Looking for a new home project? Why not replace your windows? There are numerous upsides to purchasing new windows for your home. You can improve your home’s energy performance, enhance its curb appeal, and increase its resale value. But before you run out and buy new windows, there are a few things you need to consider.
Why Choose Replacement Windows Installation?
By replacing the windows in your house, you’ll be the envy of your neighborhood and the recipient of a smaller energy bill each month. Once you have new windows in your house, you’ll be amazed at their aesthetics and performance.
Signs Your Home Needs New Windows
So, what are the signs that it’s time for replacing windows in your house? Here are a few questions that will help you get started:
- Is your window difficult to open and close?
- Is it drafty?
- Is the paint chipping?
- Is too much exterior sound entering your house?
- Does the locking mechanism no longer work?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then you should probably replace your windows.
What to Look for in Replacement Windows
Ideally, your new windows should be durable, easy to operate, energy efficient, and aesthetically pleasing. In addition, you’ll want to purchase your windows from a manufacturer that offers plenty of options, like energy-efficient upgrades, grids, rain glass, etc.
Working with Certified Installers
The good news is that many replacement window suppliers do their own installation. But if you find yourself in a situation where you either have to hire an installation crew or do it yourself, there are a few things you should know.
DIY vs. Professional Service
It’s always best to let professionals install your windows. In many cases, they’ve been doing it for years. They know the ins and outs of the job, including common issues that arise during an installation. Plus, they can do the installation, clean up the space, and be gone in a day or two. Your own installation will likely take longer.
Risks of DIY Installation
The obvious risk is that you won’t seal the window in the opening properly, leading to air leakage and causing your energy bills to skyrocket. It’s counterproductive to make a major financial investment and then undermine one of the economic advantages of that investment.
And there’s other performance issues to consider. A window that’s not installed correctly might not open, close, or lock properly.
Finally, when you take on the job of installing your own windows, you run the risk that the installation won’t be uniform; that is, some windows will appear to be installed properly, while others won’t. This will clearly affect the curb appeal – and potential re-sale value – of your home.
Preparing For Your Windows Installation
Whether you replace the windows yourself or not, there are some measures you’ll have to take before the installation can commence.
Measuring Your Windows
This is perhaps the most important part of the preparation process. In order for your windows to sit in the opening properly and maintain an optimal seal, you’ll have to take an accurate measurement.
You can do the measurements with a standard tape measure. Simply measure the width, height, and depth of the opening. For added assurance, measure the opening diagonally from the left side and the right side. As long as those two numbers are no more than a quarter-inch apart, your measurement should be accurate.
Final Steps Before the Installation
You’ve selected your replacement windows. You’ve hired a contractor or decided to do the installation yourself. The measurements are confirmed. A date has been selected.
You would think that it’s finally time to replace the windows. However, there are still a few details that you must attend to.
First of all, you want to clear the area around your windows. You can’t have any furniture, curtains, blinds, or other objects near the windows. You should also cover your furniture with old blankets or plastic to prevent them from getting damaged during the installation.
In addition, make sure that pets and small children will not get in the way. If you have pets, take them outside or put them in another room. Similarly, keep small children at a distance during
the installation. They could inadvertently cause harm to themselves or others if they get underfoot while workers are moving the windows.
Our Replacement Windows: Features & Options
Here at the Sunrise Collection, we only make replacement windows. We’ve focused on the replacement window market for years, producing state-of-the-art windows and sliding glass doors for the residential market.
Energy Efficiency
Improving your home’s energy performance is a key reason for replacement windows installation. At the Sunrise Collection, our products have myriad energy-efficient features, starting with our 4SG Spacer System. Designed with energy performance in mind, the 4SG is bonded to the glass surface; this helps trap the argon gas inside the IGU, leading to years of enhanced energy efficiency.
Our products are also available with three different IGU packages. There’s a six-layer (Passive Max), eight-layer (Ultra Max), and 12-layer (Omega Max). The number of layers refers to the high-performance reflective metallic shields, which help keep the interior of your home comfortable regardless of the season.
And there are many more energy-efficient options available on Sunrise Collection products. We also have high-performance Low-E, triple glazing – available with the Ultra Max – and i89 Low-E on the interior surfaces.
Custom Designs & Finishes
At the Sunrise Collection, we pride on ourselves on working with our customers to create custom designs and finishes that truly provide that “wow factor.” We want you to be thrilled with our products’ durability, performance, energy efficiency – and aesthetics.
We offer a multitude of exterior frame colors, including tan, sandstone, gray, and black. On the interior, we have a few colors and several woodgrains available.
You also have options on the glass itself. We offer rain glass and obscure glass for privacy and added aesthetics. There are color options on the obscure glass as well, like cobalt blue and emerald.
And there are countless grid designs. We offer standard designs, such as Colonial, Tudor, and perimeter pane. But we can also customize the grids to achieve just about any design you want. Moreover, our grids are available as flat grids, sculptured grids, and simulated divided lites.
Lastly, we want to touch on the hardware options available on Sunrise Collection products. The handles on our awning and casement windows fold neatly away, practically disappearing from view when not in use. And the locks and handles come in a variety of eye-popping finishes, including antique brass, forever finish brass, and oil rubbed bronze.
The Solution Is Clear
Are you ready to get started on your replacement windows installation? If so, go to sunrisecollection.com today and find a Certified Sunrise Dealer in your area.
