Making a Decision About Window Replacement
Your home is likely a work in progress. Most of us find projects here and there that need our attention sooner rather than later. However perfect that home might have seemed when you moved in, chances are you will have found something that needs some work—that wallpaper in the guest bathroom, kitchen tile or increasingly outdated carpet in the living room. Remember that your windows installed matter, too. If you are looking into window replacement in or near Scottsdale, AZ, note that there are local professionals prepared to walk you through the process and discuss your various options. And make no mistake. There are plenty of options, and good ones, too.
The first thing to do is assess your needs with respect to your current windows. How old are those windows? If they are at least 15 to 20 years old, it is at least time to begin thinking about new windows. You may even wish to have them inspected. At minimum, you should look to see whether or not your windows are still functioning properly (whether they open and shut without getting stuck, for example). You may also wish to check and see if the frames are warping or are otherwise damaged. The elements can do a lot of things to those windows, and you should make sure that they haven’t reached the end of their lifespan. Note that particularly adverse weather conditions can have an effect on your windows, as well. There are any number of signs that it may be time for those old windows to go. If your glass is fogging up, there is a good chance there is a problem. If certain rooms are beginning to let in drafts, your windows may be responsible. And if your energy bills appear to have increased over the last couple of years, old windows may indeed be to blame.
You may also wish to discuss your windows with family, perhaps even a designer. Even if there is nothing that is technically wrong with your windows, you may simply wish to update the look and feel thereof. If there is a consensus that a new look is in order, replacing your windows might make sense. Making the move may be especially wise if you are otherwise updating your interior or exterior. Families often replace their windows when they plan on installing new siding or a new roof. It makes sense to bring windows along for the ride.
Finally, think about the kind of investment you are willing to make. Wood windows are often fairly expensive, but they provide a very classic look that certainly fits many homes. Fiberglass windows are more expensive than their vinyl cousins, but they are very strong and last for a very long period of time. These are the kinds of things you will have to think about before making a final decision.
If you are seriously thinking about replacing your windows and want to know more about window replacement process in the Scottsdale, AZ, area, consider reaching out to Cougar Windows & Doors. We have a proud history of serving our customers in a friendly and professional fashion. We look forward to meeting your window needs, as well. You can visit us at 3820 E Main St Ste 1 Mesa, AZ 85205 or place a phone call to (480) 699-9066.
Are New Windows Only About Energy Efficiency?
So you have probably heard (and correctly) that new windows can do wonders for your energy bills. That is true. There is no doubt that replacing your windows can seriously impact your home’s energy efficiency and save you some money in time. But that isn’t the only reason to think about new windows. If you are looking into window replacement in or near Tempe, AZ, there are in fact a number of good reasons to think about making the investment. New windows may not sound like the most exciting way to spend some money, but they can have a real effect on your daily life—not just those energy bills.
You may not even notice the extent to which your windows change your life on a day-to-day basis. Indeed, windows can provide a real sense of indoor-outdoor living, letting nature into your home in a variety of different lays. They provide natural light, brightening up rooms in your home that could otherwise seem dark and uninviting. They let in natural air, as well, potentially keeping your home cool and fresh whenever the weather permits. Windows can also make rooms in your home seem larger. Whereas walls close off one’s view of the outside and confine you accordingly, windows create the impression of a more spacious area. That can mean a great deal when there is little or no option to actually increase your square footage by way of renovation.
If older windows aren’t working properly (e.g. getting stuck when you open or close them), that may be an important reminder that it is time to think about replacing them. If you are to fully advantage from windows that let in natural air, it is of course important that they function properly in the first place. You may also wish to think about installing larger windows in a bid to assure a brighter and more welcoming environment. Many older homes may have been built with very different priorities in mind, sacrificing that light for additional wall space. That may not be the best thing for your family. And it may not be the best thing for your guests, either.
Remember that new windows can also change the look of your home in important ways. Whether you look into vinyl, fiberglass, wood or aluminum frames, it is certainly possible to change your home’s aesthetic by simply replacing your windows. In addition to making your home a nicer place to live, this can also increase the value of your home. It can even affect its curb appeal and make it appear like a higher-value and more attractive property to potential homebuyers in the event you may consider selling your home in the future. Put simply, the energy efficiency is nice. But it is hardly the entire story.
If you are seriously considering window replacement in the Tempe, AZ, area, consider reaching out to Cougar Windows & Doors. We look forward to working with you and meeting your window needs in a friendly and professional fashion, and we have a long history of doing just that. You can visit us at 3820 E Main St Ste 1 Mesa, AZ 85205, or place a phone call to (480) 699-9066.
Are Fiberglass Windows Really Worth It?
So you are looking into new windows, but you may have some questions. There is nothing wrong with that. The prospect of replacing your windows may seem daunting and overwhelming. There are a lot of options plenty of reasons to prefer any given one of them. If you are seriously considering window replacement in or near Mesa, AZ, rest assured there are professionals in your area who can walk you through those options and make the process significantly easier. In the meantime, you may begin doing some research of your own. If so, you are likely to come across the possibility of fiberglass windows, and for good reason. They have increasingly become one of the more popular options on the market, and they are known for their reliability.
But, alas, they do tend to be a bit more expensive—sometimes 30 percent more expensive—than their vinyl cousins, themselves extremely common. So it is only natural to wonder if the investment is worthwhile. You will find yourself spending a good chunk of change on new windows either way. The big question is whether or not spending a bit more will be worth it to you in the long run.
One of the primary attractions when it comes to fiberglass windows is that they are very strong and indeed built to last. As a Lee Wallender of The Spruce explains, “For fiberglass windows, polyester resins are activated by a catalyst and then pultruded, or pulled, through a heated die. Strands of glass or glass mats are impregnated with resins. The finished product is called a lineal and it is machinable and can be shaped. Fiberglass has long been used to create ultra-strong, lightweight materials for skis, surfboards, and canoes.”
And it creates extremely durable windows, too. Because of its strength, it is less likely than its vinyl alternative to warp over time. So while there may be some additional expense in the near term, that cost may pay for itself over time. Unlike wood windows, fiberglass windows require very little maintenance or upkeep. They are indeed designed to last for a very long time and require very little attention in the process. Note that as a visual matter fiberglass windows can be painted to your preference. By contrast, vinyl frames come in a variety of colors but are not painted. Some fiberglass windows look very much like wood, as well—if that’s what you are into.
So are fiberglass windows worth it? If you are interested in windows that can last even longer than the 20 to 30 years you will get out of vinyl windows, then the answer certain may be, “yes.” There are rarely right or wrong answers in this kind of business, though. Much depends on what is right for you.
If you are considering window replacement in the Mesa, AZ, area, consider reaching out to Cougar Windows & Doors. We have a long history of supporting our customers with service that is both friendly and professional. We look forward to meeting your window needs. You may visit us at 3820 E Main St Ste 1 Mesa, AZ 85205 or place a phone call to (480) 699-9066.
Signs Your Home Needs New Windows
Thinking about new windows? Perhaps you aren’t sure if it is the right time or if replacing your windows is actually necessary. There is no reason to live in mystery. If you think you may be interested in replacement windows in or near Sun Lakes, AZ, rest assured there are nearby professionals who can speak to whether or not you in fact need new windows. But there are other ways to make that decision, as well. Indeed, there may be signs that your windows are ready for a replacement. While that may not be everyone’s idea of a good time, new windows may certainly be a wise investment.
But is it an essential investment? That depends on a few things, including how old your current windows are. If you have had your windows for 15 to 20 years, it is probably time to at least begin thinking about new windows. Old windows can become a problem for your energy bill, and they might not look so great, either. Many vinyl windows have warranties that range from 20 to 25 years. Some windows, like fiberglass, can last even longer. But regardless of age, some windows may not last the duration of their expected lifespan, particularly if they have been subject to particularly adverse weather conditions. So how might you know if you need new windows?
The first thing to look for are any kinds of cracks or damage. Some frames may even become warped over the course of time. These kinds of problems can make your home less energy efficient and begin affecting those bills. Another sign that you may need new windows is the possibility of fogged glass, likely a sign that a small opening is allowing air to become trapped between panes. If you have wood windows, you may also wish to check them on the exterior of your home. Should the windowsill feel at all soft, this may be due to excess exposure to moisture. Again, this may be a sign that you should replace your windows.
You should also pay attention to whether or not your windows are functioning properly. If they aren’t opening or closing properly, this means there may be something wrong. This kind of malfunction is very typical of older windows and means it may be time to move on. If your windows are getting stuck, there is a good chance other things are wrong with them, as well (or that other problems may emerge in the near future).
Finally, take note of how your home feels and whether or not your energy bills appear to be increasing. If certain rooms seem more drafty, your windows may be letting in air. That is never a good thing.
If you are considering replacement windows in the Sun Lakes, AZ, area, consider reaching out to Cougar Windows & Doors. We are serious about meeting your window needs and helping you find the right solution in a friendly and professional fashion. We look forward to working with you in the event new windows become a necessity. Feel free to visit us at 3820 E Main St Ste 1 Mesa, AZ 85205 or place a phone call to (480) 699-9066.
