3 Reasons You Need to Replace Your Home’s Windows
Your home’s windows do more than letting sunlight and air inside. They are an integral component of your home’s appearance and energy efficiency. If your home’s windows are outdated or in disrepair, it is better to replace them sooner rather than later. Replacing your home’s windows is a big investment but it is a worthwhile one because it will provide a significant return on your investment – in more ways than one. Below, we explore the 3 reasons you need to have your home’s windows professionally replaced.
3 Reasons You Need to Replace Your Home’s Windows
- Window Replacement Improves Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Your windows play an important role in your home’s curb appeal and overall aesthetic appearance. If they are outdated or in disrepair, they detract from the beauty of your home. By replacing them, you can truly transform the appearance of your home.
- Window Replacement Improves Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
If you have older windows such as single pane windows or other types of windows, your home may not be very energy efficient. Realtor notes that the average energy savings per year in warmer states is roughly $250.
- Window Replacement Is a Home Improvement with high ROI
There are many ways to invest in your home at varying costs to you. While window replacement is not inexpensive, it has one of the highest ROIs of any home improvement project, as MONEY notes, “Homeowners get about 73% of their replacement window investment back when they resell the house, according to the National Association of Realtors’ 2016 Cost Versus Value study.”
How to replace home’s window?
The entire process of replacing a home’s window takes six to eight to complete. It also requires a fair amount of remodeling and carpentry skills. Some installations are simplified by DIY processes. These steps allow contractors to insert the replacement unit directly into the existing frame without any preparations. Here are the some of the steps involved in this installation process.
Replacement window
There are several types of replacement windows that one could find from local markets. For instance, full-frame windows are designed to fit any existing openings. These are also available in many size varieties as well. However, the existing window frame should be square and level to support a fully-assembled window. These ready-to-install units slip into the old frame. These are the only options when there are no sills or jambs left in the window frame.
Measurements
The most important step in any replacement process is taking measurements of the existing window frame. Ideally, start by measuring the inside width in three main places: top, middle, and bottom. Make sure to write the smallest measurement for later consideration. Next, move to the top to the sill and again pay attention to the smallest measurement. After this step, check the squareness of each frame by measuring diagonals. Go from one corner to another to get full-frame dimensions.
Preparations
It is essential to prepare the window by removing the old sash from the frame. Make sure to put minimal pressure on these parts because they could break easily. Next, separate the parting beads from upper sashes. They will also be jamb lines and pivots. Once finished, use flat bars to pry aluminum jamb liners. People should leave the interior and exterior casings for future use. Then, prepare the frame by patching any holes or cracks. There are exterior-grade wood putties available on the market that will help to fix these issues. Unscrew access panel and insulate behind the window frame. Always use minimal pressure to avoid damaging the insulation foam. Shoot the expanding foam into the holes and allow the material to harden for several hours. Then, replace the pocket panels in the sash. Next, caulk the openings using an elastomeric caulk. This is the last step in the preparation.
Installation
Insert the replacement unit into the opening by working from inside the room. Press hard to tip it up into the frame and secure the exterior casings. To hold the window in place, use 2-inch screws into the frames. After this step, close and lock the sash in the opening.
Completion
Measure the window from one corner to another. The measurements should be the same as before. Fill any gaps by using a minimal amount of expanding foam. Finish the installation process by reinstalling new stops and painting the interiors of the frame.