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Everyone makes mistakes, but it’s definitely better to learn from others’ mistakes than from your own. This is especially true when it comes to window replacement, since mistakes made in this endeavor can be costly — and result in home damage. If you’re thinking of replacing the windows in your Michigan home this year, here are five window replacement mistakes to avoid.
1. Installing Your Own Windows
At first, installing your own windows might seem like a good idea. You may figure that you’ll save money this way, or that you’ll have more control over the schedule. But window installation is more complicated than most homeowners realize; it involves more than just inserting the window into the hole. Even a small mistake can lead to a leaky window, or make the window tough to open and close. Hiring professionals to install the windows is worth the extra cost, as it ensures you’ll get the most out of your windows.
2. Buying Bargain Vinyl Windows
Some Michigan home owners look at all of their window choices, and then pick the cheapest ones. Usually, the cheapest windows are made with vinyl. While vinyl might look nice when it is new, it is cheap for a reason. As vinyl ages, it becomes brittle and starts to crack. This opens up little gaps around the window glass. Air and water can pass through those gaps, leading to increased energy bills, water damage, and mold. It’s worth paying more for good-quality windows made with a composite material, like Fibrex®. They’ll last a lot longer and cause fewer maintenance issues, so you’ll get your money’s worth.
3. Failing to Consider Your Window Style
If you have double-hung windows, your instinct may be to replace them with new, double-hung windows. The same goes for casement windows or any other style. However, you don’t have to stick with the same style of windows that you currently have. This is your opportunity to make an upgrade. If you need windows that offer more ventilation, switch to casements. If you want ones that accommodate an air conditioner, switch to double-hung.
4. Choosing Single-Pane Glass Windows
If you buy cheap windows from a home improvement store, there’s a chance they may have just one pane of glass in the sash. While this may have been the standard 50 or 60 years ago, it is no longer a smart choice. Single-pane windows lose a lot of heat in the winter and will result in high energy bills. Today, you absolutely want to choose dual-pane windows, which feature two panes of glass and an air gap between them. You’ll save a bundle on energy, making them well worth the higher price tag.
5. Not Checking the Warranty
If you buy windows without a good warranty, Murphy’s Law predicts you’ll have a problem with them a year or two down the road! Always make sure your windows are protected by a rock-solid warranty. Renewal by Andersen warranty offers one of the best in the industry, including 20 years on glass and Fibrex, 10 years on installation, and 10 years on components other than glass. This gives you peace of mind and protection from high repair costs.
If you avoid these window replacement mistakes, you should be in good shape. Contact Renewal by Andersen to schedule a free consultation in your Michigan home, and learn more about our replacement windows.