Important Things To Know Before Buying Replacement Windows | Oahu, HI
When the time comes to find replacement windows for your home, a whole series of questions might invade your thoughts at once. While it is true that your home might require replacement windows for a wide range of reasons, there is more to the problem than that. Because of this, before you go out and buy the first replacement windows you find, it is a good idea to get straightforward answers to the questions that might come up as you start your search. Keep in mind that choosing the perfect replacement windows for your home might require just a little more preparedness than simply going to the home improvement store to make your selection. Because of this, in this article, we attempt to answer all the most important questions you may have about buying replacement windows before you sign the check. Let’s take a look.
Will They Last for Many Years?
The exact answer to this question will greatly depend on the type of window you ultimately choose for your home. On average, a window that is well cared for, and receives regular maintenance will last around 20 years on the lower end of the spectrum, and up to 50 years on the higher end! This, of course, can vary depending on the materials you choose for your windows, and the successful avoidance of damage due to a number of issues, including severe storms, and earthquakes. Even so, if you make sure your windows are properly installed, maintain your windows consistently and put in the effort to ensure they are adequately cared for, your new replacement windows can last an entire lifetime.
How Many Should Be Changed at Once?
This is probably the most pressing question that homeowners want to be answered when they are considering getting new replacement windows. The biggest thing to keep in mind when contemplating the replacement of all the windows in your home is your budget. Let’s face it, new windows can be a very large expense, so, if your budget only allows you to change one at a time, stick to that. Never allow yourself to be pressured into changing all of your home’s windows, especially if you are on a tight budget. The only time in which you should realistically change all of your home’s windows at once is when you have a specific goal in mind, such as achieving a higher level of energy efficiency, and your budget allows for it. Don’t settle for less than the best windows available to satisfy your needs, in order to purchase more windows than you can afford. Sacrificing quality for quantity is never a good idea, and can be more expensive in the long run, so stick to your budget and don’t let others convince you that changing all your windows at once is the best thing you can do. It’s not.
When Should You Make Your Purchase?
The weather in Hawaii is pretty stable all year round. Even so, purchasing new windows is always best during the spring or early fall, when it is not too hot, and doesn’t rain all day long. Keep in mind that the process of changing one of your home’s windows is relatively quick, but, if you choose to have the job done on the hottest days of the year, having an open space in your home’s wall can let out all the cool air you have circulating inside, which will result in your air conditioner having to work harder to keep the place cool. As a result, even if changing your windows takes less than an hour, you will see an impact on your power bill, especially if you plan on replacing more than one window at a time.
The same thing happens with the rainy season. Who wants rain pouring into their home and ruining their beautiful carpets from a hole in the wall where there should be a window preventing it? So, keep these seasons in mind when you start looking for new windows. You don’t want a wonderful experience to turn sour just because the weather is giving you trouble.
Is There Anything I Should Do to Prepare for Installation?
Once you have purchased your new windows, you should do a few things to prepare for the day on which they will be installed. In order to keep your property safe from any accidental damage, your best bet is to remove any furniture and decorative items that are placed in the immediate vicinity of the window that will be replaced. Additionally, you should take down any window treatments, such as curtains or blinds that may interfere with the installation process.
One other important part of installation preparedness is letting your home’s alarm system provider know that there will be people working on your windows on the day in question. This will prevent any potentially awkward situations that might hinder the work, making the process take much longer than expected. Lastly, if you have hardwood floors or carpeting in the area where the window will be replaced, make sure you take any necessary precautions to avoid damage to your flooring. This can include placing protective sheeting, cardboard, or even newspaper in the area nearest the window that is going to be changed. Always make sure to ask the techs whether they will implement any additional protective measures to keep your property safe from scratches, scuffs, and other forms of damage.
Finding the best replacement windows for your home requires finding a company with the knowledge and experience they will need to help you navigate the process. At Sunburst Windows you will be able to find all that and more. With updated knowledge and continuous training, the techs at Sunburst Windows will always be happy to help you select and install the best replacement windows for your needs and your budget. So, when the time comes to start looking for new windows, simply pick up your phone and give the experts at Sunburst Windows a call!
See our previous blog on this topic here.
