Replacement Windows: Complete Guide

Shopping for a new window can be overwhelming, especially if you just don’t know where to start.

Luckily there are a few things to look for that will help you narrow down the possibilities and make the best decision possible.

Replacing your windows can make a huge difference to the energy savings and the temperature of the rooms in your house.

Replacing your windows is one of the easiest and quickest ways to transform your home.

It’s a low-cost solution that will result in a dramatic improvement to your property’s appearance, but it’s also an easy way to dramatically improve the value of your home.

Here are just 5 reasons why you should consider replacing your windows

Increase energy efficiency

One of the main reasons to replace your windows is to increase your home’s energy efficiency.

New windows can help keep heat in during winter and out during summer, which means lower energy bills for you.

Create a warm, customized space

New windows can also help create a warm and inviting space in your home.

With so many different styles, colors and designs to choose from, you can really personalize your space and make it your own.

Beautify your home

Along with increasing your home’s energy efficiency, new windows can also add to its curb appeal.

If your old windows are looking a bit lackluster, replacing them can really brighten up your home’s exterior.

Curb excess heat and noise

If you live in a particularly hot or noisy area, new windows can help to keep the heat and noise out.

Windows with special coatings can reflect heat away from your home, and double- or triple-paned windows can help to reduce noise.

Boost your home value

Not only will new windows increase the curb appeal of your home, but they can also boost its resale value.

If you’re thinking of selling in the near future, new windows could be a great investment.

What things to look for when finding a replacement window?

Window Materials

What is the window made from.

The most common replacement windows are made of vinyl and wood, but you can also find aluminum and fiberglass.

Each type of material comes with their own pros and cons.

From durability and affordability, to energy efficiency and maintenance.

You need to choose material that is most appropriate for your location and your climate.

Every type of window material will expand and contract with temperature changes.

In cold climates, vinyl windows contract more than wood windows.

The expansion and contraction can cause the sealant around the window to fail and allow drafts and moisture into your home.

Wood windows are beautiful, but they require more maintenance than other types of windows.

They need to be painted or stained regularly to protect them from the elements.

Wood is also prone to rot and insect damage.

Vinyl windows are the most popular type of replacement window.

They are durable and require little maintenance.

Vinyl windows can also be filled with insulation to make them more energy efficient.

Aluminum windows are strong and durable, but they conduct heat and cold well.

This makes them less energy efficient than other types of windows. Aluminum windows are also more expensive than other types of windows.

Fiberglass windows are made from glass fibers and resin.

They are strong and durable, but they can be expensive.

Fiberglass windows are also good at insulating against heat and cold.

Window Styles

What is the style of the window that you are replacing.

You wouldn’t want your windows not to match your other windows, so if you are replacing double hung window, you want to replace it with another double hung window.

And in similar fashion, if you are replacing a vinyl window, you’ll probably want to go with another vinyl window and so forth.

There are many different styles of windows out there, so it’s important to pick the right one for your home. Here are some of the most popular window styles:

Double Hung Windows

These windows have two sashes that slide up and down independently of each other. This allows you to open the top or bottom part of the window to let in fresh air.

Casement Windows

These windows crank open from the side, like a door. They are a great option for hard to reach places, like above a sink.

Picture Windows

These windows are stationary and don’t open. They are typically used for decorative purposes, like framing a view.

Bay & Bow Windows

These windows protrude from the exterior of the home and provide a larger window area. They are often used in living rooms or bedrooms to create a focal point.

Awning Windows

These windows crank open from the bottom and are often used in combination with other window styles. They are a good option for rooms that need ventilation but privacy, like a bathroom.

Skylights

These windows are installed in the roof and let in natural light from above. They are a good option for dark rooms, like a basement.

Windows Glass

For most of us plain transparent see-through double pane glass will do just fine. But if you are installing windows in bathrooms or around your front door you might want to consider privacy glass.

Make sure you know where your windows are going to be installed to make the right decision on the type of glass you should go with.

There are two types of privacy glass, one is frosted and the other is tinted.

Frosted glass has a matte finish and will obscure the view into your home, while tinted glass will have a slight color to it and will also reduce the amount of light that comes into your home.

If you are looking for privacy but don’t want to sacrifice too much light, then go with a tinted glass.

Another type of glass you might encounter is Low-E glass.

This type of glass has a special coating that helps reflect heat back into your home in the winter and out of your home in the summer.

This can help save you money on your energy bills, so if you live in an area with extreme temperatures it might be worth considering.

Window Locks/Hardware

How easy is it to lock and unlock the windows? It’s an important factor, both from a security point and a safety point.

You want to make sure the lock is easy to use, especially for children or elderly that have mobility issues.

Also consider the material of the lock. Is the window lock made out of plastic or metal? Harvey Window locks for example are always made out of metal.

What kind of hardware does the window have? Again, think about both aesthetics and function.

From a design perspective, you might want to consider different styles of handles or locks to match the overall look of your home’s exterior.

But from a functional standpoint, make sure the hardware is durable and easy to use.

Certain brands like Andersen windows use patented technology in their locks and hardware to make them even more secure and easy to use.

Window Brand Reputation

There are a lot of brands and window companies out there, they come and go.

Make sure you go with a brand that’s been around for a while and we’ll be around for a long time to come. Your new window warranty means nothing if there is no company to honor that warranty.

We recommend brands like Marvin windows, Andersen windows, Pella windows, and Harvey windows because they are all big names that have been in the industry for a long time and have strong reputations.

We work with, install and trust the following window manufactures:

What is the difference between:Replacement Windows and New Construction Windows

Replacement windows are designed to fit inside the existing window frame once the original window sashes are removed; there is no need to remove the interior casing and exterior casing. This makes for a very neat and faster installation.

A replacement window option will allow you to get latest window performance features while preserving the original frame, exterior trim and interior casing.

New Construction Window:

New construction windows require the entire window frame to be removed along with all interior casing and all exterior casing as well.

Therefore the opening can be enlarged/diminished to create more replacement options. All the interior and exterior casing (trim) will be replaced.

If you would like to change the size or shape of your window, the new construction will be the appropriate option.

Now let's review some other details that you must consider when buying a window.

You might have heard terms such as Solar Heat Gain Coefficient and U-Value. To learn about these, let's take a look at the standard NFRC label found on all windows.

NFRC label will tell you how energy efficient a window is among other important numbers.

1. U-Factor

measures how well a window prevents heat from escaping. U-Factor ratings generally fall between 0.20 and 1.20. The lower the U-Factor, the better the window is at keeping heat in.

In other words, a low U-Factor means greater energy efficiency. If you live in a cold climate, you'll want to look for windows with a low U-Factor.

Range: 0.20–1.20

Look for: Low numbers

2. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient

measures how well a window can resist unwanted heat gain, especially important during summer season.

The lower the number, the less you’ll spend on your home cooling bills.

Range: 0–1

Look for: Low numbers

3. Visible Transmittance

measures how well a window is designed to effectively light your home with daylight, which will potentially save you money on artificial lighting. Higher numbers mean more natural light is let in through the glass.

Range: 0–1

Look for: High numbers

4. Air Leakage

measures how much air will enter a room through the window. You'll experience less drafts with low numbers.

Range: ≤ 0.3

Look for: Low numbers

Low-E: Does the Window have glass with Low-E coating?

Low-E coatings have been developed to minimize the amount of infrared and ultraviolet light that can pass through glass without compromising the amount of visible light that is transmitted.

Low-e coatings applied to the interior glass of the windows prevents heat loss. In fact, Low-E glass can reduce heat loss by as much as 40-50%.

All Low-E coatings bounce radiant heat back to you in the winter and reflect the sun's radiant heat in summer, too.

Argon and Krypton Gas Fill:

Some windows are constructed by taking two (or three) panes of glass and inserting gas between the empty spaces.

These natural, odorless, non-toxic and stable gasses are denser than air, they help to keep your window glass closer to room temperature, cutting down on energy costs.

Argon gas is the cheaper alternative, its thermal conductivity is 2/3 that of air, making it an great option.

Krypton is a more expensive option, but has better insulating properties due to Krypton gas particles being smaller than Argon gas particles. As a result, Krypton gas particles fit better into smaller spaces.

See out your windows with confidence when you contact us about replacement windows in the Boston area.

We offer a variety of options for residential and commercial installations, such as bow and bay windows, casement windows, double-hung and single-hung windows.

Don't worry about the Boston's cold weather anymore, our replacement windows will make sure you're comfortable all year round.

With a variety of styles and options to choose from, we have the perfect windows for your home or business.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and to schedule a free consultation. We look forward to helping you improve your property!

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