When Should You Get Replacement Windows?

In this post, we’ll talk about the signs your windows are ready for replacement and benefits and options when it comes to new windows.

There are many reasons why you may want to replace your old windows. They offer smoother operation, lower maintenance, energy savings, fewer drafts and easier cleaning. However, it can be expensive to replace your windows so here’s what you need to know before you make the investment.

Window Repair

Do your windows feel drafty? Do they fog up? Do they stick or refuse to stay open? Often you can repair and restore old windows if you’re willing to set aside

the time. With that being said there are situations where repair is not worth your time or the expense.

Rot: If you have rotting wood it’s tough to stop unless you commit yourself to replacing all of it and then you will need to maintain it regularly.
Fogged double-pane glass. Once fogging occurs between the glass panes it can’t be fixed. Replacing the glass is the only solution, which can be very expensive. Consider replacing the window instead.
Replacement hardware. You may be able to get hard-to-find parts from online suppliers but often new windows are the only option.

Home Makeover

Windows are one of the more prominent features of a home and can change the way your home feels and looks. The design of your window should be very important to you when selecting new windows. The right windows can add value to your home and choosing the wrong windows will actually detract from that value. The overall look of a home or space should be a key factor in the window selection process.

Energy Savings

You can reduce your energy bills by 10%-25% by replacing your old windows with energy-efficient ones. When properly selected and installed, energy-efficient windows can help minimize your heating, cooling, and lighting costs.

Are you ready to expand your view and improve your home? Contact us online or phone (630) 717-0007 to learn more about window replacement!

Things to Consider When Buying Replacement Windows

There are many ways a homeowner can make upgrades to their home and one such upgrade that makes a significant difference is replacement windows. When windows become worn out, they allow air seepage to occur from the outside which could contribute to higher energy bills. New replacement windows form a tighter seal to help reduce energy costs and they can also improve the look of your home. Full window replacement is a pretty big project and it is helpful to take the following ideas into consideration when shopping for replacement windows or a window replacement professional.

Installation Price

During the consultation with a window replacement professional, it is important to remember to discuss the installation price. Some companies have discounts on the installation if multiple windows are installed and others may include the price of the installation in the overall purchase price of the windows. It is also important to make sure that the installation services are personalized to your home for better quality installation.

Glass Quality

Many replacement windows come with high quality glass that is either double paned or coated with a specialized coating to help improve energy efficiency. Double paned windows consist of two layers of glass with a gas between the panes that helps reduce air leakage to retain the heating or cooling within the house. Specially coated glass such as Low-E glass strips sunlight of its heat to prevent the sun from heating up the home. Quality window replacement companies will offer new windows with one of these glass types.

Frame Quality

The frame of the window is important for forming the seal that provides insulation and reduces air transfer for improved energy efficiency. Window frames are available in several materials such as wood, aluminum, vinyl, and fiberglass. Each material has positive and negative aspects to its function and upkeep. Make sure to research into what frames a company offers so that you get the window frames that work best for your home.

Energy Certification

Another important aspect to look for when getting new windows is their energy certification. Most replacement windows are built to improve energy efficiency and will have Energy Star certification. Windows that have the Energy Star logo meet the qualifications for Energy Star certification and contribute to improved energy efficiency with no sacrifice in performance. Make sure to look for the Energy Star logo on new replacement windows.

Warranty information

Many companies may claim to offer lifetime warranties on their replacement windows but it is important that you read the terms and conditions of the warranty to make sure that a true lifetime warranty is being offered. Read over the warranty carefully and do not hesitate to ask questions before making a decision on purchasing the windows.

If you are looking to get new windows for your home, make sure to take these principles into consideration when shopping for replacement windows and a company to install them. It is important to research the energy efficiency of the window features as well as the installation price and warranties offered by the companies themselves. Green T Windows offers Energy Star certified vinyl replacement windows with pure virgin vinyl frames that are resistant to cracking and Low-E glass for improved energy efficiency. Contact Green T Windows to learn more about our replacement window options and installation process.

Replacement Window Installation in the Winter

Replacing the windows of your home can bring many benefits such as improved energy efficiency, increased home value, and even better curb appeal. However, the process of replacing windows is a major job that can be disruptive to the regular activities of those within the home. This process can be especially difficult to deal with during the winter. While it is not often recommended to have your windows replaced in the winter, in some circumstances it may be the only chance to have them replaced. If you are having replacement windows installed during the winter, here are some things to consider that can help the process go smoothly and quickly.

Professional window installers typically follow certain methods when replacing windows depending on the situation and some of them may have a specific procedure for winter weather. Before they begin any work, ask them to explain the method they use for winter installation. This way you will know what to expect from them and you can make sure they stick to their method. One part of the method that homeowners should pay particular attention to is whether they will remove the old windows all at once or replace them one at a time. In order to minimize the amount of cold air entering the home during the process, you should discuss replacing the windows one at a time with the technicians.

The other major concern when having your windows replaced during the winter is protecting the area being worked on. As the windows are being replaced, cold air will enter the house but keeping the doors of the specific room closed will keep it from spreading throughout the house. The carpet and furnishings within the room should also be protected from the weather as well as the foot traffic and construction debris from the technicians. Homeowners may also want to consider providing insulation around the framework of the windows being replaced to maximize the energy efficiency of the new windows.

Window replacements bring several benefits to a home and if you are having your windows replaced in the winter, make sure to follow these considerations for a much smoother installation process. It is important that winter installations are done correctly because improper installation can cause heat loss and extra exposure to the cold weather. The technicians of Green T Windows are highly trained to install all styles of windows properly. Contact Green T Windows to learn more about our installation services and available window styles.

When to Get Replacement Windows and Doors for Your Home

Replacing the doors and windows of a home is a huge investment and many homeowners are unsure of whether their homes need new doors or vinyl replacement windows. However, old doors and windows, especially ones with wooden frames, tend to leak air and let in the heat or cold which could cost more money in the long run in energy bills. When windows and doors become old and can no longer form a tight seal, then it may be in the homeowner’s best interest to replace the doors and windows of their home.

One good reason to get replacement doors and replacement vinyl windows is to save on home energy costs. Old windows and doors with worn out seals allow for higher air exchange which directly decreases the efficiency of the heating or air conditioning. By replacing these doors and windows with replacement doors and windows that form a tighter seal, the energy efficiency will increase and the bills will decrease, sometimes up to 50 percent less each year.

Another reason to replace the doors and windows of a home is to boost the curb appeal and value of a home. Doors and windows that have become worn out may diminish the look of a home and by replacing them with new doors and windows; you can instantly boost the look of your home as well as its value. Replacement windows and doors have an excellent return on investment with mid-range window replacement recouping approximately 63 percent of the initial investment and new fiberglass entry doors recouping around 54 percent.

The final reason to consider replacing windows and doors is the security they provide. As doors and windows become worn out, they may break down or sustain damage that compromises their security. A broken down door or window is an easy target for a burglar and harsh weather conditions may cause even further damage to an already worn out door or window. Replacement windows and doors are much more secure and will keep out unwanted visitors as well as inclement weather.

If your home would benefit or be improved in one of these areas with replacement windows or doors, then it may be time to make the investment. Once you decide to replace your doors or windows, contact Green T Windows for information on our installation services and replacement products. We carry vinyl replacement windows in a range of different styles as well as fiberglass and steel entry doors. The investment may seem like a lot up front, but replacing windows and doors will save more money in the long run by lowering energy bills, increasing home value, and providing proper security against intruders and harsh weather.

Safety Tips Concerning Windows

The windows and doors of a home are much more than just a point of entrance and a portal to let in the sunshine and summer breeze, in the case of an emergency they are also a means of escape or rescue. It is important for homeowners to view their doors and windows in this way so that if an emergency occurs, they can use their doors and even windows as an escape route. It is recommended that families devise a plan of escape in case of an emergency such as a fire and consider these tips for making doors and windows especially a safer means of escape.

Planting shrubs or laying wood chips under a window can help break a fall if the window is needed as an escape route.
Windows and doors should always be locked in households with small children.
For ventilation, open windows that are out of the reach of children.
Keeping beds and other furniture away from windows will not only help prevent children from climbing through them, but also keep the area clear if the window is needed for an escape.
Window and door treatments with cords such as blinds and drapes should be kept out of the reach of children.
Do not ever paint, nail, or weather strip a window shut in case it is needed to escape an emergency.

In addition to following these safety tips concerning windows, homeowners should also have smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to warn their families of any danger. These pre-cautions along with a well devised escape plan will help families safely avoid emergencies by getting themselves out of danger by using their doors and windows.