All homeowners will surely admit it: having a house is like working on a project that never ends. Over time, particular house components age and they have to be replaced. When it comes to choosing new windows for your home, there’s a lot to consider. You surely want to not only have the general knowledge on how to replace windows correctly, but also to learn some details, like how to measure windows for replacement and how much new windows cost for a house like yours. A window replacement project can undoubtedly be expensive and time-consuming, so you’ll certainly want to do some research beforehand.
But how to choose the right windows for your house, while many replacement windows simply look the same? Well, the truth is that there is a big difference between such products, especially when it comes to quality and performance. Choosing energy-efficient windows that complement the style of your house and improve its comfort can really pay off in both aesthetic appeal and energy savings.
Are you willing to get the most out of your window replacement project in terms of performance, aesthetic appeal, and energy efficiency? So start by choosing a window company that will help you make well-informed choices! In the article, we’ll guide you through the best window options and help to figure out which styles and materials will work best for your home.
Why replace windows in the first place
Before you ask yourself how to choose replacement windows, you would probably consider why to do it at all. Well, we all agree that windows are essential to any home, as they provide natural light, ventilation, and insulation. However, as times go by, windows can become worn out, damaged, or draughty, which translates into poor thermal insulation parameters and higher energy bills. If you are looking for the actual signs showing that you shouldn’t wait with windows replacement any longer, go to THIS article on our blog. Thanks to the tips included there, you’ll know how to recognise the poor condition of your windows unmistakably.
In fact, it does not really matter whether the reason for such a state of things is long-term deterioration, severe weather or an unfortunate accident. It’s clear that windows that are not functioning correctly simply need to be replaced. Choosing new windows for the old ones comes with many benefits – let us list a few of them below:
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- Enhanced energy efficiency – if your old windows are double or single-glazed or have poor insulation, then upgrading them to triple-glazed and argon gas-filled windows will help increase your home’s energy efficiency.
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- Increased safety and security – newer windows may feature enhanced security options, such as impact-resistant glass or effective window lock systems, providing homeowners with desirable peace of mind.
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- Better aesthetics – Windows are one of the most prominent features of a home’s exterior, and when they’re faded, streaked, or noticeably deteriorating, they can hurt curb appeal.choosing new windows with modern design is an easy way to update the beauty of your home – it’s beyond a doubt, isn’t it?
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- Improved home comfort – if you know how to install replacement windows correctly, then you might be almost 100% sure that cold drafts and hot spots will be effectively reduced
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- No outside noise – insulating window frames and triple-glazing packages in new windows can help block outside noises that bother you.
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- Easier and cheaper maintenance – new generation replacement windows generally offer long-lasting durability and are easy to care for.
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- Raised home value – new windows will make your home more valuable to potential buyers if you’re looking to sell it – from such a point of view, it seems like a reasonable investment, right?
How to choose windows for your home
Now when you know that choosing new windows for your home can make it quieter, more attractive, and less draughty, you have probably started to wonder how to make the right choice.
In our opinion, the best way to do it is to learn how to choose window style, type, material, and features as well as to pay close attention to budget-related issues. We suggest you follow our following mini-guide to make the right decision!
Types of windows
Generally, it seems reasonable to choose new windows in exactly the same type as the old ones. However, remember it is not necessary. You’ll need to choose the window type that seems the most beneficial to your current needs. For example, in some rooms you may need an expansive view of the surroundings, while in others, you’ll opt for windows that allow excellent ventilation. If you rely on the specifications of your home and your aesthetic preferences, you should know how to pick windows for your house better than anyone else.
Here are some of the most popular window types and their opening schemes:
All of these windows have their own uses and benefits. Some of them are only suitable for specific applications, whereas others are more versatile and include numerous opening variations and schemes. If you want to study window types in some more detail, we kindly suggest you to read our previous article HERE.
Window frame material
Obviously, one of the most important steps in choosing replacement windows is deciding what material you want your window frame to be made of. Among several different types of window frames, the most popular are uPVC, aluminium and wood ones. Each of them offers different pros and cons in terms of price, durability, and energy efficiency. uPVC windows are the least expensive and most common type of window replacements. They are almost maintenance-free, fade-resistant and energy efficient. Aluminium windows are characterised by a modern look, they are strong, durable and thanks to thermally improved designs, they offer very good insulating properties. Wooden windows, generally the most expensive of all, are extremely energy-efficient and offer a timeless look that never goes out of style. Some wooden windows can last up to 60 years with proper maintenance, compared to uPVC frames that only last about 30 years and aluminium windows lasting 45 years on average.
Glazing unit
Contemporary replacement windows are generally available with two types of glazing units: double or triple-glazed. With double- and triple-glazing, the panes are sealed together around an insulating spacer, and the space between them is filled with insulating gases like argon or krypton. Double-glazed windows are mostly less expensive than triple glazed windows and thus, they are often a popular choice due to their satisfying all-round performance. However, triple glazing is said to be around 20% more efficient, with a Uw value (thermal transmittance for the whole window) of 0.99, compared to 1.3 for the best double glazing. And in case of U-values, the lower the number, the better the insulating performance. That’s why upgrading from old double glazing to new triple glazing can provide you with 60% more energy efficiency. Such a final result seems to be worth the effort, doesn’t it?
Window style
If you are going to replace just a couple windows in your home, you would probably like to match their style with the existing windows and doors, either modern or classic. You may also want to keep the same window size or, if your budget allows, consider larger sizes that will require a new window opening. In both cases, it is good to know how to measure windows for replacement. In fact, the latter might be as important as choosing window frame colour correctly or knowing how to choose window style that will match your house facade. Wrong buying decisions will result in returns that are always more challenging, more confusing, and potentially more expensive
Replacement windows price
Choosing energy efficient windows that will match (or upgrade!) the style and functionality of your house sounds like quite an investment. Obviously, the cost for new windows varies significantly, depending on the type of windows that you select, their size and the number of windows that you need. Other cost factors include energy efficient upgrades, as well as any custom features you may ask for. In addition, in some cases, you will also have to count in the price of a professional installation service. In order not to overpay when choosing windows for your home, use the strategy of comparing quotes. It saves time and money and is as easy as the process below. At Fenbro, we offer all our customers a non-binding quote ready in even two working days. Go to our Contact page, send us an inquiry and wait for one of the most competitive quotes on the market!
Finding the right window replacing company
The most often asked question: “How much does it cost to replace windows?” cannot be answered fully before you decide whether you want to include window replacement service or not. We highly recommend hiring a professional window installation team! The reason is simple: even the most energy-efficient window has to be properly fitted to ensure the best thermal insulation properties and comfort. So instead of wondering how to install replacement windows properly by yourself, make sure to have them installed by trained professionals – such as e.g. Fenbro windows and door fitting teams in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Remember that all replacement windows should be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions; otherwise, you may lose your warranty.
Conclusion
Well-conducted and thought-out window replacement can highly boost the value of your house and simply improve the quality of your life. Choose a type of window that suits the architectural style of your home and select the best window models that offer significant payback in terms of improved aesthetics and energy savings. However, if the tips collected in this article are not enough for you and you still wonder how to replace windows in the most efficient way, contact our Sales Team. Our dedicated sales specialists will help you to make the right decision, while keeping with your home’s architecture, your individual sense of style and project budget.
