Thinking about new windows for your home here in the Minneapolis area?
Replacing windows can be an involved process, and it requires substantial cost, which is why you want to make sure this investment into your home pays off. Prior to replacing your windows, think about your answers to these questions to make sure you get precisely what you want for your home.
1 – Is this retrofit, or a real replacement?
If you are in the process of having construction done on your house, such as replacing stucco or siding, it may be time for replacement windows. This requires siding or stucco to be cut, flashing paper removed, and entire window taken out. There is no damage to your home’s exterior or stucco in a retrofit. Your old window frames perimeter is not removed, instead the old framework is where a new window is installed. As a result, the new windows are faintly smaller, and barely noticeable.
2 – What window frame do you want?
Pick window frames best for you and your home. There are several options for window frame material:
Vinyl frames are low maintenance, making them popular. But they are unable to be painted, which means you’re limited to the few colors they come in. Typically, vinyl windows will either be brownish tan or white in color.
Aluminum window frames are inexpensive and are lightweight. They are also available in darker colors. Modern aluminum windows are more energy-efficient than in the past, but aluminum still doesn’t hold heat well, which makes them a poor choice in colder areas like ours. However, they are usually the first choice for commercial properties due to cost. Aluminum window frames can also be improved with storm windows.
Fiberglass can be more costly than other options; however, they require no maintenance and are able to be painted. Fiberglass window frames also hold up well to Minnesota’s climate.
Wood frames comes in a wide variety of colors and and are still quite popular. However, they have a shorter lifespan than other frames and need painting often. If you like the look of genuine wood window frames but dread the maintenance, you might opt for wood-clad windows that have a maintenance-free exterior cladding.
3 – Should the windows be single or dual-glazed?
There is only one pane of glass in single-glazed windows, making them easy to clean and replace if they break. But because single-pane windows are not very energy-efficient, we don’t recommend them for Minnesota homes unless you use storm windows.
Two panes of glass are used in dual-glazed windows, with air trapped between offering a great deal of insulation. Look for quality windows, however, because on cheaper windows the seal will fail in a relatively short time, meaning either an expensive repair or loss of energy efficiency.
In some situations you may even want triple-glazed windows, such as windows on an unprotected northern exposure that get the full brunt of winter winds.
4 – How is home value increased?
A huge selling point for a home is good windows, and a big deterrent is bad windows. You should think of your home as an investment, whether you plan on leaving it soon or not. Dual-glazed windows or fiberglass frames might be worth the investment to have installed. You want your windows to be a selling point.
5 – Are you thinking about energy savings?
Make sure windows you choose have the EnergyStar label. These prevent heat and sun radiating into your house. You might even receive a tax credit (check with your tax professional).
Take time to consider all your options for window replacement and the investment with be well worth it. Contact Window Outfitters for answers to all your window questions. We are THE replacement window company int he Minneapolis area, and we can help you choose the best windows for your home.
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
