Category: Window Replacement

HOW TO INSTALL A NEW REPLACEMENT WINDOW

New windows can completely change a room and save a homeowner hundreds of dollars on energy costs. The cost of new windows alone can be a bit staggering, so many homeowners save money by installing their own window replacements. This does not come without its own set of challenges, but an especially handy homeowner may be up for the task.

Planning a Window Replacement

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It is important to plan the job, and know that window installation does take a significant amount of time. Allow for ample time so you do not end up working through the night to keep the wind out of your home! Having an extra set of hands to help with the job is advisable. A partner to help with heavy lifting and holding the window into place is an advantage to getting this job done quickly and as painlessly as possible.

First begin by measuring the old window. Measure the height from three different parts of the window. Windows expand and contract frequently, causing them to disfigure over time. Take the smallest of these three measurements and record it. Measure the width of the window, again, from three different places, and record the measurement.

Make sure the window opening is square before you install

Investigate how square the existing window is by measuring the window diagonally from the top left frame corner to the bottom right frame corner, and from the top right frame corner to the bottom left frame corner. If the measurement is more than ¼ inch difference, the entire window frame will need to be replaced as well. Being able to reuse the old frame will save money short term, but a full window and frame replacement guarantees a much more efficient and visually appealing window in the end.

Carefully remove the window stops and set them aside. The window stops prevent the window from falling out. If they become damaged, they will need to be replaced. Most times, the window stops can be reused. Remove the window and frame. Install a new frame in the exact location of the old window, using the exact same measurements. Seal the frame after installation. If you have have window treatments or blinds that need to be removed be aware that when you remove the blinds or shutters it can chip the paint and caulking around the wooden shutters where it connects to the wall.

Window And Door Replacement Parts

While putting in your window if you need to find special parts for door handles, window cranks, window locks, spring balancers, channel balances, spiral balancers or projection arm cranks you can check out an online store with thousands of hard to find items. Valleywide Window Parts is a great website for Window and Door Replacement Parts.

Position the new window inside of the frame. Do a “dry install” to be sure that the window will fit the space. Once satisfied with the windows positioning, apply a thin bead of silicone along the top edge of the window stop. This is where your partner comes in handy. While one person holds the frame, drive wooden shims in below the window until it is level and tight against the top of the frame. Carefully insert shims or nails down either side of the frame to hold the window into place. Finally, measure the window to ensure that it is square and level, make any adjustments necessary to the shims to make it so, and attach the frame by using the screws provided. Normally there are holes in the frame pre-drilled as a guide to where to install the new screws. Secure the window and fill in any gaps between the window and frame with insulation to help prevent air from escaping. Fiberglass insulation is the best in this case, since it blocks early all air from passing through.

Though it may appear easy, window replacements require planning and skill. A Glass Company would be a good choice if you have a window or multiple windows that are not easy to install. A homeowner should be sure of their ability before attempting to replace their own windows. A poorly installed window can lead to problems down the road. An efficient window is only as good as its installation.

Should you go with Wooden or Vinyl windows

Timber window frames have been the most popular for decades, but the uPVC frames have started to make a great difference in the materials people are using when remodeling their homes. While both camps of window frame manufacturers claim to be the best material out there, there are some differences that people need to be aware of when choosing which material to use. First is the lifespan of each material.

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While timber has been used for the longest period of time, uPVC states that they’re virtually maintenance free for up to 25 years.

Timber, on the other hand, requires painting and maintenance every couple of years to make sure they stay in good shape. But with the newer technology available these days for the treatment of timber before it gets installed into a window frame, you can expect much less maintenance over the years than you used to. This, of course, takes you right into the environmental aspect.

The problem with wooden windows

Timber requires trees to be cut down and the chemicals they use to treat them aren’t necessarily environmentally friendly. While uPVC doesn’t require trees to be cut, the creation of the materials is from plastic, and that isn’t very friendly to the environment either.

Benefits of Vinyl Window Frames

Vinyl windows have come a long way, they are used in new windows and glass doors,  though, as most of it is from recycled plastics, and this is a good thing for people that want to stay a bit closer to the green side without having to cut down trees. You also won’t have to repaint the fiberglass frames, and this saves the environment from harsh chemicals that is used in the paint.

While timber may give you a more natural look and feel to your home, uPVC is easier to make and maintain.

Final Window Choice is Yours

The real choice in deciding on whether you want to use wooden or fiberglass is in the look and feel that you want from your windows. If you like the all-natural look, then go with timber, but the fact that you don’t have to maintain the vinyl windows as much as the timber makes you smile, then that should be your choice.

The decision you make will be the right one for your home and you shouldn’t have to second guess yourself.

Should you get high quality dual pane windows

When investing in a property, often many choose to focus on the physical look and undoubtedly the energy saving benefits of double glazed windows. There is also the cost effectiveness and the added value to your home. The one thing that often gets overlooked however is just how great they are for security.

If in the Glendale AZ area you may want to try: Valleywide Glass LLC  for Window Repair

Dual Pane Windows are very secure

Depending on the type of windows you are seeking, these can be great as a security deterrent as well as actual security benefit. We look at some of the types of windows and the features that may stop a burglary in its tracks.

Make Sure you Secure window locks

Often when your home gets warm (especially in the summer) you may want to leave your windows open whilst your out. The problem being that an open window is seen as an opening for a burglar to seize an opportunity at a moments notice, and help themselves to your possessions. If you do not leave the windows open your home will become unbearably hot in the summer months. This is where secure locking windows come in, these have a mechanism where they can be left open ever so slightly to let the air from outside in but have an extra locking section which will prevent the window being opened further by hand.

In most situations the windows will appear closed or at least locked since there will be a little space seen when viewed up close. Even if a thief wanted to try their luck it would mean the use of a crowbar and damage to your property, something that may be deemed to high risk to try it. Privacy Blinds also help make burglars think twice.

Window types and placement of them

Having the right type of window could make a huge difference to the outcome of a burglary. Casement windows might showcase a lot of your things whereas fire escape windows may look a bit daunting to a potential thief. One great benefit of the newer modeled reversible windows available from window and conservatory suppliers Harvey’s Windows is that a thief would be unlikely to take their chances against the odd shaped glass and frame that it comes with.

Choosing your window type is important when rehabbing your property as it could make a difference to your home insurance. A consideration for a new home owner when placing windows should also be what a potential thief may see through them and take their chances for.

High quality glass replacement will also make your property impenetrable since they will not be able to break it as they would the standard glass. Double or even triple glazing will not just make your home warm and cost saving but also prevent a potential burglary.