If they are showing signs of giving up due to old age, it would be advisable for you to consider getting rid of them and replacing them with energy-efficient ones. One of the standard options homeowners choose is double hung panes. These panes are energy-efficient and will help you minimize your heating and cooling bills significantly. They are also beautiful, and that enhances the curb appeal of your home.
However, when it comes to choosing the right ones, things can get confusing, considering so many styles available in the market. There are myriad factors that ought to consider when selecting panes. Apart from the form, you want to choose a style that will serve you for many years to come. You can consult your local contractors to give some insights concerning the selection.
Replacement or New Windows?
When deciding to carry out the replacement, one of the critical questions you want to get a clear answer is whether to do it or not. Always consult with reliable contractors like Royalty Windows and then decide. Let’s see the differences between these two types;
New Windows
They are typically utilized when you want to alter the pane opening or the shape and install an entirely different glass. This type of installation is called full-frame glass installation since it involves the removal of the entire frame and all the other parts. It is labor-intensive and takes a longer time, and thus expensive.
While the cost of buying new screens is relatively lower than that of installing them, it is the additional labor that is attributed to the extra cost. The best thing is that after the installation, you get a completely new look of your home, both the exterior and interior.
Replacement Windows
The installation of replacement usually involves installation in the existing opening without removing the frame or any other part of the structure. The type of installation is called a retrofit installation. It doesn’t involve a lot of labor and takes considerably less time compared to full-frame installation.
Replacement panes are only recommended when the frame is in good condition, and there are no parts of it that are damaged. When considering the budget, this is the best type of replacement. You can order customized panes from your manufacturer so that there would be no much on-site adjustments needed during the installation.
Styles of Windows
Once you have chosen which type of replacement you will use, the next step involves selecting the style. The four main options include the following:
Double or Single Hung Windows
These styles have remained quite popular for a long time. Double-hung screens come with two operable sashes. The best thing about it is that you can open both sashes to let fresh air in during the summer. Besides, if you have pets and a child in your home and you are not around, you can close the lower sash and open the upper one to let in the fresh air and prevent them from trying to get out.
For single hung glasses, they have two sashes, but only bottom sash opens while the top one remains closed. However, it is cheaper compared to double-hung glasses.
Casement Windows
That is designed to open horizontally. The screen sash is attached vertically to the frame and pen by use of a crank in swinging motion.
Awning Windows
These replacements are hinged at the top jamb and open from the bottom. These are the best options to use if you like opening your windows to get a fresh breeze when raining. Since they open outward and up, they prevent water from getting into your home.
Slider Windows
Slider panes open by sliding in a track, and they are the best options to choose if you don’t have ample space outside to allow the use of swinging screens such as casement. With little lubrication, these screens are easy to use and mostly preferred to people who have challenges lifting heavy things.
Window Materials
When it comes to materials, we must say that vinyl and wood frames are the most popular ones. We’ve done some tests that are including screens that are made of fiberglass, and some other ones were a combination of plastic materials and wood. On the market, you can find some all-aluminum screens. However, their popularity is not so widespread today after the vinyl panes were developed. From our experience, we saw that neither price or materials are not guaranteeing the quality. You can find some that are made of mediocre materials that are pretty effective than ones that are made of trendy fabrics.
Wood Frame
Wood frames are made of solid wood that has its exterior covered with vinyl or aluminum. This extra layer will reduce maintenance because some of them don’t need to be repaired so frequently. Thankfully, you can choose from a wide array of hardware finishes.
Vinyl Frame
Vinyl frames are usually the least expensive and don’t need to clean stained or painted. They are white, and most of them can’t be painted so that you can combine them with all the colors of your exterior paint.
How Can You Save Money?
We have to be clear, the main reason you are buying new screens or replacing them is to save some money. It could cost you between $8,000 and $24,000 to purchase new ones and to install them. If you find some that are certified with Energy Star, you are going to save up to 12% of your energy bill. The whole, the annual amount depends on the size of your home or your bill, of course.
Finding a Proper Installer
Even if you find the best ones on the US market, this is not much if you haven’t installed them correctly. Many of the manufacturers will provide you with certified installers for every brand that they are offering in their stores. If you decide to use the option where you will get both screens, and the installation will minimize problems that could arise in some activities later. It would be best if you did proper research to find what is the best offer you can get.
