Window replacement costs can vary widely, based on your style preferences and home’s existing layout. The best window installation companies will be able to offer affordable options that enhance your property’s curb appeal and help lower energy bills.
Many homeowners mistakenly consider window repairs and window replacement to be the same thing. However, there is a world of difference between the two processes.
Window Styles
Choosing the right window style can transform both the exterior look and functionality of your home. There are seemingly limitless options to choose from that reduce energy bills and add pizzazz to your curb appeal.
Single hung windows have a sash that moves vertically, making them easy to open and close. They can also be tilted in, allowing homeowners to clean the glass without climbing a ladder.
Traditional homes have a classic look that matches well with window styles like double-hung or casement. Bow and garden windows are more eye-catching, combining several glass panes into an elegantly curved feature.
If your current windows are outdated, cracked, squeaky, drafty or let in water and pests, it’s time to invest in a new Sugar Land window installation! But don’t make a rush decision — do your homework first to ensure you choose the best window company and solutions for your home.
Insulated Glass
Insulated glass (also known as IGU, double-pane windows or double-glazing) is made from two or more panes of glass that are separated by a spacer and filled with air or inert gases for insulation. Some also have a Low-E coating to maximize energy efficiency.
The glass inside insulated windows prevents heat loss or transfer between the interior and exterior of your home, significantly cutting your heating and cooling costs. They also reduce condensation, obscurity and the growth of mildew and mold.
Most insulated glass windows are more expensive than single-glass window options, but the return on investment and energy savings they provide are typically worth it over time. Be sure to choose a contractor that uses Cardinal Glass IGUs, which have the lowest rate of seal failure in the industry.
Impact-Resistant Windows
Located close to the Gulf of Mexico, Sugar Land is a popular tourist destination and a great place to raise a family. However, its enviable location also puts it in the line of fire for violent tropical storms and hurricanes that threaten homes and businesses.
Rather than rely on shutters and boards, invest in impact-resistant windows. These windows feature a strong polymer layer between two panes of glass, which holds the glass together even if it is hit by flying debris or shattering.
In addition to protecting your home, these windows are energy efficient and reduce noise pollution. They also help to block UV rays that cause your furniture, curtains, and drapes to fade over time. These benefits translate into greater home value and lower home insurance rates.
Bow Windows
Bow windows are a more dramatic choice than bay windows, and they can enhance the appearance of any room. However, they require a more complex installation process since they need to widen existing window openings and ensure that the wall can support them. Because of this, they are usually more expensive than bay windows.
Aside from their aesthetic value, bow windows provide more natural light in your home. This can help prevent furniture and window treatments from fading due to the sun’s harmful UV rays.
You can choose to make all the bow windows fixed or have a few that open and close like casement windows. You can even create a shelf on top to display trinkets or use it as a sitting area.
Garden Windows
Garden windows are ideal for homeowners who want to bring more natural light into their kitchen and enjoy the look of a greenhouse. Typically, this type of window extends outward from the home and features an interior shelf for herbs or plants as well as side vents for air flow.
Depending on the specific window style, these windows can be equipped with a hinged top that opens like a door or they can be fixed so that they can only be accessed from inside the home. These windows are also available in a wide variety of sizes so they can fit into nearly any space.
Because these windows are designed to act as small greenhouses, it is important that the homeowner choose a durable window material. They should also select energy-efficient glass for the window to help reduce cooling costs and minimize condensation.