If your windows are old, worn down, or damaged, you may want to consider replacing them. New windows can help protect your home from the elements, increase energy efficiency, and enhance curb appeal.
Choosing the best type of replacement window depends on your current home, including how many existing windows are installed. Some are “pocket” replacements that fit inside the frame; others are inserts that preserve the existing trim and sill. Contact Your Home Exterior Solutions for professional help.
Energy-efficient replacement windows have insulating properties that help keep the home environment comfortable throughout the year without overworking heating and cooling systems. This reduces energy consumption, which in turn, lowers utility bills.
The insulating qualities of energy-efficient replacement windows also help block out harmful UV rays that cause fading in carpeting, furniture and other interior elements. This can also protect the skin and eyes of children and pets.
Another benefit of energy-efficient replacement windows is that they help improve indoor air quality. By reducing drafts, they prevent outdoor air from entering the home, which helps to prevent condensation, rot and mildew around windows and in the home.
In addition to lowering utility bills, energy-efficient replacement windows can increase the value of the home. A study by the National Association of Realtors found that homeowners can recoup up to 80% of the cost of new energy-efficient windows when they sell the house.
Energy-efficient windows are available in a variety of styles to complement any architectural design, and many are offered in a range of colors and finishes. Some are made from low-maintenance materials like vinyl, which resists moisture and doesn’t require painting or staining. Other options include fiberglass, wood and composite frames that can withstand the elements and resist warping and rotting. They can be installed in either a flush flange or insert style that doesn’t require any exterior modification to the frame, trim or siding of the home, which can be especially helpful for century-old homes that exude a very particular aesthetic. A professional window installer can recommend the best energy-efficient replacement windows to meet a homeowner’s needs and style preferences. They can also advise on any rebates and tax credits that may be available to help offset the purchase price.
Increased Home Value
Homeowners who are looking for a way to boost their property’s value may want to consider upgrading their windows. Despite being costly, replacement windows provide several benefits that make them worth the investment. In fact, they’re among the top home renovation projects that increase a home’s resale value.
A potential buyer’s first impression of a home is often formed from the exterior, which means that outdated windows could have a negative impact on their overall opinion of your house. However, new windows will give your property a refreshed look that improves the curb appeal and enhances its beauty from the inside as well.
The best part about installing new windows is that they can be installed without the need for major alterations to your home’s walls, trims, or siding. That’s a big advantage for homeowners who have carefully curated their home’s architecture or are worried about the cost of disrupting those elements with construction work.
Moreover, the energy-efficiency of new windows is a huge selling point for prospective buyers who are looking to cut down on their utility bills. In addition to reducing your energy costs, new windows can help you save on your heating and cooling bills.
As a result, you’ll be able to reap the financial rewards of your investment for years to come. The exact ROI you’ll see from your window replacement project depends on a number of factors including the type of windows and materials used, where your home is located, and how soon you plan to sell. But the good news is that homeowners typically recoup at least 74 percent of their window installation cost at resale according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2020 Cost vs. Value report.
Better Curb Appeal
A home’s windows are a major part of its curb appeal. If yours are old, mismatched or in disrepair, they can make your house look drab and unattractive from the street. New replacement windows, however, can give your home a huge facelift. You can choose a window style that perfectly complements your home’s architecture or reflects your personal tastes. They also come in many different frame colors, grille patterns and accents to add a custom look.
New replacement windows will be far more energy efficient than your existing ones, reducing heat transfer and preventing drafts. This means that your energy bills will be lower, and you’ll save money on heating and cooling costs throughout the year.
In addition to the increased energy efficiency, new replacement windows can also improve your home’s curb appeal. You’ll be able to get a better view of your neighborhood and your surrounding landscaping from your front-facing windows, and you can choose a window color that perfectly complements your home’s siding and doors.
Replacing your windows is a great way to update your home’s appearance, and it can even inspire you to make other upgrades that will improve your home’s curb appeal. Adding window boxes filled with bright flowers or decorative accents like shutters can make your windows stand out, and they’ll help you achieve the perfect aesthetic for your home.
Increased Comfort
A well-insulated window prevents drafts and leaks and helps maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, even during Florida’s steamy summer heat. Energy-efficient windows also help you reduce your energy bills, saving you money year after year.
New replacement windows are built with double or triple panes of glass, and some use a special coating to block the sun’s rays. This cuts down on heat transfer and prevents the greenhouse effect that occurs with older single-pane windows.
You can also choose between-the-glass blinds or shades, which further improve the energy efficiency of your replacement windows by reducing airborne allergens and dust. And many new windows open and close easily to provide escape routes in the event of a fire.
Whether you live in a busy city or a quiet suburb, your replacement windows can make your home feel more comfortable. They can cut down on noise and help you sleep better, relax effortlessly, and focus without the sounds of sirens, lawnmowers, construction, children, and traffic blaring into your home.
Today’s replacement windows come in a variety of styles, including double-hung, casement, slider, awning, bay and bow, gliding, and picture. They also come in a wide range of frame material and color options, so you can find the perfect match to your existing home. And they’re available in vinyl, wood composite, fiberglass, and aluminum-clad exteriors. You can even find models that are low-maintenance and easy to clean. So you can reclaim your weekends instead of slaving over the housework, and spend more time enjoying the benefits of your beautiful new replacement windows.
Reduced Noise
Your home should be a place to relax and unwind, but outside noises like barking dogs or zooming traffic can make it difficult to achieve the peaceful environment you desire. New replacement windows help block out these unwanted exterior noises and allow you to enjoy a tranquil home environment.
The most popular type of sound-reducing window is the double-pane option. These windows have two panes of glass that are separated by a layer of air, and although they are not technically soundproof, they do significantly reduce outside noise. Double-pane windows have a standard STC rating of 42 to 45, which is far better than a single-pane window that has a rating of 22.
Triple-pane windows are another great choice. These windows use strategies like thicker glass, dissimilar glass, and laminated glass to create a better barrier between your home and the street. Triple-pane windows also have a higher STC rating of 44 to 48, which is even more effective than a double-pane window.
Many replacement windows can be fitted with a special acoustic glazing. This glazing is a coating that acts as a seal against noise and minimizes echoes. This glazing is typically tinted or mirrored and helps to create a quiet, relaxing home. This glazing can be added to any type of replacement window, but is more commonly found in double-pane and triple-pane windows.
You can also add sound-dampening curtains to your windows. These are a thick fabric that absorbs and reduces outside noise. You can find these curtains at most home improvement stores.