Window replacement is a great option when the old frame is damaged. Choose from various styles, including double-hung windows, sliding windows, and crank-out windows.
When it comes to window upgrades, the adage “two is better than one” definitely applies. And that is especially true for double-hung windows, which offer many benefits over single-hung windows. Contact Your Home Exterior Solutions for professional help.
Choosing the right window for your home is an important decision that will impact how much value it adds to your property and how comfortable your living space will be. Double-hung windows are the most popular choice among homeowners for both new construction and replacement projects. They provide excellent ventilation, ease of cleaning, and a variety of style options. They are available in a wide range of sizes and styles, making them ideal for just about any room in the house.
If you are thinking about upgrading to double-hung windows, here are six considerations to keep in mind.
Double-hung windows open both the bottom and top sashes, which allows air to flow through your home easily. This is an important feature for areas with hot or humid climates.
Double hung windows can be opened and tilted, making it easy to reach inside the glass to wipe down surfaces and let in fresh air. On multi-story homes, this is a big benefit compared to single hung windows that require the use of a ladder or extension pole to clear upper window sashes.
Double-hung windows are a great choice for insulation because they are made with two panes of glass and thicker insulating materials. The sashes are also moveable, which helps reduce drafts and increase ventilation. You can choose from a wide range of frame materials, including vinyl, fiberglass, and wood. Some manufacturers offer double-hung windows with a specialized insulating foam to further enhance their energy efficiency.
Double-hung windows are a popular choice for many rooms because they are simple to open and close. This makes them a good option for bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms. They are also frequently used in kitchens and bathrooms, although they may not be the best choice for basements or garages. Window World offers a large selection of double-hung windows from leading manufacturers, including Anderson, Pella, Jeld-Wen, and Milgard. We can help you find the perfect double-hung windows for your home with our complimentary in-home window estimate. Contact us today to schedule yours!
Sliding Windows
Sliding windows are one of the simplest replacement window styles on the market. They’re also a great solution for rooms that need more ventilation (especially in winter), and can be fitted with low emissivity glass to ensure maximum energy savings.
When you’re ready to replace a sliding window, start by checking that the new window is a suitable fit for its frame opening. You’ll need to check the height of your existing track and the depth of the bottom of the sliding window’s sash. You’ll also need to make sure the sash has the right clearance for opening and closing.
If the sash doesn’t have release buttons on top, lift it up until you feel tension and then tilt it toward you. Then you can easily remove the track from its groove. You may need to pry the track up with a putty knife if it’s not coming out easily. Once the old sash and track are removed, you’re ready to install your new sliding window.
Sliders are easy to install and are one of the best replacement window options for larger rooms that don’t have enough room to accommodate double-hung windows. Using sliders in these larger rooms will allow you to still open your windows horizontally and let in plenty of fresh air without compromising your home’s architecture or its exterior aesthetics.
You’ll need to clean your sliding window tracks and lubricate them once or twice a year to keep them moving smoothly. You can do this yourself by using a soft cloth to wipe the tracks clean and then applying a light coat of lubricant. You can buy this at your local hardware store or home improvement center.
If you’re a DIYer who wants to try installing your own replacement sliding windows, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for installation. This will help prevent damage to your brickwork, cladding and other components of your home’s façade. If you don’t have the necessary carpentry skills and window installation experience, it’s best to leave this project to a professional. You can find local professional window installers through your local home improvement or remodeling center.
Crank-Out Windows
Crank-out windows are also called casement windows and are great for hard-to-reach spaces, such as those above kitchen sinks. They are operated by a crank that extends out the side of the window and is opened with a turn of the handle, similar to the operation of a door. They require a lot of free space to open, so it’s important that they are not blocked by trees or other obstructions.
If the window crank handle just spins around when turned, it may be time to replace the gears in the operator shaft. If this is the case, you will need to remove the window handle and replace the crank mechanism (available at home improvement stores or search online for “window replacement parts”).
To fix a crank that just spins, try applying a silicone-based lubricant to the locking mechanisms and operational arm joints. This should help free up the crank and make it easier to turn. If this doesn’t work, you will need to remove the window handle, and then the crank operator (Photo 2). After loosening the screws on the cover of the operator, pull it off. Once you have removed the old crank, use a utility knife to cut along any trim screws that hold the cover on the window jamb. Then, carefully pry the cover off and remove any rusted or bent trim screws.
When you are ready to install the new crank, line up the screw holes on the new crank with those on the window jamb and attach it. Replace any rusted or bent trim screws, and then slide the wood sill cover back into place over the crank operator. It should snap into a groove that is already in the window sill.
If you want to prevent drafts or moisture from entering your home while waiting to replace a broken window, you can cover the window with a heavy-duty plastic sheet or tarp. Just be sure to secure the tarp tightly with tape or other adhesive to avoid any leaks and wind damage. For a more permanent solution, consider installing a casement window or sliding window from Feldco. Our window experts will help you find the right windows for your home. Get a free quote today!
Siding
When homeowners choose to have exterior windows replaced, they are often also addressing the need for home siding repair. While tackling both projects simultaneously might seem like a hefty undertaking, the benefits of getting everything done at once include improved efficiency and an integrated aesthetic.
Windows installed into houses with vinyl siding usually have an exterior vinyl casing that holds the window in place. If the casing is still in good shape, it can be reused around the new replacement window. Otherwise, it will need to be removed prior to installing the window. Pry out the nails holding the casing and remove it. If the siding panels around the window are damaged, they will need to be replaced as well during window installation. PJ Fitzpatrick provides expert siding repairs as well, but this should be handled before installing the replacement window.
Installing a new replacement window in a house with vinyl siding requires the rough opening to be sealed and insulated, which is done with foam board or cellulose insulation. A vapor barrier is then added, which helps keep moisture from getting into the wall and damaging it. Once the insulation and vapor barrier are in place, sheathing is added to cover the open area of the wall. Typically, sheathing is oriented strand board (OSB), but if the house already has wood trim or brick molding then these can be used instead.
Before installing the replacement window, it is important to inspect the rough opening for signs of water damage. This can be done by running a screwdriver around the perimeter of the window frame to probe for soft areas in the wood. Any areas of rot should be repaired as soon as possible to avoid further problems with the window and the siding.
During the window installation, it is important that the siding installers be careful when handling the window frames and jambs to prevent damaging the existing vinyl siding. It is also important that the building paper and flashing are properly installed to help prevent water from seeping underneath the window and rotting the wood. The flashing should extend down the sides of the window and across the bottom, overlapping with the nailing fin to direct any water that does get in away from the siding.
