With numerous developments in home architecture, the role of windows has also increased. They do not simply give your home a distinct style but also improve your home security and energy efficiency effectively.
However, choosing the right windows can be a daunting task for homeowners for many reasons. First, with the sheer amount of window designs, styles, and materials available in the market, you have a wide range of options to pick from. Secondly, most people are unaware which windows would best suit their houses, and often end up making wrong choices.
So, here are 6 questions that every homeowner must ask (and receive answers) before buying windows.
1. Which window style is the most suitable for my home?
There are various window designs and styles available. The most common window types include single/double hung windows, casement windows, awning windows, slider windows, fixed windows and bay windows. Before choosing from these, you have to consider which would complement the design, efficiency, and security of your house, as well as to offer the functionality features you are looking for.
For example, for Cape Cod houses, which is the most common house design with one or one and a half stories and steep roof lines, single/double hung windows are usually the best choice. For contemporary or modern house designs, picture or slider windows may be a better option. Again, the choice will depend on your unique situation and one of our Miranda Windows professionals will be able to help you select the most appropriate windows.
2. Which materials are the best options for my house?
The next point you have to consider is which materials are most suitable for your house. Some common materials today include vinyl, wood, and aluminum. Variations like wood-clad and vinyl-clad are also available. But keep in mind that aluminum frames are not as energy efficient as wood and vinyl.
Vinyl has grown to be the number one choice for many homeowners. This is not a surprise as the material, apart from looking great and being easy to maintain, offers excellent insulation, features, and is quite affordable. Wooden frames, on the other hand do offer a more natural feel but do come with a higher price tag and require slightly more care when compared to vinyl or aluminum. Even though wood windows provide the best insulation, they may not be the best choice if your house is located in a rainy or humid climate area.
3. What are my options when it comes to window glass?
Homeowners have a wide range of options when it comes to window glasses. Make sure that your pick has an Energy Star rating on it like our Windows do. You also have the option to choose a double or triple-pane glass, which will impact your energy efficiency, and security. We recommend choosing window glass with lower U-value (resistance to loss of heat) and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), which is a measurement of the amount of heat that the glass absorbs. Read more about the Miranda Windows Glass Options and our Energy Efficient Windows.
4. Is the cost of the window I want a worthy investment?
On average, new windows are expected to last about 20 years. Moreover, buying and installing new windows or even just replacing them, is not something cheap and easily affordable. So, it is of utmost importance that you choose windows that you will be happy with and that will last a long time.
Fixed and single hung windows are often the most affordable. The best part is that just because they are less expensive than other window styles does not mean they compromise on quality, as long as they come from trustworthy manufacturers like all Miranda Windows do, they will serve their purpose. Their price is usually about 20 percent lower than double hung windows and some other window types.
5. Is there any specific window feature I should be looking for?
Today, homeowners have more choices than ever when it comes to window features. You can pick from a plethora of options depending on which feature you are looking for, so your window of choice boils down to the following question: What features should my window have?
For example, if security is your main concern, it is advisable that you go for triple-pane windows. If saving on heating and cooling bills by being energy efficient is your priority, then windows with Energy Star ratings and Low Emissivity (Low-E) glass may be your best choice.
6. How reliable is the window contractor and window installer I am dealing with?
This is as important as choosing the window itself. Even if you buy the most expensive, highest quality window, it will not perform well if it is not installed properly. So, make sure that you do your research and choose the best contractors in your area.
Select contractors who have had years of experience, and who are transparent with their pricing. Also, remember to buy from manufacturers who provide warranty on their products. At Miranda Windows our professional windows and doors professionals provide the highest level of products and services available in Canada at competitive rates. Our one-stop windows and doors shopping experience makes it easy for homeowners to get exactly what they deserve at the lowest prices available. Miranda Windows has been servicing Canadians since 1981 for all their windows and doors needs and we always stand behind our name.