Choosing the right windows for your home is an important decision. Windows let in light and the impressions of the outside into your home.
They are also how you present yourself and your house to the world. When it comes to finding the best replacement window brands, you want to make the right choice.
Here are six things to consider when choosing replacement windows for your home.
1. Figure out Your Personal Preferences
The first thing you need to consider when buying house windows is your personal preference.
This may seem obvious at first blush, but it’s important to decide on an aesthetic preference that suits your tastes and complements your home. There are numerous architectural and design styles to choose from, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different designs.
Another great thing about choosing replacement windows is that it affords you an opportunity to get creative. For instance, the type of window you choose can affect the ventilation and lighting situation in your home, so consider these factors carefully before making your choice.
If you’re looking for more natural light, larger windows might be the better option. On the other hand, if you wish to limit the amount of incoming light, look for smaller or tinted windows.
Consider energy savings as well. If you’re in the more northerly climes, lots of natural lighting can save on winter heating bills; conversely, less natural lighting can save on cooling costs in hotter climates.
2. Check Your Foundation
It’s probably a good idea to have your foundation professionally inspected before installing replacement windows.
This goes to the heart of why you need to replace your windows in the first place. If there’s cracking or misalignment issues with your windows, it could be a sign of foundation problems.
You want to get this taken care of before you go to all the expense of replacing your windows.
3. Choose the Right Window Style
Now it’s time to choose a style.
Fortunately, there’s no shortage of different styles to select from. Obviously, the best type of replacement windows for your home will depend entirely on your home’s architecture, as well as your personal taste. But there’s a lot of leeway within those parameters.
Let’s take a look at some of the more common window styles:
Bay Windows
Everyone can recognize a bay window. This is because it is, without doubt, one of the most attractive window styles.
Then there’s the added bonus that bay windows create additional living space, and afford fantastic views. Just think of having a nice bay window, with some cushions or perhaps a built-in seat, where you can sit and read or just watch the world go by.
What’s not to love about bay windows?
Casement Windows
Casement windows are made to open like doors, and they’re pretty easy to handle—even in the most difficult-to-reach places.
They’re also perfectly suited for ventilation, which is why they’re frequently found in kitchens.
Double-Hung Windows
The hung window is a common choice for more traditional homes. They come in two types: single-hung and double-hung windows.
The single-hung window can slide open to let in air through the bottom register. Double-hung windows are a little more sophisticated. They come with some greater benefits, like tilting, access to more light, and better ventilation.
Awning Windows
These windows are often used in bathrooms. They open outwards (forming the “awning” in their name), providing excellent ventilation as well as protection from rainfall.
Sliding Windows
Sliding windows are great for small spaces that just don’t have enough free space available for larger windows.
The method of opening sliding windows is perfect for minimizing the space that might be taken up by other types of window styles. At the same time, you retain all the ventilation and lighting benefits of the other types.
4. Choose the Right Frame Material
Now that you’ve got your style nailed down, it’s time to give some thought to what kind of material you want the window frames to be made of.
There are many different factors to consider for each type of material, so choose wisely. Wood is the most aesthetically pleasing, but it requires arduous upkeep throughout the lifetime of the window.
Vinyl has the longest lifetime and requires the least amount of maintenance. Aluminum, on the other hand, has the shortest lifespan—only about fifteen years.
5. Decide on the Right Type of Glass
When deciding what to look for in replacement windows, don’t overlook the kind of glass used in the windows. And really, this is one of the most important considerations.
The better the quality of the glass, the more energy-efficient the windows are. The best replacement window brands will come in dual- and triple-pane varieties, and increase thermal efficiency by filling the spaces between the panes with noble gases like argon or krypton.
6. Find the Best Replacement Window Brands
Now that you’ve settled on the style, glass type, and frame material for your replacement windows, it’s time to decide on the right window brand.
There are plenty of brands to choose from, so make sure you do your due diligence and research the best brands for your needs. Do your homework, and compare window replacement companies’ ratings online.
Then, find out if the company carries the types of replacement windows that you need. Then you can narrow down your choices by using a checklist:
- What kind of budget are you working with?
- Do you need energy-efficient windows?
- What sort of frames are you looking for?
- What types of warranty options does the company offer?
Let the Light in With the Best Replacement Windows
The right replacement windows will increase your enjoyment of your home, as well as raise its overall value. They can lower your energy bills, provide better lighting, and complement your home’s aesthetic appeal.
Finding the best replacement window brands is important, and if you follow these seven steps, you’ll have the best replacement windows on the block in no time.
Forde Windows and Remodeling provides the best window replacement and installation services in the Chicagoland area. Contact us today to schedule a free estimate and consultation.