Maybe your windows are drafty and dysfunctional? Perhaps their looks have deteriorated? In any case, you’re looking to make a window replacement.
But you don’t just want to jump in and install the first window you see. You want to do your due diligence first. That’s why you’ve come to this guide.
Fortunately, we have all of the information you need. Without further ado, here is everything you need to know about Dallas window replacement.
Types of Replacement Windows
When installing new windows, there are a number of different types that you can choose from. Some of these include the following.
Single-hung Windows
Single-hung windows are essentially standard windows. They’re taller than they are wide, and possess a single sash. This sash starts at the bottom in the closed position and then is pushed up as a means of opening the window.
The best thing about single-hung windows is that they’re cheap. Note, though, that they provide decent amounts of visibility, sunlight, and ventilation variation as well.
Double-hung Windows
Double-hung windows are like single-hung windows, but with two sashes instead of one. One of these sashes starts at the top of the window. The other starts at the bottom.
The advantages of double-hung windows are substantial. For one, since they can be opened on both their tops and their bottoms, they provide a lot more ventilation variation. In addition, they’re easier to clean (you can generally clean both their interiors and exteriors from the inside of the house).
Casement Windows
Casement windows are taller than they are wide. However, unlike hung windows, they don’t contain a crossbar over their centers. In fact, their viewing areas are generally entirely transparent.
How do you open a casement window? With the use of a hand crank. As this crank is turned, the window moves out to varying degrees. This allows for tons of ventilation variation.
Casement windows usually cost a little more than hung windows. Note, though, that exact costs can vary wildly.
Picture Windows
Picture windows are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. These windows don’t open, but instead are mounted to walls, just like pictures.
What this means, of course, is that picture windows don’t allow for any ventilation. However, they still allow for ample sunlight and visibility.
Generally speaking, you’ll find these windows installed at high-reaching areas of buildings. This is to prevent slips and falls, which could lead to injury or death.
Awning Windows
Awning windows are windows that, when opened, take on the look of awnings. This is to say that these windows angle in a downward trajectory, hinging from the tops of their respective window panes. Wider than they are tall, they bring a great deal of dimension to the homes upon which they’re installed.
The great benefit of awning windows is that they can be left open while it rains. The rain will simply roll down the window, falling to the ground below. With other windows, rain could very well end up inside of the home.
If you’re looking for a unique window for your home, an awning window should be toward the top of your list. It will definitely help your home to stand out from the others.
Sliding Windows
Sliding windows are like hung windows. But instead of being taller than they are wide, they’re wider than they are tall. In addition, they open in a left-right manner, as opposed to an up-down manner.
The benefit of sliding windows is that they provide tons of peripheral vision. Of course, this is at the expense of vertical vision. In terms of ventilation variation and sunlight, they’re generally excellent.
Bay Windows
Looking for a window that can serve as the aesthetic centerpiece of a living room or dining room? If so, you should consider a bay window. These large windows consist of 3 separate panes, all of which protrude past the exteriors of their respective properties, and are angled against one another.
The benefits of bay windows are many. For one, they allow in tons of sunlight. In addition, they provide substantial visibility, and can even be opened to provide varying degrees of ventilation.
The downside to these windows is that, as you might expect, they’re expensive. But considering how large and functional they are, they’re really a solid deal.
Bow Windows
Bow windows are like bay windows but with 4 to 6 window panes instead of 3. This means that they provide added visibility, added ventilation variation, and added sunlight.
Again, if you’re looking for a window to serve as the centerpiece of a room, a bow window would be a viable option.
Window Materials
Windows come in a variety of materials. Some of the most popular of these materials include the following.
Wood
Wood is the classic window material. It offers a charming aesthetic and tons of insulation. Capable of being painted any color, its appearance can be switched up at will.
The downside to wood is that it’s vulnerable to water. As such, it requires a great deal of maintenance.
Vinyl
Vinyl windows are the most popular windows in existence. Not only are they extremely durable but insulative and cost-effective, too.
The downside to vinyl windows is that they can’t be aesthetically altered. They come in a single color and will maintain that color for the duration of their existence.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass windows are like vinyl windows on steroids. Not only are they insulative and low-maintenance but highly durable as well.
Note, though, that like vinyl, their appearance can’t be altered. They will possess the same look for the entirety of the time you have them installed.
Signs You Need New Windows
Wondering whether it’s time for a window replacement on your home? Here are some signs that it is.
Your Windows Feel Drafty
One of the surest signs that you need a window replacement is that your windows are drafty. If you feel cool air coming through your windows on a cold day or hot air coming through your windows on a hot day, those windows are not doing their job as intended.
See, over time, the seals on windows break down. When these do so, they allow heat and cold waves to pass through them undisturbed.
At this point, there’s only one thing you can do: you have to replace your window entirely. A professional contractor can help you get the job done.
Your Window Is Cracked
Another sign that it’s time for a window replacement is that your window is cracked. A cracked window is a dysfunctional window and isn’t able to properly keep out heat and cold waves.
Now, you might be able to repair the window, especially if the crack is on the small side. However, if it’s over an inch long, a full-on replacement will likely be needed.
Your Window Is Old
All windows have a lifespan. Once they reach this lifespan, they’re really more harm than they’re worth. As such, if your window is getting old, you should think about making a replacement.
A new window will not only be more insulative than your aging window but more aesthetically pleasing as well. In other words, it can transform the appearance and functionality of your home.
Vinyl windows should last around 20 years. Wood windows should last around 30 years. Fiberglass windows can make it to 40 and sometimes even 50.
You Can Hear Traffic Through Your Window
Not only should your window prevent the inward flow of heat and cold but of sound waves as well. As such, if you can hear traffic noise coming through your window, there’s a good chance that it’s time for a replacement.
Again, this an issue of the window’s seals being broken. They’re allowing sound waves to pass through them unscathed.
A repair might suffice for a while. But soon enough, a full-on replacement will be needed.
Your Energy Bills Are Going Up
One last sign that you need a window replacement is that your energy bills are going up. This could be caused by a variety of factors, but bad windows are a common one.
See, when more heat and cold are allowed to enter the home, the home’s HVAC system is forced to work harder. This results in increased energy expenditure and therefore higher energy bills.
If it’s been a while since you’ve installed new windows, think of making a replacement now.
Time for Your Dallas Window Replacement
And there it is, everything you should know about your Dallas window replacement. Take this information to heart, and you should end up with a functional and aesthetically pleasing window.
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