There’s a reason why the windows installation business is worth an estimated $5 billion. The right type of window can truly make or break a home. Sadly, when it comes to windows many homeowners don’t know where to begin.

This can lead to some unfortunate purchases that can make your property less valuable. So what should you look for when purchasing new windows to ensure that you get everything you need?

If you want to learn the answer to this question and more, then you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll provide you with everything you should consider before committing to a new type of window. Let’s get started!

1. The Window Material

The first thing you need to decide is the type of material that will be used on your window frames. There are four main types you can choose from wood, fiberglass, vinyl, and aluminum.

Wood is an ideal type of material for people that want a naturalistic look from their frames. They’re also great for energy efficiency. However, they tend to be expensive. Plus, you’ll need to invest in maintenance if you want them to stay durable.

The next popular type of window material is fiberglass. Like wood, fiberglass is quite energy-efficient. However, it also comes with the added benefit of durability thanks to its weather resistance nature.

With that being said, you can still expect it to deteriorate over time. Plus it’s expensive like wood. Next, is vinyl material. If you like your window frames to be sleek and shiny, then you’ll like vinyl.

However, the biggest benefits are its energy efficiency and affordable nature. But, keep in mind that it’s one of the more fragile types of window frames. Finally, there’s aluminum.

This type of material used to be as popular as wood. However, it’s fallen out of favor, mainly due to its low energy efficiency. Still, it’s a great look for some homes. Plus, the material itself is extremely inexpensive. So, it is good for people on a budget.

2. The Window Style

The next thing you need to consider is the style of the window. This is an important step because it determines the amount of ventilation that the window will provide and the amount of natural light it will let it.

Here are some of the popular window styles that you can find on the market: single-hung, double-hung, sliding, casement, and awning. Single-hung consists of a bottom sash and an upper sash.

The bottom sash slides up while the top one remains fixed. The double-hung window is similar. However, it differs in that the upper sash can lower in the bottom one too. Instead of opening up and down a sliding window opens from side to side.

Casement windows consist of a single window. This window can be pushed outward at a forty-five-degree angle to let air in. An awning is another horizontal window style. This type opens at the bottom by being pushed outward. In that way, it looks and operates kind of like a garage door.

3. Cost and Potential Return From Window

The exact cost of your windows will depend on a variety of factors. Notably, the material you use, the style of window, and the installer performing the jobs. However, generally, you can expect to pay around each 3×5-foot window to cost between $200 and $600.

Ideally, you will find an installer who provides you with an upfront price estimate that’s fair and honest. It’s also important to think about potential returns you can get from your new window.

It’s incredibly unlikely that your windows will ever really pay for themselves. However, if you choose energy-efficient material, then you can seriously cut down your heating and cooling bills.

Sadly, no matter how energy efficient the material is you will still lose some energy out of each window. So, it’s a bit of a tradeoff. A lot of windows look great and add natural light and resale value to your home. However, they’re also literal energy holes. As such, the more windows you have the higher your energy bill will likely be.

4. The Company That’s Installing the Windows

None of the previous factors matter if you can’t find a window installer business that’s good at their job. Poor installers will likely cut corners by installing cheap material and overcharging you for them. Or, worse, they’ll do a poor job installing the windows.

This can lead to a lack of insulation and leave the windows prone to further damage. As such, it’s important to find a company that has both experience and honesty in its field. You can tell a good window installer by how upfront they are about their prices and materials.

Online reviews are also a good indication of how credible a business is. While a few negative reviews might be natural, an overwhelming amount should be a major red flag. If you have a lot of friends, family, and acquaintances, then try asking around your network for a referral.

Or, if you live in Colorado, then you can go with a company like Colorado Classic Exteriors (coloradoclassicexteriors.com). Good companies like this are straightforward in their pricing and have a positive review to back it up.

Enjoy Learning About Purchasing New Windows? Keep Exploring

We hope this article helped you learn what to look out for when purchasing new windows. There’s not a single type of window that will work for everyone. People have different tastes when it comes to style/material and needs when it comes to energy efficiency.

So, think carefully about what you want out of your new windows and select the option that’s best for you. Did you enjoy this article? If the answer is yes, then you’re in the right place. Keep reading to find more content that you’re sure to love.