Replacement windows, a very popular renovation project, are considered by most homeowners at one time or another. Windows degrade as they age, effecting their appearance as well as their function. Older windows can make your home look unattractive, can be difficult or impossible to operate and could be robbing you of energy dollars. In the case of a fire, a window that cannot open may even pose a danger to the occupants.

Before getting new house windows, start by assessing the condition of the old windows. Existing damage may indicate siding material problems or some other concern. If not corrected, a pre-existing problem will begin damaging your new windows as soon as they are installed, just as it did with the windows you’re replacing.

After the old windows have been removed, be sure to have a look at the surrounding rough openings (the wood-framed ‘hole’ in the wall framing that houses the windows). Ensure your window contractor repairs any damaged areas before installing the new windows.

Window designs are available to you, the consumer, in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Window options such as designer grills, funky shapes and textured or colored glass open a new world of design possibilities, limited only by your imagination and budget. Stained glass windows are a stylish way to personalize your home and add flare to, what could be, dull interior spaces.

Of the more standard styles of windows, there are many options to choose from:

• Window type
• Single-hung
• Double-hung
• Casement
• Energy Efficiency
• Its construction
• Material used to make it
• Many other choices

Identify the main goals of your window replacement project to help determine the best type of windows for the application. If you are interested in saving energy costs and increasing efficiency, there are window types that favor this consideration. Conversely, if your home has historic value or a specific style you want to maintain, you should seek out windows that most closely resemble the style and materials of your existing windows.

Also important to consider is the maintenance that will be required of your new windows. Even windows that come pre-primed or pre-painted will one day require repainting. There are also many types of windows today that have ‘zero-maintenance’ exteriors- a handy feature if you have a difficult home to paint! New exterior coatings and materials such as vinyl extrusions or metal claddings can last indefinitely – much longer than painted finishes, especially in extreme climates.

Checking and comparing the window manufacturer’s warranties is also an important consideration. Some manufacturers offer different warranty periods for different window components- for example, the window hardware may be guaranteed for the life of the window, while the factory-applied paint finish may only be guaranteed for fifteen years. Read the fine print on those warranty brochures!

Visiting different window manufacturer’s websites will give you an idea of the range of looks, levels of efficiency and types of operation that are available. The good news is there is infinite choice available to the consumer today.