Investing in replacement windows and patio doors from Renewal by Andersen of Long Island is an opportunity to improve your property value, lower heating and air conditioning bills and enhance the overall appearance of your home. Wise choices before the installation process, such as considering how you use each room in your home and how the surrounding landscape or tall structures in the area may impact direct sunlight hitting your windows, will help ensure you are pleased with your window’s performance and appearance for years to come.
Here are a few tips to make sure you get the highest return on your home improvement investment and love the look and feel of your home after the upgrade.
#1. Don’t Assume the ‘Cheapest’ Window is the Least Expensive Option
We appreciate the fact that price is a concern for most homeowners, and we work closely with our customers to help them find home improvement solutions that won’t add unnecessary financial burdens while helping them the find best-fit windows and patio doors. Just because the initial investment is low, it doesn’t mean lower cost windows and patio doors won’t cost you more over the years you live in your home. We’ve replaced a number of cheap vinyl and aluminum windows within a few years of their initial installation because of shoddy installation and warping or bending during normal weather fluctuations and everyday use. In contrast, strong Fibrex frames are guaranteed never to warp, bend, fade, absorb moisture or need resurfacing to stay beautiful and functional for as long as you live in your home.
#2. Address Structural Damage Before Installing Replacement Windows
Inadequate ventilation, improperly functioning heating/cooling systems and aging leaking windows may all contribute to mold growth inside your home. Mold is dangerous and destructive. If you see evidence mold is growing inside or outside your home, have your environment tested. Replacing moisture damaged windows can improve your interior comfort, and eliminate air and moisture leaks, but damaged walls, floors and ceilings should be addressed before you install windows to protect your family’s health and well-being, and prevent further infestation.
#3. Treat Invasive Pests
If you see evidence that termites or carpenter ants have taken up residency in your home (or in the wood pile that fuels your fireplace) contact an extermination specialist before window and patio door installation day. Although invasive pests aren’t a problem for Fibrex frames, wood framing, interiors and trim could be damaged.
#4. Think About How You Use Every Window in Every Room
Carefully consider how your family uses each room in your home. Designing new windows isn’t only about improving energy-efficiency and saving money, the window style you choose can effect your family’s safety and convenience. Window placement may dictate whether you choose a single-lever crank-out casement window for the area above your kitchen counter or a double-hung window for the nursery that allows you to lower the upper sash for ventilation without worrying your toddler will be able to crawl or fall out the window.
#5. Consider Your Replacement Window Options
If you’re considering buying replacement windows from a dealer that doesn’t provide installation, you might want to reconsider. Replacement windows are intended to exactly fit into the opening left when existing windows are removed and negotiating installation contracts isn’t as easy as it sounds. Who is responsible for measuring window sizes? Have you thought about what it will cost to address size differences if your new windows don’t fit exactly? Should you ask for contingency fee schedules in advance to cover unknown size variations or structural problems that show up after the existing windows are removed? If you have a problem down the road, what will you do if the contractor has gone out of business? Our policy is to provide skilled technicians to install every window and patio door we sell. And, since we measure your existing windows, we guarantee every window will fit perfectly. If not, it’s on us to ensure they do.
The five tips above will help make sure you are happy with your windows long after installation day. The landscape surrounding your home and providing shading (or not) and the number of hours each window gets of full sunlight each day may impact glazing choices. The age of family members and wall position influences which window styles are best for different rooms. Naturally, color choices, profile widths, shapes and window configuration all influence visual appeal and should reflect your personality and complement your home’s character and architectural features. Renewal by Andersen of Long Island replacement windows are designed and manufactured with high-performance features to prevent disasters, like mold development, and not cause them.
Need help exploring options to improve energy-efficiency, convenience, comfort and functionality in your home. Contact your Renewal by Andersen of Long Island window consultant to schedule a free, in-home window inspection by calling (866) 609-5033. You can also fill in the short form on this page to request more information.
Learn Everything You Need to Know BEFORE Buying Replacement Windows
