How to Choose New Windows for Your House

Homeowners are faced with a lot of questions and obstacles when it comes to choosing new windows for their homes. The best windows are energy-efficient, durable, and require less maintenance. The type of windows you choose will also have an impact on the aesthetic value on your house’s interior as well as exterior.

Here are some points to consider that will help you choose your new windows:

Installation
Before you replace your windows, you should determine whether the whole window should be replaced or just some parts of it.
Partial Replacement (Retrofit)
If your window frame and trim are still functioning properly and look even better than before, you should only replace the window sash. This saves you up on some money, but unfortunately, it doesn’t fully guarantee better energy efficiency.
Full Replacement
If you want to completely change the look and functionality of your windows, then full replacement is just for you. This is a common choice for homes which have rotten or damaged frames and low energy efficiency. Despite its benefits, full window replacement costs significantly more than a partial one.
Window Style
Each style and type of window has its own cons and pros. To choose the best one for your home, you should pay attention to the size of the room and the window opening, the climate in which you live in and the style of your home.
Type of Room
You should choose your windows depending on the room in which they will be installed. For instance, awning windows work best for bathrooms because of the larger amount of ventilation they provide while also preventing rain from entering inside. On the other hand, the most commonly found type of window in kitchens is a casement. This is because casements are easily operated even in hard-to-reach areas. Their broad openings also provide rooms with larger amounts of sunlight.
Climate
The difference in energy efficiency between types of windows is due to their differences in function and design. Even though operable windows offer the convenience of voluntary opening, they still are less energy efficient than fixed ones. Older homes which have aesthetic as their main selling–point is the perfect environment for double-hung windows. Unfortunately, aesthetic isn’t a good excuse in windy circumstances as double hung windows prove to have higher rates in air infiltration. However, it doesn’t mean that homeowners cannot have beauty and efficiency at the same time. The efficiency of double- hung windows mainly depends on the way they are made and installed. To compensate for the leaking air between the sashes, contractors recommend the use of warm-edge spacers and dual or even triple glazed windows that are filled with insulating gas.
Exterior
While choosing our windows, we should consider the exterior as well as the interior. If your priority is the security of your home then it is recommended that you strategically install fixed windows or add extra locks on the operable ones. If your home is located in a high-traffic area, you should choose windows that open inwards. Another common choice for this kind of circumstance is sliding and hung windows. They offer low maintenance and outdoor practicality. To avoid getting preoccupied and stressed about the decision on your window replacement, always remember that you can mix up the types of windows. For instance, you can order picture windows combined with casement or sliding. These kinds of mix-ups can give you security, practicality and aesthetic value at the same time.