Changing windows is a great way to turn your home into something more beautiful, functional, and efficient.
Windows serve many functions in our homes. They bring in natural light, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors from indoors. They also provide insulation against harsh weather, keeping your energy bills low by using less heat or air conditioning.
No matter how well they work, most windows start showing signs of wear and tear after ten years or so. They also become more challenging to open/close or clean because of their age.
Before we even get into replacement window functionality, it’s essential to understand what replacement windows are.
Signs You Need To Change Your Existing Windows
Your windows are an essential part of your home, and if you have old windows, they can cost you money and even put your health at risk.
The following are several signs that you need to replace your windows:
- There are drafts in your house during the winter months when all the windows are closed tight
- Window painting and repair have become impossible due to cracks, peeling, and rot.
- You have difficulty opening or closing windows.
- Your home is drafty despite having made other repairs and adjustments over the years
- Your window glass is cold in any room of your house in winter, indicating that outside air is leaking into your home.
Changing Windows in Your Home
Three main factors affect your new window installation:
- The frame
- The glass
- The hardware
Let’s look at each of these in detail and how they fit with changing windows in your home.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Windows in Your Home
When you contact a window expert to change windows in your home, they will likely carry out the following steps:
- Measure the size of your window frames, recording the height and width of each frame to make sure replacement windows fit perfectly.
- Choose replacement windows that match the style and design of your home. If you live in an older home, experts may recommend retro-style windows to help maintain its original look. If you have a newer home, modern replacement windows, such as vinyl windows, can give it more curb appeal while keeping energy costs low and improving overall comfort.
- When installing replacement windows, most professionals will do so from inside the home so that no exterior elements require removal or modification during installation. This will ensure a quick and easy installation process.
- Some windows (e.g., sash windows) may need sash removal from the window frame. The technicians will unscrew or pry off the interior wooden stops to remove the lower sash, ensuring that the stops don’t break.
- If the window frame had aluminum or vinyl jamb liners, the technicians would use a flat bar to remove them, leaving the interior and exterior casings intact.
- Next, they will patch existing cracks or holes and scrape off loose paint. Then, they will sand the jambs and prime and paint surfaces.
- The window replacement technicians will remove the sash weights and insulate the window frame if the sash weights are still there.
- The technicians will prep the frame for insulation with foam or fibreglass and apply elastomeric caulk to the inner blind stops/exterior casings and sides of the window frame.
- Once all these steps are complete, the team will proceed with the final stage of the window installation, ensuring that no gaps are present between the frame and the glass pane.
Choosing a Reputable Window Replacement Company
When changing windows in your home, you’ll probably have to deal with many different companies.
There are two types of window companies: franchised or corporate operations and local companies.
- Franchised or corporate operations like The Home Depot, Andersen, Pella, and Empire offer products from various manufacturers or their own brands.
- Local window replacement companies tend to have one manufacturer’s product line. They can often recommend the best window for your needs, but they may not be able to offer many choices.
Remember to check out the National Fenestration Ratings Council website for information on energy efficiency and Angi, Houzz, HomeAdvisor, or BBB websites for ratings of local window companies and installers before you sign on the dotted line.
After deciding on possible candidates for your window replacement, ensure that you:
- Get at least three written estimates for price comparison. These estimates should point out exactly which windows need replacing.
- Consider off-brand and name-brand windows; you may get a better deal with off-brand windows.
- Consider getting double-pane windows for higher energy efficiency. You might also consider getting single-hung or double-hung windows, depending on the design of your home.
- Choose window materials carefully, depending on your house and location (weather). Vinyl windows are a great choice as they offer a wide range of modern styles and designs. Aluminum windows are highly durable but have lower energy efficiency than vinyl or wood. Wood windows are extremely stylish but susceptible to rot and termite infestation.
Thinking of Changing Windows in Your Home? Contact the Experts Today!
With proper care and maintenance, your windows should last for years. But, as time goes on, you may need to repair to replace your windows. It’s important to remember that when changing windows, the expertise and experience of a professional will always make the process much easier.
The longer you wait to replace your windows and doors, the more energy you’ll be wasting and the longer your home will stay uncomfortable.
At The Window Experts, we offer quality window replacements in Toronto and the GTA. We are fully licensed and insured for your peace of mind and have a wide product range to suit every home. Contact us, or call 905-875-2596 (GTA) (toll free at 866-566-9686) today to get your quality replacement windows in Ontario.
