A Doctor visited our Cary, NC replacement window store recently. She joked that medical school had not adequately prepared her for how overwhelming researching replacement windows would be.
We can understand where she’s coming from!
Windows are truly customizable based on each homeowner’s needs, preferences, and budget.
That means that there are many new things to learn about and decisions to make when researching replacement windows.
Pocket or Full Frame? Vinyl or Composite? What U-Factor do you need? Awning or Casement?
Overwhelmed yet?
Smart homeowners want to learn only the things they need to know to find the right window for them. They don’t want to waste time, for example, learning about the Andersen 100-series window, which is typically used as an insert replacement, when they know they want a full frame replacement window.
That’s why we’ve created this quick guide, which will give you the exact steps to take when researching replacement windows. Following these steps will save you time and help reduce the overwhelm.
1. Know what Kind of Replacement you Want
Many homeowners begin researching replacement windows by thinking about the style of window they want. Do they want to stick with white, or would black windows be better?
Should they keep the same prairie grilles, or maybe switch up to a picture window to maximize the view?
But, before you start daydreaming about how your windows will look, we encourage you to first think about how they will be installed.
The first step you should take when researching new windows is to decide if you want a full frame replacement or an insert replacement.
Knowing this will save you time when it comes to researching your replacement window options.
For instance, suppose you have suspicion that water has leaked into your walls between your windows. You know that part of the window replacement project will involve repairing this rot. It may not make sense to consider an insert replacement, because with this type of installation rot and repair work can be more costly than it would be in a full-frame replacement. Thus, you would know off the bat that Renewal by Andersen, which only offers an insert replacement window, would not be an option for you.
This is one relatively quick decision to make that will save you lots of time when evaluating replacement windows.
2. Consider the Energy Efficiency You Want in your Replacement Windows
Many people assume that a window either is or is not energy efficient, but they are missing an important factor. Namely, where they live. Energy efficiency ratings are based on climate. It’s important to consider the climate zone you live in, and to determine the energy efficiency ratings you are looking for in a few key areas. These include:
- U-factor
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
- Visible Transmittance
Knowing the energy efficiency ratings you’re looking for can make it very easy to quickly compare possible windows and assess whether they will meet your needs.
3. Identify the Materials you Want your Windows Made From
Windows can be made from a variety of materials. They may be wood, aluminum, fiberglass, composite, or vinyl.
Fiberglass, composite, and aluminum windows fare the best long term against our North Carolina heat and humidity. These are the most durable products, and they have a price tag that reflects this.
Wood, on the other hand, may be more prone to rot, warp, and other functioning issues over time. But, wood windows generally cost less than the more indestructible options.
A reputable window supplier will help you consider the factors unique to your home that may factor into this decision. For instance, suppose your windows are all protected by overhangs or shade from trees. A vinyl or wood window may be more durable in your home than it would be if your windows were exposed to full sunlight.
4. Now it’s Time to Choose the Style of Window You Want
Finally, it’s time to revisit the step that most homeowners think of first. Consider the style of window you want.
Do you want a casement window that cranks open, or a sliding window that glides side to side? What color do you want for the exterior of your windows?
Here again, making these decisions can help you narrow down the brand of windows you will consider. Suppose you know you want a black vinyl window. Provia makes a gorgeous black, vinyl window, whereas many other vinyl window suppliers only carry white windows. Thus, you have again narrowed down the options you will have to compare, saving you valuable research time.
5. Finally, it’s Time to Research Window Brands
Only after taking these four steps should you start to research window brands.
Armed with critical knowledge about the replacement type, energy efficiency, materials, and style you’re looking for, you will save yourself tons of time.
There are Three Ways to Research Replacement Windows
1. Using General Online Evaluators
Consumer Reports is a familiar option to many homeowners, who trust their evaluations and recommendations.
2. Using Window Brands’ Comparison Tools
Most window companies have tools available to homeowners that allow for quick comparisons of products. Here’s an example from Andersen Windows.
3. Visiting a Window Showroom
We cannot stress enough how critical we think it is to visit a window showroom and spend time seeing, touching, and moving the window you’re considering.
Countless times customers have realized the importance of certain features only by visiting our showroom and experiencing those features firsthand. As just one example, we helped one couple who were convinced that they wanted a 6 over 6 grille pattern to mimic the look of the windows they were replacing. That is, until they visited our window showroom and saw up close what a no-grille option looked like. They knew instantly that they would enjoy their morning coffee much more having a no grilles breaking up their view of their garden.
We recently chatted with Katherine MacPHail of the Talking Home Renovations podcast about why it is so helpful for customers to spend time in a showroom. You can listen to our conversation here.
Summary
We hope this helpful guide will save you tons of time when you are researching replacement windows.
When its time to replace your widows, you want to find the right window with the least amount of headache.
That’s where we can help.
Thousands of Triangle homeowners have trusted Window Works Co. to help them replace their windows.
When you’re ready to start researching replacement windows, use the form below to tell us about your project. We can’t wait to help you find the windows you’ll love!
