Buying New Windows? Don’t Forget These Main Considerations

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David Hucks
David Huckshttps://myrtlebeachsc.com
David Hucks is a 12th generation descendant of the area we now call Myrtle Beach, S.C. David attended Coastal Carolina University and like most of his family, has never left the area. David is the lead journalist at MyrtleBeachSC.com

New windows are always going to be a smart purchase for your home. Sometimes, you’re forced into replacing your windows as they might be worn down or broken. Other times, you feel like upgrading them as a cost-effective home improvement. Either way, you will spend some time looking at all the different window options on the market and debating which ones to buy. 

Before you decide on anything, there are some main considerations that come up when shopping for windows. You can see all of these considerations – along with some advice and tips – in the points below:

Window frame material

The first thing to think about is the material of your window frames. Now, a lot of old homes were built using timber window frames – or another type of wood. They did this because the material was very durable, but there is a slight issue with timber in that it can rot. As a result, most homes are made with uPVC windows or engineered timber windows. uPVC is probably the one you see the most; it’s a hard plastic that can come in different colors, lasts a very long time, and looks very appealing. 

Engineered timber involves layers of wood that are compressed and bonded together before being laminated. They are then coated with another material in the most exposed areas for more durability. Here, you get the traditional look of timber windows, but with more longevity – and the whole process is more eco-friendly as well. 

There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing the window frame material; it’s mainly down to personal preference and what you think looks the nicest in your home. 

Window glazing

Window glazing is a term that’s used to describe the glass inside of a window. It is also referred to as the windowpane, but these two terms are interchangeable. In essence, you need to think about how thick your window glazing will be. Typically, there are three main options that most window providers will give you:

  • Single
  • Double 
  • Triple

Single glazed windows have just one pane of glass. That’s all there is, and it sits in your frame and offers no real benefits whatsoever. Single glazed windows are only really offered to people that can’t afford double glazing, but even so, most manufacturers don’t bother selling them. 

 Double glazing Bristol is the most common option you see in modern homes – it includes two panes of glass, with a gap between them. There is often argon gas between the two panes within the gap, which is used to help with insulation. Obviously, these windows are twice as thick as single glazed ones, offering more durability and far better insulation and noise suppression. 

Finally, you have a triple-glazed window with three sheets of glass. There’s a space between the middle sheet and the front and back sheets yet again, and it will also be filled with gas for insulation. As you can imagine, these windows offer the most durability, the best insulation, and the highest degree of sound suppression. However, they are also very uncommon as most homes simply don’t need them. Triple glazing is only really worth the extra costs if you live in a very cold climate. 

Generally, your best bet is to opt for double glazing, but you may need to consider triple glazing if your home gets incredibly cold during the winter months. Avoid single glazing if you can; it tends to be a waste of money. 

Window security

The next thing to mull over is how secure your windows are. Most home break-ins stem from burglars breaking a window and entering your property. The more secure your windows are, the harder it will be for them to do this. Part of the security comes down to the window’s thickness, but there are other things to consider as well. 

For instance, the style of the glass in the window. Regular glass is strong, but you can get things like tempered glass, polycarbonate windows, or Plexiglas that are even stronger. They will be more expensive, but you might want to pay a little extra to know that your family is safe and secure. 

The locks on the windows are also another element to look at; it’s probably not smart to purchase windows that don’t have a lock on them. Sure, you can buy some yourself, but it’s easier and more affordable when good locks are already provided. 

Window installers

You have to consider who is installing your new windows for you. Recognize that they will need to remove your old ones and install these new ones as well. Some companies are much better than others, so you have to look for the best window replacement brand in your area. This shouldn’t be too hard; look at online reviews, get recommendations from friends, and so on. 

Look at the services provided and see if they can install your new windows for you. Check the prices against other brands to find one that suits your budget and provides an excellent value. Also, most importantly, consider the warranty or guarantee they offer; can you get repairs or replacements done for free if there are issues within a set period?

Window type

Finally, your last decision is figuring out the type of windows you want in your house. There are so many different varieties for sale, and the video below goes through some of the options you have at your disposal:

Much like the window frame material, this is purely a preferential thing. Where you are placing the windows can impact your decision, and the amount of space you have in your property may also be a concern. Still, look at the different window types and think about which ones would suit your home the best. 

That’s all there is to it; these are the main considerations when buying new windows. This is such a great purchase to make if you want to improve your home, slash your energy bills, reduce noise from outside, and feel much safer. Take your time when buying new windows as you want to make the perfect choice for your home!

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