When Should You Upgrade Your Glass Windows
Signs that you may need to replace your windows
If your windows feel cold to the touch or you notice high energy bills, drafts, or difficulty opening and closing them, these could be signs that an upgrade is needed. Knowing these signs early on can help you explore window brands and styles that suit your needs.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, leaky and inefficient windows, skylights, and glazed doors account for at least 25 percent of the average household’s energy bills. You can cut energy costs by as much as 15 percent by purchasing windows with heat-resistant coatings, airtight eyeglasses, and Energy Star ratings.
Thicker glass with more air space between the panes reduces noise transmission.
Signs of drafty windows include difficulty opening or closing them and accumulating condensation, ice, or frost between the panes.
Liabilities to Consider When Upgrading Your Glass Windows
When upgrading your windows, it’s essential to consider not just the windows themselves, but also the installation process, performance, and safety. Be sure to ask about liability insurance, workers’ compensation, workmanship warranties, and whether the contractor is licensed.
Important things to consider when making your final purchase include the payment terms and options.
A right-to-rescind clause establishes when you can cancel the contract without penalties, including scheduling, compliance with local codes and ordinances, manufacturers’ guarantee specifications, daily cleanup, and a preliminary review with the job supervisor.
Common Types of Windows and Frames
Casement Windows
These simple windows work nicely with transoms, awnings, and picture windows. They are great for over sinks, countertops, and appliances where leaning over and lifting a window would be difficult.
This design allows the window to remain open during rain and opens up to a 90-degree angle.
These classic windows are comfortable to lift, clean, and tilt.
Sliding Windows
These variations won’t interrupt space on adjoining porches, patios, or walkways. They are the superior choice for basement locations because they bring in substantial light and meet egress requirements.
Fixed Windows
Also called Picture windows. They are usually larger windows that do not open up and give you a broad view of the environment.
Aluminum window frame
Strong, affordable, and low-maintenance, but conducts cold and heat.
Clad window frame
The most expensive type has timber frames indoors and a vinyl or aluminum shell on the outside. The wood framework helps decrease the transfer of cold and heat, while the exterior shell makes the window low-maintenance.
Vinyl window frame
Low-maintenance and Affordable, but the color may fade over time.
Composites are stronger and more durable than wood and vinyl and priced between both; they can be painted to match a home’s decor.
Window treatment or films
Frosted glass or obscure Glass treatments scatter light, which limits visibility. They are especially useful for bathrooms or entranceways and have many design choices that create an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Home Energy magazine reports that light-color tints reduce a window’s solar heat gain by as much as 77 percent, while awnings do the opposite.
Professionally applied window films cut prices and block UV rays that cause flooring and fabrics to fade.
Suspended Particle Device technology, for both current and the new windows, lets homeowners use a dimmer switch to tint glass panes to control the lighting coming in.
Special dual-action coating cleans your windows by breaking down organic matter as it collects on the glass.
Shatterproof glass has a piece of plastic sandwiched between two glass panes, giving it an extra degree of security against break-ins and severe weather conditions. The fabrication produces glass that is two to four times more powerful.
These windows, which are glass now required by code in some hurricane-prone locations, are as efficient as glass and help reduce noise transmission.
