It’s important to compare more than upfront costs when selecting Window Replacement Massachusetts. Check out the warranty, energy efficiency ratings and other features, too.
If you’re replacing an existing window, consider full frame replacement windows. These look like new construction windows but have nail fins that let you install them in existing walls without removing exterior cladding or trim.
Window glass replacement can be a cost-effective solution if your home is missing one or more panes or the existing glass has become cracked. You can buy new windows in a variety of designs and materials ranging from budget fiberglass to high-end vinyl or energy-efficient wood frames. However, the cost of window replacement depends largely on frame material and size.
A professional can help you determine whether a single pane or an entire window needs to be replaced, which will impact overall project costs. It’s often easier and less costly to replace a single pane of glass than it is to change out the whole window unit, which requires the removal of the existing sash and frame.
You can also upgrade the style of your window with glass options that are not only aesthetically pleasing but offer greater functionality. For example, you can install a new double-pane window with low-E film or argon gas for an extra boost in energy efficiency.
Depending on the type of window, you can order customized glass pieces to ensure they will fit properly. Typically, the glass is available in sheets in both 3/32-inch and 1/8-inch thicknesses to accommodate different window styles and sizes. The thickness is important because it affects how much light will filter into your home as well as the amount of heat that will be trapped between the panes.
Replacing a window pane is not a project for the faint of heart. Unless you have experience installing glass, it is best to leave this job to a professional. Protective gloves and safety glasses should be worn when handling broken glass to avoid any injuries. First, remove the inside molding and trim around the window with a pry bar or utility knife. Then, carefully remove the rubber glazing and set it aside to be reused later on the new window. Once the old window is removed, run a bead of silicone caulk or glazing compound around the perimeter to prevent moisture from entering.
Double-pane windows look great and insulate your home well, but over time the seal can deteriorate, causing fogging or condensation between the panes. You can often save money by replacing only the window insert rather than the entire framed unit, which will restore your windows to like-new condition and improve their insulating performance.
Replacement Sashes
Sash windows have a number of unique components that are designed to work together to move up and down and seal the window shut. These include the counterweight, sash cords, pulley, rails, and wag tails. Over time, some of these parts may wear out or break down and it is important to keep an eye out for signs that your sash windows are not working properly. If you feel a draft when you walk by a window or notice that it takes a lot of force to open, then it might be time for a full replacement.
While you are replacing the sash it’s important to inspect the window for any other issues. Ensure the window is well sealed and that it has the right type of glass for your climate and that it contains an energy-efficient coating. You’ll also want to look for issues such as rot, mildew, or algae growth.
Before you get started, it’s best to tarp the work area to catch any debris and to avoid the risk of disturbing any potential lead paint in older homes. You’ll also want to put on a dust mask to protect yourself from breathing in any dirt or loose nails that may fall out while you’re working.
The first step in sash window replacement is to remove the head and side stops. These are thin pieces of wood that border the inner window frame and prevent the sash from coming out of the opening. Use a utility knife to cut around each stop bead until it bows slightly and then pry it away from the frame.
Once the stop beads are removed it’s time to begin removing the sash itself. This is where the process will get a little more labor intensive. Using a putty knife, pry the jamb liner on the left and right sides of the window open, leaving gaps where the pivot pins for the sash fit. Be sure to watch your fingers as you pry the jamb liners, as they can easily snap off.
Once the sash is free from the jambs, you can attach the new sash cords. Feed the new cord through the pulley and down the track until it is positioned about halfway down inside the frame. If necessary, tie the cord into a simple knot to prevent it from getting lost in the hidden pocket of the window.
Replacement Frames
Full frame replacements remove the entire window down to the studs in your wall and install a new frame and window that can help decrease air infiltration, reduce noise infiltration and increase energy efficiency. This is the best option for homeowners with older, drafty windows because it can significantly improve your home’s comfort and performance.
When deciding between pocket and full frame replacement, consider your budget, design preferences and your long-term goals for your home. If the existing frames are in good condition and you simply want to update your windows’ style, an insert window may be a suitable solution. However, if the frames are rotting or leaking, a full frame replacement is likely necessary to prevent future problems.
To begin your project, your installer will inspect the existing frame and sash to determine its condition. Localized areas of soft or discolored wood can typically be repaired with wood filler or epoxy. Extensive or severe rot, on the other hand, requires professional attention and can impact the overall structural integrity of your window.
Next, your installer will take measurements of the window opening to ensure a seamless fit of your new window. If needed, the old window will be removed, and the rough opening will be sealed and insulated to prepare for the installation of your new window.
While a full frame replacement is more invasive, it can provide superior performance and durability. For example, your installer can apply a caulk seal around the perimeter of the frame to ensure a watertight seal that reduces drafts and helps protect your walls from moisture damage.
If your home is located in a designated historic district or landmark, full-frame replacements may require a permit from the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC). Your installer can assist you in applying for this permit by providing detailed documentation that your new windows will maintain the original detailing, styling and operation of your existing windows. With this information, the LPC is more likely to approve your application in a timely manner.
Replacement Hardware
Window hardware safely prevents windows from being opened from the outside and provides secure fastening for outdoor decorations like window boxes. It’s also available in a variety of materials that coordinate with any aesthetic. Andersen offers a full line of replacement hardware for all your needs.
There are several telltale signs that indicate your windows need attention or replacement parts: difficult opening and closing, rust, cracked or warped glass, or drafts. The good news is, these are typically easily repairable using Truth window parts. You can save on a handyman call by replacing your own hardware, and restore your windows back to their original condition.
For example, a common problem is that the operating sash of your double-hung window becomes swollen or stuck. This may result from an improper installation or inclement weather, which can cause the sash to expand beyond its intended limits. It’s easy to fix this issue by recalibrating the operating sash. You can also find a wide range of replacement hardware at Lowe’s, such as sash locks and lubricants, to restore your windows’ smooth operation.
A window crank handle is a key component to any casement or awning window. Window cranks allow you to open your windows, providing superior ventilation, while allowing sunlight and fresh air into your home. Our selection of Truth window parts includes a variety of attractive designs that match your window frames, including long and short crank handles. They’re also made of electrostatically coated metal, ensuring durability and lasting performance.
You can also choose from a variety of hinges and handles for your casement or awning window. For example, you might choose a stainless steel hinge to complement your exterior home color, or a bronze or satin nickel finish to coordinate with your interior decor. Our window hardware is also available in a variety of off-sets, mounting holes and bracket shapes.
When it comes to replacing your window sash, it’s important to get accurate measurements for the rough opening and frame dimensions. Choosing the right size of window can help you avoid unnecessary damage and reduce your installation time and costs. To make the process of measuring and ordering replacement windows easier, we recommend using our window measurement guide. Using this tool, you can get precise measurements for your window’s frame and sash to ensure the new replacement window fits correctly in the existing window frame.