Unless they’re broken, we don’t think about windows that often. They let in sunlight and heat. They can let out, or keep in warmth when it is cold, and cool air when it is warm. Having the right windows can lower utility bills and keep a home and its inhabitants comfortable. When it is time for window replacement, there are myths that if a homeowner believes, they may end up with the wrong windows or spend too much money.
As a homeowner, knowing fact from fiction can help you make informed decisions and get the most from the window company that you have hired. Allow us to set the record straight by debunking common replacement window myths.
MYTH: You Can Only Replace Your Windows in the Summer
Unlike bigger projects like roof or siding replacement, window installation can be done at any time of the year, even in the middle of winter. It should be noted that, if you are planning on having your windows replaced during winter, your window contractor should have a process that accounts for minimal leaks.
Our process includes sealing off the rooms one at a time and quickly replacing the windows with a coordinated two-person team.
MYTH: You Can Save Money by Taking the DIY Route
Putting it bluntly, it won’t. This myth probably stems from the perceived savings of foregoing installation labor, buying off-the-shelf windows, and building some of the parts from scratch. Window replacement projects are not just about the upfront costs, however. You have to consider other long-term costs, such as maintenance, repainting, and potential repair costs if there were issues with your installation.
Investing in a full-service contractor may cost a bit more initially, but just the fact that you’re getting top-notch custom replacement windows installed by experts with lengthy warranty coverage can actually save you money in the long run.
MYTH: Window Replacement Takes a Long Time
Are you having second thoughts of getting large picture windows for your home because you don’t want to deal with the disruption of a lengthy home improvement project? Good news: window replacement is actually a quick process that can usually be completed in a day or two.
MYTH: New Windows Don’t Improve Energy Efficiency That Much
Another common misconception about windows is that they only affect the home’s energy efficiency by a marginal amount. In reality, windows are a huge factor when it comes to keeping regulated indoor air inside; even a single damaged window can cause a huge drop in your home’s energy efficiency, leading to high energy bills.
MYTH: Window Replacement Is Easy
Window replacement requires specialized skills and professional training; it is not something you should DIY. If you want your replacement windows to perform as expected, you need to have them installed by experienced professionals.
Myth: All Window Frames Are Created Equal
The window frame can affect the overall efficiency of a window in several ways.
- Aluminum windows are lighter and cheaper, but they conduct heat and are poor insulators;
- Vinyl frames are the best. They come with a UV stabilizer that prevents sun damage, and they have good thermal performance ratings.
- Wood frames are good insulators, and they look great, but
- If moisture gets in them, they will eventually rot, even cedar and treated lumber;
- They must be caulked and sealed with gaskets.
- Corners must be sealed.
- Wooden frames must be checked often to ensure moisture does not get behind them or in them.
Myth: It Doesn’t Matter Who Installs The Windows
Even triple pained windows, some of the best available windows, will not do their job properly if they are not installed correctly. A professional window installer understands how much space to leave so the window can be properly shimmed and insulated.
A professional insulator also understands how to make existing trim work, or if it will need to be replaced to get the most value from replacement windows. The professional window installer can ensure that the window is installed correctly, and they will ensure that the window and the frame are properly insulated.