Replacing windows in multifamily properties can improve energy efficiency, reduce maintenance costs and enhance property value. However, many people find the process to be overwhelming and confusing.
When shopping for new windows, it’s essential to consider the following factors:
Energy Efficiency
Investing in energy-efficient models is one of the most important things you can do when replacing your windows. These are good for the environment and your utility bills and add value to your home and help you save on maintenance costs.
Efficient windows have a higher visible transmittance rating, which allows natural light to filter in but prevents escaping heat and harmful UV rays from penetrating the interior. Additionally, they are well insulated to keep warm air in the winter and cool air in the summer.
They are also more resistant to condensation, eliminating the need for window cleaning and reducing the risk of mildew. They can significantly reduce energy costs and emissions; some homeowners may qualify for rebates or incentives. You can find a list of available programs in the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE). Depending on your local area, you can also get a tax credit or other financial assistance for upgrading to energy-efficient windows.
Aesthetics
The aesthetics of window replacement means how your new windows look in your home. This is important for you, visitors, and potential buyers of your home. Having your windows adequately sized and installed can dramatically affect your home’s appearance.
Aesthetics is the philosophical study of beauty, taste, and art. Aesthetics is different from the philosophy of science as it is not concerned with empirical observation or the nature of matter and energy.
Some philosophers, like the Catholic Existentialist Gabriel Marcel, argue that the essence of a work of art is its attempt to penetrate objective reality through human representations. This is a fundamental idealist conception of aesthetics.
Other philosophers, such as the Marxists Leopold Loeb and Peter Osborne, have argued that a materialist conception must inform the aesthetics of society and history. They call this the “organic link between Marxist-Leninist philosophy and aesthetics.” This is a partisan, rather than objective, conception of aesthetics.
Security
Whether shopping for window replacement West Palm Beach for your home or looking to evaluate the condition of a potential new purchase, learning about all the factors that affect window performance and function can help you make an informed decision.
Window replacement isn’t something most homeowners think about often—until their windows start to fail. Dated styles, air leaks, water infiltration, fogged glass, and insect intrusions are just a few of the problems that can cause homeowners to consider replacing their existing windows.
Depending on the extent of damage, repair or replacement may be the best option. For example, when the head jambs or sill are rotting through, full frame replacement is the only viable installation option. This replacement removes the entire rough opening, inside and out, to allow for a fresh start. It’s also a better choice for homes with exterior materials like brick or stucco, as it protects those materials during the replacement process.
Maintenance
Windows protect the interior of a home from weather elements, and they must do so correctly. Windows that are broken—whether due to severe weather or an unfortunate accident—need to be replaced promptly to prevent shattered glass, compromised insulation, and water leaks.
Over the years, exposure to weather and changing temperatures can cause subtle changes to window frames and sashes. When these changes occur, it can lead to a less-than-ideal fit for replacement windows.
This is when a replacement project may be necessary, as the window contractors will need to make room for the new windows to ensure they fit correctly. This process typically requires removing the existing window stops and replacing the existing jamb hardware with new hardware. Homeowners will also want to remove any sash still attached to the frame. By doing so, homeowners will ensure that the replacement windows are a secure and effective fit.