What to Know Before Getting a Window Replacement

Real Estate Tips
September 19, 2019

Thinking about getting your home windows replaced? There are many reasons people choose to completely replace their windows, such as:

Improve energy efficiency
Improved safety
Outdated style
Defects in the window
Age

Window replacement can seem daunting, after all, there are a lot of options to choose from. But no matter what window style or glass coating you choose, there are certain things you should know.

What Type of Window Replacement Do You Want?

There are two types of window installations. You could choose to do a pocket installation or a full-frame installation.

A pocket installation just replaces the sash of the old window. This removes your old window glass but keeps the old frame. If you like the look of your existing window frame, you could just replace the window itself. This is more cost effective and is a lot quicker to install. However, your window options are vastly limited.

A full-frame installation removes everything in your window box, the glass and the surrounding frame. The new frame will give you improved insulation and trim, which could make your windows more energy efficient. In addition, full-frame replacement offers you more options in terms of personalization. One thing to keep in mind though is that this type of installation is both time and labor intensive.

What Types of Windows Can I Choose From?

There are commonly three popular materials for window replacement: fiberglass, vinyl, and wood.

Fiberglass Windows: Low maintenance and durable. This material has the quality look of painted wood. This durable window type can withstand extreme heat and subzero temperatures.
Vinyl Windows: The easiest window material to take care of, vinyl is energy efficient and cost effective. Vinyl windows typically come with multi-frames which can add extra strength and durability.
Wood Windows: Classic and elegant, wood replacement windows are energy efficient and stylish. However, wood is more costly than vinyl and fiberglass. The type and color of the wood can be personalized.

When it comes to the actual window, there are a few features to choose from. You could choose a single glazed window, which is the most cost effective, but can increase the cost of both heating and air conditioning. A double-glazed window is more costly but contains thermal glass which can greatly increase your homes energy efficiency.

There are many ways to go about getting a window replacement, but what you need to keep in mind is cost, material, and durability. Getting new windows can completely transform a home, so take your time deciding on what kind you want.