When it comes to window replacement, you have a wealth of options. Yes, you can stick with the same style that you had before. Or you can choose something entirely new like double-glazed sliding windows or soundproof windows etc. The choice is yours.
In this post, we run through some of your options, describing each dimension in detail so you can get something that will complement your home.
Choose Your Frame Type
The first step in replacing any window is to choose your frame type. You don’t have to pick the same option as you had before, unless there is a compelling structural reason to do so (which, usually, there isn’t).
Here are your frame type options:
- Concrete – offers excellent durability but isn’t the most attractive
- Wood – looks great but can rot easily unless maintained every year
- PVC – less attractive but will last for many years and UV-resistant
- Aluminum – sleek and stylish but more expensive.
Choose Your Window
The next step is to choose the type of window that you would like to install. Again, you have plenty of options here. Don’t feel like you have to continue using the type of window that you already have if you don’t feel that it is adding value to your home. Additionally, while you may be worried about triple pane windows cost, it may be beneficial to spend more on your windows now so that your home is more energy efficient, saving you money in the long run.
- Casement: Casement windows open from hinges on the sides, usually outwardly. They are common in northern European countries and are often easier to operate than conventional sash windows
- Sash: Sash windows come in two varieties: single and double. Single sashes have one moving pane and one fixed pane, while double sashes allow you to move both panes. These windows have the advantage of not needing to open outwards away from the building, but they can be more challenging to operate.
- Bow: Bow windows are not flush with your walls like other windows. Instead, they arch outwards away from your home, providing additional spaciousness. In most cases, installing bow windows requires structural modification of your home (if the structure is not in place already).
- Picture: Perhaps the most interesting types of windows are picture windows. These don’t have any moving parts, hinges or handles. Instead, they comprise a single pane of glass, designed for uninhibited views of the outside. The advantage is that it helps to bring the outdoors in. However, the disadvantage is that you can’t get a breeze.
As John McCarter Construction points out, there are many types of window materials available for each of these subtypes. Vinyl and wood are the most popular.
Install Impact Resistant Glass
One of the best ways to protect your home from storm damage is to replace your windows with impact-resistant glass. Impact-resistant glass is designed to withstand high winds and flying debris when a storm occurs. It can also help to reduce noise levels and make your home more energy efficient. In addition, the impact-resistant glass comes in various styles and colours, so you can choose the look that best fits your home. If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, replacing your windows with impact-resistant glass is a wise investment to help protect your property. A hurricane lawyer might also suggest investing in impact-resistant windows, as this will lower your insurance payments and make claims much more manageable when a storm does occur.
Indoor-Outdoor Spaces
In some cases, you may decide to open up your home and create indoor-outdoor spaces. To do this successfully, you’ll need to install bi-folding doors, made entirely of glass. These pull back out of the way and essentially allow you to bring the outdoors in.
If you attempt a renovation like this, make sure that the outdoor and indoor floor heights are the same. If they are not, it will be difficult to create a sense of continuity between the two spaces. Usually, it is actually quite easy to elevate your existing patio and then create steps off it down into the rest of your garden further away from your home.
