Replacing Your Windows

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How often should residential windows be replaced?

If your windows are over 25 years old, you should consider replacing them, both to gain energy efficiencies and to protect the “envelope” of the house. A home is also an ideal candidate for window replacement if its windows are sealed or painted shut, experience ice buildup or a frosty glaze during the winter, get fogged with condensation or has drafts that come through the windows.

What is a replacement window?

A true replacement window is a window that is custom built to fit within the opening of an existing window. It is built to fit precisely and can be installed without disturbing the interior and exterior areas around the window.

What are the advantages of custom replacement windows over pre-made, standard-side windows stocked at home centers and lumberyards?

Custom windows provide the best energy efficiency. They also install much more easily and with very little mess. Custom windows allow the homeowner to design exactly the windows they need or want.

Standard windows typically cost less in the beginning but other expenses and factors – like additional labor and the disruption to the home can far outweigh the original savings.

Do replacement windows really pay for themselves or is that just a sales line?

It’s true, if you select high-quality, energy-efficient windows. While savings will vary, well-built windows lower home energy consumption.

Are replacements easier to clean than my older windows?

Most high-quality windows are actually designed to make cleaning easier. Double-hung windows with the latest technologies allow a homeowner to easily maneuver the sashes up and down. They tilt in – and lock securely in place – for safe, easy cleaning.

What makes one window stronger than another and why is window strength important?

The materials, profile design, and methods of assembly determine the strength of a window. The strength of the sash and frame dictate how the window will maintain its shape under high winds. A weak window can flex and reduce the effectiveness of the weather stripping, resulting in air and water infiltration and, subsequently, higher energy costs. A weak window design also requires near-perfect window installation to ensure an effective seal.