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There are many reasons people get replacement windows. These can range from the practical to aesthetic concerns. Here are some of the most common reasons to replace your windows:
Damage or aging: The most common reason to replace windows is out of necessity. This occurs when windows become damaged or start to age. People may also purchase replacement windows to prevent damage, for example storm windows and insulated windows, which protect the interior of a home against extreme temperatures and other weather hazards.
Real estate concerns: Some people replace their windows to improve the resale value on their homes. Whether they’re placing their home on the market or holding open houses, people find that new windows can drastically alter the look and value of a home, thereby increasing its ability to attract buyers and fetch higher prices.
Style and appearance: Many people upgrade their windows to update the look of their home, as windows come in many styles and colors that can easily update the look of the home’s exterior. Whether it’s to match a new paint job, accommodate an addition, or simply modernize the home’s look, replacement windows can go a long way in reinventing a building’s appearance.
Replacement windows vary in style, material, and special features. The most distinguishing factor is how they open. Different types of windows are better suited for different areas of the home. Here are a few of the more popular window styles:
Double-hung windows: These are the most common type of windows in the US. In a double-hung window, both sashes open by sliding up and down, allowing for greater ventilation than single-hung windows. Double-hung windows are the most versatile and can accommodate most rooms, styles, materials, and design features.
Casement windows: Best for difficult to reach areas, casement windows are vertical and hinged so that they open outwards to the right or left, usually by a crank handle. The ideal spot for casement windows is above a kitchen sink or other openings with a greater height than width.
Sliding windows: Sliding windows open horizontally along the frame. Because of their size, they’re great for letting light into a room or taking advantage of a privileged view.
There are many factors that go into choosing window replacements from your home. Some are unavoidable—the size and location of the window, for example, will limit your choices. Other factors, however, leave you more room for personal choice, for example different colors and materials. Here are some factors to consider when deciding on what types of window replacements to buy:
The size of the opening where the window will go
The location of the window, i.e. what floor it’s on, what room it’s in, what types of weather and light it will be exposed to, and where it will be facing
The amount of ventilation you desire
Reachability and ease of cleaning
Colors, styles, and materials that will accent the inside and outside of your home
