Replacing Windows and Siding - Options & Considerations

Replacement of windows and siding has a huge impact on the appearance of your house. With so many varieties of each available, you may find it difficult to decide on what is right for you. If you choose something too different from the existing materials, it may even be hard to visualize how your project will turn out. Various options are available for new windows, and your selection will need to fit the specific needs of your home and your design preferences. The most important consideration when replacing your windows is energy efficiency.

Throughout your home, you can make changes to allow for better energy savings, and reduce your utility bills by about a third. One of the best ways to do so is by replacing old windows with new energy efficient options. Low-E4 glass is popular among many manufacturers because it may lower your energy bills by as much as 25 percent. The exact savings depends on the location of the home, but this glass offers many other benefits. For example, it filters the sun’s ultraviolet rays, keeping them from damaging your furniture, carpets and wall coverings. Low-E4 glass provides your home with excellent insulation from heat, cold, and sound. Additional improvements to this type of glass include the application of an exterior coating to reduce water spots. In rainy climates, this can save you a great deal of time on cleaning.

Vinyl windows are a popular choice because they are highly resistant to heat flow and are available in many styles and colors. They are also easy to maintain, and some brands come standard with low-E4 glass. Other options include double-hung replacements, which fit into existing window frames, and fiberglass composite, which contracts and expands very little in extreme heat or cold.

With so many choices for windows and siding, it is important to identify your needs for each before choosing something that will not actually work. For siding choices, you must consider energy efficiency, prices, water resistance, appearance, durability and versatility. Water-resistant siding options, like stone and fiber cement, will last longer than some other types. For energy efficiency, you can check the R-Value rating of the siding, but you must also check to see what type of insulation you will need with it.

Vinyl siding is the most popular choice in America because it is cheap, low maintenance, and very versatile. It is available in over 300 different colors and many different patterns, including horizontal, vertical, and beaded designs. Routine maintenance for vinyl siding is limited to occasional washes, and many manufacturers offer lifetime warranties. Brick veneers and stone veneers are other inexpensive options, which create the look of brick or stone and are very durable. They are realistic, but easy to install and lightweight.

Replacing your windows and siding makes a remarkable difference in your home’s appearance. There are so many options to choose from for both that it may take you a while to settle on your choices. For siding, it is especially important to weigh the pros and cons of each type. The climate of your area plays a major role in what type of siding is best, but you must also consider costs, aesthetics, and durability. Decisions about windows are equally important, but most new types offer the benefit of improved energy efficiency.