Replacement Windows Options

One of the most common replacements old home homes need are the windows. However, new windows may change the look of the home, and the expense may be slow to be paid (approximately 7 years).

Renewing the Old
One option you can consider if you really don’t want to replace your windows is restoring your old ones. Although the expenses may still be high, they’re lower than installing new windows. However, although the leaks and cracks may be fixed, you still have the old, inefficient glass that is ultimately costing you more in energy bills.  To get around this, you can install storm windows. However, those are often clunky and difficult to change out every year.

Replacements
There have been strides in new window technology, which may change your mind about whether it’s economical to install new windows rather than working with your old ones.

1. Vinyl
   Today, vinyl comes in a variety of colors beyond the generic beige or white. It’s also more resistant to heat, and there are special paints available designed for this material.
2. Wood
   Wood windows are still available, but they can cost two to three times as much as vinyl.  Wood windows often come with options such as maintenance-free clad exteriors.
3. New Materials
   There also composite or fiberglass frames available. Although they cost more than vinyl, they can still be designed to look like wood grain, and still be easy to maintain.
4. Other Advantages
   In addition to saving energy, modern windows can cut noise down from the outside and stop ultraviolet light from damaging fabrics and floors.

Low-e
Low emissivity is a feature of most replacement windows. This coding technique was first developed in the 1970s in response to that era’s energy crisis, and has improved since then.

These work through either keeping heat in or out of your home. Depending on how the specific coating works, they’re installed either on the sunny or shady side of your house.

Further, the gaps between the multiple planes of glass are filled with argon for better insulation. For higher price, you can replace argon with krypton are more efficient insulation.

When you install these types of windows, according to Efficient Windows Collaborative, energy savings can be up to 35% over single pane or old double pane windows.

Although replacing your windows can be a daunting task, today’s choices make it worth it in the end.

Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.