If you're reading this article it's probably because you're either in the market for new windows or debating on whether or not you need to replace your old windows. When it comes to windows for a house vinyl windows are the standard for any new or old project. There are many reasons for the popularity of these windows over wood or aluminum. They offer superior energy efficiency for a reasonable price and they can make a home look newer.
One of the most popular things about vinyl windows is the fact they can keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. It is for this reason that many people prefer these windows in their new or existing homes. In addition, these energy efficient windows can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. The reason for this is because they are able to seal shut allowing less air to pass through than most conventional windows. Therefore, allowing you to use your air conditioner and furnace less all year round.
Another reason vinyl windows have become the standard in windows for new homes and remodeled ones is because of their ability to make a home look modern. These windows come in many different styles shapes and offer an added sleek look to new and old homes. If you're remodeling an older house with aluminum or wood windows installing vinyl replacement windows can make the house feel and look a lot newer. Also, the prices of these windows are very competitive to other windows in the market with fewer benefits.
Furthermore, adding vinyl windows to a home that is being remodeled can add a great value to the overall property value. On average if you buy vinyl replacement windows for your house it's not unheard of to see triple your investment on the price of the windows. That alone should be reason enough for anyone to switch to a vinyl window. However, it doesn't have to be because of all of the other great benefits. Did I mention that you can now earn tax incentives for putting these windows in your home? Yep, you actually can save money on your taxes for installing these windows in your home. In addition, I would say close to all new homes being built will come with vinyl windows already.
In conclusion, if you're in the market for a new home or just remodeling one, the choice should be clear that vinyl windows are the way to go. You are going to have a more energy efficient, newer looking, warmer and cooler home. Oh, and the fact that you are going to save money on your utilities and taxes is even more of a reason. Now that you know a little more about these windows and what they can offer you I hope you will be able to make the right choice. It's clear that vinyl windows beat the competition in all categories.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Vinyl Replacement Windows - A Basic Guide For Installation
New vinyl replacement windows can offer many energy efficient features with virtually no maintenance. A popular upgrade, homeowners can cut heating bills and enjoy smooth easy opening windows while increasing the value of their home. Once measured correctly, replacement windows can then be installed relatively quickly and easily.
Many features are available in new windows and can be purchased custom to fit your openings. Installing them requires very few tools, many of which you may already have. The list should include;
o Utility knife
o Flat bar
o Broad chisel
o Hammer
o Screw gun
o Caulk gun
o Putty knife
o Level
o Step ladder or extension ladder
o Safety glasses
A short list of materials should include;
o Shims
o Interior and exterior caulk
o Drop cloth
o Batt insulation or window and door expansion foam
Prepare a work area to remove the old windows by removing furniture and any window treatments around the old window. Be sure to lay a drop cloth or plastic down to work on, the old window sashes can be very dirty. Begin by removing the old trim around the perimeter of the window. This can be accomplished with a broad chisel or flat bar and hammer. Sometimes the trim has been caulked or painted in and it may be necessary to score the edge with a utility knife before removing. Carefully work the molding out and save the pieces for reinstallation. A common method is "walking" the trim out. Start at an edge and slowly pry a little at a time down the length of the board. With the trim removed the lower window sash can now be removed. Older windows were often fitted with a pulley and rope system. Cut the rope close to the window with your utility knife, letting the weight drop in the void. There should be enough rope to grab when you remove the pulley system later.
To remove the top sash, the parting bead, sometimes called a check stop must be removed. This stop runs between the two sashes. It can be pried out with a dull chisel or flat bar without concern, as it will be discarded. Often the bead will not come entirely out leaving some in the groove it rests in, that's fine as long as the remaining wood is flush with the jamb. Sometimes a small piece of wood is nailed under the window to keep it up in place (making it a single hung window) or there may be more counter weights (double hung). Remove either of these by prying the wood stop out with a flat bar or cut the counter weight rope as before. Care should be taken during this step as there is nothing holding the upper sash in place when stops are removed or the rope cut.
With both sashes removed, check the opening for any obstructions. The wheels that the counter weight rope rested on should be removed and discarded, along with any nails or debris. If possible, pull the weights out and stuff the void with batt insulation. Inspect the outside molding called blind stops. It should be in good shape and continue all the way around the window frame to the sill. This is what your new window will rest on to keep it from falling out. Vacuum the area and remove all the old window sashes, counter weights, parting bead and pulley system from the area, saving the inside window trim.
Unwrap the new window and put any hardware that came with the window and the expansion strip to the side. It should be noted that some units come with a header expander. This article does not include installing the header expander and if included should not be necessary if window is correctly measured and the exterior stops are continuous.
Locate the predrilled screw holes in the side jambs. Normally there are two or three per side, large windows may have holes in the top also. Cut the batt insulation to fit in the window well, approximately 1" thick and place it in the well. Making sure the window sashes are locked, lift the window and place bottom edge in the well. Then push the top of the window into place against the blind stops for a dry run. If the window is extremely tight, it may be best to not push it all the way in; it can be very difficult to take back out. This is where careful measuring pays off. Remove the window and set to the side. Generously caulk all the way around the inside surface of the blind stops. Install the window the same way as done in the dry run. Make sure the unit is centered in the opening and pressed against the blind stops. Now check for level by resting the level on the jamb not the window sash. Window sashes float in guides in the jamb and can give incorrect readings. Shims can be used for adjustments between the unit and the window opening. Use the screws that came with the unit and drive the top ones in first again check for level. Do not overdrive the screws. The lower screws can now be driven and checked for level one last time.
After screws are set, unlock the window and check the operation of the sashes. They should move easily up and down and then lock without much effort. If not, fine tune the screws and shims to adjust for correct operation. If you have tall windows, there may be adjusting posts on the sides to keep the jamb from bowing. Even if the jambs aren't bowing now, adjust these out so they can keep the jambs from moving in the future.
Window and door formulas of expansion foam are great way to fill any gaps and ensure an airtight seal. Care must be taken to lock the window when using expansion foam products and keep them locked and shut during the curing process. After 12 hours, the window can be opened and operated. Do not install trim before curing is complete as any excess foam needs to an escape route to expand. If the installer chooses batt insulation, it can be stuffed in any gaps with a putty knife. It is important not to stuff too much in, as it will bow the jambs and decrease R value.
The trim saved from the tear out phase can now be reinstalled. If new trim is chosen, it will need to be mitered and cut to size. Nail the trim tight to the new window. Caulk between the new window and trim, then between the trim and casings to provide an air tight seal. After the caulk dries, paint can be applied to complete the interior work.
The expansion strip, sometimes called a filler strip should now be cut to size and installed on the outside. This flexible vinyl strip is normally included to compensate for the pitch of the existing window sill and the lower exterior edge of the vinyl window. This strip may need to be cut with a utility knife to match the opening both in length and height. The correct sized filler can now be snapped in a groove at the bottom of the window unit. The installed strip should be tight as possible to the exterior sill and sides of the window opening.
Finally, it's important that no precipitation can penetrate the window opening and must be sealed. Weatherproof caulk must be applied continuously around the perimeter between the vinyl window and the house. Take care there are no gaps for water to infiltrate. With the exterior sealed against the elements and the inside window treatments reattached, you're done. That's it! Enjoy your smooth operating, maintenance free and energy efficient vinyl windows.
Many features are available in new windows and can be purchased custom to fit your openings. Installing them requires very few tools, many of which you may already have. The list should include;
o Utility knife
o Flat bar
o Broad chisel
o Hammer
o Screw gun
o Caulk gun
o Putty knife
o Level
o Step ladder or extension ladder
o Safety glasses
A short list of materials should include;
o Shims
o Interior and exterior caulk
o Drop cloth
o Batt insulation or window and door expansion foam
Prepare a work area to remove the old windows by removing furniture and any window treatments around the old window. Be sure to lay a drop cloth or plastic down to work on, the old window sashes can be very dirty. Begin by removing the old trim around the perimeter of the window. This can be accomplished with a broad chisel or flat bar and hammer. Sometimes the trim has been caulked or painted in and it may be necessary to score the edge with a utility knife before removing. Carefully work the molding out and save the pieces for reinstallation. A common method is "walking" the trim out. Start at an edge and slowly pry a little at a time down the length of the board. With the trim removed the lower window sash can now be removed. Older windows were often fitted with a pulley and rope system. Cut the rope close to the window with your utility knife, letting the weight drop in the void. There should be enough rope to grab when you remove the pulley system later.
To remove the top sash, the parting bead, sometimes called a check stop must be removed. This stop runs between the two sashes. It can be pried out with a dull chisel or flat bar without concern, as it will be discarded. Often the bead will not come entirely out leaving some in the groove it rests in, that's fine as long as the remaining wood is flush with the jamb. Sometimes a small piece of wood is nailed under the window to keep it up in place (making it a single hung window) or there may be more counter weights (double hung). Remove either of these by prying the wood stop out with a flat bar or cut the counter weight rope as before. Care should be taken during this step as there is nothing holding the upper sash in place when stops are removed or the rope cut.
With both sashes removed, check the opening for any obstructions. The wheels that the counter weight rope rested on should be removed and discarded, along with any nails or debris. If possible, pull the weights out and stuff the void with batt insulation. Inspect the outside molding called blind stops. It should be in good shape and continue all the way around the window frame to the sill. This is what your new window will rest on to keep it from falling out. Vacuum the area and remove all the old window sashes, counter weights, parting bead and pulley system from the area, saving the inside window trim.
Unwrap the new window and put any hardware that came with the window and the expansion strip to the side. It should be noted that some units come with a header expander. This article does not include installing the header expander and if included should not be necessary if window is correctly measured and the exterior stops are continuous.
Locate the predrilled screw holes in the side jambs. Normally there are two or three per side, large windows may have holes in the top also. Cut the batt insulation to fit in the window well, approximately 1" thick and place it in the well. Making sure the window sashes are locked, lift the window and place bottom edge in the well. Then push the top of the window into place against the blind stops for a dry run. If the window is extremely tight, it may be best to not push it all the way in; it can be very difficult to take back out. This is where careful measuring pays off. Remove the window and set to the side. Generously caulk all the way around the inside surface of the blind stops. Install the window the same way as done in the dry run. Make sure the unit is centered in the opening and pressed against the blind stops. Now check for level by resting the level on the jamb not the window sash. Window sashes float in guides in the jamb and can give incorrect readings. Shims can be used for adjustments between the unit and the window opening. Use the screws that came with the unit and drive the top ones in first again check for level. Do not overdrive the screws. The lower screws can now be driven and checked for level one last time.
After screws are set, unlock the window and check the operation of the sashes. They should move easily up and down and then lock without much effort. If not, fine tune the screws and shims to adjust for correct operation. If you have tall windows, there may be adjusting posts on the sides to keep the jamb from bowing. Even if the jambs aren't bowing now, adjust these out so they can keep the jambs from moving in the future.
Window and door formulas of expansion foam are great way to fill any gaps and ensure an airtight seal. Care must be taken to lock the window when using expansion foam products and keep them locked and shut during the curing process. After 12 hours, the window can be opened and operated. Do not install trim before curing is complete as any excess foam needs to an escape route to expand. If the installer chooses batt insulation, it can be stuffed in any gaps with a putty knife. It is important not to stuff too much in, as it will bow the jambs and decrease R value.
The trim saved from the tear out phase can now be reinstalled. If new trim is chosen, it will need to be mitered and cut to size. Nail the trim tight to the new window. Caulk between the new window and trim, then between the trim and casings to provide an air tight seal. After the caulk dries, paint can be applied to complete the interior work.
The expansion strip, sometimes called a filler strip should now be cut to size and installed on the outside. This flexible vinyl strip is normally included to compensate for the pitch of the existing window sill and the lower exterior edge of the vinyl window. This strip may need to be cut with a utility knife to match the opening both in length and height. The correct sized filler can now be snapped in a groove at the bottom of the window unit. The installed strip should be tight as possible to the exterior sill and sides of the window opening.
Finally, it's important that no precipitation can penetrate the window opening and must be sealed. Weatherproof caulk must be applied continuously around the perimeter between the vinyl window and the house. Take care there are no gaps for water to infiltrate. With the exterior sealed against the elements and the inside window treatments reattached, you're done. That's it! Enjoy your smooth operating, maintenance free and energy efficient vinyl windows.
Vinyl Storm Windows - The Right Choice For a Safe and Convenient Home
Windows contribute a lot to the safety and enhancement of a house. Setting your home with vinyl storm windows is the right equipment that you can install to protect from fierce storms and severe weather. Vinyl storm windows are not only preferred for safety and convenience but it also stands for style and quality. When compared with wooden or other windows, they are more durable and attractive with an exclusive appearance.
Especially vinyl storm windows are perfect home windows for people living in those parts of the regions where they are hit by hurricanes most frequently. Many a times the houses of these people are struck and damaged by fierce winds and rains. But those people who are wise and ready to face these severe weathers have bought vinyl storm windows and fixed them to their homes. They have mastered the art of protecting their homes from sustaining maximum damages from these natural calamities.
At present, apart from being protective materials, vinyl storm windows have become one of the decorative fixtures to fit any home. There are exterior storm windows which are available in number of designs to fit into your house decoration and theme while they still maintain maximum ability to protect the house from strong wind and harsh weather. There is other type of storm shield, which is called rolling shutter. Earlier this type of windows were usually made from aluminum but today we can find rolling shutter made from high quality heavy vinyl, which requires least maintenance.
These windows popularly known as hurricane window or hurricane shutter have many advantages in installing them.
Vinyl storm windows are able to provide complete security to protect your house from any kind of intruders. Exterior hurricane shutters can be conformed to fit your homes decorations and appearance, while providing ample protection from bolting debris and the high winds that bolt them. A vinyl window is made with double paned glass that has a protection strip between the panes. This strip remains firm and holds the glass from being shattered thus leaving you with a continued protection from fierce wind and rain.
Vinyl storm windows are used to control the light admitted into your home on fine weather. Vinyl windows also provide protection against both heat as well as the cold because of the properties of plastics. Installing windows made of materials like aluminum or wood is not only costly but is time consuming and requires more labor. This makes vinyl storm windows the most preferred and appealing to people. Installing these windows is very easy and they have low maintenance cost. The small investment made initially will ensure that you have wonderful looking windows that are very strong and durable. Painting these windows is very easy as these windows are coated with particular substances that ensures for the paint to stay longer and does not fade away soon.
These windows are truly weather resistant. Installing these windows can help you in saving a large amount of money by reducing the electricity bill. This is made possible because of the genuine material used in making these windows. Vinyl storm windows can retain heat that is generated by a heater in the room and prevents the heat from escaping the room by being a good insulator. On the other hand these windows also keep the heat away during the summers and maintain a pleasant room temperature to live in.
Vinyl storm windows are available in a variety of colors, patterns, textures, shapes and sizes to fit your home and make it a beautiful place to live in. They are highly durable and last longer when compared to their counterparts. They are indeed a wonderful innovation for making your dream home by ensuring complete safety, comfort and durability.
Especially vinyl storm windows are perfect home windows for people living in those parts of the regions where they are hit by hurricanes most frequently. Many a times the houses of these people are struck and damaged by fierce winds and rains. But those people who are wise and ready to face these severe weathers have bought vinyl storm windows and fixed them to their homes. They have mastered the art of protecting their homes from sustaining maximum damages from these natural calamities.
At present, apart from being protective materials, vinyl storm windows have become one of the decorative fixtures to fit any home. There are exterior storm windows which are available in number of designs to fit into your house decoration and theme while they still maintain maximum ability to protect the house from strong wind and harsh weather. There is other type of storm shield, which is called rolling shutter. Earlier this type of windows were usually made from aluminum but today we can find rolling shutter made from high quality heavy vinyl, which requires least maintenance.
These windows popularly known as hurricane window or hurricane shutter have many advantages in installing them.
Vinyl storm windows are able to provide complete security to protect your house from any kind of intruders. Exterior hurricane shutters can be conformed to fit your homes decorations and appearance, while providing ample protection from bolting debris and the high winds that bolt them. A vinyl window is made with double paned glass that has a protection strip between the panes. This strip remains firm and holds the glass from being shattered thus leaving you with a continued protection from fierce wind and rain.
Vinyl storm windows are used to control the light admitted into your home on fine weather. Vinyl windows also provide protection against both heat as well as the cold because of the properties of plastics. Installing windows made of materials like aluminum or wood is not only costly but is time consuming and requires more labor. This makes vinyl storm windows the most preferred and appealing to people. Installing these windows is very easy and they have low maintenance cost. The small investment made initially will ensure that you have wonderful looking windows that are very strong and durable. Painting these windows is very easy as these windows are coated with particular substances that ensures for the paint to stay longer and does not fade away soon.
These windows are truly weather resistant. Installing these windows can help you in saving a large amount of money by reducing the electricity bill. This is made possible because of the genuine material used in making these windows. Vinyl storm windows can retain heat that is generated by a heater in the room and prevents the heat from escaping the room by being a good insulator. On the other hand these windows also keep the heat away during the summers and maintain a pleasant room temperature to live in.
Vinyl storm windows are available in a variety of colors, patterns, textures, shapes and sizes to fit your home and make it a beautiful place to live in. They are highly durable and last longer when compared to their counterparts. They are indeed a wonderful innovation for making your dream home by ensuring complete safety, comfort and durability.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
