When it comes to buying replacement windows, you don’t want to leave anything to chance. You have to do your due diligence to make sure you’re getting the right windows for your home. That’s where we come in: In this replacement windows buying guide, we’re going to walk you through the process of evaluating replacement windows.
Why Replace Your Home’s Windows?
There are all kinds of reasons why you should replace your current windows. We’ll examine the most frequently cited rationales in the following sections.
Common Reasons for Window Replacement
Old windows are often drafty, which could affect your energy bills. Plus, due to the wear and tear of use, old windows are more likely to become difficult to open and close.
Then there’s the issue of curb appeal. New windows can give your home a fresh look, one that could potentially provide a better complement to your home’s architectural style or interior design.
By purchasing new windows, you also get the chance to try something new. Maybe you want to replace your single-hung windows with sliders. Perhaps you’re tired of white windows and want to see how black windows look in your home. When you get replacement windows, you give yourself the opportunity to experiment.
Benefits of Upgrading to Modern Windows
Once you have new windows installed, you should immediately see a difference in your energy bills. Today’s windows provide a level of energy performance that would have been unthinkable 20 years ago. Thanks to their warm-edge spacer systems, Low-E glass coatings, weatherstripping, and options like gas between the panes and triple-glazed units, modern windows are extremely energy efficient.
Another advantage of modern windows is that they’re available with numerous aesthetic options. Most manufacturers offer a wide variety of frame colors, woodgrain finishes, hardware finishes, and grid patterns. You can even choose blinds-between-the-glass for added style and comfort.
These aesthetic choices will in turn improve your home’s curb appeal and re-sale value. Although you may not be interested in selling anytime soon, when the moment is right, you’ll be thanking yourself for investing in windows that have that “wow” factor.
Key Features to Consider in Replacement Windows
Now that we’ve described the reasons why you should replace your windows, let’s talk about all the factors involved in your decision.
Energy Efficiency and Window Ratings
As we noted above, energy performance is a huge consideration when you’re in the market for new windows. To ensure you’re getting windows with good energy efficiency, you need to become familiar with the fenestration rating systems. The most commonly used measurement is the U-value, which calculates a window’s ability to block thermal transfer. Today’s windows are generally somewhere between 0.20 to 0.35 on the U-value scale, with a lower number being preferable. Some windows can achieve a U-value of 0.20 if they have add-ons like gas between the panes, triple glazing, high-performance Low-E glass coatings, and other options.
When doing your research on energy performance, you should also become familiar with Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). The SHGC uses a simple scale of 0-1 to determine how much solar heat is allowed into the home. The main difference between the U-value and the SHGC is that the latter’s ideal number varies depending on the climate. Homeowners in cooler regions want a midrange number (between 0.40 and 0.60), while those in warmer climates should choose a window that has an SHGC rating under 0.30.
Glass Types and Grid Designs
Double-pane windows are an industry standard today. This holds true at the Sunrise Collection, where we also have a triple-pane option for enhanced energy performance. In addition, as part of our 4SG Spacer System, we have three insulated glass unit packages: a six-layer (Passive Max), eight-layer (Ultra Max), and 12-layer (Omega Max). All of those packages are available with your choice of Low-E glass coatings.
And to enhance the look of your window, we offer two types of obscure glass (obscure and rain) and a number of grid designs. Whether your preferred grid design is traditional (Colonial, Tudor), or modern (perimeter), or something in between, we’ve got you covered.
You’ll also have a choice of grid style. Flat grids, sculptured grids, and simulated divided lites are all available on Sunrise Collection products.
How to Choose the Right Replacement Windows
Only you know what windows will work well in your home. To help you make the right decision, let’s review a few of the most important considerations.
Factors Based on Home Style and Budget
Pairing the right window with your home’s architectural style is an important step. You don’t want windows that look out of place, as that could negatively impact your home’s curb appeal and re-sale value. If you have a traditional style of home – think Colonial, Victorian, farmhouse – then you’ll probably want single-hung, double-hung, or picture windows. If, on the other hand, your house is more modern – like a ranch house or a Contemporary home – you could use horizontal sliders or casement windows.
After you’ve decided what kind of window you want, you’ll have to do some research to make sure that it fits in your budget. Generally speaking, single-hung windows are less expensive than double-hung windows and double horizontal sliders are less expensive than casements. Picture windows are typically more affordable than operable windows because they don’t open and they have no locking mechanism. However, picture windows tend to be a little pricier if they have a unique shape (octagon, half-moon, etc.).
Working with Contractors & Installers
The company that sold you your windows will probably have an install team. In that case, you won’t have to hire a contractor. But if you purchase your windows on your own, make sure you hire a competent contactor to do the job. If you don’t know any contractors in your area, ask friends and family, or do a google search. Once you have a name, you should contact the local chapter of the Better Business Bureau to check their reputation.
Sunrise Windows: Premium Options for Every Home
We’re proud to manufacture top-notch vinyl replacement windows and patio doors for residential applications. The Sunrise Collection comprises the Restorations and Vanguard series, with each offering unique charm and high-caliber performance.
Our Products & Customization Capabilities
Both the Restorations and Vanguard series provide a full line of products: single hung, double hung, horizontal slider, picture, casement, awning, bay, bow, and two- and three-panel sliding glass doors. Our products are energy efficient, durable, and aesthetically pleasing.
But what really sets the Sunrise Collection apart is our customization capabilities. Our picture windows are available in an assortment of shapes, we offer customized colors on most products, you can choose myriad types of interior woodgrains for your frames, and you have the option of 2 ¼-inch or two-inch exterior brickmoulds.
And that’s just a small sample of the options and customizations available with Sunrise Collection products. Are you ready to upgrade your home’s comfort and curb appeal? Go to sunrisecollection.com to contact a Sunrise certified dealer and schedule your free window consultation today.
