Choosing the right replacement windows will not only enhance the aesthetics of your house, but it will also determine your experience, and help you save money on energy bills. Do you want to undertake replacement windows project and need a guide to choose wisely? Are you searching for the steps you must take before choosing the right replacement windows? Do not stress out; here are the 5 steps you to select the perfect replacement windows.
1. Select a Style
The existing windows are most likely old-fashioned. As a result, you should choose a modern style that will enhance the exterior aesthetics of your property. Consider the architectural design of your house and choose a style that will blend with the exterior of the house. There is a large collection of replacement windows that will work with your building.
2. Choose a Material
There is a wide array of materials you can choose. While the style of window is crucial, prioritize maintenance based on the materials chosen. Vinyl material seems to be the best because it is easy to maintain, resistant to termite damage, and will not rot, peel, or warp. Besides, vinyl does not require painting, sanding, or staining. It is also durable and offers good value for money.
3. Select a Glass Package
This is one of the most crucial components of a window when you want to save on energy. Cheap windows may have low quality and may not have the right technology to reduce energy bills throughout the year. Here are factors to look for in a glass package.
- Dual or Triple Pane Glass – Dual-pane comprises two panes with airspace in-between them, usually containing a Low “E” coating and Argon Gas. Triple pane insulated glass units have three panes of glass with an added airspace for soundproofing and energy-saving.
- Argon Gas – This gas is filled into the space between the panes of glass. It is odorless and invisible gas to enhance the window’s thermal efficiency.
- Krypton Gas – Like argon gas, it is filled in-between panes to make replacement windows efficient.
- Low-E Glazing – It is a thin, invisible coating applied to the insulated glass unit to minimize heat transfer.
4. Request for Custom Replacement Windows
When embarking on replacement windows project, contact a professional company for custom design; you will get the best value for your money. You would be able to get high-quality products tailored to your specifications at affordable prices.
5. Choose a Reputable Window Company
Do not choose a company whose reputation is not guaranteed. Find reputable companies in your area through the internet. Read reviews about them to select the most suitable contractor.
Replacement windows are the facade of your home. Ensure you install the right replacement windows to enhance the value of your home.
About PM Windows
PM Windows and Doors Kitchener Waterloo is your top choice for replacement windows and replacement doors.
It is crucial that you prepare properly for the installation of your replacement windows for the best fit and results. Replacement windows are a great home improvement project that increases the functionality, aesthetics, and the value of the property. It is an investment with a high return on investment.
Having hired a professional to handle your replacement windows installation, you need to prepare your home to make the process easy and hassle-free.
1. Clear the Paths
You have to make your home accessible by clearing the paths within your home to allow free movement in and out one room to another without any obstacles. Remember that the installers will be carrying heavy replacement windows. Therefore, remove all items that may block their paths.
2. Take Down the Window Treatments
The project in focus is replacement windows; therefore, you should make the area of the windows free from obstructions. Remove curtains, blinds, sheers, and other items surrounding the windows. Other items you have to remove include trimmings, hardware, and interior shutters – they will only cause inconveniences and slow down the installation process.
Besides, installers would not be willing to waste time removing these items. Plan and take down pictures and all wall hangings around the windows to prevent accidentally knocking down any material during the new window installation.
3. Use Dust Covers
The installation of replacement windows could bring about dust and make your rooms dirty. Although the installers will put down their own drop cloths to take care of the dust and dirt, you can as well place dust covers on important items in your house and make your home clean.
4. Turn off HVAC
The installation of replacement windows will undoubtedly cause heating or cooling loss during the process. However, to save energy, turn off your heater or air conditioner until after the completion of the installation. Save on utility bills during the installation period.
5. Grant Installation Access
You have to either take time off work and stay with the installers during the installation process or ask a family member or neighbour to help you stay with the contractors during installation.
Besides, you would need to turn off your alarm system or contact the provider and inform them of the upcoming project to avoid embarrassment and creating unnecessary panic in the neighbuorhood.
Prepare your home for replacement windows Installation for a seamless process. You would also be able to prevent damages to your properties, especially fragile items.
About PM Windows
PM Windows and Doors Kitchener Waterloo is your top choice for replacement windows and replacement doors.
If you have been considering replacing your old windows, you are not alone. It is common knowledge that old windows cannot guarantee the energy efficiency of the home. Apart from the fact that you need to improve the aesthetics of your home by changing the old windows to state-of-the-art replacement windows, there are other reasons why you should replace your old windows.
Given that modern replacement windows offer several benefits to the home and help the homeowner to save money, these are the signs that it is high time you replaced your old windows. Here are the signs that you need to change your old windows:
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Structural Damages and Draft
Damages to your old windows like warping, cracks, holes, rotten frames, etc. are one of the signs that you should replace the windows. Besides, when breeze enters your home through the windows despite being closed, you should consider replacement windows. This condition may have resulted from damages to the seals of the window. Know that windows that fail the draft test will cause drastic changes to the overall temperature of the house, and this will task your HVAC system more than necessary just to maintain the fluctuating temperature.
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Difficulty Operating the Windows
It should not be difficult to open, close, or lock your windows. However, when you cannot operate the old windows conveniently, you should start planning for replacement windows. Windows that are hard to operate can fail at any time. To prevent the inconveniences that such sudden failure can bring, prepare for replacement windows.
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Outside Noise
When you start hearing noise from outside, that shows that your windows offer little protection from outside noises. The seals of the old windows may have become worn out; hence, the windows cannot provide soundproofing functions any longer. You should not lose peace inside your house due to the noise outdoors.
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Condensation
Not all types of condensation are bad. But when there is misty condensation between glass layers or cracked window glass, you unavoidably need replacement windows because it will be difficult to see through the old windows again since the condensation will not disappear.
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Increasing Energy Bills
Another sign that you need replacement windows is increasing energy bills. Since your old windows are no longer energy-efficient, your HVAC will binge on electricity to maintain the temperature of the home, which will result in huge energy expenses.
About PM Windows
PM Windows and Doors Kitchener Waterloo is your top choice for replacement windows and replacement doors.
Looking for a way to spice up things in your home? Look no further since sunrooms are the ideal way to do this. Their benefits vary from adding aesthetics to improving light and ventilation. Additionally, sunrooms boost up your home’s value without shaking up your pockets. But, let’s not mention everything at once.
Also known as Florida room, garden conservatory, patio room, sun parlor, winter garden, and three season room; a classic sunroom is getting more and more popular each day.
Here are the top 5 advantages of having a sunroom in your home:
A Stylish Touch
If you are looking for a new and authentic home improvement project, installing a sunroom is definitely for you. Your home will be much more noticeable from the outside and if you use your decorations right, it will look like a million bucks. From fancy lightbulbs and plants to DIY window treatments, sunrooms are ideal for those who want to experiment with style.
Added Extra Space
Everybody has issues with practicality in their homes. As time passes by, our homes basically turn into large storage spaces and the more we live, the less room we have inside. Adding a sunroom is a great way to expand your living space. And the best thing is you can turn it into whatever you want: an office, a space for yoga, a kids playroom, etc.
Increase Home Value
With adding extra square footage, you definitely add more numbers to your home’s value. Modern home buyers are looking for curb appeal and a sunroom surely improves it. Additionally, this home upgrade isn’t that expensive. This means that for a relatively low price, you can create an extra living space and gain much more in value than you spent for the upgrade.
A Unique Garden
As we mentioned before, there are tons of options you can go for when it comes to deciding the purpose of your new sunrooms. Besides office spaces and playrooms, sunrooms are amazing for creating a green room. Starting gardening as a hobby is very beneficial, both for your home and for your mental health.
Improve Natural Light
Doing gardening wouldn’t be possible without sufficient amounts of natural light. One of the benefits of sunrooms is significantly improved natural lighting on the inside. Research shows how homeowners who live in open spaces with tons of natural light have a much better life. This is because sunlight affects us positively in many different ways.
About PM Windows
PM Windows and Doors Kitchener Waterloo is your top choice for replacement windows and replacement doors.
If you’re like most homeowners, you want your house to look its best inside and out. By selecting the right patio door for your home, you can show off your personal style while incorporating function and practicality. With our available custom options, creating the perfect look is easier than ever before.
Consider Types of Patio Doors
PM Windows & Doors offers two- and three-lite patio doors, each lite representing a panel of glass. While other sliding glass doors on the market are only available in stock sizes, each of our doors is custom-made to fit the exact dimensions of the door opening up to 8 ft. in height.
Our professional installers fit the doors to the opening, delivering unbeatable quality and attention to detail. The high-end, vinyl patio doors we install offer years of flawless operation.
Not only are our sliding glass doors durable, but they also have a double-point locking system to keep your home secure.
OR …We also offer hinged Garden doors for your enjoyment. This is the perfect patio door replacement! A garden door gives you less air infiltration and added security along with a sliding bug screen. A garden door has all the features of a patio door with the ability to add a deadbolt and decorative or brass glass. A garden door can only enhance the beauty of your rear deck or garden.
Tips
Tip 1: Since swinging Garden doors need room to open, consider factors such as furniture and wall placement before determining which opening method works best for space. If space is tight, consider using a stationary panel with a single swinging door or sliding doors that fit well in any sized space.
Tip 2: Choose a design that has a wide doorway to provide greater access and a stronger connection to your outdoor living space.
Tip 3: Since glass is a major component of patio doors, you’ll want to select the right type with the most benefits and efficiency. Low-E glass helps lower energy bills all year and protects against UV fading. decorative tempered glass offers privacy and added style, while still letting in natural light. Look for options like internal blinds and grills to control the light and views.
Patio doors are becoming taller and wider, spanning the length and height of whole walls so your outdoor living space feels like a natural extension of your home. When it comes to patio doors, there are many new options for homeowners to choose from, like low-maintenance fiberglass that mimics the look of wood, architectural inspired-styles, decorative glass, custom colors and designs, and energy efficient systems. Look for ENERGY STAR® rated patio doors.
About PM Windows
PM Windows and Doors Kitchener Waterloo is your top choice for replacement windows and replacement doors.
Getting the right amount of light in a room can be tricky. Orientation toward North definitely cuts down lighting, but there are also other factors such as large tree shades and small window openings.
If you are tired of having to turn the lights on even during a bright sunny day, here are 5 most effective ways to improve a room’s natural light:
1. Replacement Windows
A very important factor that determines the amount of natural light in your room is the quality of your windows. If have old, wooden frames, light won’t get reflected properly. Additionally, you might have small or not enough windows in the room. To solve this problem, simply add new windows like the picture window or bay or bow window.
With doing window replacement, you get the opportunity to rearrange your space and allow more natural light to enter in the future. Consider installing sliding patio doors in your living room or a picture window in the bedroom. Whatever you do, always consult with experts before you seal the deal.
2. Mirrors and Décor
Light travels by being reflected. If your room has black walls, dark furniture and no mirrors, it’s no wonder you have problems with natural light. Putting large decorative mirrors in the room will give lighting an opportunity to be reflected and travel around the entire space.
Mirrors also create optical illusions. Every room that has a large mirror across the window looks 3 times bigger than it actually is. Besides using mirrors, you can also play around with other types of décor such as rugs, bookshelves and plants. The lighter the colors, the more natural light will be reflected.
3. Reflective Tiles
When we have already mentioned reflection, we cannot but speak about reflective tiles. Many homeowners have problems with natural light, especially in living rooms. This is why in most homes you will find reflective tiles, glass tables and gold or silver decorations. With putting more shiny surfaces, you get more reflection and thus more light.
4. Change the Window Treatments
Another trick involving window is how you treat them. Of course, we aren’t talking about regular cleaning jobs. The type of window covering you have also influences the amount of natural light. Heavy weight, dark shades block much more sunlight than white vertical blinds.
The best window treatments are those that allow enough light to enter, but block damaging UV rays at the same time. There are many options on the market, but when choosing remember to match it with your aesthetics and choose a lightly colored one.
5. Repaint
Previously we concluded how reflection is the most important thing when it comes to improving natural light. So this is how it basically works: Dark colors absorb light and bright ones reflect it. By painting over your walls, cabinets or floors with baby blue or beige, you will surely get a brighter room.
About PM Windows
PM Windows and Doors Kitchener Waterloo is your top choice for replacement windows and replacement doors.
Finished your window replacement project? Now looking for a neat window treatment design? Look no further, in this blog is everything you need to know about window treatments.
The Basics
The first thing you should know is there are 4 basic types of window treatment: shades, blinds, shutters and drapes. Lots of homeowners confuse different treatment types, the most common confusion being between shades and blinds, but it isn’t something one should be ashamed of, since even the best interior designers can get confused as well.
Finding the ideal treatment for your window is hard and depends on many things, but mostly it depends on the homeowner’s preferences. Do you value privacy more than aesthetics? What kind of style is your home? Do you prefer modern or traditional looks? To help you out, we are going to discuss the 4 basic types and what they can offer to a home:
1. Shades
Probably the most common choice for homeowners, shades come in different colors, sizes and materials. But, what all shades have in common is their way of functioning, opening from bottom to top, they are most practical for maintaining privacy in a home.
The most popular ones are called Roman shades, usually made from fabric. Roman shades can also be made from specific woods like bamboo. A modern variant of shades as window treatments is cellular (known as honeycomb – also opening from top to bottom) and roller. To put the cherry on top, manufacturers also create shades from highly UV resistant and energy efficient materials.
2. Blinds
The number two option for homeowners is blinds. These are more flexible than shades since they are created from slats which can rotate to 180 degrees. This makes them ideal for maintaining privacy and allowing natural light at the same time.
Just as with for shades, there are many variations for blinds as well. However, the 2 basic types are vertical and venetian. In the latter, the slats are placed horizontally while in the former, well…vertically. But the ultimate and most modern blinds are pleated. They are similar to cellular shades because they open from top to bottom, as well as from bottom to top.
3. Curtains
The gentlest window treatment out there is drapery. Choosing a curtain is surely more complicated than choosing blinds and shades. There is ton of fabric available and each material has its own characteristics, including weight which also contributes to the overall aesthetic.
From café curtains to ones operated with pushing a button, curtains are the richest window treatment when it comes to options on the market. The sense of elegance they bring to a room cannot be replaced by anything else. But, what they have in beauty, they lack in privacy. This is why homeowners usually combine them with other treatments or choose heavyweight combinations of different curtains.
4. Shutters
This window treatment is not always, but can be combined with either curtains, blinds or shades. Commonly found in traditional homes. The best shutters are those with authentic and historically rich designs, adding a unique flare to the interior of the home.
This window treatment is placed inside of the window and it is usually made from wood or vinyl. The thick material works amazing for privacy and on extremely hot/cold days it keeps more air on the inside of the home.
About PM Windows
PM Windows and Doors Kitchener Waterloo is your top choice for replacement windows and replacement doors.
Thinking about doing window replacement? Smart move! This renovation project has one of the highest returns on investments. Tons of homeowners are deciding to freshen up the windows since they learned how a window determines energy efficiency, comfort, and market value. But, when should one really replace the windows? To help you out, here are the basics things you should know about this home upgrade:
The Factors
Each window is different and so is each home, thus “when to replace” may be a difficult question for answering. However, there are factors that influence every type of window and determine its efficiency. Some windows work best in colder climates, while some in hotter. Some frames last 25 years, while some only 15. Everything you should know about these factors will be presented below. But before you read, check the warranties to see your window’s age since it is of utmost importance!
Frame Material
A window frame can be made form lots of things. However, there are 4 most popular materials: wood, vinyl, aluminum and fiberglass. When it comes to age fiberglass deserves the first place since it can last to approximately 50 years. Vinyl has the second place with a lifespan of 40, while wood slightly less with 25 and aluminum with the last place, lasting maximum 18. These numbers vary because to achieve maximum lifespans, the windows should be in an ideal climate, properly installed and manufactured, and regularly maintained.
The better the company you hire for installation, the more your windows will last. Also, wood requires regular maintenance because of vulnerability to termites and rot. So if you haven’t been cleaning it lately, don’t expect it to reach 25. Another important thing is replacing the windows after surviving a severe storm. The window may have lasted the storm, but it put maximum effort to do so, resulting in extreme damage on the inside.
The Signs
If you checked your window’s age and you learned that it is quite young, don’t put your mind at ease. This is because severe weather conditions, massive mold growth or problems with the drainage systems can cut those numbers in half. So having a malfunctioning window, even before its end date, isn’t that uncommon. Check these warning signs to see whether you need immediate window replacement or repair. Schedule a free consultation to check the true condition of your windows:
- Cracks & Rot
- Draftiness
- High Electrical Bills
- Termites & Pesticides
- Window Leaks
- Poor Soundproofing
- Faded Furniture Around the Window
- Scratched Glass
- Frequent Interior Condensation
About PM Windows
PM Windows and Doors Kitchener Waterloo is your top choice for replacement windows and replacement doors.
Many people have probably told you to only purchase energy rated windows. And those people are right, the safest window for your home is the one with high energy ratings. But what do these rating truly signify? To help you out here is some information:
What are They?
Window energy ratings or WER are basically points that a window gets after it has been tested for efficiency. And as usual, higher points means better quality. The rating is done with specific algorithms for calculating solar heat resistance, air leakage, visual transmittance and so on. After a window has been tested in a special laboratory, it gets a specific amount of points, then it is placed on a scale from G to A (G being the lowest and A the highest). Another important thing you should know about these ratings is that the whole window is tested, not just the glass or the frame, but the window as a complete entity.
The Important Factors
As mentioned before, windows get Energy Ratings based on specific calculations. When a window is up for testing, these 5 things are of utmost importance:
- U-value: This value signifies the resistance to heat loss. The lower value, the better window since you don’t want the heated air on the inside to exit through your window on a cold winter day.
- R-value: Unlike U-value, R needs to be higher. This value signifies a window’s ability to absorb and retain heat. The best windows have high R and low U values, providing an amazing atmosphere for saving up on the electrical bills.
- SHGC: This is an acronym for solar heat gain coefficient or the amount of solar radiation a window transmits. The ratings are from 0 to 1, with lower numbers signifying less transmission. Windows with high SHGC are placed in rooms facing North because there, the amount of natural light is limited and insufficient.
- VT: Another acronym, but for visual transmittance. Expressed in percentage, VT represents the amount of visible light transmitted through a window. If the percentage is lower, less light will enter your home.
- Air leakage: The name speaks for itself since Air leakage represents the amount of air leaked through a window. The higher the numbers, the more unwanted air loos through a window.
What about Energy Stars?
If you have heard about Energy Ratings, you have probably also heard about Energy Stars. These are marks given to a product only if it exceeds a certain point limit. For instance, if the window exceeds a score of 5, it gets an Energy Star. This point limitation varies from country to country and while in Canada a window must exceed 6, in the USA only 5. (These numbers are only used as an example, for getting the point across, they aren’t true). Many products can get energy stars, including kettles, water heaters, laptops, and even buildings.
About PM Windows
PM Windows and Doors Kitchener Waterloo is your top choice for replacement windows and replacement doors.
The quality of a window’s glass is of utmost importance. These days homeowners are obsessed with window replacement & upgrade since studies show the positive influence quality windows have on energy efficiency and home functionality. If you have an old wooden window with single pane glass and without Low-E coatings, you don’t have a properly insulated home, resulting in higher electrical bills, higher UV damage and significantly reduced comfort.
What is Low-E?
Window glass has the main role in heat transfer between your interior and the outside environment. Glass absorbs heat and reflects as little as possible. This results in disruption of ideal temperatures on the inside. To solve this problem, experts invented Low-E which stands for low-emissivity. This is a coating applied to the window glass. Its main role is to catch solar heat from the outside and reflect it, not letting it enter the home. Low-E reflects interior heat on the inside as well, keeping temperature forces separated and with minimum interaction.
With having Low-E glass, you maintain ideal temperatures at home, increasing efficiency and reducing the need for additional heating and cooling systems. The best Low-E windows retain heat, but also provide a comfortable amount of natural light on the inside.
Types of Low-E
There are 2 main types of Low-E glass: hard coat and soft coat. Each is applicable in different environments. For instance, hard coat works best for extremely cold climates since it lets some radiation pass through and heats up the house. The soft coat is recommended for hot or hot-to-cold climates, providing maximum UV protection and heat retention. The first one is also known as passive, while the second as solar control.
- Hard-coat: A pyrolytic coating applied to the glass ribbon, fused with a glass surface. The manufacturing process creates a highly durable and strong connection.
- Soft-coat: MSDV means magnetron sputtering vapor deposition. It is the process of creating soft-coat low-e. The coating is applied to the glass before it is cut. This Low-e is more solar efficient than hard-coat.
Additional Ratings
When choosing a window, one must not focus only on Low-E since its functionality depends on other values and glass characteristics. Here are some of the glass efficiency ratings you should know:
- SHGC: When looking for Low-E glass, you should also mind SHGC. It is an acronym for solar heat gain coefficient and it represents the amount of solar radiation a window lets pass through. Higher numbers are better for homes facing North since they need maximum heat gain, while low numbers are those enabling minimum transmission of solar heat.
- VT: This rating represents visual transmittance. It is expressed in percentage and the higher numbers, the more visible light entering a home. Usually, when purchasing Low-E, you will find that most of them have low VT ratings.
- U-value: This rating stands for resistance to heat loss. If the value is lower, your home will be warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
- R-value: Unlike U-value, R-value needs to be as high as possible to keep a healthy living environment. It stands for the ability to absorb and retain heat.
About PM Windows
PM Windows and Doors Kitchener Waterloo is your top choice for replacement windows and replacement doors.