Home Remodeling & Construction Blog

Replacing your aging windows will reduce your heating and cooling bills, increase the value of your home and improve your home’s appearance. Knowing how to choose the best replacement windows Virginia contractors have to offer will ensure your home improvement project delivers the highest value. Different brands, unique designs and varying installation methods are available, and all of these factors affect the total cost.

Understand Your Needs

You’ll discover a wide variety of replacement windows on the market, from high end composite windows to budget-friendly vinyl replacement windows. Virginia homeowners need to understand the advantages of each type, and align those advantages with their own needs to find the best windows for their home.

There are a few key factors that determine your unique needs, including:

• Budget - always an important part of any home improvement project, your budget will significantly narrow down the playing field.
• Architecture - the style of your home dictates the best style of window, although many styles are available in various materials and structural design.
• Climate or Exposure - seasons in Northern Virginia require double or triple glazed windows to help maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home, but not all homes will benefit in the same way from high end windows.
• Future Plans - if you’re planning on moving within five years, it’s not a good idea to invest in expensive, high end windows that will not necessarily deliver a great return on investment over that period. Consider a cheaper alternative when your short to mid-term future plans include moving.
• Installation Contractor - the scope of your Virginia replacement windows project, and the location of your property, will determine which contractor to hire. Beware of handyman companies that don’t offer the expertise and insurance coverage required for a replacement window project.

Book Estimates

Ask your friends and family for referrals, and check the local listings to find Virginia replacement windows installers. Call a few different contractors and arrange for in-home estimates. They’ll need to physically visit your home to assess the conditions and accurately estimate the cost for removal and replacement.

Make sure you receive a written estimate and obtain a list of references from each contractor under consideration. If you find a big discrepancy in the prices, call in a few more contractors to better gauge the industry.

Ask Questions

Write down a list of questions to ask your contractor, covering vital details like their installation process, scheduling, and payment structure. Don’t assume that the initial quotes will include all of your alternatives. It’s often up to the customer to inquire about the wide range of replacement windows Virginia contractors are offering.

Find out the differences between distinct brands and designs. Ask about the contractor ’s recommendations and then compare that advice to the recommendations given by other professionals. Be diligent in gathering information while always keeping your specific situation in mind (your budget, architecture, exposure and future plans).

You can choose the best replacement windows Virginia contractors have to offer, as long as those windows suit your own circumstances. What’s best for your neighbor or family member may not be best for your home, and a professional replacement window installer can show you the difference.

Although a Virginia window replacement project requires a hefty investment, this home improvement also delivers significant benefits. Take a look at the advantages new windows will offer your family and feel good knowing your hard-earned cash is well spent on replacement windows.

Benefit # 1 – A More Energy Efficient Home

Perhaps the most obvious benefit of installing replacement windows is an improvement in your home’s energy efficiency. Double-glazed window panes and improved frame design make today’s windows much more airtight. This provides an effective heat barrier and insulator, allowing you to maintain a comfortable temperature using less energy.

Experts suggest that installing replacement windows will result in energy bills at least 10 percent lower than your current billing levels. Imagine how those savings will add up over the years, insulating your home from rising energy costs as well.

Benefit # 2 – A More Attractive Home

Aging windows present a less than spectacular façade, with peeling frames and dated styling. Newer windows dress up your home from the inside and out, allowing for a cleaner, more finished appearance.

It may seem strange to think that windows can have a noticeable effect on the look of your home, but the texture and brightness of new vinyl windows are unmistakable and easy to spot. Replacement windows also allow greater amounts of light into your home, creating a brighter interior that seems spacious and open.

Benefit # 3 – A Quieter Home

Road noise and the sounds of neighbors can invade your home at any time, eroding the sense of peace that should be present inside those walls. Although new windows can’t provide a complete solution in every circumstance, today’s product designs help to create a much more peaceful atmosphere inside your home.

Block out the sounds of foot and road traffic with double or triple glazed windows. The air space between glass window panes works as an insulator against sound as well as heat. Add some heavy drapes and your interior space will be almost completely insulated from intrusive noises. Enjoy a quieter home with a Virginia window replacement project.

Benefit # 4 – A More Valuable Home

If you are considering a move in the next few years, upgrading your existing windows is a wise idea. Not only will you enjoy cheaper energy bills and a quieter, nicer looking home, that house will also increase in value thanks to those new windows.

Modern windows offer greater security and easier, maintenance-free operation. Consider those benefits along with all of the others mentioned above and you’ll see how this home improvement project can add value. Buyers will look for a house in move-in condition, meaning new windows will make your home more attractive and more likely to capture the full asking price.

On the flip side of that equation, buyers tend to steer clear of homes that require substantial upgrades right away or soon after the purchase. If your windows are dated and worn out any offers to buy will take that into consideration. Most often buyers knock a certain amount off of the asking price, at least equal to the cost of the home improvement. Take care of that upgrade yourself before the home goes up for sale and you won’t need to deal with that issue at all.

A Virginia window replacement project presents homeowners with a wide variety of benefits. From lower energy bills to higher home values, a quieter atmosphere and a better looking facade, this home improvement is well worth the investment.

DIY home improvement projects help you to save money, not to mention giving you a chance to use power tools. But installing Virginia replacement windows can be a tricky job and amateur mistakes lead to big problems later on. Check out a few reasons for hiring a professional window installer before you decide to strap on the tool belt. You may just decide that it’s wiser to pick up the phone and call in the experts.

Reason 1 - The Right Way to Remove Windows

The first step in replacement window projects is to remove the existing window. Unless the jamb has deteriorated beyond repair that component will remain. A careful job is essential. Do you know exactly which components need to stay and how to handle the removal with gentleness? Experienced window installers make this look easy, but most DIY enthusiasts will admit that removal is not always as straightforward as it seems.

It’s worth mentioning that older homes may have lead paint on the window frames. Removal of these windows can be tricky and present health and safety issues. Professionals know how to recognize this situation and are also trained in how to handle the removal process properly.

Reason 2 - Assessing the Condition of the Jamb

Can you spot water damage, rot or evidence of pests in the existing window jamb? You’ll need to inspect the material closely to find out whether a new replacement window can be securely hung. Soft spots can hide on the sill or along the top of the window frame, and professional contractors are skilled at probing in the right places to find those hidden problems.

Rot in the window jamb means a whole new frame needs to be installed. This discovery can transform a simple replacement job into a more complicated home improvement project. Make sure you can handle the twists and turns that hidden rot may cause and hire a pro to inspect the jambs and handle the installation of new windows.

Reason 3 - Precise Measurements

Measuring is probably the most important step in window installation. These figures have to be exact and recorded properly; windows that are even a few inches off will not work. And the worst news of all is that custom-sized replacement windows are not returnable. Want to avoid the pressure and let the pros handle the measuring? Not only allow will you avoid errors, but this also means any mistakes made are someone else’s responsibility.

Reason 4 - Square It Up

Virginia replacement windows come slightly smaller than the frame opening. This space allows for shims used to square the window properly. Operation of the window (opening and closing) relies heavily on the placement of the window and getting that sash perfectly square can be a challenge. You need to have patience and the knowledge to know how to fit shims properly. Experience allows this process to move along quicker, while providing the perfect fit for your new windows.

Reason 5 - That Essential Seal

New windows provide better efficiency in your home, cutting back on heating and cooling bills. But when your replacement windows are not sealed properly those savings will escape through the cracks before you even realize they’re gone. Professionals have the equipment and skill to create a tight seal, keeping your home tight and providing the support those new high efficiency windows need.

DIY window installation is possible, but many homeowners agree that hiring a professional is the wisest choice. Get the most from your Virginia replacement windows by ensuring they are installed properly. It’s worth the investment.

Home improvement projects are an investment in your lifestyle and comfort. Upgrades can also help you to save money on heating bills, but only high quality Virginia replacement windows will provide true value for your money. What can consumers look for in quality windows? Is there a premium design or style that offers durability and beauty you can count on? Browse the selection of windows to find out which is best for your home.

Three Components of a Window

There are three basic parts of a window that will affect the overall quality:

• Frame construction and design - Window frames are available in various materials, including wood, vinyl, aluminum and fiberglass. Combinations are also on the market, offering the benefits of both materials. The very best replacement windows have frames built for durability - thick, strong components that fit together seamlessly - and efficiency. If a significant amount of heat is lost through the window frame, your investment will be wasted.
• Glass panes - Double and tripled glazed windows that include low E coatings and gas fillings offer the best value in Virginia replacement windows. Energy efficient and attractive, these windows can add natural light to your home and brighten up any living space. Look for glass with security features for vulnerable areas such as exterior doors.
• Hardware - Many experts look at the hardware of replacement windows first, since the quality evident in this smaller component is often indicative of overall quality. Flimsy or improperly installed hardware generally means the window has been poorly designed or offers lower quality materials. Solid hardware that will stand up to countless turns, cranks, pulls and yanks is what homeowners should be opting for. Strong hardware will keep your window operating well.

Where To Buy Quality Windows

You can do most of your research online, browsing the features and designs of various manufacturers on their websites. Be sure that your preferred window installation contractor handles the brands you are looking into. Ask which brands the contractor has access to or find out whether they are interested in installing other manufacturers.

Shop for sales in the off season. But remember that the sooner your replacement windows are installed, the sooner you will begin to save money on heating and cooling costs. You may find the window retailers put last year’s models on sale to make way for the new lines. These older products are often just as good as the newer models, unless a major industry advancement has occurred. Discuss the differences in price and design before making your final purchase.

Using an experienced installer is almost as important as buying a quality product. If expensive, highly advanced windows are improperly installed, all of those benefits you paid for will be thrown out the proverbial window. Energy efficiency depends on a tight fit, as well as the design and materials of the actual product.

Durability and operation are affected by installation as well. Have you ever tried to open or close a window that was in crooked or not shimmed well? Hire a contractor that will be sure to do a thorough job, with removal and replacement of your windows. Then you can be sure that your investment in Virginia replacement windows is money well spent, increasing your comfort and the value of your home.

Real estate can be a tough market. Sellers need to be sure their homes include features and designs that allow the property to stand out above the competition. Some renovations are eye catching; others are valuable in terms of energy efficiency and comfort. New windows offer buyers all of those advantages, making them one of the smartest home improvement projects to tackle before putting up the for sale sign. Check out these replacement windows Virginia homebuyers are looking for.

New Sliding Patio Door or French Doors

Open up the living room or dining room with natural light and add another entrance to your home with new sliding or French doors. This is an easy install that will cause minimal mess. Simply have the wall cut out to the size of the door and install the frame. Your new door will fit right in and bathe the interior of your Virginia home with sunshine.

Remember to insulate well around the new doors to assure energy efficiency. Caulking should be applied to provide a durable seal between the frame and the brick or siding.

French doors are more expensive than a standard sliding door, but this replacement window project also adds a level of class to the property. It’s these details that will sell your home quickly and for a better price.

Double Glazed or Low E Windows

Replacing your older or dated windows will not only increase the overall value of your home, but this project will also help you avoid low ball offers. Many buyers assess their bids based on the condition of major elements in the house - windows and doors included.

Buyers tend to look at a house with old windows and automatically knock thousands of dollars off of the asking price. By taking the initiative and installing replacement windows Virginia sellers can secure a higher price for their real estate. Expect to recoup between 70 and 100 percent of the upfront cost, which is significantly higher than the price you can expect to be offered with the older windows left in.

Bay Windows

Bay windows are ideal for small living spaces, since they add the appearance of space without increasing the home’s footprint. Bay windows also create built in seating, making them an ideal addition to a master bedroom or home office. This classic style of window comes in a variety of sizes and many product lines can be installed without any alterations to your walls.

Take the measurements of your existing windows to the retailer. Find out if they have any bay windows in that width and have a look at the different configurations that will work with the interior and exterior of your home.

Buyers love the look of a well-fitted bay window. Be sure to have a professional contractor handle the installation – it’s well worth the additional cost in terms of appearance and durability. Prospective buyers and home inspectors will spot a badly installed window right away. But a professional job will leave them with a good impression, which tends to translate into a higher price.

If you are considering selling your home in the next few years think about budgeting for one of the replacement windows Virginia homebuyers are looking for. Showcase the beauty and value of your home by hiring a professional contractor for this upgrade. You’ll likely end up with a quicker sale and a higher profit on the property.

The cooling season is still in full swing, but the heating season is only months away. It seems our wallets will never get a break. But you can consider Virginia window replacement for better efficiency and look forward to lower utility bills this year - and well into the future.

How Do New Windows Help With Your Heating and Cooling Bills?

Windows make up only 10 percent of your home. But that small, minor area is responsible for between 40 and 50 percent of the heat gained or lost throughout your living space. Replacing those aging, poorly designed windows with newer, built for efficiency windows is a wise move and will reduce that heat lost immensely.

Replacement windows reduce heat loss in a variety of ways. First of all, they are better insulated, which allows for a thicker barrier that is more difficult for heat to pass through. This works both ways - in the winter the heat will stay inside and in the summer the heat will stay outside. Both situations are positive for you.

A Virginia window replacement also means that the latest energy saving features will be put in place. Gases inserted between the double or triple glass panes act as added insulation. Typically argon or krypton is used. Ask the manufacturer about what type of gases have been inserted and what properties they bring to the product.

Coating Covers You

Low E (or low emissivity) coatings are also available in the latest replacement windows. This soft coat process is done at the end of the manufacturing cycle and is designed to keep the hot and potentially damaging rays of the sun out of your house.

This type of coating is not the same as traditional reflective coatings. They could be applied after installation and worked well against radiant heat or direct sunlight. Low E coatings take that protection to another level. You won’t notice the Low E coating and it will not wear off over time. It’s generally applied to the inside of the pane, which is exposed to the gap, not to the elements or scratches and damage from the inside.

What About Shutters?

Many homeowners wonder whether installing shutters on your home is a better way to improve the efficiency levels and maintain a higher level of safety against storm damage. While shutters are highly functional and will help to keep damaging winds and rain out, they do little for the efficiency levels in fair weather. Experts say you are better to have the latest windows installed in order to cut back on heat loss and then install shutters for safety, if that is a major concern.

It’s important that your Virginia window replacement project be handled by professional installers. Be sure that the window is well insulated and sealed all the way around, to maximize the value of this product and create an efficient home. It doesn’t help to have new windows installed poorly, so think carefully and weigh the value professional installation delivers. This may not be the ideal DIY home improvement project for you.

In these tough economic times many homeowners ignore or put off necessary projects due to a lack of funds. But certain home improvements can actually help you save money and are worth the hassle to take out a loan or arrange for financing. Through greater levels of energy efficiency and by increasing the value of your home Virginia replacement windows are an excellent way to use a home improvement loan wisely.

Where To Obtain Home Improvement Loans

Visit your preferred financial establishment first to find out if they are currently offering any home renovation loan programs. These financing deals take your current credit status into account and use short-term loans with decent interest to make funds available for a specific reason. Replacement windows are a common reason.

If your preferred financial institution is not offering anything, try an Internet search to obtain the names and contact information of other firms that do have these packages available. You may also find information on government grants and environmental programs that will help to offset the cost, if not pay for it all in full. Every little bit helps and often these types of grants and programs do not need to be paid back.

Think about any groups that you belong to. If your professional organization, church group, alumni or neighborhood association has connections with any particular financial establishment the arrangement of this may be easier than you think. If you are a veteran or a civil servant, you may even be able to secure financing through the government for home improvement projects such as window replacement.

Why Virginia Replacement Windows Are Worth the Hassle

Replacing the windows in your home is a smart project that will pay you back in energy savings. Discounts will trickle in over time through reductions on your heating and cooling bills. This occurs because of the design of these new windows – they allow less heat transfer and provide a more airtight finish inside your home.

Even if you don’t have the cash for this project, it may well be worth arranging for alternate financing. This is especially true if your existing windows are single paned or deteriorating at the frame and/or sill. Gaps around the window or an inefficient design will result in major heat loss, which will drive the cost of utilities sky high. Any interest paid for a home improvement loan will be quickly and easily made up through these cost savings.

You’ll need to be thorough when choosing a Virginia window replacement contractor and keep all of your paperwork well organized. The bank may ask for specific forms from the contractor and there may be inspections involved. Requirements and specifications will depend entirely on the institution.

If your home is in need of new Virginia replacement windows and the funds are not readily available it may be wise to investigate a home improvement loan. The cost of financing is outset by the savings on your heating bills and the improved appearance and comfort will make your day to day living much better.

Your home is a place of rest, your sanctuary amid the busyness of life. Home improvement projects are designed to increase the comfort, security and stability of those four walls you call home. And much like any other renovation, when you are installing Virginia replacement windows it is critical that you invest in top quality brands. Why? Because the alternative can be disastrous.

The Results of Choosing Lower Quality

There is a vast range of replacement window manufacturers available today. You may be tempted to opt for a line that does not achieve the highest levels of energy efficiency. The windows may not have an argon insertion or the low E coating that will create a much better barrier against heat loss. But did you know that any initial cost savings you are counting on would be eaten up with higher utility bills over the life of your windows?

Other design elements may be missing as well, resulting in a lower sticker price but decreased performance. The idea of a replacement window project is to improve the efficiency and security of your home – if the new windows cannot achieve that, why invest the money at all?

You may also be tempted to choose an older style of windows, disregarding the latest in design. Although this may not make a difference in certain circumstances, be sure you are not simply helping the retailer or manufacturer offload an outdated line of product.

Do your research and find out the advantages of the latest products. If the previous line of Virginia replacement windows is a marked improvement from what you have and not far behind the latest innovations, it makes sense to install them. If they are lacking and will not present a good value for your home, skip them and invest in the newest products available.

Trusting Well Known Manufacturers

The window industry includes a good selection of major manufacturers, companies that have been around for years and have proved themselves. It is important to invest in a trusted brand that you can count on to stand behind any warranty claims or issues.

Choosing a trusted installer is also important, as it will be their skill and expertise that ensures the new windows fit well. Look for contractors that deal with top quality manufacturers. Those who have had lasting relationships with these companies are your best bet. You can either ask the manufacturer who they would recommend in your area or search out a local contractor based on the brand keywords. Either way, it is the combination of a trusted manufacturer and experienced installer that will result in a replacement window project that is truly an improvement.

Virginia replacement windows made in the latest designs by established window manufacturers are always worth your money. Not only will the value and comfort level of your home increase substantially, but the overall appearance of the building will also improve and your heating and cooling bills will drop. Don’t settle for any old windows, put your hard earned money into something that will be worth the investment.

New windows can dramatically alter the look and feel of your home, but more often than not this home renovation is necessary to improve energy efficiency. That doesn’t mean shopping for Virginia replacement windows is boring. On the contrary, with a little bit of direction and some time to consider your options, buying new windows can change the comfort level in your home significantly.

Follow these easy steps when shopping for replacement windows and you’re bound to end up with the best products for your home.

Start With the Budget

Setting a budget ahead of time is a wise first step. Consider the cost of financing if you are planning to borrow the money and don’t forget to incorporate the energy savings you are likely to experience once the new windows are in. It also pays to investigate whether there are any rebates available in your city or county - these can add up and help you cover some of this cost of this renovation.

Remember that should the project be more expensive than you originally budgeted, it is possible to install the windows in batches, a few at a time. This will allow you to spread the cost of this home improvement project over a longer period of time.

Do Your Research

Be sure to read up on which window manufacturers have the highest ratings for both energy efficiency and overall quality. You do not want to invest in Virginia replacement windows that will require repairs or present issues a short time after being installed. High quality products are often made from superior materials and will follow strict designs that incorporate the latest technology and industry knowledge.

You may need to pay more for these windows, but it will be well worth the investment. Read reviews, contact each manufacturer with your questions and ask your neighbors and the local contractors which brands they would recommend.

Think About the Window Design

Consider which materials would suit your home best, whether that is vinyl windows, wood or composite designs. The style of your home may dictate your choices, but the degree of maintenance, costs and the durability of each material should also be taken into consideration.

Other factors in window design include added efficiency features such as argon gas injections, low emissivity coatings and improved security measures. Only you can decide which of these features is most important to you and whether or not they are worth any additional investment. The shape and appearance of your new windows should also be taken into account at this stage.

Choosing a Contractor

Besides deciding on which window manufacturer you will invest in, it’s important to hire a contractor with the expertise and experience necessary for this type of home renovation. Be sure they have the insurance coverage required, as well as the trained staff and a list of current references you can check. Ask about their warranty coverage and how many years they have been in business. These factors will influence your choice of contractor, which will in turn have an affect on the overall quality of the project.

Shopping for Virginia replacement windows is straightforward with these tips in mind. Budget first, do your homework on the products and consider the different window designs. Finally, choose an experienced, reputable contractor and watch how this home improvement will transform your house.

Home is a place where you can rest peacefully, spend time with your loved ones and rejuvenate from the everyday stresses of life. Safety and security are two important factors to a comfortable home. Many home improvement projects are designed to add or improve these factors and Virginia replacement windows can make a significant impact in many different ways.

Avoiding Injuries From Breakage

Sliding patio doors and window inserts in your entrance and garage doors should be fitted with safety glass. If you have an older window installed in these crucial points of your home consider upgrading to newer models that utilize tempered glass or laminated glass to provide more protection.

Not only are these products more difficult to break in order to gain entry, they also present less of a danger to your family when a breakage happens accidentally. Tempered glass shatters into many small pieces instead of leaving large, extremely sharp edges and the risk of serious cuts and lacerations. Laminated glass is similar to a vehicle windshield and will remain in the frame, stuck fast together even when broken. Either of these two options makes for a wise choice when replacing windows on or in the entrance ways to your home.

Avoiding Falls From the Windows

Every year many serious and fatal injuries occur when children and pets fall through windows. This is a major risk when certain types of windows are installed in second and third storey rooms – casements, single and double hung windows can all present a danger when opened and accessible to kids.

There are certain guidelines set out by the National Safety Council that pertain to residential windows. Parents and guardians should never rely on screens to keep their young ones and pets inside the house – screens are meant to keep pests and bugs out of your home only. It’s a good idea to keep furniture and other climbable objects away from the windows, reducing the accessibility for curious little ones. Always keep the locks engaged on your windows when they are closed, as an extra safety measure for those attempting to break in and as an added barrier for children who may attempt to open them from the inside.

With weaker frames, single pane glass and fewer locking mechanisms, your existing windows may be presenting a serious danger if you have young children and pets in the house. Virginia replacement windows will not only improve the appearance and energy efficiency of your home, they will also increase the safety and security through a better design and stronger construction.

Increasing Strength to Resist Outside Forces

With intense storms raging throughout the country, the possibility of your older windows shattering from outside forces is increasing. Besides burglaries, weaker windows are also at risk of breakage from high winds, hail and heavy storms. But newer products such as impact resistant glass can substantially improve the security level of your home.

In certain cases building code requires that replacement windows in Virginia be designed with impact resistant glass. Although these windows may still break due to exterior forces, the glass will not shatter and cause harm to those sheltering inside your home. These products often use technology similar to laminated glass to provide this added protection for your family.

Worth the investment for a variety of reasons, Virginia replacement windows also improve the safety and security of your home making it a more peaceful place to live.