Have you ever struggled to open a window and had to apply force? Are you tired of drafts robbing your home of energy and causing mildew around the windows?
Kelemer Brothers Replacement Windows are an investment, but they offer more than natural light and a refreshed look. Learn about the different types of windows that can make your home more comfortable and energy efficient:
The frame of your replacement window is a significant design element. You’ll want to choose a style and material that complements your home while allowing you to maximize the efficiency and lifespan of your new windows. If you’re unsure where to start, talk with your professional, who can offer ideas and samples.
The first decision you must make is installing a full-frame or insert window. Full-frame replacements are designed to fit into existing frames, which can be a good choice if you like the general aesthetic of your home and don’t mind removing exterior trim or siding. On the other hand, windows are inserted into the existing frame without removing the sash, and they allow you to upgrade the size of your window opening for improved energy efficiency and greater visual appeal.
You’ll also need to decide whether you want a wood, vinyl or aluminum-clad wood frame and if it will need painting or staining. Vinyl and aluminum are popular choices for their durability and low maintenance, but if you want a more natural look, consider an engineered wood frame or a hybrid unit that combines fiberglass with embedded wood fibers.
To determine the best option for your home, measure the inside width of your current window frame’s rough opening. To do this, place a tape measure along the outside edge of your current window frame in three places: at the top jamb, the middle and the bottom, and write down the measurement that is smallest. This is the size of the new window’s frame that you will need to purchase.
You can also use this measurement to compare different sizes of replacement windows available from your manufacturer and retailer. To install your new window, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Prepare the rough opening by removing any debris and applying window flashing, making sure that it’s overlapped to create a weatherproof seal. Then, set the new window into the frame and caulk around it to ensure a tight seal. Once you’re done, your new window will enhance the beauty of your home and add improved functionality to your daily routine.
Glass
The glass of a replacement window is an integral part of its overall operation and aesthetics. It helps to protect the home, insulate it, and showcase its architecture, so having high-quality window glass is vital for any homeowner. Unfortunately, as time passes, glass windows can experience damage or wear that requires replacement.
Whether it’s a broken pane or the end of the life of a sash, there are several options for replacing your window glass. Window glass can come in a wide range of options, including insulated, Low-E, glazed, laminated, and tempered. Each type of glass will perform and look differently, so it’s important to know the differences before choosing a product.
In addition to the type of glass you choose, the type and size of window that needs to be replaced will also impact the cost. Standard single-pane windows generally have a lower cost than double-pane windows and more decorative options like beveled or frosted glass. However, you should always consider the overall performance and energy savings of upgrading to a new window when considering costs.
If you are replacing a single pane of glass and do not mind a little extra effort, it may be possible to complete the job yourself with a few basic tools. Many hardware stores carry a variety of window glass, caulking, and putty to make the task as easy as possible. Depending on the size of the window, and the type of glass you are installing, this method can be less expensive than hiring a professional.
While DIY window replacement seems like a great way to save money, attempting it without proper training can result in secondary structural damage, water leaks, and poor energy efficiency. It can also void your warranty and lead to higher repair and replacement costs down the road.
Hardware
When it comes to home improvement, few projects have the potential to transform your house as quickly and dramatically as replacing windows. Windows not only add a visual aesthetic to a home, but they also help insulate the structure and improve air quality by preventing cold air from entering the home and warm air from escaping. However, when it comes to replacement windows, there are a few things homeowners should keep in mind before beginning the project.
First, it’s important to understand the different types of window replacement options available and how each type is installed. Replacement windows are typically divided into two categories: casement and double-hung. A casement window opens outward with a crank mechanism, while a double-hung window slides up to open. Choosing the right window is an important decision because it will affect how your home is heated and cooled and what type of energy-efficient features you can get in conjunction with your new windows.
In many cases, replacement windows will be installed in a home with existing frames. These can be made from wood, vinyl or fiberglass and will need to be replaced as they wear out. For example, if the frame is made from wood and is showing signs of wear, it may be time to consider a vinyl replacement window that won’t require painting and will last for years to come.
Another option when replacing an old window is to use sash kits. These kits replace the movable parts of an existing window, including the jamb liners and the sash, but they don’t change the frame. This is a good solution when the original windows are in relatively good condition but have become drafty and difficult to open and close.
If you’re installing a new replacement window, look for a model with an ENERGY STAR label and ratings from the National Fenestration Rating Council to ensure that it will provide the level of energy efficiency you want in your home. Adding additional insulation, such as spray foam or blown in cellulose, can further increase the energy efficiency of a new or replacement window.
Installation
While some professionals scoff at insert replacement windows, they can provide excellent performance when carefully installed. The biggest challenge is ensuring the window fits the frame opening. The opening must be free of debris, nails, wood trim, dust, dirt, and moisture. Clean the opening with a broom or vacuum, and make sure the sill and interior stop molding are in good condition. Replace any damaged or missing pieces. During this time, it’s also a good idea to test for lead-based paint, if present in your home, using a home kit or at a local testing facility.
The first step is to measure the height and width of the window’s frame opening. Using a tape measure, go from one jamb to the opposite jamb at three points: top, middle, and bottom. Choose the shortest measurement, subtract 1/8-inch, and write it down. Then repeat for the width measurement. Your new window should be sized to fit the opening, with the exception of a small allowance for settling and expansion.
Once the measurements are taken, prepare the window’s opening for installation. Remove the existing window, if necessary. Then, if there are any gaps between the frame and the wall, fill them with expanding foam insulation made specifically for windows and doors. Be careful not to apply the foam too close to the edge of the frame. After the foam sets, caulk along the exterior trim and around weep holes, if they exist, at the bottom of the sill.
If you’re installing a double-hung window, you’ll need to install a sill adapter, which is a piece of flashing that runs the full length of the sill and extends upward from it to seal the gap between the window and the house frame. Lastly, apply flashing tape to the entire perimeter of the window opening, starting at the bottom of the sill and running up and over the outside sheathing.
Next, reinstall the interior and exterior trim, either from a recycled section of the old window or new materials. Reinstall the window stops at the top of the frame, if necessary, then install and caulk around the new window. Caulk should also be applied to the joint between the window and the side and top stops, following the manufacturer’s instructions for this.