Replacing Your Windows? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you are in the market this year for new windows, there are a lot of things you should consider before making your purchase. First, you need to ask yourself why you need the upgrade? Are you looking to save on energy bills or improve your curb appeal? Maybe both?

Windows offer one of the best returns on investment of any major home renovation. Whatever you invest in your home, you can expect an ROI of 30-35%.

You’ll need to answer a few questions before you begin thinking about the renos, including which type of windows you want to go with and which type of window replacement company you’ll want to partner with; and in this article, we’ll explore top window styles such as bay windows, casement windows, and bow windows as well as look into some of the considerations you need to keep in mind when replacing your windows.

The primary reason most people replace windows is because of a performance issue. If you find your windows are not keeping out extreme heat or cold, it is crucial that you replace them right away. Leakage through cracks can increase home energy costs by as much as 15-30%.

Go ENERGY STAR

With ENERGY STAR window replacements, you can not only save money on utilities, but the anti-UV panes will also prevent your furniture from becoming discoloured from the sun. Low-E (or low-emissivity) windows ensure that fewer UV rays enter your home by minimizing the amount of infrared and ultraviolet light that comes through.

This means that you can recover some of the cost of window replacement by saving on energy bills and keeping your furniture safer longer.

Find the Right Installation Company

When it comes to the labour of replacing windows, it is highly recommended that you find the right replacement company to do the installation. Window replacement is a complex task best left to the professionals. The right window replacement company will also ensure that it holds itself accountable for every stage — from manufacturing to delivery to installation.

Even general contractors may not have the proper experience to install windows because there are industry recommended practices with sealing and balancing that only a qualified window installation expert can provide. There are numerous window installers to choose from, and many deliver high-quality results for a reasonable price.

Trust the experts at Centennial Windows and Doors, whose president George Warren, was recently awarded the prestigious C.P. Loewen Award recognizing a life-long contribution to the window and door industry, as presented by Fenestration Canada.

Wherever you live, there are a few key things you should look for when you hire a window installation expert. First, make sure that they guarantee the work they perform on the rare occasion they do not install windows properly or gave you a poorly-made product. Make sure they stand behind their product and offer a warranty that should, at the very least last the duration of your time living in your home.

Next, you should make sure that you are hiring a turnkey company that handles all aspects of window installation within its business model. This means they are the manufacturer, seller, installer, and service provider. Companies that sub-out any of these portions of the business are not advisable because they usually lose quality control over the portion of the business they choose to sub-out. A company that does it all is accountable for it all.

Hopefully, you’re a little wiser after reading this article, and you know just what is required to achieve perfect window installation results.