Before we even moved into our house, the previous owner of the house told us that we would need to replace some of the windows. Many of the seals were broken and some of the windows had some cracks. We gave up as much as we could — not the most exciting use of money. But the investment can actually help you save money in the long run because you gain energy efficiency.
Linen Sofa | Carpet | Side table (similar) | White Urn | Floor lamp
There are many considerations when it comes to windows. It can be intimidating walking into a showroom for the first time! We have listed some of the key features that will help you in the decision making process. From how you want your windows to open and whether your HOA allows different grid patterns to how energy efficiency ratings can change the tint of the glass, this guide to buying new windows has you covered.
1. Statute of the Association of Home Owners
If you have an HOA, read the bylaw for rules about materials, colors, and style. If any part of the layout changes, the HOA will most likely need to approve. If the layout is not going to change, there is generally no need for approval. But sending an email confirming that this is the case helps maintain a positive relationship with your HOA.
2. Air conditioning
Wooden exterior windows will always require more maintenance, regardless of the climate, but this is especially the case in areas with a lot of moisture and rainfall. Brand new wooden windows should be painted after installation, and again within 2 years of installation. After that, they should be painted every 6 years. If the windows will receive intense, direct sunlight for more than an hour each day, then you will also want to be careful about painting the outside of the window a dark color because of the potential intensity of the heat absorbed by the material. In more temperate climates, vinyl windows are a great option and often less expensive than wood or aluminum/metal. In direct sunlight, vinyl windows tend to discolor and warp over time. If you live in a place with an intense climate, aluminum or metal will hold up best, but you are limited in color options.
3. As the window opens
The way the window opens is a big consideration for every room. For example, double-glazed windows open at the top or bottom, while single-glazed windows only open at the bottom. The windows of the awning will open slightly from the bottom, and the windows on the wings from the sides. In some areas, such as the shower, you may not want the window to open at all, so opt for a picture window. Discuss each room and its use separately and think how you want that work window. Don’t feel the need to make every window work the same way. All your windows can have the same light pattern and look, while working in a way that works best for each room.
4. Wing kits
If your window frames are in good condition, you can often save a lot of money by choosing replacement sash kits instead of a whole new window. Sash kits replace everything inside the jamb. They are much easier to replace (no need to remove trim outside or inside the house) and are less expensive than solid windows. Not every brand has sash kits in every style, so talk to your window supplier about what’s feasible in your home.
5. Choice of color
If you don’t want any restrictions on what color you make your windows, wood is probably best because it can be painted any color. Aluminum windows often come from the factory in the color of your choice, selected from a limited range of colors offered by the manufacturer. If you want aluminum, then ask to see their sample deck and choose carefully. While aluminum windows I can to be painted, it voids any kind of warranty on the product so it’s best to get the paint right from the start. Vinyl often has basic color choices and will not hold color well later on.
6. Lites (window grid)
The “lites” in the window refer to the grid template. If your window has a grid of 3 across and 3 down, it is considered a 9 lit window. Consider the sizes of the windows around your home and how they will look together. If you have a 36″ wide, 9-lite window on the wall next to a 24″ window you need to replace, it might feel like you want it to be another 9-lite window. But in this case you can opt for a 6-lite window (2 across, 3 down) because then the lites themselves from each window will look the same size. Think about the look you want to achieve and choose the number of lights in each window accordingly.
Chandelier | Armchairs | Table | Vase (similar) | Floor lamp | Velvet bench (similar) | Carpet | Bed (similar) | Mirror | Curtains
7. Coatings
There are several options for window coatings. There are coatings that provide better insulation, coatings that block UV light, coatings that provide blackout and privacy, and coatings that offer glare reduction. There are mirror coatings, decorative coatings and foils and covers that can be added after the sale. Each coating will change the clarity and/or color of the window, so be sure to ask your window sales representative what effect each coating will have.
8. Energy efficiency
Due to government regulations, all new windows must pass minimum efficiency ratings, and even the cheapest option will be more efficient than high-end windows from 30 years ago. The higher you are in energy ratings, the higher the price (usually). However, this usually means savings with energy costs, so it’s always worth talking to your window representative. And if a few hundred dollars helps make the room feel less stuffy every day to live in your own home is definitely worth considering.
Mantel Mirror | Boucle chairs | Coffee table | Chandelier | Linen Sofa | Carpet | Floor lamp | Artwork | Image Light | Vase on the mantel | Stand | Coffee Table Books | Black frame | Urn
So what did we choose for our home? We decided on the exterior and interior of wood in the high-energy option. We kept the look with our current windows to avoid HOA issues. The interior of our windows will be pre-painted black for all rooms. We plan to paint the exterior some color, but if for some reason we can’t get approval from the HOA, we always have the option of repainting them white. For now they will be primed and ready for painting.
Most of our windows are double hung, but we have some bay windows in our bedroom and picture windows peppered throughout. We have given up on ordering windows for our bathroom as we are still going through the schedule at this point. Check back soon to see what we’re picking!
Almost all of our windows will be sash kits, although we have four arched windows that Sierra Pacific (the company we went with) does not offer a wood sash kit for. So for two of them we are doing a complete aluminum replacement. They are located towards the back of the house, and we chose white as the color. So they can stay white if we paint everything else or we can void the warranty and paint them to match. Where there are only two windows, voiding the warranty on them is less of a concern.
There are also two arched windows on the front of our house on the left side that are not available from Sierra Pacific at all (they are a width not supported by their manufacture). So we will order a full replacement of two custom windows there. We have not added any coatings, but due to energy efficiency there may be a slight blue tint in certain light from the outside.
Now you know more than you ever thought you would about windows. Hopefully it’s less scary now that you can decide what’s important to you. Windows are the “eyes” of the home and an investment that lasts for decades. It’s worth taking the time to consider all your options!