Window Replacement Rockville MD can elevate your home’s appearance and improve energy efficiency. But it can also cost a lot.
The type of window you choose and how it is installed can influence costs. CR recommends researching the best windows for your budget and considering factors like design, energy use and labeling, warranties, and installation.
If you are thinking about Window Replacement, it is important to choose a frame material that will be durable, long-lasting, and energy efficient. The majority of windows sold today have vinyl frames, which provide a wide range of color options to match your home’s decor. These frames are also a more cost-effective choice than wood or fiberglass windows.
The energy efficiency of your windows can be greatly improved by adding an insulated space between the window frame and the wall. This can be accomplished with a simple DIY project using foam insulation board that is available at most hardware stores. This can help cut your energy costs considerably.
In addition, consider upgrading to windows with low-E coatings and argon gas fills to further reduce your energy bills. These upgrades will also pay off when it comes time to sell your home.
Homeowners are increasingly interested in making their homes more energy efficient. An outdated, leaky window can waste up to 30 percent of your heating and cooling dollars. Window replacement is an affordable way to improve your home’s efficiency, and you may even qualify for a tax credit when you purchase Energy Star-certified windows.
When choosing new windows, be sure to look for the Energy Star label and the zone map on the packaging. This will tell you if the window meets the minimum energy standards for your climate. Generally, double-hung windows and casement windows are the most energy efficient types of windows.
Window replacement is a popular remodeling project that can add beauty, value, and energy efficiency to your home. Depending on the type of windows and installation, it can be an easy DIY project or require professional help. In 2023, window replacement ranked eighth among the top nine projects that provide the best return on investment in terms of increased home resale value, according to Remodeling magazine. A vinyl-window replacement job can recoup up to 69 percent of its cost in the resale price of your home. In contrast, a wood window replacement job only has a return on investment of up to 61 percent.
Security
Outdated windows can offer easy entry points for burglars. Fortunately, modern replacement windows come equipped with advanced security features to thwart intruders and help keep your home safe.
Laminated Glass
One of the most important aspects of window replacement is making sure you choose laminated glass rather than standard single-pane windows. This type of window consists of two or more panes of glass with a plastic inner layer designed to reduce noise and block UV rays. When the glass breaks, it tends to stick to the plastic, which makes it more difficult for burglars to grab shards of broken glass and use them to break into your home.
Additionally, laminated glass is safer for children and pets. Typically, it will stay in place rather than breaking into small pieces that can cause injuries if ingested or stepped on.
Other features can help make your new windows safer, such as tamper-resistant locks and reinforced frames. You might also want to consider adding window alarms, which can help deter burglars and alert you if a window has been compromised or forced open. Newer alarm systems can be integrated into your home’s existing security network, giving you peace of mind regardless of your location in the house or whether you are at work, on vacation, or somewhere else.
In addition to these security features, you might also want to look into impact-resistant windows if you live in an area prone to severe weather or vandalism. These types of windows consist of thicker, reinforced glass mounted within heavy-duty frames that can withstand high winds, flying debris, and attempted break-ins.
If you want to enhance your window’s security even further, you might consider getting a double-hung window with multipoint locking mechanisms. These are windows with sashes (movable panels) that are held in place by a series of locks, which can be more difficult to force open than traditional sliding windows. You might also want to add a security bar or grille, which can act as a physical barrier to prevent a window from being opened without authorization.
Beauty
Window frames are not only beautiful, they’re often the only things protecting your home from rain and snow. A rotting frame that’s soft to the touch is likely due to water damage and should be replaced as soon as possible. The muntins and mullions that sit in between panes of glass are not only decorative, they also support the windows. Value-conscious consumers can choose frames made of wood with vinyl or aluminum-clad exteriors, or durable composite materials like fiberglass.
Maintenance
Depending on your home’s location, windows are regularly exposed to the elements that can damage them over time. If your windows are in a coastal area, for example, they may be subject to salt air and storms that can leave streaks on glass. Houses located near roads or construction sites are at risk of overspray from paints and chemicals that can stain windows. And homes close to forests or beaches must deal with tree sap, sand, and dirt that can accumulate around windows.
The good news is that most of these damaging elements can be avoided with regular maintenance. Keeping windows clean will help prevent water stains from forming on glass and will prevent the buildup of hard minerals that reduce tinsel strength. If stains do appear, mild, nonabrasive soap and warm water are usually enough to remove them without damaging the window or frame finish.
You should also check that the casing that surrounds your windows is in good shape and not damaged or rotting. This not only protects your windows but also enhances their curb appeal. If you find that your casing is deteriorating, it may be an indicator that it is time to replace them.
Another thing to look for is gaps and drafts around the windows that could be allowing cold or hot air to flow in and out of your home, causing your energy systems to work harder. Sealing these areas with caulking or weather stripping will not only prevent heat loss but will also save you money on your energy bills.
In addition, you should make sure that any moving parts within the frames are lubricated to ensure smooth operation. Lubricants that are silicone-based are best as they won’t promote the accumulation of dirt and grime on these parts.
Keeping up with window replacement maintenance will help you determine when it is time to upgrade your windows to a new SoftLite model. These high-efficiency windows will provide you with greater comfort, an upgraded interior design, more protection against the elements, and a great return on your investment.