Installing replacement vinyl windows is one of the best ways to increase your home’s energy efficiency. But installing premium, high quality windows is also one of the best ways to increase your home’s resale value and curb appeal. Here we break down five common types of windows and what you need to know about each when considering replacement, according to Builders Service Company, a home contractor in the industry for nearly 50 years.
Wood Clad Windows
Wood clad windows have a wooden frame, but the surfaces of the window frame that are placed outside the house are covered with a different material, typically vinyl or aluminum. Wood clad is a great option if you want a more traditional or rustic aesthetic indoors without the ongoing maintenance of wood on the exterior. Choosing the right material for the frame is key, as aluminum dents easily and has a lower insulation quality than vinyl. Wood is also a natural insulator itself, so wood clad windows are energy efficient.
Single vs. Double Hung Windows
A double-hung window has both top and bottom sashes that slide up and down, vs. a single-hung window in which only the bottom sash opens. With double-hung windows, warm air is able to escape out of the top sash, while cool air from the outside is able to flow through the lower sash opening to help provide more ventilation. This means double-hung windows are a great choice for two-story homes.
Casement Windows
Casement windows can be very energy efficient and useful in a particular type of room. Casement windows open from the side with a crank, so they are good for rooms where you want slight ventilation, such as a kitchen or even a bedroom. However because of this design, you can’t install a screen or window air conditioner in a casement window.
Picture Windows
Picture windows, or fixed windows, cannot be opened. They typically have a tighter seal around the casing than a standard double-hung window. Picture windows can be made larger than other types of windows because of their simpler structure, so they can allow a lot of natural light into your space. These are great for a living room, especially if your home faces a scenic view. The downside is that they of course can’t open, so there is no ventilation, and when it comes time for replacement, if it’s a large window it will be more costly.
Bay Windows
Bay windows can be really nice for adding space to your room and letting in natural light. Because there’s more window surface area, you really need to be sure that the panes in your bay window can sufficiently insulate against the elements. Bay windows, because of the multiple panes and angles involved, are one of the most frequently poorly-installed types of windows, which of course leads to other problems. So if you have a bay window you want to be especially certain that the contractor you hire to replace it will do the job right.
Replacing the windows in your house can add up in cost. But when you think of window replacement as an investment, not only in your home but in your family’s well-being, you can see why it’s important to get the best quality windows and service.
Builders Service Company does not charge a fee for an in-home consultation. But their philosophy as a home contracting business is that your home and the investment you’re making are worth more than a “free estimate.”
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to your home’s needs, because every home and every family is unique. So rather than going by an estimate, they recommend finding a window contractor that will take the time to get to know you and your home’s needs, and provide the quality of service that you deserve.
