Photo Credit: Andersen Corporation
Replacing windows allows remodelers (and homeowners) to let their creativity flow, as it represents a great opportunity to transform a home. New windows can add more light and fresh air, help save money on energy bills and give the home a whole new look. While there are many factors that must be considered before replacing windows in a home or building – including geographic location, materials, install and more – this quick refresher on window replacement is intended to provide information you can pass on to your customers when approaching a remodeling project.
The Why
Here are some common reasons for window replacement that your customers should know about:
Windows Don’t Open Properly: Not only is this frustrating, but it can also be a safety concern in the event of a fire. If windows are hard to open or don’t stay open on their own, this indicates that something within the window may be warped or broken and that it’s time to replace it.
There Is A Draft Around the Windows: Drafty windows can be extremely uncomfortable, but they can also cause energy bills to go up since the home has to work harder to maintain a desired temperature. ENERGY STAR® certified windows are a great option when your customers are looking to improve the energy efficiency of their home.
There’s Fog Between the Glass: Fog between a window’s glass pane usually represents a sign of seal failure and an indication that the window needs to be replaced. Older windows can lose their seal over time, making them less energy efficient.
Improve Wellness: Research has shown how important it is to get fresh air and natural light every day. This is even more important today, with many people still working from home. Replacing windows with larger ones can help homeowners feel more connected to nature, thus increasing their mental health and wellness.
Enhance Curb Appeal: If your customer is looking to boost the curb appeal of their home, replacing windows could be an effective solution. This could be something as simple as increasing the size of the current windows, or changing where the windows are located. If your customer is ready to take a bold approach, you can even recommend they create an indoor/outdoor space with pass-through windows or sliding glass doors.
Photo Credit: Andersen Corporation
The Geographic Location Matters
In deciding what type of home replacement windows to install, your customers need to be made aware of not only how visually pleasing new additions might look, but also how well they will stand up to the usual weather conditions where they reside. Windows can change due to extreme temperature when certain materials expand in heat, and contract in cold. This stress on the material can result in cracks to frames and glass panels, while breaking window seals and creating gaps. The types of materials your clients can choose from are based indeed on the climate of their location.
Cold Climate Windows: The priority in choosing windows for cold climate homes is getting units that will help keep as much heat indoors as possible. Windows with Low-E coating glass are one suitable option, as the glass helps reflect heat during the summer months and keeps heat in during the winter.
Warm Climate Windows: Homes in warm climates will benefit most from windows that block heat from entering. Using double-pane or triple-pane glass windows will also help save them energy, because between each pane various gases can be put in to create insulation.
Coastal Climate Windows: If your customers live in a coastal area and windows need replacing, it’s important they check local codes to identify if they are required to have coastal-rated windows in the home. Given the proximity to severe weather, it is recommended they upgrade to impact-resistant glass when replacing their windows.
Photo Credit: Andersen Corporation
Other Factors to Consider
Windows have played an important role in home design over time. Historically, window development focused on the right balance between the benefits of natural light and ventilation, and the disadvantages of cold drafts, water leakage and the extensive maintenance of early window designs. Traditionally, energy use was minimized by the design and setting of a home related to the environment it was built in, but today, a new standard of energy efficiency is required. And while individual components contribute to energy efficiency, it’s the whole-window performance that’s most important. Whole-window performance is a result of framing material, glass and professional installation.
Framing Material: If your customers are considering replacing their windows, window frames are one of the most important factors they need to consider. They are the structural backbone of a window, and a quality frame will keep a window functioning for decades rather than years. Before making a purchase, it’s important that your clients understand what type and size of frame they need.
Glass: While not all glass options will have appreciable differences in their appearance, each provides a unique set of benefits and differing levels of performance that your customers should know about. The right glass solution for your clients will depend on the climate they live in, the architectural design of their home, the orientation of their windows to the sun and the personalized comfort level they wish to achieve. Low-E coatings are ideal, as they serve as a type of thermal barrier that reflects energy back in the direction it came from– meaning that heat stays in during winter, and heat is reflected away in summer.
Install: A window must fit well in the opening to provide long-term performance and energy efficiency. Improper installation can easily occur if a unit isn’t flashed properly, the wrong sealant is used or it’s not properly insulated between the window in the opening. Rough handling during transportation or installation may cause another unit damage. Any of these things and more can keep windows from performing to the product’s fullest performance level.
Photo Credit: Andersen Corporation
Replacing old windows in your client’s home could mean great things for their family. From improved comfort and wellness, to significant energy savings, there’s so much they can gain from a window replacement.
In collaboration with: Andersen Corporation
Member of the Window & Door Manufacturers Association.
Webinar: Understanding Window, Door & Skylight Certification
Understand the benefits of window, door and skylight certification and how certified products can enhance your projects.
Webinar: Understanding Window, Door & Skylight Certification
The Understanding Window, Door & Skylight Certification webinar is designed to help architects and remodelers understand the benefits of window, door and skylight certification and how certified products can enhance their projects.
