Home Window Buying Guide
11/25/2014 10:26:00 AM
If you’re thinking about replacing your home’s windows, it can seem like a daunting choice—with so many shapes, styles, and manufacturers to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. At Weather Shield, we recommend you start with truly making sure you need replacement windows and then going through the process of selecting the style, shape, type, and brand.
There are many signs that you need to replace your home’s windows. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s best to talk to a window contractor to determine the extent of your window replacement project.
You should replace your windows if:
- Your windows have frost or ice on them during the winter
- Noise from outside transfers easily into your home, even when the windows are locked and sealed
- You feel a draft coming through your windows
- Your windows do not easily open or close
- You would like to save more money on your monthly energy bills
- The frames on your windows are rotting
Other more aesthetic reasons for replacing your windows include wanting a style and shape that more cohesively blends with your home’s style, adding more light in a certain room, and planning on putting your house on the market in the coming years.
Style & Shape of Window
Now that you know you need to replace your home’s windows, you’ll want to pick a style. While some window replacement jobs are limited based on the current window locations and sizes in your home, others have more flexibility. In general, you can pick from a variety of window types and shapes, including:
Each type and shape of windows has their own advantages and benefits—top factors to consider include:
- Durability
- Energy efficiency
- Ease of operation
- Maintenance
- Light and ventilation that can come through to your home
- Security
- And more
Type of Window
The type of window refers to the material the window is made of. Each window type features its own advantages, but in general, fiberglass windows are the best on the market for energy efficiency and durability, and vinyl windows are the most affordable. After determining the shape of your windows, you can select from:
“Clad” refers to windows that have a wood interior frame. Some homeowners choose to install clad windows to feature the beauty of wood interiors from inside their home while gaining other benefits of vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum shells on the outside.
If you’re unsure which type of replacement window is best for you, talk to a local window contractor. They’ll be able to walk you through the benefits of each and ensure that you select a window shape and style that will be best for not only your project’s budget, but also your home for years to come.
Finding a Manufacturer & Dealer
To actually go through the window replacement process, your next step will be to work with a reputable local window dealer or contractor. To guide you through the process, we’ve compiled a list of questions you should ask potential contractors:
- What industry credentials does the company have?
- Are they licensed and insured in your state?
- Do they have a list of references that you can contact?
- How long have they been in the window replacement industry?
- Do they have photos or case studies of previous projects?
- Do they have a showroom?
- Are they a member of any professional window associations?
- What brands of windows do they carry?
Weather Shield premium dealers are trained and screened to ensure you receive only the best installation to complement our premium windows. We offer our dealers AIA (American Institute of Architects) continuing education classes to ensure they are kept up to speed on new window technologies.
If you are looking for a trustworthy replacement window contractor in your area, Weather Shield can help. Our dealer locator will help you find a window replacement contractor in your area and will even let you know if they have a showroom available to view their selection of Weather Shield windows and doors. Alternatively, you can contact us directly and we will recommend a dealer in your area.
