How to Replace Windows Properly
Whether you are doing a window replacement job to improve the value of your home, or just its overall appearance, this can take a bit of skill. Improving your home in such a manner can be very rewarding, but it takes a great deal of forethought and experience to do the job right. To be successful, follow these simple strategies to help you as you complete your window replacement project at home.
The first thing you should consider when replacing windows is whether you only need to replace the windows or the frames as well. The cost of the project, and the time involved will be much less, if only the glass needs to be replaced. As far as jobs go, it will be relatively simple, when you only have to take the old glass, and put in new.
Of course, you may want to upgrade your windows to something that’s very energy-efficient, like triple pane glass or windows that have argon gas, which will drive up the cost. Your house won’t look very good, when only replacing the glass if the frames are bad, so in that case you will need to change out the entire window. The next thing you need to think about, especially if you are replacing the frames around your windows, is the style of frames that you need to get. A very popular choice with people that do cosmetic reconstruction of their homes is to choose wooden frames. The best choice that anyone can make, especially in regard to energy efficiency, is to choose vinyl over wood. Vinyl is actually not that much more expensive than your basic frame. Some window frames are aluminum, but these have the drawback of not being very energy efficient unless you choose ones with thermal breaks that keep out air and moisture. The strongest and most energy efficient frames of all are those made from fiberglass, though they can be quite expensive.
It is important that you also replace the basement windows. No matter what your basement is used for, unfinished and used for storage or laundry, or finished and used as another room, the windows are important. Whatever reason you have for replacing the windows of your house, the same reason should apply to the basement. For one thing, if the windows in the basement are in poor condition, it can be a place for drafts to get in and make the whole house colder. Basement windows give easy access to a house, especially if they are of inferior quality. Anything that raises the value of your house is good, and that is what good quality windows do.
It a common desire to be aware of and try to negate the high cost of energy; replacing your windows with more efficient ones would be a good start. You will be enhancing your home life while also raising the amount your residence is worth. If you plan the job carefully, whether it’s a DIY project or one you’ll be hiring someone to do, it will be a decision you won’t regret.