When to Replace Windows
When it’s winter in the Twin Cities, you can start to notice every little draft in your home. And it’s not just uncomfortable; It can also leave you stuck with outsized heating bills each month.
Fortunately, if those drafts are near your windows, the problem is easy to fix with window replacement services from Powers Premier Contracting. We’re breaking down some of the top signs your home could benefit from window replacement in this blog post, as well as explain some of your options for replacement windows.
To get a free quote on your blog services, give us a call today!
6 Benefits of Replacing Your Windows
Replacing your windows is one of the most affordable and convenient ways to transform your home. Here are some of the biggest reasons to invest in window replacement services!
1. Increase Your Home’s Value
Updated energy efficient windows can be an attractive bonus when re-selling your home, since prospective buyers are now looking for energy-cost additions and more move-in ready homes.
2. Boost Curb Appeal
If you know anyone who has been in the housing market, they can tell you that updated windows can add a definite and positive first-impression appeal to the home’s facade. This is especially true if the windows are tinted, which will most benefit today’s building code standards and provide that emphasis of freshness to homebuyers.
Additionally, since the tint blocks out harmful UV rays from the sun and comes in various tint shades, it can definitely dress up the appearance of the home.
3. Reduce Noise Disturbances
The same features in new windows that prevent energy loss also dampen noise. Argon “gas fills” between double and triple panes of glass minimize heat transfer, and insulated windows also help buffer any outside noises at the same time.
If you’re trying to sleep or read, this is an added bonus. Who doesn’t want a nice, quiet home?
Triple-paned glass can block out a lot of the sound from nearby busy roads, highways, or any construction taking place in the area.
4. Enhance Home Security
Some modern windows have built-in security features and vary depending on your house, needs, and budget.
5. Lower Energy Bills
According to energy.gov, heat gain and loss through windows is responsible for 25%-30% of residential heating and cooling energy use, so why not invest in proper energy saving windows?
Lower your energy bills by choosing updated energy efficient windows. Some residents may even qualify for the energy saving programs offered by the Minnesota Commerce Department of Energy.
6. Enjoy a More Comfortable Home
New windows can help eliminate breezy spots caused by air leakage, and at the same time, help to alleviate some allergies caused by dust and pollen. All around, they make for a more comfortable home environment!
8 Signs Your Windows Are Ready for Replacement
It’s easy to overlook your windows as they begin to show signs of aging. But an older window or a window that’s in poor condition could be costing you money and sabotaging the comfort of your home.
Look for these common signs it’s time to start fresh!
1. Discolored Home Furnishings
Solar light contains UV that can damage or bleach almost anything it comes into contact with over time. This becomes clear when you rearrange your furniture, exposing fading on the floors in the process. Over time, it can also cause your furniture, art, and rugs to lose their vibrance.
Low-E glass helps to block UV rays, protecting your home’s furnishings from solar oxidation damage. At the same time, Low-E glass protects occupants from skin damage and can create a more efficient home.
2. Every Little Sound From Outside Comes In
Just as thin walls can reveal every little sound from the street, so can thin windows. If the sounds of trains, planes, and automobiles are keeping you up all night, replacing your windows can help.
Look for windows with high insulation and sealing to achieve the highest possible level of noise reduction.
3. The Windows Don’t Open Easily
Double-hung windows are meant to be opened. They’re meant to bring fresh air into your home and are essential as a point of egress if there’s a fire in your home.
When your windows don’t open easily, it could be a safety risk for your family as well as an inconvenience when you need to air out your home.
4. Your Home Needs a Makeover
Many exterior remodeling projects can be quite costly and time-consuming, but window replacement can be finished in an afternoon and can completely change the look of your home.
Consider updating your windows with a more modern look, like adding black-framed windows to your home.
5. The Windows Are Ugly
Aging wooden windows can start to look pretty rough as the years go by from cracking to chipped paint. It's easy to dismiss these issues as strictly cosmetic, but they can actually create a whole series of problems for your home from water damage on your walls to efficiency issues.
Worse, ugly windows create a vulnerability to mold, which can be harmful to your family’s health and cause your walls and belongings to deteriorate.
6. They’re Foggy
When windows aren’t functioning as they’re meant to, condensation can begin to develop in between the glass panes. Over time, this will cause your windows to become hazy and foggy in between the panes.
If you’ve got condensation on the inside of your windows, it’s time to replace them.
7. Home Security Is a Concern
Modern windows are much more secure than older windows, and they’re getting more secure by the year.
If you’ve invested in a home alarm system or a doorbell camera, consider upgrading your window security as part of your home security strategy.
8. Heating Bills Are Extra High
If your heating and cooling costs are much higher than they should be for a home of similar size, window replacement is an essential component of a plan to increase your home’s energy efficiency.
And if you’ve got single-pane windows, there’s a good chance you’re paying too much for your energy costs. In addition to window replacement, new siding and insulation updates can also help to improve a home’s efficiency.
Replacement Window Options
In today’s home improvement market, there are a number of window options and styles available with most having more than favorable energy efficiency.
At Powers Premier, we can help you choose the optimal choice based on your energy saving needs, style and budget.
1. Double/Dual Pane
These are thicker than the old outdated single-pane and offer greater acoustic insulation, energy efficiency and a great option for homeowners with allergies; however, they can be prone to some shrinkage over time and must be replaced about every 30 years.
With dual-pane or triple-pane glass, inert argon gas can be used between panes of glass to improve insulating properties.
Laminated, tempered, tinted and obscure insulating glass can also add ultraviolet protection to help keep your home more comfortable and energy efficient.
2. Picture Windows
These are said to be one of the best and most sturdy windows in the market because they are fixed windows where the pane cannot be opened–these can be seen in newer homes or with high ceilings.
Because picture windows are stationary and sealed directly within the frame, they are the most energy efficient by design. Add a higher grade of Low-E glass to boost the efficiency and comfort levels in summer and winter.
3. Sliding Windows
These energy efficient windows consist of two panels of glass arranged side-by-side which are easy to install and maintain. One panel can be moved left and right while the other remains unmovable.
Sliding windows are considered ideal for any homeowner who desires a simple exterior design.
4. Casement Windows
Casement windows have a single sash and are hinged on the side, with a hand crank that opens the window vertically on a metal track. They provide excellent ventilation and provide better security than other types of windows.
Casement windows are second to picture windows as far as energy efficiency.
3 Material Options for Windows
Along with window styles, you can choose from various materials for window frames, including fiberglass, vinyl, and wood.
1. Fiberglass
These great energy-efficient windows made of glass expand and contract at the same rate as the glass it is attached to. Because of extreme Minnesota weather conditions, the windows need to be stable in both hot and freezing conditions.
Fiberglass windows can last up to 50 years or more, are fire resistant, and do not absorb moisture, among a list of great features.
2. Vinyl
Vinyl windows may be cost effective up front, but they don’t have a long life span. Vinyl can expand and contract in extreme climates which may loosen the bond between the material and glass.
Vinyl windows can also fade with sun exposure over time.
3. Wood
Since Minnesota has a humid climate, it doesn’t exactly do too well with wood windows. They can be susceptible to termites and rot; therefore may require regular maintenance. Not to mention, you have to seal or paint them periodically.
On the other hand, wood provides a much higher level of insulation than aluminum. Wood-framed windows could save you money over aluminum windows since this additional insulation will keep your home both warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Get a Free Twin Cities Replacement Window Quote
Winters in Minnesota can get pretty cold, especially if your windows aren’t doing a good job keeping up with the weather. Check out our work and many positive reviews to find out why Minnetonka & Twin Cities homeowners are spreading the word about our window replacement services.
To learn about efficient window solutions for your home, contact our Powers Premier exterior remodeling contractors at 612-710-7283 or contact us online for a free estimate today.