearby.
Low-e Glass Coatings
These types of glass have a low-emissivity coating, which reflects heat back into your home during warm months while providing insulation against cold temperatures inside during wintertime — perfect if you live somewhere with extreme temperature changes throughout each season!
Have You Thought About Weather Stripping?
Another important factor to consider when choosing replacement windows is weather stripping.
Weather stripping helps keep the elements out while also preventing air and water leaks. It’s a small addition that can make a big difference in your energy efficiency!
There are a few different types of weather stripping that window companies can provide.
Visit our Weather Stripping: What Does It Do and What Is It For? blog for more details on what weather stripping you may need.
What Is Your Budget?
Window replacement can be an expensive project, but there are ways to make it more affordable.
One way is to buy energy-efficient windows. Not only will this save you money on your energy bills in the long run, but many utility companies offer rebates for homeowners who install energy-efficient windows!
Another way to keep costs down is by choosing a window frame material that’s within your budget. Vinyl windows tend to be more affordable than aluminum or wood windows, for example.
Have You Found a Contractor To Do the Work?
Replacing windows can be a big job, and it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
Window contractors have the experience and knowledge necessary to get the job done right — and they’ll also likely offer a warranty on their work.
How Many Windows Are You Replacing?
Replacing all of the windows in your home at once can be a daunting task, but it has its benefits.
Not only will you have matching windows throughout your home, but you may also receive a discount from your window supplier or contractor.
If you’re not quite ready to replace all of your windows, consider replacing just one or two at a time. This will help spread out the cost over several years and make the project more manageable.
What Time of the Year Are You Replacing Your Windows?
Most window replacement projects take place during the warmer months of the year as it’s more comfortable to work outside in these temperatures.
However, if you have an emergency and need your windows replaced ASAP, windows can be replaced in the colder months, and most window installation contractors have experience doing it.
Have You Looked Gotten Multiple Quotes?
If you’re looking for the best deal on window replacement, it’s important to get multiple quotes.
This will give you an idea of what your budget should be and help make sure that you are getting a fair price for this type of work. You may also discover that certain contractors offer deals of discounts if you shop around first!
How Long Will It Take?
While some window replacements can take up to several days depending on how many windows there are in the home, others might only require a few hours of work.
The time frame depends largely on whether or not any structural changes need to occur during installation (such as removing drywall) as well as how large each window is — small ones may take less time than larger ones.
Will There Be a Warranty?
One thing that sets window replacement apart from other home improvement projects is the fact that there are many different companies out there offering warranties for their products.
While some of these warranties are only valid within certain periods or even just during installation, others can last upwards of 20 years! This means you could potentially get your money back if anything goes wrong with them over time so long as they were installed correctly by an experienced installer.
Do You Need Custom Work Done?
In some cases, you may need to order custom windows from a manufacturer or supplier rather than purchasing stock replacement windows.
This is often the case if your window opening is not a standard size or if you want unique features like stained glass or energy-efficient glazing.
Custom windows can be more expensive up front, but you’ll likely get higher-quality windows and receive a warranty from the manufacturer.
Have You Talked to Simpson Windows & Doors Yet?
Simpson Windows & Doors is the only contractor you need from start to finish.
We have a wide variety of window types available as well as many different styles to choose from.
All of our windows come with a lifetime warranty against defects in materials or workmanship, so if anything goes wrong with them over time, we’ll make it right!
Get a free quote today by visiting our Contact Us page and learn how Simpson Windows & Doors can make a big difference in your window replacement journey.