Changing Your Windows and Glass Doors? Here’s What to Look For

If you’ve purchased a property with windows that aren’t working as well as they should and look old and faded, it might be time to replace them. However, this whole process can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t know where to start, which is where this article comes in.

Changing the windows and glass doors in your home are improvements that not only affect the sustainability of a home, but also increase its value. So, if you’ve wanted to learn more about what to look for when replacing them, keep reading. We’ll tackle different types of windows and window frames, common signs indicating that you need to change your windows, hiring the right professionals, and much more.

Types of Windows

The windows are the elements that should make your house soundproof, waterproof, weatherproof, termite-proof, and energy efficient. If you’re looking to change your windows, there are a few types of windows that you can choose from:

• Picture windows
• Casement windows
• Bay windows
• Single-hung windows
• Double-hung windows
• Awning windows
• Horizontal sliding windows
• Standard sliding doors

Below, we’ll discuss all the different window types and the benefits of installing each one in your home.

Picture Windows

First on the list, we have picture windows that are found in various sizes. In some cases, they can be inset with metal grinds which makes them more durable. Generally, these types of windows are fixed so they don’t provide ventilation, though they do increase the home’s energy efficiency since no heat is lost with these windows.

Casement Windows

Casement windows have a hand-crank at the bottom that’s used to swing the window open and provide ventilation to the room. They’re more energy efficient than sliding windows since they’re gasketed on all sides. The only downside to these windows is that in older casement windows, the crank mechanism may need repairs from time to time. Also, the exterior of the casement window can be harder to reach when cleaning compared to other types of windows. However, these windows are perfect for installing in places that are difficult to reach since you can easily open them with one arm.

Bay Windows

These types of windows not only provide plenty of light to your home, but they also make the facade a lot more interesting. They are mostly found in kitchens and living rooms and provide peripheral views that you can’t get with standard windows. In bay windows, the sides of the windows are generally the ones that open and provide plenty of ventilation, while the middle window is fixed.

Single Hung Windows

Single hung windows or sliding windows are quite common in smaller rooms in the house, such as bathrooms. These windows are characterized by a bottom part that opens and a top part that’s fixed. Compared to their double-hang counterparts, these windows are less expensive and provide adequate amounts of ventilation.

Double Hung Windows

The double hang windows are similar to the single hang ones, however, both parts can be opened, which provides even better ventilation. In homes where there are small children or pets, double-hung windows are typically safer as you can latch the bottom window, while the top one can remain open.

Awning Windows

Awning windows are quite similar to casement windows, though they are meant to swing and open vertically. They have a good seal and provide adequate ventilation and are mostly found in bedrooms. These types of windows are perfect for places that are narrow or high, as you can easily open them with one arm by just reaching for the crank mechanism.

Horizontal Sliding Windows

The most common windows nowadays are sliding windows since they’re cost-effective and wider than most windows that open vertically. You can order them as single or double slider windows, and compared to casement and awning windows, they are easier to clean. The only downside is that they’re less efficient than hinged windows.

Standard Sliding Doors

We’ve decided to include the standard sliding doors in this mix as they double as large windows and provide plenty of light inside your home. They’re one of the most used doors that are installed in living rooms, bedrooms, or places in the home that opens up to a terrace or porch. You can order them in various sizes and various configurations such as single and double sliders, slider doors with fixed lites, and so on.

Types of Window Frames

When replacing a window, the most important thing after choosing the type of window is deciding on the type of window frame you prefer. There are a number of options to choose from, but the most common ones are made from the following materials:

• Vinyl
• Aluminum
• Fiberglass
• Wood
• Composite materials

When determining which type to choose, it’s important to look at the pros and cons of each material, and the following paragraphs will focus on more specifics for each of the materials.

Vinyl Frames

Vinyl frames are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a material that’s used to make plumbing pipes. These frames are both great insulators and very affordable. Vinyl frames are quite popular now as they don’t require a lot of maintenance and offer a lot of varieties in terms of design. However, they aren’t as aesthetically pleasing as aluminum or wooden frames, which are also more durable. So, if you’re looking for energy-efficient windows, vinyl frames are a great idea, however, if you want to go for durability and aesthetics, choose something else.

Aluminum Frames

Next on the list are aluminum window frames that are both durable and very light. These types of frames don’t require much maintenance, and won’t rot, mold, or wear out as a result of external conditions, compared to window frames made of wood, fiberglass, or vinyl. However, these types of frames aren’t as energy-efficient as others and rapidly conduct heat, which means they’re one of the poorest insulators on the list. When it comes to pricing, aluminum window frames are more expensive than fiberglass or vinyl, but less expensive than wooden frame windows.

Fiberglass Frames

One of the least common window frames is the fiberglass window frame. On the one hand, they are very durable, fairly easy to maintain (you just need to repaint them from time to time), and resist external changes in temperature and weather due to their expanding and contracting properties as a result of temperature changes. Because of that, fiberglass frames are great insulators and have similar benefits to composite frames. On the other hand, fiberglass frames are more expensive than vinyl and aren’t as visually appealing as wood or aluminum frames.

Wooden Frames

Some of the most visually appealing window frames are wooden window frames that are not only extremely durable but can also match a lot of different interior and exterior styles. Due to their superior properties, they’ve been used for hundreds of years. Another great thing about wooden framed windows is that they are extremely energy-efficient as a result of wood being an excellent insulator.

However, they are one of the most expensive window frames you can buy and require a lot of maintenance if you want them to look as good as new. Another downside is that wood as a material can be affected by external conditions such as termites, rot, and mold.

Composite Frames

Finally, we have composite window frames that can be made with vinyl and wood or aluminum and wood. The combination makes these frames both energy-efficient and makes use of the positives of both materials. The only downside to composite window frames is that they are more expensive than other types of window frames, so if you have a smaller budget, they may not be the perfect option for you.

Types of Window Tracks and Poles

Then you need to choose window tracks, which are generally made either from plastic or metal. Some metal tracks also have the option to extend, so you won’t need to join two smaller tracks if you have larger windows.

Curtain poles, on the other hand, have even more variety and can suit many different windows. They’re usually made from wood or metal, and you can find eyelet poles, fixed-length poles, and extendable poles on the market nowadays.

Eyelet Poles

These types of poles are perfect for eyelet curtains and don’t include hanging rings. These poles give your windows a clean appearance and the end of the pole can often have decorations and embellishments.

Fixed Length Poles

These types of poles are perfect if you have standard-sized windows, though you can also modify them if you have a smaller or larger window. Fixed length poles can be cut down and fit on a smaller window, or two or more poles can be joined with a joiner if you have a larger window.

Extendable Poles

The third option is the extendable curtain poles, which are ideal for any type of window. These types of poles are great if you want to avoid joining two poles or cutting down larger ones to fit a window. They’re made from two poles, one which is more narrow and slides into the larger pole, and once you adjust the pole to your desired length, you can secure the pole in place with brackets. Remember that extendable poles are only made from metal, unlike eyelet and fixed-length poles that can also be made from wood.

Types of Window Glass

The next thing you need to consider when changing your windows for new ones is which type of window glass to go for. Depending on the rate at which the glass is cooled during production, there are four main types of window glass:

• Annealed
• Heat-strengthened
• Tempered
• Laminated

So, let’s dive into how all of them differ from each other.

Annealed Glass

Annealed glass is formed at the annealing stage of the float process, which involves cooling the glass slowly in a controlled environment and getting it to reach room temperature. This type of glass is usually used for making more advanced types of glass, but if used as is, it’s one of the thinnest glasses on the list.

Heat Strengthened Glass

Heat-strengthened glass or semi-toughened glass is essentially annealed glass that’s semi-tempered, which is why the final product is stronger than the annealed one. Semi tempered glass is made when annealed glass is heated to about 650 to 700 degrees Celsius and then quickly cooled back to normal temperature. This process increases the thermal and mechanical strength of the glass and makes the final product twice stronger than the initial product.

Tempered or Toughened Glass

The next type of glass is tempered or toughened glass, which is made from annealed glass that has been heated to 700 degrees Celsius and, in order to speed up the quick cooling process, air is blasted simultaneously on both sides. The final product is about five times stronger than untreated or annealed glass.

Laminated Glass

Any of the abovementioned types of glass can be made into laminated glass with the help of an interlayer that helps the two sheets of toughened glass stay together. This type of glass is highly customizable as you can improve the sound dampening and the fire resisting properties of the initial glass by incorporating different structural interlayers.

Differences Between the Quality of Windows

Now that we’ve covered all the different components of a window and various window types, you’re probably wondering how you can distinguish between different qualities of windows. Let’s first discuss low-quality windows.

Builder grade or low-quality windows are one of the most common windows you can find on the market, they generally come in standard sizes, and there’s no customization. These types of windows are mass-produced and used in large construction projects, and usually last for about 10 years. The material that’s commonly used for lower-quality windows is vinyl and these windows don’t add much to the value of a home if you decide to resell it.

Higher quality windows are often made from natural materials such as wood, have good soundproof and sunblocking properties, they’re energy-efficient, and can last for over 20 years. While you initially pay more first, these types of windows will last a lot longer than the low-quality ones and you’ll also end up saving on utility bills due to them being energy efficient.

What to Watch Out for When Purchasing Windows?

When purchasing new windows, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind:

• Double-checking if the prices appear too good to be true
• Make sure that you’re working with experienced installers
• Double-checking whether the windows are up to the codes in your building permit
• Discussing all the work that the installers will do, whether they’ll also fill in the small holes, pain after they’ve finished installing, etc
• Getting cheaper windows with no warranty

Choosing windows only for the design, and not taking into consideration the function and quality

What Types of Windows Are Worth Worth Investing In?

When deciding which windows to purchase, it’s essential to choose windows that are termite proof, soundproof, waterproof, and weatherproof, and satisfy the energy efficiency parameters in your state.

Choose windows that have a lower U-factor (these windows have a better insulating value), a lower solar heat gain coefficient (these windows transmit less solar heat), and adequate visible transmittance levels (enough light comes through the window).

Next, you need to ensure that the windows you choose complement the architectural style of your home and add value to it. It’s also a great idea to choose durable windows that don’t require much maintenance apart from cleaning them.

Finally, it may be useful to purchase windows that are protected from harsh weather elements, such as weatherstripped windows that prevent water and air leaks, and so on.

Inspecting New Windows at Delivery

Even if you’ve ordered windows of good quality, there’s no guarantee that the windows you get delivered are the ones you ordered without a proper inspection. Make sure that you inspect each window when you get it delivered and make sure that there are no scratches or dents on the window frame, glass, and sashes. If you find problems at this stage, make sure you return the window and wait for a new one. After the windows have been installed, check whether there are any gaps and whether the window opens and closes as well as it should. If you aren’t satisfied, make sure to tell the people who are installing the window so they can fix the mistake.

How to Do Maintenance on Your Windows?

After you’ve purchased and installed your windows and have used them for a while, regular maintenance is essential to make sure that your windows are operating as well as they should. To do the inspection, follow the steps below:

1. Examine your windows on a yearly basis and check for leaks, problems with turning the window cranks, paint or material cracks, and so on.
2. Check the caulking around the windows to see whether they’re cracked.
3. Inspect wood windows and check whether they need to be refinished to prevent peering, corrosion, or cracking.
4. Clean the window tracks, as accumulated debris in the tracks can prevent the windows from opening and closing smoothly, and lubricate them after.
5. Check whether the window fit is still the same as, over time, your windows may change their shape and size a bit due to exposure to the elements.

Make sure that you take additional precautions if you live close to the sea, as salt is corrosive to windows made from wood, fiberglass, or vinyl. You should also clean the windows at least four times to remove the corrosive salt, and inspect the windows a few times per year.

How Do You Know if Your Windows Need Replacing?

If you’re still unsure whether you need to replace your windows or not, the following signs will show you that it’s time for an inspection and possibly new windows:

• The window doesn’t open or close completely
• The windows aren’t soundproof
• Your utility bills have increased significantly
• There’s condensation on your windows
• The wood on the window frame is rotten or corroded
• You notice termites in the wood

You notice cold air coming out of the window frame

Final Thoughts

Now you know what to keep in mind when considering whether to change the windows in your home. But before you look into all the available options, setting a budget for the renovation is the first step towards success. To plan your budget more easily, consult our budget estimator and start planning your next renovation.

Once you have the budget for replacing your windows, you can then look into what types of windows you prefer, the material of the window frames, the type of glass, and all aspects that go with choosing the perfect windows for your home. Finally, remember to save the warranty for your new windows, so you can easily find it if you ever need it for future window repairs.