Tips for Dealing with Replacement Windows

Putting new windows in a house is a great way to quickly update its appearance and make it more efficient when it comes to heating and cooling. There are a lot of types of replacement windows on the market today, so making a decision can be a small challenge. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you get ready for your project.

Material Choices

The range of products available for window replacement is large, and what choice you make mostly boils down to what your priorities are. Wooden materials give a home a more authentic and warm look, but they also tend to be less energy efficient than other products on the market today. There are plenty of options, such as Infinity windows, that provide the look of wood while using materials like fiberglass to provide insulation value.

Removing the Existing Windows

The window installation process is fairly straightforward. It becomes more difficult when it comes to getting the current window out of a building. You want the existing head, jamb, and sill to still be usable, so you only want to get the window and frame out.

Especially when dealing with older windows and larger ones, weight often ends up being the biggest obstacle to overcome. In some cases, it may even require a crane or other pieces of equipment to pull the window away from the building once it has been unmoored from the structure.

Planning for a Project

You're going to be putting a hole in your house, however temporarily. That means planning for window installation on a day when you can get as much work done as possible. Weather is an obvious factor, although folks who do window replacement work are pretty good at coping with most conditions.

If you're planning to perform any part of the project yourself, you'll want to make sure you can get specific tasks done on schedule. You don't want a company to drop off replacement windows just to leave them sitting around for days or even weeks while you address other issues. It's also a good idea to clear your yard to get deliveries in and to take away old windows.

In most areas, permits are not an issue as long as you're not creating a new hole in the wall. You should, however, get in touch with your local code enforcement officials to learn what the rules are where you live.


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