What You Need to Know About Window Installation

Many don’t know that it can cost a minimum of $1,000 to replace a window, but up to $10,000 to undergo home repairs like new floors and drywall. Because windows in a home can be the last line of defense against extreme weather and water damage, it is important that they be installed properly by a trained professional.

The first factor to consider when choosing a new window is the material with which it will be framed. The most common tend to be wood, aluminum, composite, and fiberglass, all of which come with their own list of pros and cons. Wood requires a high level of regular maintenance, and aluminum is prone to denting and condensation. Composite frames are far more expensive than other options, and fiberglass is very rigid, but is more efficient than wood. The newest material to join the mix is construction vinyl. This material is low maintenance, affordable, and energy efficient.

Another factor to consider is the operation of the window and how it actually functions within the home. The most commonly found types of windows are single hung, double hung, and sliding, however, the more energy efficient options are awning style, hopper, and casement.

The glass itself that it used for the window plays a huge role in these decisions as well. Double pane windows can be up to 31% more energy efficient than single pane windows, and triple pane windows up to 48% more energy efficient. Gas fills and spacers are also an option, as gasses like Argon and Krypton in between window panes can increase thermal performance. Window coatings are a final factor to consider, as they can filter out harmful rays and reduce solar heat gain in a home.

The cost of improper insulation is abundant and can be detrimental to the home in which the windows are installed. Cracks and gaps are often unable to be seen and can create problems far beyond the point of prevention. Air leaks, drafts, fogging, mold, lower energy efficiency, leaks, asthma or airway problems, and even damage to walls are all the side effects of an improperly installed window. 

Poor installation leads to costly energy loss across the country. In fact, the average US home between 1,700 and 2,600 square feet loses hundreds of dollars per year just by not replacing their windows. What many fail to realize is the true amount of savings that is possible when replacing either or both double and single pane windows. Up to 30% of a home’s heated or cooled air escapes through gaps around windows, and many companies are working tirelessly to reduce this percentage.
In this new age of energy efficiency and attention to green solutions, experts are now paying more attention to detail and are bringing unmatched experience to the table. Workmanship and accuracy is at an all time high, as contractors are now fully understanding the importance of the task at hand. The technology that we have at our disposal today only creates more opportunities for a more efficient and worthwhile replacement of a home’s windows. Learn more about why to have a professional window installation service in the infographic below:

Window Installation Service
Source: windownation.com

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