Home Remodeling & Construction Blog

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.

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.

Many home improvement projects are an investment in your home. Some deliver returns in the form of increased comfort or security. Others add to the beauty of your space or create more room for your family. Installing Virginia replacement windows will do all of these things while also reducing the size of your utility bills. Homeowners wonder, with all of those savings realized, will this home improvement project actually pay for itself?

You need to examine the cost of leaving your old windows alone to fully answer that question. This information will help to accurately determine the cost savings as a result of this replacement project.

How Old Windows Cost Money

Worn, deteriorating windows are an enormous source of heat loss, which translates into much higher heating and cooling costs for your family. Wood sashes in particular will result in gaps and drafts over time as the wood shrinks and swells with seasonal shifts in temperature.

Besides the infiltration that occurs through gaps in older window frames and sashes, older styles of windows can result in higher heat radiation. Summer sunshine will cause the heat to radiate inside, pushing your air conditioner to work harder. In the wintertime the heat of your home will radiate to the exterior, causing your furnace to work harder. Both conditions can be stopped with high quality double or triple glazed Virginia replacement windows designed to reduce or eliminate radiation.

Infiltration occurs through gaps or cracks in the frame, while radiation occurs through the windowpanes. Energy lost through heat conduction is the fault of the frame, sash and glass in differing degrees. By choosing replacement windows made from materials that do not conduct heat efficiently you will certainly slow this process down, resulting in much lower utility bills.

How Replacement Windows Save Money

When the condition of your windows has deteriorated beyond being an effective barrier against infiltration, radiation and conduction Virginia window replacements will produce major savings. Sometimes new windows can save as much as 40 to 50 percent of your heating and cooling bills. Over the course of the years these savings may add up to the cost of the replacement windows.

The key is to purchase quality windows and have them installed by a professional. Purchasing cheap windows and expecting them to pay off is likely to leave you disappointed. Unless your window is designed to reduce or eliminate the problems associated with older windows the savings will be minimal and the investment unwise.

But when you put your money into a product that includes the latest efficiencies, high quality materials and a solid warranty the initial purchase price could be considered a valuable investment. And over the years of dependable use of these windows may in fact pay for themselves.

Finding an experienced and reputable contractor who can recommend the best Virginia replacement windows for your budget is the first step. With their advice and the help of skilled laborers your window replacement project will go smoothly and result in impressive savings. Even if the windows do not pay for themselves this home improvement investment is wise.

One of the most common problems with older windows is condensation build up. A serious issue that demands immediate attention, condensation may be a result of faulty windows that are past their prime, but it can also be caused by other conditions in your home. Once you have determined what is triggering this moisture build up you can decide whether Virginia replacement windows will help.

What Is Condensation?

When the air in your home is humid it contains a large amount of water vapor. As that air touches cooler surfaces, the moisture vapor turns back into water droplets and produces what is known as condensation – mainly drops of water on a cool surface.

This often occurs in the winter months when the heat of our homes produces high levels of moisture in the air. Those winter temperatures produce cold glass windowpanes, which then present the ideal circumstances for a build up of condensation.

Dangers of Condensation

Any amount of sitting moisture in your home presents dangers. This water will cause deterioration in the wood framing around the window, as well as in the drywall or plaster that surrounds the area. When left unchecked and alone, condensation will quickly produce mold. Mold in the home can lead to breathing problems, low immunities and various other health issues.

How Can Virginia Replacement Windows Help?

Double and triple paned windows work very well to cut down on that temperature differential. By reducing the amount of heat loss and cutting off the passage of air in these critical locations, new windows will most certainly cut back on condensation.

Insulation created by the air gap between the panes, as well as any gas inserted into that space would reduce heat transfer. The interior pane of your new window will be warmed by heat in your home. This results in a surface temperature very close the air temperature – the moisture will remain trapped in the air, not building up as water droplets on the window.

With new replacement windows Virginia homes will also be more airtight, allowing for less draft and lower levels of condensation on the walls. Your home must have proper airflow, which is taken care of by venting in the heating and cooling systems. The drafts produced by older windows may help with fresh air transfer, but in a way that is inefficient and expensive.

Other Ways to Reduce Condensation

When the airflow is not sufficient condensation will also occur. It’s important to use exhaust fans in areas of high moisture – such as bathrooms and kitchens – to move that air out of the house right away. Fresh air vents will replace that exhausted air, creating a decent level of air exchange that helps you to manage condensation.

Opening the windows whenever possible is another way to create good airflow. By installing high quality Virginia replacement windows that are attractive and simple to open, homeowners can enjoy those warm spring breezes and comfortable autumn temperatures. New windows help in many ways to reduce condensation, increase insulation and produce airflow – all conditions that create a comfortable, efficient home.

We hear a lot about how Virginia replacement windows can help to reduce your heating bills in the wintertime. And while that is certainly good news, the high costs of cooling bills loom in the coming summer months. Will replacement windows have any effect on the temperature inside your home during a heat wave? And how does the latest technology combat the harmful effects of UV rays?

Energy Efficiency Is a Year Round Thing

The benefits that new windows provide in terms of energy efficiency apply to the summer as much as the winter. Designed to be a barrier against heat loss, the windows also work to block heat transfer when the temperature outside is higher than inside. Heat can be conducted both ways and a good quality replacement window will reduce that transfer.

Aging windows work against air conditioning in the summer time. These cooling appliances work hard to maintain a lower temperature and they have to work even harder when that cool air escapes outside. Imagine how much harder your air conditioner will need to work when you leave the exterior doors wide open on a hot day in July. The same concept applies when your windows let out the cool air through single panes of glass or the framing.

The more airtight your home, the easier it is for your air conditioner to maintain an evenly comfortable temperature and therefore, the lower your cooling bills will be.

Latest Advancements in Glass

The replacement windows Virginia homeowners need are not only designed to be airtight. Besides using a double or triple glazing, the latest designs also include a low E coating that will reduce the damage done by UV rays entering your home through the windows. As bright as these rays of sunshine make your living space, they can still do damage to furnishings, walls and flooring.

Low E coatings add to the energy efficiency of your window, but this thin, transparent coating also works to reflect the harmful rays and reduce wear and tear on your home’s interior.

Similar to sunglasses for your house, these coatings are also used to reduce the amount of heat that sunshine creates in your home. The same coatings are used on solariums and sunrooms to create a cool, comfortable atmosphere inside. Combined with the double or triple paned designs available today, this technology recognizes that a window needs to let light in and allow for a clear view without allowing heat loss or harmful rays through.

UV rays may not be a problem for every window in your home. Often there are certain windows (usually south-facing) that provide the most light and therefore the most potential danger. Although it makes sense to have the latest replacement windows in those areas, don’t forget the energy efficiency and security benefits new windows provide to the balance of your home.

An excellent home renovation investment, Virginia replacement windows will also reduce your cooling bills and allow your furnishings and decor to last longer. Call a window contractor today to find out how to ensure your home is more comfortable this summer season.

Every home has different features and no house is exactly the same as any other house for long. Thankfully there are Virginia window replacements designed to meet the needs of each house and any family. The sizes and shapes are different, as well as the operation, meaning you can find more efficient, easier care windows no matter what the circumstance.

Different Types of Replacement Windows

All new windows are double glazed for a higher level of insulation against heat loss. Some even come with triple glazing. There are lines that include a low emissivity coating for an effective barrier against UV rays and/or argon gas or krypton gas in between the glazing that cuts down the conductivity even more.

Some of the replacement windows Virginia retailers offer have wood frames, although most are composite or vinyl clad for low maintenance. With wooden cores or the characteristics of wood within the frame these windows offer a decent amount of insulation around your glass panes.

Operation and Design

When you’re replacing the windows in your home, energy efficiency and maintenance are not the only things on your mind. Likely you’re thinking about the appearance of the new windows and may even want to opt for a different operation or design.

There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of window. Depending on the needs of your family and the style of your home, you may want to opt for one or more of these different replacement windows:

• Double or Single Hung – these windows provide a traditional appearance and offer superior ventilation, since you can allow the air to move through freely. They often include strong locks for better security and are simple to clean.
• Casements or Awnings – these operate with a hinge system and are cranked out towards the exterior to open and cranked back in to close. They also have high quality locks that will keep your home secure and tight.
• Sliders – working in a similar fashion as the single hung style, slider windows are good for ventilation and generally come out of the frame for simple cleaning. This style is ideal for those windows that have more width than height.
• Bow or Bay Windows – Dramatic and bold, this style of replacement window adds more light and space to your room. Generally these are made with casements, double hung and fixed windows in various configurations.

Using a variety of different window styles in your home is a good idea. This will allow you to have better ventilation where needed or add the necessary level of security on the first floor. Plan it out well and ask your window installer what they would recommend based on the lines that they sell.

Virginia replacement windows add a great amount of value to your home. With the most attractive frames and features that add to the efficiency new windows can make your home more comfortable. Choosing the best styles based on the area the window is in will also make for better operation and easier cleaning. A smart home improvement for any homeowner, think about the benefits this project will bring to your home.