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Replacement Window
Contractors
When thinking about
curb appeal most people think about
landscaping, roofing, and siding but few people think about the
installation of
new windows improving the curb appeal. Actually, installing new windows
is a
great way to upgrade and improve the value and eye appeal of your home.
Older windows were not designed to be energy efficient. Some windows
will
actually allow a loss of 40% of your home's heat and air. This alone is
very
expensive. Installing quality windows can greatly increase the utility
bills
you receive each month.
Installing new windows will also cut down on maintenance since the
newer
windows do not require the continuous scraping and replacement of putty
and
paint. You can also get the type that fold inside for easy cleaning on
the
inside and the outside.
It
is a good rule of thumb to replace your windows after 25 years of use.
Usually
there are more modern windows on the market that are more energy
efficient and
provide greater eye appeal. You might want to consider getting windows
that
protect your furniture from sun exposure. Excessive exposure to the sun
can
bleach out the fabric and the wood of your fine furnishings. Coated
glass
windows will help preserve your furnishings for many more years.
You will obviously want to purchase the best windows for your home.
This will
mean comparing different types of windows and determining the best
value for
you. Buying double pane windows may be something for you to consider if
you
expect to sell your home soon or if you think energy prices will remain
about
the same as they are now.
Triple pane windows may be called for if you expect to live in your
home for at
least the next 10 years and if you expect energy prices to rise. Triple
pane
windows will give you added protection from energy loss but they are
also the
most expensive.
There are many different types of windows from which you can choose.
Some
windows are fixed and cannot be raised or lowered. Single hung windows
will
allow the bottom window to be raised. Double hung windows will allow
the top
window to slide down and the bottom window to slide up. Horizontal
sliders will
slide from side to side and a casement window will crank open and has a
hinge
on one side. Choosing the right window for your home will depend on the
style
of your home and the functionality you expect from the windows.
You will also have a choice in the type of frame you hang your windows
in.
Vinyl frames have gotten a bad rap in the past but they are much
improved
today. Aluminum is another choice but it does not provide the
durability and
beauty that you can find with vinyl frames.
Wood is another choice for window frames but you must consider that
wood will
require painting every few years and it will not look as good for as
long as
the vinyl will. Vinyl will provide you with the least amount of
maintenance and
will last as long as you own your home.
Installing new windows can be a great asset to your home. Even if you
have to
pay more for them initially, they will pay for themselves in the long
run by
lowering your energy costs.
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