As we’re writing this, it’s still a little chilly in New York and New Jersey, but the first day of Spring has come and gone and temperatures are definitely on the rise. If you’re like us, you’ve already started your spring cleaning, or at least thought about it. While we had some good snows this winter, we didn’t have the horrendous weather that many predicted, but we’re all ready for some time in the sun.
If you are looking forward to more opportunities to throw back those heavy drapes and lift the sash for a refreshing breeze, we understand. Installing replacement windows and patio doors that are easy to operate and give you plenty of viewing space to watch the changing landscape is a great way to celebrate the changing of the seasons this year.
Lift, Slide or Crank: You Decide
Updating home windows often means saving money on your heating and air conditioning bills, especially if you have single-pane windows or sliding patio doors that have aged poorly. These can create gaps that allow air and moisture to pour into your home and increase your energy costs in bother summer and winter. Style choices make a significant impact on how your home functions. Sliding patio doors designed to glide effortlessly without extensive maintenance mean you won’t have to struggle getting in and out to enjoy the spring and summer warm weather. You can leave the door open slightly to capture a gentle breeze or close it tightly against the April showers that will bring the May flowers. Hinged French-style patio doors close tightly against the elements, while still allowing you to see outside and enjoy streaming sunlight on a cloudless day. Here are a few other replacement window styles and their unique benefits.
Double-hung, tilt-to-clean windows are suited to almost every situation. If you want the flexibility to encourage airflow from the top of the window, or lift the lower sash, this is the style for you. In nurseries and rooms where toddlers may be left alone, you probably want to lower the upper sash, or at least install child guards that limit the opening to four inches or less so your little one can’t climb or fall out an open window.
Casement windows are among the most energy-efficient replacement windows on the market. They allow you to fully open the window for maximum ventilation. Configurations allow you to open from the left or the right side to accommodate exterior landscaping and architectural elements. Plus, you can install two casements side-by-side to mimic French-style patio doors and double your ventilation. The single operating crank makes it a breeze to open these windows installed above a counter or higher on the wall when reaching is necessary.
Hoppers and awning windows enable air- and light-flow in tight spaces, as a design feature installed above or below fixed windows and in places where you don’t want to interfere with traffic patterns or furniture placement. For example, bottom-hinged hoppers pull inward , so opening your windows that are installed high on a basement wall won’t block sidewalks. Top-hinged awning replacement windows open outward, which means you can meld a row of awning windows above or below a fixed window or other operational style for added ventilation without worrying about where you put your couch or loveseat. And, the unique awning design allows you to open the windows during a light rain without worrying about water coming inside. Remember that high winds may drive rain inside any open window, even awnings.
We didn’t have three months of continuous snow and ice this year and warmer weather is on the horizon. It’s time to start thinking about putting the storm window away. Are you tired of having to lug out the storm windows and shutters every year? With high-performance, Energy-Star certified replacement windows and patio doors the hassle of dealing with storm windows will be history, just like the winter of 2015-2016. Find out more about the many benefits of replacement windows, like saving money, controlling the indoor environment and giving your home a fresh, new appearance today. Fill in the short form on this page for more information or give us a quick call at (866) 609-5033 for an appointment with a window design consultant.
Learn Everything You Need to Know BEFORE Buying Replacement Windows
