Exterior Reno or Custom Build: Considerations for New Windows

Well, it was a long winter in Niagara and it is finally a time to crack open our windows and let the fresh air in. So, while you are going around your home and opening up your windows, it is an opportunity to take a little more time and exam the units themselves. Just as you should in your quarterly maintenance home checks, it is good to ensure that the seals, frames and glass, etc. are properly intact and functioning.  If there is an issue that has arisen since your winter inspection, now might be a great time to look at window repair or replacement. Don’t let it go too long. Leaky and inefficient windows, skylights, and doors can lead to damage to your home, but they also can cause household energy bills to increase. 

When it comes to window replacements during an exterior renovation, or a new installation for a Niagara custom home build, there are so many options for homeowners to consider. The most important choice will always be energy efficiency, but in addition it is key for new windows to match the style of the home. A homeowner will also want to consider security, the ease of maintenance (cleaning, repairing, painting), and ease of operation…not to mention the view from your room.  What is the view not only from the inside, but from the outside. With busy lifestyles, the less maintenance needed is often the better choice for some homeowners.

There are a variety of window types:

• Single or double hung windows - classic window styles with easy lifting, tilting and cleaning that don’t protrude into outdoor living spaces.
• Casement styles  - hinged on the side, with crank handles for operation to open outward.
• Awning windows - hinged on the top, and may be able to remain open slightly during a mild rain.
• Gliding windows and sliding doors - great for patio/deck areas and basements.
• Fixed windows and picture windows - when light is needed or the view is a must but access is not a requirement.
• Skylights - offer additional natural light from the ceiling where windows won’t achieve the desired result.
• Accent windows - rectangular, octagonal, round, etc. and are usually fixed with visual obscurity glass designs.
• Projection/Bow/Bay Windows - Windows that extend out of the house at a variety of angles.
• Glass Block - for areas that need light but an obstructed view, such as in a bathroom.
• Storm window - added to the outside of an existing window to add an additional barrier.

When choosing windows, it doesn’t just stop at the type of window, but it includes choices for so many other things:

• Frame materials - wood, cladding, vinyl, or aluminum.
• Frame colours - inside and outside.  Black frames are becoming increasingly popular.
• Energy efficiency - double panes, triple panes, Low emissivity (Low E) coatings, U-value or U – factor, etc.
• Tempered glass
• Double strength glass
• Grids or Grills/Muntins
• Enclosed blinds

Windows are a vital part of your home’s building envelope; therefore, it is important to make the right choices for your window selection.

If you are looking to update your windows with a custom home renovation, or build a new custom home in Niagara, call us at Vanderzalm Construction Inc. (905)562-4463 or (905)684-5823. We look forward to hearing from you.