Maybe you’re sick of living in a drafty space, or maybe you’re simply in need of an update. Whatever the reason, you’re in the market for replacement windows that will give your house a brand new look and feel. You might imagine that the first step in your quest to find the perfect windows involves heading to a reputable company like Richmond Window Corp. to pick out the best models for your home. However, there are a number of helpful steps you can take before you start shopping around. Your new windows should be able to last you decades, protecting your home from wind, snow, sleet, and moisture year-round. Making the right choice isn’t difficult. Even if it takes a bit of extra work, keeping informed about the best (and worst) options for your home will help you keep your options open and select the windows that are best for your home needs. If you’re ready to purchase brand new replacement windows for your home, don’t start shopping just yet. Here are a few things you should take a moment to consider before clicking that ‘buy’ button.
1. Go Soundproof
Some homes in isolated areas don’t have to deal with the issues of noisy neighborhoods or busy highways. For the rest of us, however, getting a window that’s going to block out noise along with the rest of the elements is a top concern. Most windows that are manufactured today come with two panes or even three panes for insulation value, as opposed to older single paned models. This doesn’t just increase their capacity to keep a home temperature controlled: It also goes a long way toward muffling outdoor sound and keeping in-home sound from traveling. That means that if you’re worried about bothering the neighbors or if you want the neighbors to stop bothering you, it’s going to be worth it to get that extra layer of protection. This is an especially good option for city-dwellers who have to deal with a lot of neighborhood and street noise as well as unexpected construction.
2. Ask About Installation
One of the big no-nos of window shopping is forgetting to ask about installation. While it might seem like a fairly straightforward thing to replace an old window with a new one, it can actually be quite tricky, which is why many companies offer their own in-house installation service as part of the purchase. Many times, however, installation is not included and can actually cost a pretty penny, which is why you always want to be prepared with questions about installation. Ask whether or not the workers are licensed, how long the job will take, and how much the job will cost. Be aware of what a well-installed window looks like as well. A window that’s incorrectly or sloppily installed could end up creating massive problems for your home later on.
3. Buy for Your Environment
Everyone wants to save a buck or two on their energy bills. The right windows won’t just be able to help you save monthly, they’ll be able to help you actually harness the sun’s energy to create a more temperate internal environment while blocking out UV rays and protecting your belongings. Don’t think of your new window as just an ordinary pane of glass. The right window won’t just be able to increase energy efficiency in your home, it will help you stay protected from the problematic aspects of the outdoors while using the many benefits of natural warmth and sunlight to power and heat your home, reducing your yearly costs by quite a bit.
4. Get Better UV Ray Protection
Are you paranoid about fading and sun damage? Do you find yourself always frantically shifting the furniture and rugs around just so you don’t have to face the dreaded sun spot or faded patch? If so, you’ll want windows that do most of the work for you. Check for windows with a Low-E coating while you’re shopping. This will ensure that you’ll have the best protection against sun damage while decreasing glare throughout the day.
5. Don’t Lowball
Many homeowners want to be done with their home improvement projects as quickly as possible. For a lot of people, that means picking the least expensive model and thinking no more about it until the next home emergency pops up. But don’t be so hasty when it comes to your windows: Choosing the cheapest option could leave your home open to years of storm and weather-related damage, not to mention untold issues resulting from moisture infiltration and leaking.