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How to Buy Windows
Tips on How to Choose, Measure, Buy and
Install Windows
By Mark J. Donovan
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Whether you’re planning on installing windows yourself or hiring a window
installation contractor to do it for you, there are a few key tips on how to buy
windows that you should follow. Window types, styles and sizes are all important
factors when buying windows. Moreover a window’s quality level, ease of
maintenance, and energy efficiency are other important considerations.
Window Types
When buying windows it’s important to
consider the type of windows you want to use.
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Windows are manufactured in a number
of types of materials, including wood, vinyl, and aluminum. Some of the best
window types, and most expensive, are made out of wood and are coated with an
exterior vinyl or aluminum sheathing. These types of windows look fantastic from
the inside due to the exposed wood, and hold up extremely well to the weather
elements due to the vinyl/aluminum exterior coating. They are also extremely
energy efficient. All vinyl windows, on the other hand, are the least expensive
and correspondingly are susceptible to expansion and contraction issues, and are
not that energy efficient.
Window Energy Efficiency
When buying windows it’s also important to see how energy efficient the windows
and actual window panes are. Today’s most energy efficient window panes consist
of 2 layers of glass with low-E insulation material sandwiched in-between them
to block out the sun’s Ultraviolet light.
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Window Types
There are a plethora of window types to choose from but a couple of the most
common are the double-hung and casement style windows. Both types of window are
designed to open to let in fresh air. Other window types include garden windows,
bay windows and skylights, just to name a few. There are also stationary windows
that do not open, such as door side light and transom windows.
Measuring Windows
Regardless if you’re planning to have someone else install the windows for you
it is in your best interest to measure the window frame rough openings yourself.
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This way you can confirm the window sizes the window contractor plans on
ordering. Typically when buying windows it can take several weeks to receive
them, so the last thing you want to have happen is have the wrong size windows
show up on your doorstep.
When measuring a rough window frame opening, measure from top to bottom on both
ends of the window frame and in the middle of it. Likewise do the same along the
sides of the window frame opening. Finally, measure the diagonals to see if the
rough window frame is square.
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After measuring the rough window opening review the window buying guides from
the various window manufactures and select windows that specifically call out
for your size window frame rough openings. Typically the actual window frame
will be approximately 2 to 3 inches shorter and narrower than your window rough
openings. You want this type of disparity between the rough window opening and
replacement window to give you room to square up and plumb the window within the
window frame. If the new window replacement fits too snuggly inside the window
frame the window frame may end up binding on you and not operating smoothly, if
at all.
If you’re buying windows directly off the shelf from a home improvement center,
use your measuring tape to check the outside edges of the windows. Measure the
window from top to bottom and side to side, as well as along the diagonal. Make
sure the window measurements from top to bottom and side to side are
approximately 2 to 3 inches less than the height and width of the rough window
frame opening.
Installing Windows
When installing new windows it’s important that house sheathing be installed
around the window frame opening first. In addition, the windows should be nailed
into place via the side window flange tabs that come attached to the windows.
Before nailing the window to the window frame it is important to make sure the
window is square and plumb. Normally shims are used in the process of squaring
up and plumbing the window.
After the new windows have been installed insulation foam or fiberglass
insulation should be installed around the interior window frame edges. Finally,
interior and exterior window trim can be installed to complete the window
installation.
For information on
Installing a New Window, see the
Installing a New Window Ebook from
HomeAdditionPlus.com. The Installing a New Window Ebook provides easy to
understand, step-by-step instructions, on how to remove an old window and
install a new one. Pictures are included for every key step in the process.
Related Information
Get Free Replacement Window Price Quotes,
No Obligation!
Fill out our 3-5 minute quick and easy form, and receive a free price quote
on replacement windows from one of our prescreened and licensed window contractors. This
process is free and there is no obligation to continue once you receive your
window replacement price estimate.
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