Choosing the Right Replacement Windows for Your Home
You’ve been eyeing your aging windows for years, thinking to yourself when you see the deteriorating frames or feel a draft as you walk by that someday you’ll have them replaced. If that day has finally come, you can sense relief on the horizon, because you know that new windows will spruce up your home’s curb appeal and improve its energy efficiency. But now comes the seemingly arduous task of finding the right windows for your home.
At Dreamstyle Remodeling, we’re experts at window replacement, and we’re happy to provide some guidance so that you can make the most informed decision about what kind of windows you should choose for your home. First, let’s review the benefits you can expect to receive from your new windows.
Enhanced Curb Appeal
Appearance is huge when selecting new windows, but of course, this is also a matter of taste. Some homeowners are infatuated with real wood, and certainly this material is a classic in terms of beauty. However, did you know that there are different frame materials to choose from? In addition to wood, fiberglass is an option. Though fiberglass windows tend to be more expensive, the exceptionally hardwearing fiberglass material is strong enough to withstand virtually anything Mother Nature can throw at it. If you’re looking for more of a middle-of-the-road option, vinyl windows are another option worth considering.
Vinyl Windows
Vinyl replacement windows are the most popular, and it’s easy to see why when you learn about their benefits. One of the good things about vinyl is that the material itself is your chosen color, as opposed to wood where the color would need to be painted on. Should airborne debris happen to ding your vinyl window frame, the color beneath the surface is the same, so you’d only notice the damage if you were up close and staring at it. From the street, it won’t be discernible. Indeed, vinyl windows never need to be painted, and they clean up easily with a rinse from the garden hose, making them one of the lowest maintenance options for your window replacement project.
Improved Energy Efficiency
It’s no secret that new windows can go a long way toward improving the energy efficiency of your home, and this may be the No. 1 reason why homeowners invest in replacement windows. If energy efficiency is important to you, then look for state-of-the-art features when shopping around. While most windows will improve thermal performance somewhat, there are windows out there that are specifically designed for this benefit. The first thing to look for is a certification from ENERGY STAR®, a program developed by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy to help homeowners find the most energy-efficient products for their home. ENERGY STAR® certified windows will typically include features like low-emissivity glass. Low-E glass has been treated with a clear insulating material that helps minimize heat transfer without sacrificing the view.
Window Styles
Once you have insulating features and a frame material in mind, you can then decide which styles of windows will work for your home. This may depend on which room the new window will be installed in. For instance, double-hung windows are ideal for living rooms as they can be opened from the top and bottom, allowing plenty of fresh air into the home. Casement windows swing open, making them ideal for hard-to-reach areas, such as over a kitchen sink.
Get Started Today
At Dreamstyle Remodeling, we offer wood, vinyl, and fiberglass replacement windows, all of which feature two panes of Low-E glass for the ultimate in energy efficiency. In fact, our windows are ENERGY STAR® certified and may even help lower your monthly energy bills thanks to their insulating properties. We’d be happy to discuss the various styles and which will work best for your needs. To set up a consultation, contact Dreamstyle Remodeling today.
