Every once in a while, a homeowner will face stressful maintenance like replacing windows. Replacing home glasses requires a lot of decision making and evaluations. When will you know it is time to replace your windows and what type of materials will work best for your new windows? These questions are hard to answer for an inexperienced homeowner.
To help you out, we will share everything you need to know about window replacements:
The Life Span of Windows
Keep in mind that each glass has a different shelf life. You might come across high-quality windows that offer a lifetime warranty, making you think that they will last, but not all of them do. Furthermore, their longevity does not depend on their appearance or their warranty.
Instead, here are several determining factors to measure how long your windows will last:
- The materials they are made from: The most common glazing that fails quickly are those thrift windows that have insulated glass. They often lose their seal and lead to operational problems due to poor balance systems. You will notice this more when you have difficulty in lifting or opening your windows. You may also start to see mist between your windows.
- The way they are installed: With improper r installation, your glass can have holes in it that allow wind, insects and water to penetrate and damage the frames. This often happens when its size is unique, therefore it is better to use custom fixtures than the standard size is more appropriate.
When to Replace Your Windows
One sign is to see moisture building up inside. Sometimes you will see molds when there is condensation inside the window. Moisture is present when mist appears between the panes. You may also see condensation in the glass facing the inside of your home.
Houses with vinyl glasses often experience this. The frame expands during the warm season and contracts during the cold months. This pattern causes the seal to break and fog up later. When fogging continues, you end up with a failed window.
If you notice that the same circumstances are happening with your windows, here are some tests or preventive measures you can do before replacing them completely:
- Have a moisture barrier in your crawl space underneath your home.
- Vertilate your house properly while cooking, doing the laundry or taking a shower.
- If you have a dehumidifier, it is best to use it.
- If you have blinds, try lifting them up sometimes to allow air circulation within the area.
Once you have tried everything and your window is still foggy, it may be best to replace it. Other signs to check are damages in the frames and drafty room experiences.
Choosing the Right Windows for Your Home
To simplify your window selection journey, just focus on these four categories:
- Material: You have three options for the material: wood, fiberglass, or vinyl. Vinyl is the most popular option found in most houses, and it comes in different colors. If your home has wood trim interiors, opt for the wood material to match. Out of the three, fiberglass has the longest lifespan.
- Type of Window: There are also several options for you when it comes to types:
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- Double-hung glasses are the most popular type. They are easy to clean and designed to lean into your home.
- Sliding glasses are best if you are looking for a short yet wide window.
- Crank-out glasses are the most energy-saving option.
- Glass Package: If there is one critical thing to consider when choosing the best window, it is your glass package. It is strongly recommended that you go for a low-emissivity coating (Low-E) coating as it is the most energy efficient material to use. They allow warmth into your home during the cold seasons and reflect warmth during the warmer months, helping you save more on heating and cooling expenses.
- Budget: If you are on a tight budget, you can go for an affordable material and style, but you should never choose the cheapest glass package. Remember, opting for a Low-E coating can also help you save money in the long run.
Best Time to Replace Your Windows
You are free to replace your windows as often as you like or when the needs arise. However, most homeowners prefer the warmer weather: late spring, summer, and early fall. The replacement is usually quick, but removing it can affect your home’s temperature. This means if you can’t handle the cold, schedule your replacement during the warmer months of the year instead.
Preparing for the Window Replacement
Here are the steps to follow before the replacement:
- Move furniture at least three feet away from the windows
- Remove all curtains or blinds
- Notify your alarm company if you have alarms installed in your home
Conclusion
If you are struggling to decide which window option is best for your home, you can always consult an expert. Find a contractor who will add proper patching to your windows. That means they will remove your existing stucco, make a new one, and tie a patch onto an existing stucco to make sure your windows are less likely to get cracks or water leaks later. Our skilled lathers, with years of experience in window repair, are adept in integrating existing texture and colors. With the information shared above, you are now more confident in choosing a window replacement and the options that you have.
Window replacement jobs are not the only thing we render here at One Stop Plastering. If you are looking for plastering in the Bay Area, we will bring the exceptionally skilled professionals right on your doorstep!. With over 25 years of experience, we are the experts in the field for residential and commercial plastering jobs and plaster restoration jobs. We ensure client’s satisfaction in the process, making them patronize our services. We also offer stucco, waterproofing, stone railing and so much more! What are you waiting for? Get in touch with us today to set an appointment and obtain the best possible results!
