Replacement Windows

Replacement Windows

Have you been thinking about replacing your windows?  Improved design, energy conservation, UV protection and low maintenance make them a welcome improvement.  They can be a cost effective way to increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to buyers if you plan to sell.  Maybe with a little attention to detail and determination you can do it yourself.  If your skills lie elsewhere, there are reputable local contractors at your service. 
First, evaluate the existing windows. Sure they’re old and maybe you just don’t like them, but take a good look. Are they not working right because the opening is not square?  It might mean you have foundation problems that a new window will not fix.  Is there water or termite damage to the surrounding wall?  The new window might suffer the same fate.  A little critical examination now could save you time and money.    
New windows come in a variety of styles (casement, single hung, double hung, slider, fixed), options (tempered, special coatings, UV protected, dual pane) and materials (wood, vinyl or aluminum clad wood, vinyl, aluminum, steel). The good news is that you can take advantage of these choices for each location. You might opt for dual glazed on the noisy street side and special coatings or UV protection for locations that are hit by the hot afternoon sun.  
Safety glass is laminated or tempered to prevent creation of large shards when broken. It is required where there is potential for contact and/or breakage. Accidental trips or falls into safety glass do not generally result in life threatening injury.  Safety glass is required in windows within 24 inches of doors, within 60 inches of the standing surface of the tub/shower and at the base of stairs.  In these locations, this is an option you can’t afford to be without. 
There are secondary egress requirements for bedrooms. If the bedroom has only one door, the window becomes an emergency access. Size matters! Imagine a firefighter in full gear coming in the window. The window must have minimum opening dimensions (20” wide, 24” high, 5.7 sq feet) that make this possible. The manufacturer knows these dimensions and can tell you if the window is suitable for use as secondary egress. Also, there is a maximum sill height (44inches) so the rescuer can safely step rather than stumble into the room.  Sometimes it is necessary to lower the sill (bottom) of the opening of the original window. Be sure to take this into account when measuring. 
Measure according to manufacturer’s instructions. Don’t assume anything!  It may be logical to you to measure one way but the manufacturer has something else in mind. Take each measurement at least twice.  The windows are often custom made and can’t be returned if you provide incorrect measurements.  If you have decided on a professional installer, let them do the measuring. 
When installing the window typically the old frame can remain in place.  If you have to change the sill height then the bottom part of the frame is removed and the opening is made bigger.  Sometimes you can remove the sill without needing any wall patching.  Watch out for electrical and plumbing in the wall!   
Even the most well intentioned sales person may not be able to accurately answer your warranty questions.  Review the warranty for these answers.  Is the warranty transferable?  How long is a “lifetime”?  Must the windows be professionally installed?
Does the warranty cover labor as well as material?  Keep records of the purchase details and the manufacturer’s contact information for yourself and any future owners.  
Properly installed replacement windows can provide many years of enjoyment with minimal maintenance.