Window Replacement Rockville MD is an excellent way to improve your home’s appearance, increase energy efficiency and eliminate drafts. The right windows can also add a considerable amount of value to your home.

There are several factors to consider when choosing windows, including design, energy use and labeling, warranty, and proper installation.

Replacing your windows can do a lot for your home. From a practical standpoint, new windows improve energy efficiency and can sometimes even help lower your homeowners insurance rates (check with your insurer). But, from a stylistic perspective, choosing the right window style is also important to how your home looks. So, with this in mind, it’s helpful to know a little bit about the different types of replacement windows out there, their names and what sets them apart from one another.

While all replacement windows let in light, differences in operating styles, materials and structure give you a lot of choices to pick from. And, because there are so many options out there, it’s easy to get confused as you compare prices and features.

We’ve created this article to help you navigate the world of replacement windows, and decide which styles are best for your home. We’ve defined some of the most common terms so you can easily understand what each type means:

Window frames are typically made from either vinyl or wood, but wood is often the preferred option for homeowners that want a more traditional look. However, vinyl is more durable and easier to maintain than wood, especially in the long run, as it resists water damage. Vinyl is the most popular replacement window material and is available in a wide range of colors and finishes, making it easy to match your new windows to the color scheme of your home. While not as common, wooden frames offer a more natural, aesthetically pleasing appearance, and they can be crafted to mimic the style of any home. However, they are more expensive than vinyl and require more maintenance as they’re prone to rot and deterioration over time.

Materials

If you’re replacing windows in your home, the frame material you choose plays a huge role. It impacts everything from what your new windows look like to how energy efficient they are. Window frames can be made of wood, fiberglass composite or vinyl. They need to withstand the elements and look good doing it. Choosing the right one will increase your home’s value and save you money in the long run.

There are many options for replacement window materials, but the most popular choice is vinyl. This is largely because of its cost effectiveness, energy efficiency and color selection. It is also a durable, weather-resistant material that won’t rot or need repainting. However, there are some disadvantages to vinyl, including fading, flaking and deterioration.

Aluminum is another replacement window material that’s gaining in popularity. Its sleek look is a nice complement to a variety of styles and regions. Additionally, aluminum doesn’t rust and is impervious to warping.

For those seeking a more traditional appearance, wooden frames are a great option. They are a natural resource and look beautiful. However, they require a lot of maintenance to maintain their beauty and functionality. In humid climates, they may be prone to mildew and mold.

Fiberglass composite frames are a good alternative to wood and vinyl, but they can be more expensive. They are a better insulator than vinyl and offer more color options. They are also more resistant to fading and corrosion than vinyl. Fiberglass frames can be used in new construction or replacement/retrofit projects. During installation, it’s important to fill gaps with insulation and to properly reinstall jamb liner clips to ensure your window is a tight fit.

Energy Efficiency

Window replacement provides an opportunity to remedy structural problems and improve the energy efficiency of your home. For example, older single-pane windows may be allowing cold air in and hot air out, forcing your HVAC system to work harder. New double-pane windows with an insulated glass unit (IGU) that’s filled with noble gases like argon and krypton help prevent drafts, and can lower your energy bills.

During the installation process, your pro will also install caulk and weatherstripping to close any gaps in the frame or trim and prevent leakage. They can also add new insulation to your existing casing or upgrade to foam insulation for better performance.

When to Replace Your Windows

It’s best to replace your windows when they start to show signs of wear and tear. The simplest indicator is when you notice that your windows aren’t opening or closing properly, which can be caused by warping and other structural issues.

You should also replace your windows if they’re no longer as effective at blocking outside noises, which can be a sign of aging and decreased energy efficiency. Your windows don’t suddenly become less efficient, it’s a gradual process over months or years that you should watch for.

If you’re looking to maximize your energy efficiency, look for windows that are labeled as Energy Star rated. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, replacing your old windows with Energy Star rated models can save you about $366 a year in heating and cooling costs. However, these savings vary by region and by window type. A full frame replacement is the most cost-effective option when it comes to improving your window’s energy efficiency, but an insert can also be a great choice for many homes.

Warranty

Most replacement windows come with a warranty that lasts 10 years, but some manufacturers offer terms up to 20 years and some even promise a lifetime warranty. Installation warranties, which cover problems arising from workmanship, are typically shorter, running from one year to five.

Any time you notice cracks in your windows, it is a good idea to have them looked at to determine if they need repair or replacement. This will prevent further damage to your home, including water seepage and pests, as well as make it more difficult for intruders to break into your house. Windows that are constantly stuck or can’t open or close properly also need to be replaced.

Installation

A new window needs to be installed correctly. It is a complex process that requires a skilled contractor. To avoid any problems, it is advisable to prepare the work area in advance. For instance, you should move any expensive wall decor and cover any sensitive flooring components to protect them from any accidental damage by the contractors during the installation process. This will also help in keeping the project clean and organized.

The window replacement process starts by thoroughly capturing all the measurement details of your existing windows. Use a tape measure to get accurate measurements from the inside edges of the frame where the glass sits (often called the rebate). Measure in multiple places at both height and width. Record all measurements and compare them to see which dimensions are shortest. This will give you a rough estimate of the size of your window opening.

Once you’ve taken all the measurements, subtract three-eighths of an inch from both width and height to get the final measurements for your product order. This slight bit of padding will allow for a tight fit in the opening and give you room to apply a bead of sealant or caulking around the window for weatherproofing. House framing shifts over time, so this extra space helps accommodate those movements without any leaks or crooked windows.

When installing the replacement windows, the contractor will remove the old window and sash from the opening, then build a new frame to support it. This method is known as full-frame replacement and involves a larger amount of work both inside and outside the house, making it more expensive than pocket replacement. However, it may be necessary when you want to replace an old, damaged or rotting window with a different style.