Maryland Window Replacement can improve the appearance of your home, reduce energy bills, and prevent moisture damage. However, it can be difficult to determine when your windows need replacing or which type is best for your home.
Moisture problems often indicate the need for window replacement. This can include rotting frames or sills, coffee-like stains, and water leaks.
The frame material you choose for your windows is an important factor that will impact the aesthetic and energy efficiency of your home. There are six common window frame materials – vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass, wood, and composite or clad wood – each with unique benefits that should be considered when selecting the best frame for your replacement windows.
The most popular of these window frame materials is wood because of its timeless beauty, durability, and versatility. Homeowners are often drawn to the option of staining or painting wood frames a variety of colors and finishes to fit their aesthetic preferences. It’s also a highly insulating option for your home, which can help keep your heating and cooling bills low.
However, homeowners must consider the fact that wood frames are higher maintenance compared to other options because they need to be sealed and re-stained on a regular basis to protect them from moisture, which could cause rotting and warping. Additionally, it’s important to select a wood frame that’s sustainably sourced from forests that are managed according to the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standards.
Another high-performance, budget-friendly option for your replacement windows is fiberglass. This durable and resilient material is able to withstand the elements and resist mold, mildew, or rust. It’s easy to customize and paint, which allows you to create a window that blends perfectly with your home’s architecture and exterior style. It’s also an environmentally friendly choice because it’s made from recycled materials, which helps reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
Fiberglass is also lightweight and offers a sleek profile that complements many types of home design styles, making it a popular choice for contemporary homes. It’s not as insulating as wood or clad wood, but it offers an alternative for homeowners who prefer the look of natural wood without the associated maintenance costs and environmental concerns.
Another affordable option is aluminum, which is strong and light-weight. Homeowners may be drawn to this material because it doesn’t require the regular sealing, staining, and painting that wood requires. Despite their affordability, it’s important to note that aluminum is not a good insulator and is known to transfer heat easily between indoors and outdoors, increasing your energy costs.
Glass
The window frame may be the most visible part of a new or replacement window, but it’s the glass that holds an even larger role in how your home stays warm and cozy. The window panes can receive various additional treatments to help improve energy efficiency and impact resistance. These additional features can also increase the price of the glass, so consider your priorities and budget as you explore window glass options.
A simple option is standard window glass. This type of glass has been thermally treated to a high temperature and then cooled slowly to relieve internal stress. This process is called annealing and makes the glass stronger, but it can still be dangerous if broken, since it forms long shards with razor-sharp edges. Other options include laminated or tempered glass, which have undergone additional processes to make them more durable and safer.
Double-glazed or insulated windows are another way to save energy in your home. Typically a double-pane window has an air-filled space between the two panes of glass, which helps reduce heat gain and loss in the summer and winter. The glass can also be coated with Low-E to further enhance the insulation of the window.
Decorative glass is another way to add a unique look to your windows. This type of glass can be tinted to create privacy or to match the color scheme of your home, or it can be etched with patterns and textures to provide an aesthetic that’s unique and eye-catching. Many homeowners choose decorative glass for its aesthetic, while others find that it helps to increase the energy efficiency of their home.
Another consideration when choosing your window glass is whether you want to opt for smart glass. This type of glass is equipped with sensors and a built-in system that allows you to remotely control the window’s settings from your smartphone or tablet. It’s important to note that this technology can be more expensive than other types of glass, but it can save you money in the long run by reducing your energy costs.
Energy Efficiency
Window frames shouldn’t just match your home’s aesthetic—they should also align with your climate, energy efficiency and maintenance tolerance. Frame materials like vinyl, fiberglass and wood offer different advantages, but you should consider the cost as well as installation requirements when choosing a frame material. For instance, wood frames are beautiful but require frequent painting and staining to maintain their appearance. On the other hand, vinyl is inexpensive and low-maintenance.
The most important factor to consider when choosing windows is their energy efficiency. Windows that aren’t designed with energy efficiency in mind can let hot and cold air escape your home, increasing heating and cooling costs. Energy-efficient windows are built with insulating properties that keep your indoor temperature stable and reduce your energy consumption.
To find out how energy efficient a window is, look for the ENERGY STAR label. A label with the ENERGY STAR logo is a sign that the window meets minimum energy performance standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Fenestration Rating Council. You can also find more specific information about a window’s energy efficiency on its product description page.
You can also compare the energy-efficiency of windows by looking at their U-factors and Solar Heat Gain Coefficients (SHGC). The lower the U-factor or SHGC, the more energy-efficient the window is.
If you choose to replace your windows with Energy Star-certified models, you can also claim a 30 percent tax credit. However, it is important to remember that you must also make air sealing and insulation upgrades to qualify for the tax credit.
When considering energy-efficient windows, ask your potential installers for references from previous customers and browse their websites to see examples of their work. You should also check the company’s warranty policies before deciding which one to go with. Most companies worth working with provide a manufacturer’s and labor warranty.
Whether you opt for a full-frame or pocket replacement, an experienced contractor can help you save money with high-performance windows. Professionals can install your windows correctly and air seal the opening to maximize energy savings. In addition, they can upgrade your existing window with features that add more insulating value, such as warm edge spacers and inert gas fills like argon or krypton.
Budget
Replacing windows is an expensive undertaking, and the cost varies depending on window style and size, frame material, installation type, glass panes, energy efficiency options and labor. Window replacement costs also include the price of disposal and cleanup services, if applicable.
The most significant factor affecting window replacement costs is the choice of frame material. Aluminum frames are the most affordable, followed by vinyl. Fiberglass, composite and wood frames are more expensive but offer superior durability and longevity.
Homeowners should also consider the number of windows they want to replace. Purchasing more windows at once will save money on installation and haul-away costs. Window companies are also more likely to offer discounts for buying in bulk, which can lower the overall cost of the project.
Another important consideration is whether the homeowner wants to have a full-frame or pocket replacement. Full-frame replacements involve replacing the entire window and trim, while pocket replacements install the new window within the existing frame. A full-frame installation is typically needed when the existing frame has considerable rot or damage.
Lastly, homeowners should factor in the cost of any additional energy-efficient upgrades they might like to have installed. These can include double- or triple-pane windows, as well as low-emissivity (low-e) coatings and argon gas fills. These features increase insulation and energy efficiency, which may help homeowners save on their utility bills in the long run.
Many homeowners are tempted to save money by choosing cheaper window options, but this can lead to costly repairs down the line. For instance, a cheap window that fails to seal properly may allow ice, water and air into the house, leading to mold, mildew and rot around the windows. A faulty window can also reduce a home’s energy efficiency, which could result in high utility bills. For these reasons, it’s wise to invest in a quality window that will last for years and perform as advertised. Ultimately, a quality window will pay for itself in reduced repair and energy bills. A reputable window installer can provide detailed estimates before work begins, so the homeowner knows what to expect from the project.