How To Choose Replacement Windows For Your Home
10 Tips For Choosing Replacement Windows For Your Purcellville VA Home
Make It Easier To Find Your Perfect Window
It can be super frustrating trying to figure out which replacement windows are perfect for your Purcellville, VA, home. We get it; your home’s windows aren’t something you’re going to change often.
Therefore, you want the window you choose to be one that you love and will enhance the curb appeal of your Loudoun County home. So, how do you make the right choice?
With all the options, we get why you may be confused and slightly irritated about what to do. Luckily, these ten tips will help you make the perfect decision for your replacement windows.
1. Know Your Budget
One of the biggest concerns about window replacement is the price of the overall process. You must make a budget beforehand, which can greatly decrease the number of window options you have to choose from.
Before you get stressed about your budget, remember that the window replacement process is something you will probably only need every twenty years if you get good, quality replacement windows.
2. Know The Material You Want
There are several types of materials that make up residential windows. Most windows are constructed from:
- Wood
- Aluminum
- Wood-clad
- Fiberglass
- Vinyl
- Composite
When it comes to maintenance, vinyl windows are the popular option. Plus, vinyl windows are budget-friendly.
3. Consider The Weather
In the Northern VA area, the climate can be drastic. We have hot summers and fierce winters. Thus, the window used in your Purcellville, VA, home must handle the temperature changes that come with the changing seasons.
The most versatile windows are vinyl, composite, and fiberglass when dealing with temperature fluctuations, precipitation, etc. In addition, vinyl windows are known for handling the weather efficiently and reducing energy costs within your home.
4. Understand Glass Types
The replacement windows you choose for your home should contain glass that works for your climate. Several glass types can be found in windows on the market, including:
- Safety laminated
- Obscured
- Float glass
- Tinted
- Tempered
- Mirrored
- Insulated
- Low-E
- Wired glass
- Heat-strengthened
Most residential homes’ common glass types are float, obscured, tempered, insulated, and Low-E glasses.
The type of window you are replacing will most often determine the type of glass you need. For example, float glass is often used in picture windows that do not open and have no screen, while obscured glass is excellent for bathroom windows because it is harder to see through from the outside.
Insulated and Low-E glass is used on most residential windows to be more energy-efficient and handle weather changes effectively.
5. Choosing Your Frame
In most cases, you will find that vinyl frames are the most popular in residential homes. However, fiberglass is also an option – but it is typically more expensive. Most people go with vinyl since it is energy efficient and affordable.
6. Know What Look You Are Going For
Consider the end result of replacing your windows. What type of look are you aiming for? For example, do you have an older home that you want to make more modern by opting for vinyl windows?
You may have windows not performing as well as they should, so you want to upgrade what you have. These are all personal considerations that you have to consider when looking at your options.
Most importantly, you want to focus on the function of the window so that you choose the right glass for each room in your home.
7. Examine The Warranty Of The Window
If you have narrowed down the list of windows that you would like in your Purcellville, VA, home, now you need to take some time to examine the various warranties. If the same company manufactures all the windows, then the warranty may only vary slightly.
Take the time to look at all the fine print to ensure the warranty makes you feel more comfortable in having the windows installed in your home. You want a warranty that will cover you so you are protected and not paying for issues beyond your control out of pocket.
8. Consider The Energy Rating
The better the energy rating on a window, the more savings you will see with your energy bill. A higher energy rating lets in less environmental air while keeping your interior air from escaping out. When you have less air getting out or getting in, your air and heating units work less – meaning more savings on your electric or gas bill every month.
Every window will be assigned a rating for energy efficiency so you can quickly look at the scores received during testing.
9. Maintenance Required
Luckily, today many of the windows on the market are considered low maintenance. And let’s face it, we all want something that is low maintenance and easy.
If a lot of maintenance is required for upkeep, consider if you have the time to do it. If not, it may be a strike against the windows you are considering.
10. Locking And Safety
Is the window you are looking at easy to unlock and lock? Is it safe for young children or pets to be around? These are some concerns that many Loudoun County homeowners need to consider when they are replacing their windows.
Ultimately, you want to choose the window that best fits your needs and meets all the requirements that you have set out for window replacement.
Free Purcellville, VA Window Replacement Quotes
If your Purcellville, VA, home requires replacement windows, Milcon Design & Build can make it happen and are more than happy to help you select the best windows for your individual needs.
Call us today at 703-581-2761 to set up an appointment for your free quote.