Request a Quote
Blog

How to Choose the Right Replacement Windows for Your Home

How to Choose the Right Replacement Windows for Your Home

If your old windows are drafty, dirty, clouded, or no longer energy efficient, it’s time to replace them.

Choosing the right replacement windows can be tough, considering how many options there are. Do you want vertical or horizontal slider windows? Do you want casement windows or double-hung windows?

If you need help choosing the right replacement windows, you’ve come to the right place. Roofers of Minnesota, specializing in window replacements, has compiled this handy guide to help you decide which windows you want to install in your home.

Determine Your Window Goals

First, you need to determine your goals for your new windows. Do you want to ensure your home is more energy efficient, or do you need certain safety features for young children? What aesthetics are you going for?

You also need to determine how much maintenance you’re willing to put into your windows, aside from basic cleaning. Plus, you must evaluate your budget allowance for new windows, particularly if you’re making multiple home improvements simultaneously.

Choose the Right Window Style

There are several types of windows to choose from. You can always mix and match types of windows to suit your home, such as choosing double hung for most of the home and a large bay window for the front. Let’s take a look at some of the window styles available:

  • Double-Hung: Traditional and versatile and suitable for most homes.

  • Casement: Hinged on the side and provides excellent ventilation. Ideal for modern or contemporary homes.

  • Slider: Slides horizontally, perfect for wide window openings.

  • Awning: Hinged at the top, opens outward, suitable for rainy areas.

  • Bay or Bow: Project outward, adding space and allowing more light into the room.

  • Custom Shapes: Speciality shapes are available for unique window openings.

Select the Right Frame Material

Once you know what kind of windows you want, it's time to choose the right frame material. There are a few options, though they come with different maintenance requirements.

  • Vinyl: Low maintenance, energy-efficient, and affordable.

  • Wood: Classic look and can be painted or stained, but requires more maintenance.

  • Fiberglas: Durable, energy efficient, and low maintenance. Good for various climates.

  • Aluminum: Lightweight and strong, but not as energy efficient. Prone to condensation.

Understand Window Ratings

Windows have different ratings to explain their energy efficiency, air leakage, and other factors you’ll want to consider when deciding which windows to install. Here’s a handy explanation of the different window rating acronyms you might see:

  • U-Factor: This measures heat loss. Lower U-factors indicate better insulation.

  • Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): Mesures solar radiation admitted through a window. Lower SHGC is better in warm climates.

  • Visible Transmittance (VT): Measures how much light comes through the window. Higher VT means more sunlight.

  • Air Leakage (AL): Indicates how much air passed through the window assembly. Lower AL is more energy efficient.

Window Warranties

As with any work you perform on your house, getting the right warranty is essential to ensuring you’re covered if something goes wrong. Window warranties are no different. Talk with your window contractor about the warranties available to you based on which windows you want to have installed.

Read Customer Reviews

Customer reviews are a good place to understand how a window performs. Look for equal numbers of positive and negative reviews to get a full picture of the window’s quality.

Ask for Multiple Quotes

Once you’ve chosen the windows, you must find someone to install them. Get multiple quotes and compare them. Some contractors might be able to offer lower prices, so it's a good idea to find the right contractor for your window replacement.

Contact Roofers of Minnesota for Your Free Window Replacement Quote

Roofers of Minnesota has delivered exceptional exterior home services for over 25 years. Based out of Maple Grove, MN, we provide window replacement for the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. We believe in enhancing homes as much as possible, all with professionalism and workmanship.

Call us today at 612-205-4791 to talk to one of our representatives about your window replacement project. Or request a free quote online. We look forward to working with you!

OUR PREFERRED PARTNERS