Windows can be a worthwhile yet significant investment in your home, and while you might tackle many DIY tasks yourself, you likely realize that window installation isn’t something you can manage on your own. 

As a result, you might start thinking about window installers you can rely on to take care of the supply and installation of high-quality windows. If you need a helping hand in making your decision confidently, take note of this expert’s guide for choosing the best local window installer in Newmarket. You might then be well on your way to having beautiful new windows in your home in no time. 

Ask for Referrals

When you start looking for a local window installer in Newmarket, you might soon realize how many options there are. Rather than picking an installer randomly, consider asking friends, family members, colleagues, and acquaintances for recommendations. 

You might find that anyone who has had a rewarding experience with a window installation is happy to recommend the installer. You can then work through a list of prospective options and make your decision with confidence. 

Read Reviews

At least 36% of internet users aged 25 to 34 use reviews to research brands and products before making a purchasing decision. When you read reviews, you can gain unbiased insight into the experiences people have with particular businesses and their products. 

Look for reviews on search engines, social media pages, and even trade business review websites to learn how highly regarded window installers are in your area. The more glowing reviews you discover, the more peace of mind you might experience when picking up the phone and making your window purchase. 

Check Websites

When a friend or family member recommends a particular window installer, you might be eager to learn more about them to see if they’re right for you. Checking their website might provide you with the information you need. 

Look for mention of the areas they service, the experience levels of their team, and a gallery of images from past work to provide insight into what they’re capable of. You might also see the value in exploring their list of services and finding contact information so that you can call, email, direct message, or visit in person. 

Check Certifications

Windows can be a significant investment, so don’t be afraid to check the certifications of the business you intend to work with on this major home project. The more credentials they have, the more reputable and well-established the company likely is, and the more faith you might place in them to install windows and doors in your home to a high standard. 

There are many different certifications available for window and door installation companies, but Energy Star Rating, Better Business Bureau, and liability insurance are among the most desirable. 

Full liability insurance and alignment with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board can also be a standout point of reputable window installers. If the company makes an error, its insurance will likely cover related costs. 

Even Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation can mean a lot for consumers. Window installers with a high BBB accreditation rating can often be more trusted, which can translate to peace of mind for clients handing over their hard-earned money. 

Inquire About Warranties

Windows are something you might hope only to replace once, and most reputable window installers also want that for you. As a result, some of the best offer lifetime warranties on their products. Some are so confident in the products they sell and the experience of their installers that they will happily offer lifetime coverage on accidental glass breakage, seal failure, and hardware. 

You might also find that some lifetime warranties are transferable to new owners and still last for the product’s lifetime once transferred. Such a warranty can provide a great deal of relief when you’re nervous about investing in such a significant home alteration. 

Broad Range of Window and Door Services

You might only be looking at window replacement right now, but that doesn’t mean you’re not considering doors, shutters, window coverings, and related products in the future. If you choose a window installer in your area that offers a broad range of window and door services, you’ll be able to call upon them for further work in the future. The most reputable window installers also offer a range of other services, such as: 

• Replacement of existing glass
• New doors
• Customized doors
• Frame removal
• Window coverings and shutters
• New door siding 

Research Their Products

After thorough research, you might trust the installers you plan to hire, but there’s no harm in researching the products they’ll install in your home. Most quality window installers provide information about their products on their websites so that you can learn all about their most desirable features. Some of the most standout features to look for in high-quality windows include: 

• Energy efficiency with an ENERGY STAR© rating
• Anti-corrosion
• Anti-dirt coating
• Insulation capabilities
• Customization options
• Lifetime warranty 

If you’re unsure about the type of windows you believe will suit your home, product research gives you an opportunity to discover what’s available. Among the most popular window options in Newmarket in beyond are: 

• Bay windows
• Bow windows
• Casement windows
• Double hung windows
• Single hung windows
• Single slider windows 

You might even decide to explore your door options for the near future and find out the types of exterior, garden, and patio doors available to suit your home’s aesthetics. While you might be eager to jump into your next home project, it doesn’t hurt to do your research before you begin. Take note of these tips above, and you might be well on your way to choosing a window installer you can trust. The Simpson Windows & Doors team can’t wait to assist with the entire product selection and installation process.

Featured Image by Pixabay

Over the years, the realm of design and fashion has not hesitated to evolve and change in tandem with individual preferences. Architecture is no different, and even windows have gone through their own style progression in terms of both looks and materials. 

Windows are considered a building’s eyes, making them a focal point in architectural schemes. However, some window designs have retained their popularity for decades, such as casement windows. If you’re looking to install window frames into your house but are unsure which kind, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading as we explain everything you need to know about casement windows. 

What Is a Casement Window?

A casement window is designed using hinges that allow the window to open at the side of the frame. Whether hinged at the bottom, top, or side, these windows function by opening from the middle, giving you a complete view of what’s in front of you. They are unlike sash sliding windows that take up at least half of the frame space and limit your visibility. 

Traditional casement window styles use a small crank to open the window through an interior mechanical handle. In contrast, push-out casement window styles operate without the turning of a crank and can be opened by pushing on the glass panes. You have the choice of several designs, including single casement, double casement, and fixed casement.

Since casement windows are hinged, they are easy to open and close. If you wish to incorporate this window style into your home or office, you’ll first have to ensure that its measurements align with the shape and size of your window frame. 

Casement Windows or Sash Windows? 

Due to their opening mechanism, sash windows are less water resistant than casement windows. There’s a small gap between the two panes to ensure that one slides over the other, making the windows more susceptible to damage in weather conditions like draughts and thunderstorms. 

It only worsens with time since the opening mechanism wears down the sealed region between the two panels. If you own a period or traditional property, you might be interested in purchasing sash windows. However, when you install a dummy sash casement window, you can obtain the same aesthetic finish without the risk of damage and deterioration. 

Casement Windows or Awning Windows?

Also referred to as top-hung windows, awning windows resemble traditional casement windows, but their hinges are located on the top of the frame rather than the side. The real question is: should you go for a top-hung or side-hung window? Side-hung windows are the best for airflow due to their wider opening, letting in pleasant breezes quicker than an awning window would.

On the other hand, you can partially open awning windows for ventilation even when it’s raining because rain won’t get in unless it’s heavy. Deciding between the two requires you to consider which room you’re looking to install the window in. While awning windows are a good fit for bedrooms, side-hinged casements are more suitable for dining rooms, living rooms, and kitchens. 

The Cost of Casement Windows 

To determine how much a casement window installation will cost you, you need to take numerous factors into account. The material, style (one pane, top or double hinged casements, single mullion), glazing (double or triple glazing), finish, and hardware all affect the price of casement windows. It’s recommended to consult your window installation service regarding your preferences and personal style to make an informed decision within your price range. 

Benefits of Casement Windows

Now that you have a solid idea of what casement windows entail, let’s look at why you should incorporate them into your property’s interior. 

Secure

When well-constructed, casement windows are difficult to break or open from the outside, providing you and your loved ones with protection against break-ins. You lock them from the inside using sturdy hook-shaped metal locks that will prevent someone from gaining access to your home or building by wrenching the window open. 

Energy Efficient

Utility bills are relentlessly on the rise and take a considerable chunk out of an individual’s wallet. For this reason, more and more people are looking for energy-efficient appliances and designs for their homes and offices. When people shop for windows, the characteristic of energy efficiency is one of their top priorities. 

Casement window designs are some of the most efficient ones because of the tight seal running around all the window sides. When the windows are closed, the air is less likely to pass through cracks between the frame and the pane’s edge. In contrast, since there’s better circulation of air when the windows are open, they naturally cool your house. Casement windows open at a diagonal angle to the side, catching breezes or blowing winds more easily. These windows will not only decrease the magnitude of your energy bills, but also make your home more comfortable. 

Easy to Use

When it comes to hard-to-reach areas like above the kitchen sink, casement windows can be precisely what you need to be positioned there due to how easy they are to operate with a single hand. Since they work on a cranking mechanism, users can open and shut their windows with one push or pull movement. Casement windows are particularly ideal for the elderly and those with limited mobility functions. 

Customizable

Everybody has their own style, and most individuals want their living spaces to represent what they stand for. Luckily, casement windows can be designed in various details and customized to very specific dimensions, aligning with the vision of your dream house. You can even work them into other styles, such as bow, bay, and French windows. 

Offer Great Views

Who doesn’t want to peer outside at fields of green or just overlook life in a healthy bustling city in the midst of life’s mundanity. Casement windows have no division of panes, allowing their users to observe unobstructed views whenever they want. They’re a great option when it comes to choosing wide windows overlooking a breathtaking landscape. 

Endnote

Casement windows can be the perfect addition to any home and enhance the appeal of your property. Gone are the days of sliding windows that aren’t energy efficient or easy to handle. Casement windows offer style and functionality that you can benefit from for many years without worrying about regular replacements. 

If you’re considering selling your property and renovating certain corners or spaces to boost your estate’s value, purchasing these windows can serve this purpose. Working with a reputable window service company will ensure you get exactly the product you want, so don’t wait to research and find the best fit for you.

Featured Image by Unsplash

You may have noticed after years of living in the same house that your home is not as efficient as it once was. Over time, your house’s components won’t perform their function optimally. Instead of waiting for age to deteriorate elements with critical functions completely, take the step and replace them. One element you need to keep an eye on is windows.

Older homes usually have single-paned windows that allow cold air to enter the house and make it chilly. This will make you turn the thermostat way up, causing you to use more energy and pay a higher bill. Their glass may have developed micro-cracks and weakened with time as well. To make sure you are living efficiently, you can replace your windows. Here are a few considerations you should keep in mind when tackling this project. 

Always Consider Safety

When doing DIY window replacement, you should ensure that you are wearing the correct protective gear and following the correct safety protocols to make sure you and those around you stay safe. One such measure you can take is wearing thick gloves and safety goggles when removing the old broken windows, as sharp shards can penetrate your skin, and small chips can even enter your eyes. When cutting the new window glass, follow the proper procedure, and if you are unsure, get it done by a professional.

If you choose to DIY, ensure your fingers are not near your drill bit and that you are going slow and steady. By correctly following safety procedures, you can complete the project smoothly without accidents and enjoy the perks of a new window. 

Clean the Window Frame

Removing the window glass is not enough when it comes to replacing the window. You will also need to clean the hardened compound along the frame before putting in the new glass. You can do this by using a putty knife to scrape off the hardened glue. It should come off in large chunks. When scraping off the old glaze, make sure not to remove parts of the wooden frame along with it, as such a mistake will create a troublesome situation when you install the glass. You will also need to take out the old screws used to secure the glass in the frame and clean those glazing points. Cleaning the window frame will make adding the new window much easier, and the result will be clean.

Board Up Your Windows

After removing your old window and waiting for new glass to arrive, you should board it up. By doing so, you prevent dust, debris, and drafts from continuously entering your house. In old houses, chances for infestation are already high, so you should be keen on following this step to keep insects out. Open windows can also attract robbers and thieves to your property, so make sure you board them up nicely.

Buy Better Windows

Old windows aren’t as efficient, safe, or optimal as sophisticated modern windows. Make sure you upgrade your windows’ functionality with their design. You have to see whether the frame you are buying is insulated and is designed to prevent air leaks. You may want to purchase glass engineered to last long and survive turbulent weather conditions. Consider the warranty that your new window comes with. All these considerations are vital, and you should prioritize researching and reading reviews on window frames and glass before purchasing. A good quality window should last you a long time while functioning correctly.

Properly Seal the Windows

After you have chosen your desired new windows, you must ensure you correctly place them in the frame. Many beginners falter at this step, so you might consider hiring a professional for the installation. With taking care of the process and keeping in mind a few extra considerations, you too can do a near-perfect job reinstalling windows. 

Firstly you want to warm the glazing compound with your hands because, when slightly warm, the compound is easier to form. If it is a cold day, you might even want to consider warming the glaze over a heater. This way, you will have to put in less effort, and the process will be more swift. 

Once you have formed the compound in shape, you want to be sure to push it between the glass and frame so that no gap remains unfilled. If you find any openings, just add more compound to those areas and smooth with a putty knife. Secure this seal with glazing points. A single window pane should have at least eight glazing points. Sometimes you might find that the screws are hard to hammer into the frame. Over here, you can use a rubber mallet to help guide them in. 

After you have made an adequate seal around the four corners of the window, you should clean the unnecessary glazing compound that may be present on parts of the glass. Clean this residue before it hardens; otherwise, it will become hard to remove, and in the process, you may even damage your new glass. Thankfully, the glaze does not dry quickly, so if you think your seal is not up to par, you can consider removing those areas and repeating the process. Not only will your windows look professionally done, but outdoor elements like cold air, dust, and insects won’t be able to enter your house. 

Let the Glaze Dry

After properly sealing your windows with a glazing compound, you should let them dry before going in with paint. Manufacturers recommend waiting for up to five to seven days. The time can vary depending on the compound used and the weather conditions. Once the seal is dry and hard, you can paint the seal and wooden frame with exterior-grade paint. To ensure no air enters your home and you have a tight weather seal, try to overlap only 1/16th of the window. This way, your windows will adequately function in keeping the cold air out, and the paint on the window will be barely noticeable to look messy. 

Endnote

Replacing windows can sometimes be seen as unneeded if there is no physical damage to the glass, such as cracks. Many also avoid replacing windows because buying good quality new ones and getting them installed is expensive. However, installing new windows will save money in the long term as newer designs no longer require you to pay hefty bills and are much safer. 

Adding new windows can also allow you to add your signature to your house: by exploring the multiple colors and design options, you can add your personal touch and make your home reflect your personality.

Featured Image by Unsplash

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