Every year, Americans spend thousands of dollars to replacing windows and doors in their home.
Are you considering taking the plunge and giving your home a bit of a facelift? Are you unsure of whether or not you need to invest in brand new windows and doors?
If you’re not sure what to do, keep reading.
Listed below are five things you ought to think about before you pull the trigger. You’ll also get some tips on how to choose the right windows and doors to improve your home.
1. Know When Replacement is Needed
You might be considering just paying to have your windows and doors repaired instead of replacing them.
Sometimes, this is a good approach. Other times, though, a total replacement is the best thing to do.
If you’re not sure if you need a window or door replacement, be on the lookout for these common signs:
- You feel a draft
- It’s hard to open or close them
- You see condensation between the window panes
- You can hear outside noise through them
- You see chipping, feel any softness, or notice other signs of decay
You might also need a replacement if you’re just not happy with the way your door or windows look. If it’s been a while since they’ve been updated, it might be time for a change, even if everything is technically still functional.
2. Think About Aesthetics
If you’ve decided that you do, indeed, need a replacement, the next thing to consider the type of look you want your home to have.
What style of windows and doors looks best to you? What do you admire in other people’s homes?
If you’re not sure what kind of windows and doors you want for your home, do some research online to find styles that you like and that will match up well with the exterior of your home.
What will increase your curb appeal the most?
3. Choose the Right Materials
You also need to think about the materials for your windows and doors, too.
There are lots of different window frame and door materials for you to choose from.
Remember that the type of material you use will have a significant impact on the cost of the project and the appearance of your home, so choose carefully.
4. Consider the Climate
Think about the climate in which you live, too.
That will impact the longevity of your windows and doors quite a bit. For example, if you live in a humid area and you buy a wooden door, it might warp faster than a door made of other types of materials.
Make sure you choose windows and doors that can handle different types of weather, too. Make sure it can withstand wind, rain, snow, or other weather issues that affect your area.
5. Hire Professionals
Window and door installation are not DIY jobs. It’s best to hire a professional to handle these projects for you. This will help you ensure that they get installed properly the first time around.
You’ll be less likely to deal with drafts or an improper fit if you pay someone to handle the installation. It’ll also take less time, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing a trained professional took care of things.
Bonus Tips for Choosing the Right Windows and Doors for Your Home
As you can see, there are a lot of things you need to keep in mind when you’re considering investing in new windows and doors.
If you do decide to go ahead and invest in new ones, these tips will help you make sure you’re buying the best windows and doors possible:
Set Your Budget First
Before you fall in love with windows or doors that are way outside of your price range, do some math and figure out how much you can afford to spend.
If you do this first, you’ll be able to stick to a budget and won’t have to worry about making sacrifices or going in debt to cover the cost of your door and window makeover.
Choose the Right Type of Glass
When you’re looking to purchase new windows, be sure to choose the right type of glass for your home. The following are some of the most common types of glass you might want to consider:
- Single-pane glass: This is best for mild climates and outbuildings
- Double-pane glass: Also known as double glazed glass, this option has sealed air space and reduces heat loss
- Triple-pane glass: This has extra insulation and prevents even more heat loss
Double- and triple-pane glass windows are very energy efficient. They do a great job of reducing sound, too. If you want to reduce your energy bill or live in a noisy area (or both), they’re good options to use.
Measure, Then Measure Again
When you’re purchasing new windows or doors for your home, it’s important to be very careful about the measuring process. Measure your doorway and windows, then measure them again.
The more precise you are the first time around, the less likely it is that you’ll have to exchange your doors or windows or make multiple trips to the store.
Consider the Doorframe
When it comes to replacing your doors, be sure to consider the state of the doorframe, too.
If the doorframe is warped or damaged in some way, you’ll need to have it repaired before you install the new door.
Otherwise, you won’t solve problems like draftiness or difficulty opening and closing them.
Is Replacing Windows and Doors Right for You?
Now that you know more about what’s involved in replacing windows and doors, are you ready to take the plunge? Do you need to invest in new windows and doors?
If you need new windows and doors, keep these guidelines in mind and you’ll have a much easier time choosing the right ones for your home.
Do you want to learn more about updating and improving your home? If so, we’ve got lots of resources available on our site.
Check out our home improvement articles today to learn more about how you can get the home of your dreams.