Are your windows damaged, warped, or broken to the extent that repairs won’t make much of a difference? Or do you have drafty windows that are causing your energy bills to hike? If you’re upgrading your home’s appearance or trying to improve its energy efficiency, replacing your old windows is a well-thought-out decision. The following are some helpful window installation tips to consider:

1.  Determine which type of window is ideal for your home

Windows are among those parts of your home that are seen both from the outside and from the inside. Therefore, you should be keen on choosing windows that will complement both your interior décor and the exterior architecture of your home. Some popular choices include:

• Awning windows
• Sliding windows
• Bay windows
• Casement windows
• Single-hung windows
• Double-hung windows, etc

You can also work with a professional window installation company to create a custom window size and design that fits your personal style and needs.

2.  Determine which material is best

Windows come in different materials, and there are pros and cons for each. Therefore, you should consider both the advantages and disadvantages of each of the materials before making a choice. The following are the four popular materials along with their pros and cons:

• Wood: Wooden windows are durable, and they provide better insulation compared to other options. Their main downside is that they are prone to rotting, splintering, and sagging when exposed to moisture.
• Aluminum: Windows made using aluminum won’t rot like wood. Aluminum windows are also extremely sturdy and impact resistant. On the flip side, though, aluminum windows are susceptible to corrosion and tend to conduct or lose heat and cold easily.
• Vinyl: Windows made using this material come with several desirable aspects – they are energy efficient, highly weather-resistant, and require the least amount of upkeep. However, they are not particularly rigid or strong, and they tend to twist, warp, and bow when heat builds up within the frame.
• Fiberglass: Fiberglass windows are very aesthetically appealing and offer exceptional strength and energy efficiency. However, they are pricy than other options. Also, there are limited color options to choose from.

3.  Decide how energy-efficient you want your windows to be

An average home loses up to 10 percent of its heating and cooling energy. Heat loss through the windows occurs as a result of:

• Radiation through the glazing
• Air leaks through poorly insulated window frames
• Heat convection through gaps and glazing cavities
• Poor heat conduction through the windows frames

Your choice of windows can have an impact on your monthly utility bills. To keep your energy bills on the low, you should consider energy-efficient windows. When choosing your windows, go for those with a lower U-value as they allow minimal heat loss during colder months.

If you would like your home to remain cool during summer, choose windows that have a low solar heat gain (SHG) number.  Considering both the U-value and SHG ratings when selecting your windows will ensure that you’ll enjoy perennial energy efficiency.

4.  Prepare your home for window installation

Before installing new windows, the existing windows will have to be removed first. Before the process of removal begins, you will need to move everything that’s around the windows, including furniture and wall decorations that are near the windows.

Besides furniture and window decorations, you should also remove all window treatments, including curtains, sheers, and blinds. Also, be sure to cover the floor and furniture to ensure that your house stays clean. Getting your house ready for window installation might take time and effort, but it will make the entire process go flawlessly.

5.  Find a qualified window installation company

Completing a window installation exercise is no small fete. Unless you’re a professional window installer, you should let a good window installation company handle this intricate task. When choosing a window installer, ensure that they:

• Are licensed, insured, and bonded
• Have a team of qualified and experienced experts
• Can install different types of windows effectively
• Are to handle any issues that might arise during window installation
• Are capable of adhering to installation best practices to provide a lasting solution
• Do not charge extra to correct installation mistakes
• Have the most comprehensive warranties in the industry
• Provide customization options and premium features that will boost the value of your home.

Note that even the best quality and energy-efficient windows won’t serve their intended purpose if they are not installed properly. So, the last thing you want is to throw your hard-earned money by having an unqualified contractor to install your new windows. Choose a qualified contractor who is guaranteed to do the kind of installation that will give you the best return on your money.