The most common modern window types are the double-hung and single or casement windows.
Double-hung windows, as their name suggests, have two sashes that slide vertically up and down in the window frame. The upper sash is fixed and doesn’t open, but by lifting it slightly you can tilt it outward to let more light into your home.
The lower sash you can raise and lower as much as desired. This design makes double-hung windows a good choice for homes where ventilation is also required because they allow air from outside to flow naturally through the house when both the top and bottom panes are raised.
Single or casement windows operate with one large pane which swings inward at the top–these lean against the side of the house and don’t require as much clearance as double-hung windows. They do not open to the left or right, however, so you aren’t able to tilt them outward to let in the fresh air.
Popular window siding designs vary depending on the preference of the company installing them and what customers want. Windows come with different types of glass–a single pane, triple pane, Low-E glass–and again it is up to each business owner to suggest which type they feel would be best for their client’s home.
You might even wonder if you need to know what is retrofit window installation process is or if you should hire contractors for this.
Customers are also able to choose how many panes are used in a particular installation, whether there are one or two panes per window hung. Most companies that offer window replacement provide all of the options for any given project.
How Much Does Window Installation Cost?
Window replacement is a pretty expensive project, but the price of each company varies depending on what you want. Replacement windows will be more expensive than retrofitting window units in an existing window frame.
If you have a two-story home with many large windows, replacing them may cost upwards of several thousand dollars. However, a retrofit costs a fraction of that and can be done by a professional in just one day.
To replace or add new windows can be quite costly if not handled correctly because proper measuring and cutting need to take place before anything else happens. In addition to the actual installation cost, you also have to factor in things like:
- Window sashes for double hung or multiple pane units
- The glass that is used for the window installations
- Sills, which are metal pieces that fit at the base of the window frame–this piece must be added if you want any protection from water leaks or outside pests entering your home.
How Can I Find How Much it Will Cost to Have My Windows Replaced?
Before you get any bids on the project you’ll need to measure all of your current window dimensions. Then remove window coverings so an accurate assessment of size can be made.
Next, determine whether there’s anything else besides simple installation but double hung and single hung each come in two-pane and one pane options; casement only comes in a one pane option and does not open or tilt out like double-hung sash style.
Do you also have to know how to measure a window for replacement?
Most companies will provide a free in-home consultation to discuss your options with you and measure all of your windows before providing an estimate. Also, the height and width measurements of each window should be taken so sashes can be properly ordered if you decide to replace them at a later time.
Will it be important to learn how to measure a window for replacement?
Remember the height and extend the width by how much it opens when lifted–e.g., a double-hung could open 28″ at its widest point when both pieces are raised allowing for air movement into your home which helps eliminate pollutants from entering through other doors or windows that remain shut.
“But how much does window installation cost?”
To figure out how much it will cost to have your windows replaced, you need to contact a window installation company that offers estimates free of charge. They’ll come to your home, look at the style of window you have and what you want to replace them with, then let you know how much they would charge if they were installing those exact ones.
If the price seems expensive, there are ways to cut down on costs including:
- Replacing single-pane units with a dual-pane or triple pane
- Upgrading from wooden window sashes to vinyl ones
- Considering secondary options like screens instead of glass panes–this is okay for the summer months but not an option throughout cold weather when you need insulation from the outdoors.
Why Window Sidings Are Important
Window siding goes on the outside of window frames, protecting from weather elements while adding decoration. These are usually made out of vinyl instead of aluminum or wood because they’ll stand up to different types of climates better than traditional materials. Different types include:
- Awnings – This type is placed over a window and juts out into the yard a little bit creating a shaded area that’s great for a hot day. Most often seen in French door applications
- Bow/Bay – These create an arched look giving your home depth and beauty. They’re mostly used in exterior walls but can also be used above doors or windows
- Fixed – A fixed window looks like any other window without glass panels which makes it an extremely popular choice for basement windows, shed windows, and any other place where you want to let light in but don’t need to open the window.
- Jalousie – These are also known as Old Florida style because they were commonly used back when ranch-style homes or bungalows were popular. They take up much less room than standard size windows do which is why they’re perfect for basements, dormers, and smaller spaces throughout your home.
- Picture – This window has no frame around it, giving your home a unique look that’s only possible with this type of siding design. You can put them anywhere you want without having to worry about how the surrounding area will look after installation is complete–ideal for bay windows, barn-style windows, and any other place you’re trying to create a focal point.
- Three Piece – This is the most traditional design with three separate pieces situated horizontally or vertically next to one another–the bottom section being the largest then slanting up smaller with the smallest reaching its peak at the top of your window.
Most often seen in exterior walls but can also be used as an accent on French doors or replacement double-hung windows where you want to limit how much air comes in during hot weather.
- Transom – These are mostly horizontal lines placed directly above your door; however, they can also be installed over stacked windows that are not quite large enough to let light into your homes like pictures or three-piece windows do.
- Gable – This type of window siding is meant to mimic what you’d find on a traditional barn–the top section being the widest with each succeeding section getting narrower.
They’re mostly seen in French doors but can also be used as an accent window above double-hung replacement windows where you want to let light into your home but don’t need to open them up during hot weather months.
Benefits of Window Sidings
Replacing your single pane windows with dual or triple panes is one way that can help reduce your energy bills all year long. Here are some other benefits:
- Improves safety for kids and pets because there’s no glass which means they can’t break it and get cut
- Reduce outside noise and light so you can sleep and work better during the day
- Prevent fading on furniture and décor because there’s no window pane to block out UV rays from entering your home
- Increase the value of your home if you ever need to sell it in the future as well as lower insurance rates for those with homes that don’t have dual or triple-pane windows. The more hassle-free features a house has, the faster it will sell.
Cautions When Replacing Windows With Dual or Triple Panes:
The energy savings may not be as high as you expect because even though these window sidings keep cold air out and help keep warm air in, they still allow some to escape which is why you’ll benefit most by adding insulation during installation.
- Cost of window siding replacement: $300-$1,500 for wood windows using two to eight panels
- $400-$2,000 for vinyl windows using two to eight panels
- $650-$4,700 for aluminum windows using one to three panes depending on the type of metal & size of your window
Expect to pay an additional $100-$300 per window if you want custom colors or designs that are not offered at your local home improvement store.
Average window replacement cost = Between $300 and $3,000 depending on the type of material used in your new windows as well as how many panes they have which will determine how much light comes into your home.