According to information from the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, an estimated 10% to 25% of an average household’s energy bills are lost to window leaks.

Despite this fact, there are still many homeowners who believe that windows and energy efficiency have nothing to do with each other. That’s just one of the many strange misconceptions people have about window replacements.

In this article, we’ll debunk some popular window-related myths to help you become better informed before you start looking for window replacement in Maryland.

1. Energy-efficient Windows Don’t Exist

For some people, energy-efficient windows are nothing more than a way to fool consumers into buying an expensive window. That is a common misconception that is simply not true.

While the price of energy-efficient windows can be a little higher than regular windows, it enables homeowners to save a significant amount of money on their energy bills. For example, installing a single-pane Energy Star window can save you $366 annually on heating and cooling bills.

This myth may have come from homeowners who have not been able to fully utilize their energy-efficient windows. You can replace all your old windows with energy-efficient ones, but you still won’t be able to save money if your doors are old and poorly insulated.

2. You Should Never Replace Windows During Winter

While it may sound strange to some, window replacement services can be done with little to no issues during winter.

Clever homeowners even take advantage of this. Since the winter months are often considered slow seasons, booking or completing projects is easier this time of the year. Some companies even offer discounts to attract potential customers during this time.

Window contractors are capable of offering their services regardless of the season. However, it is important to note that some windows tend to expand and contract depending on the temperature. That means it’s still better to have your windows serviced during milder weather.

3. All Windows Are Created Equal

Windows are not created equal. While some windows may look identical, a closer look can reveal certain differences in how they function and what material they are made of. That’s why when choosing replacement windows, it’s important to take your time in determining which type suits your needs.

For example, one specific room in your house may feel unbearably hot during the summer and freezing in the winter. The cause of the room’s susceptibility to temperature may be the windows.

The windows for that specific room may not be enough to fully insulate that area of the house. Replacing it with highly insulated windows should be able to help keep it cool on hot days and warm during the cold.

Now that you are familiar with the truth behind these common misconceptions, you should be able to have your windows replaced armed with the right knowledge. Don’t forget to take your time in choosing the right window and never hesitate to ask your trusted window contractor for expert advice.

G.H. Clark Contractors, Inc. offers reliable window installation and replacement services. If you are interested in having your windows replaced, contact us today to ask about the products we have on offer.

According to the real estate website ISoldMyHouse.com, by spending around $10,000 on vinyl window replacements, you can expect an 85% return on your investment. This makes window replacement one of the best home improvements you can make.

Even if you’re not planning on selling your house, having a great set of windows can lighten up your home, help you save on utility bills, and drastically increase curb appeal. If you’re still unsure if it’s time to get new windows, then this article will list down some signs you need window replacement services in Maryland.

Drafty Window

Have you noticed feeling a slight breeze or whistling sound coming from the window? If your answer is yes, then your window may have air leaks. A great way to test it out is by holding a piece of tissue by the window on windy days to see if it quivers. If it does, you may need to have your windows replaced.

Drafty windows can be tricky during the winter months because cold air is blown into your home. This will force your heater to work overtime to cope with the temperature and eventually increase to a significant increase in utility bills.

Rising Energy Costs

One of the first signs of a house with faulty windows is a spike in energy costs. Because of a faulty or drafty window, your heating system will be working overtime during the winter. Your air conditioning will also do the same during the warmer months. Eventually, you’ll start noticing your energy bills shooting up.

Windows are your home’s most important insulation system. Installing the right windows can significantly lower your energy bills. Simply replacing your current windows with energy-efficient single-pane windows can already help save you $101 to $583 per year.

There’s Outdoor Noise

A well-insulated and sealed window can block most of the outside noise from entering your home. If you start hearing outside traffic, your neighbor’s conversations, and barking dogs in what was once a quiet room, then it’s a sign that your windows may be compromised.

Outdoor noise could also signify significant air leaks in your windows that sound quickly travels through. If you prefer some peace and quiet in your room, consider replacing the window with sound-resistant ones. Sound-resistant windows are not soundproof, but they can block most traces of sounds from the outside.

Signs of Condensation and Moisture Build-Up   

When warm, moist air from your home meets with the cold glass of your window, condensation happens, and it will start fogging up. In most cases, this isn’t a significant problem. Condensation on the window’s exterior is a sign of an efficient window.

If there’s regular condensation on your window even during normal weather, then that’s a sign of a compromised window. If the glass on the wind is cold to the tough, that means it’s no longer doing a great job of insulating your home.

You may also notice moisture build-up in between the panes of a double-glazed window. This means the air-tight seal intended to reduce heat transfer is already broken. At this point, you’ll need to have your windows replaced to keep your home insulated and your utility bills low.

Windows contribute a lot to your day-to-day life. Just like everything else, you’ll eventually have to replace them with something better. If you start noticing any of these signs, it’s best to have a professional check your windows to see how you can get them replaced.

G.H. Clark Contractors, Inc. is your best choice when it comes to all your exterior, including windows replacement services. If you plan on having your windows replaced, contact us today for a free estimate or if you have any questions about our services.

Bay Windows
Picture Windows
Awning Windows
Double-Hung and Single-Hung Windows
Casement Windows
Sliding Windows

 

Old, outdated windows may be letting in too much of the summer sunlight. The excess sunlight or the summer heat could cause your air conditioning to work even harder and your energy bills to skyrocket.

Heat entering or escaping through old, leaky windows is responsible for 20% to 30% of your home’s heating or cooling bill. So, if you’re planning to modernize your home this summer, having your windows replaced is a good start.

In this article, we’ll help you explore possible replacement windows for your home and make the best choice. We’ll talk about the types of windows, their pros and cons, and their functions.

 

Bay Windows

Bay windows were designed to be purely ornamental, blend with any home architecture, and add elegance to the structure. However, architects found new ways to make them functional.

Some add bay window seating in the interior recess to create a cozy spot for relaxation. The space can also be used as a small indoor garden, a breakfast nook, or a mini library since bay windows allow more sunlight to enter.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Bay windows can extend the room by up to three feet. The additional space, which you can turn into anything, can add value to your home. The elegant design plus the increase in floor area may fetch a higher price when you decide to sell your home.

Allowing more natural light to enter your home during summer is both a benefit and a disadvantage. Sunlight lifts the spirit and increases happy hormones, but it can also make the home warm. You can prevent this by choosing windows with high energy ratings against solar heat gains—or dressing up your windows with curtains or shades.

Types of Bay Windows

Bay windows have a variety of design options to fit your preferences, but all designs fall into four popular types:

• Canted Bay Windows: These have the classic shape and look you expect to see in a bay window. They have a flat front and angled sides. Canted bay windows are usually found on the first level of houses.
• Box Bay Windows: These are structurally similar to canted bay windows, but the flanking windows on both sides meet the front window at a 90-degree angle. This angle makes the window look like a box.
• Oriel Windows: These are the oldest form of bay windows. They are built into the side of the house without touching the ground. For structural support, there’s usually a decorative bracket, stone, or masonry underneath the windows. Oriel windows can be built at any level of the house.
• Circle Bay Windows: These are the less common types of windows. They are defined by large panes of glass on the three sides of the bay and additional panes above the windows. Circle bay windows typically feature intricate moldings and ornamental details not often found in other types of bay windows.

How Much Do Bay Windows Cost?

The average cost for a vinyl, medium-sized bay window replacement is $1,150 to $3,550. Installation and labor costs may range from $300 to $500, depending on your area.

 

Picture Windows

Picture windows are big windows with fixed panes. They are stationary and cannot be opened. The main purpose of these fixtures is to showcase outdoor views without obstruction.

Due to the lack of mullions, picture windows frame the outside scenery of summer as if they are photographs or paintings on your wall.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Aside from its panoramic view of your surroundings, a picture window can be a great source of natural light. It can brighten up your mood and reduce reliance on artificial light. Picture windows can also be good insulators due to their sealed edges. It’s an affordable window option for many homeowners.

Picture windows’ disadvantage is mostly due to their unopenable design. You can’t easily open them to let the cool breeze in and encourage air circulation, potentially resulting in poor ventilation. If you plan to use picture windows on one side of a room, it would be best to have other window types you can open on the other side.

Picture windows frame the outside scenery of summer as if they are photographs or paintings on your wall.

Types of Picture Windows

Picture windows come in various shapes and sizes like round, octagon, and even triangle. And they have different types as well:

• Glass Blocks: These are used in bathrooms or added as an exterior feature. You may opt for clear or translucent glass to adjust the level of privacy you require.
• Bow Window: This type of window offers a curved design and a feeling of magnified space. They are often installed in a group of four panes along with operational windows for function and aesthetics.

How Much Do Picture Windows Cost?

While picture windows tend to be cheaper than most kinds of windows, the cost depends on the type of glass you select and how energy efficient it is. The cost of picture windows may range from $65 to $700, depending on the size.

 

Awning Windows

Awning windows pivot outwards on hinges mounted at the top of their frame. You can open and close the window with a crank located at the bottom. They are conventional, stylish, and secure.

They can be a great choice for bathrooms and kitchens.

Awning windows come in different sizes. With their size flexibility, they can be used in any room that requires horizontal or vertical orientation.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Awning windows are a good choice for someone looking to weatherproof a room. The upward hinge means that it opens on a slope. This helps keep the occasional summer rain or the winter snow out of the house even when the window is open.

You can open an awning window for ventilation without worrying about any rainwater getting inside the room. When you close it, the window becomes airtight, which helps maintain the cool air inside during warm weather.

Awning windows should not be used in high-traffic areas like patios, decks, porches, and sidewalks, though. It’s easy for someone to run into it, causing damage or injury. Their “slope” design also tends to catch dirt quickly, requiring you to clean them more often.

How Much Do Awning Windows Cost?

Awning window types are relatively less expensive than other windows since they are smaller in size. On average, awning windows go for $325 to $895 per window. You can expect to pay $38 per hour for labor and installation.

 

Double-Hung and Single-Hung Windows

What are single-hung windows?

These are the standard windows you see in most residential constructions. The bottom panel or sash can be moved vertically while the upper sash remains fixed. When the window is raised (open window), the upper sash gets partially obstructed.

Pros and Cons of Single-Hung Windows

• They cost less: Single-hung windows remain popular because they are relatively inexpensive and are 20% cheaper than double-hung windows.
• Few air leaks: This type of window fits more perfectly in their frames, allowing for fewer air leaks and maintaining the cool indoor temperature.
• Repairs can be difficult: If the upper sash breaks, it cannot be removed. You’ll need a window glazier’s services to fix the glass in the upper sash.
• Limited ventilation: With only one moving sash, single-hung windows can’t offer much in terms of ventilation.

What are double-hung windows?

Double-hung windows work similarly to single-hung types. So what is the difference between double-hung and single-hung windows? The first type allows you to open each sash, improving airflow and ventilation within the room.

The Pros and Cons of Double-Hung Windows

• Versatile: Both window sashes can be moved up and down their tracks. This type of window provides homeowners more options to ventilate the house.
• Easy to maintain: It’s possible to open and tilt each window’s sash inward, making it easier to clean. You can also remove the sashes. If one breaks, you can purchase a new sash and replace the old one.
• Not energy efficient: Double-hung windows tend to lose energy efficiency over time, especially if both sashes and surrounding parts are not properly insulated.
• Costs more: Double-hung windows have more functionality than most window types, so they usually cost more than your average window.

What is the Cost of Double-Hung And Single-Hung Windows?

The average cost of a single-hung window installation is $170 to $360 per window. Installation costs vary depending on the window’s brand, frame types, and local labor costs.

 

Casement Windows

Casement windows are hinged windows with a sash that opens or swings outwards either to the left or right. The sash locks against the frame when the window is closed, which creates an airtight fixture ideal for air-conditioned rooms.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Casement windows are known for their versatility and practicality. They can be made to fit any height and width. They also come in a variety of materials and finishes like PVC, timber, and aluminum.

Casement windows also offer an unobstructed view when it’s open or closed. The window can be angled slightly to catch breezes, which helps indoor air circulation.

Casement windows fit any window frame height or width. They come in various materials, too.

Types of Casement Windows

Casement windows come in three primary types, which contain the same components.

• Single frame casement: The most commonly installed type, this casement window has a single frame. Inside the frame are panels of glass separated by wooden strips. Single frame casements are durable and last longer.
• Double casement: Also called a French casement, double casement windows are hinged on the side and can swing out and meet in the middle. Double casements are easy to clean and maintain. When fully opened, it allows more light, ventilation, and an unobstructed view.
• Push-out casement: This type comes in both single and double styles but uses a handle rather than a crank. Push-out casements are durable in any weather. They provide full air circulation when fully open and can be cleaned easily by tilting the window inwards.

What is the Cost of Installing Casement Windows?

The cost of installing casement windows depends on your area’s average pricing. You can expect to pay anywhere between $325 and $480, on average, per casement window. Adding labor and installation can increase spending to at least $560 for a new casement window.

 

Sliding Windows

Sliding window types are described as double-hung windows placed on their side. They have sashes that slide from side to side to provide a wide view of your surroundings. They are considered one of the best all-purpose windows.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Sliding windows are durable and efficient because they don’t use any cranks or mechanisms. Pulleys or springs eventually fail over time, but sliding windows do not rely on these components. They are easy to use and are cheaper than most other window types due to the simplicity of their design.

The main disadvantage of sliding windows is maintenance. Tracks can fill with dirt and debris, which eventually affects the way it slides. The tracks and surfaces need frequent cleaning to lessen the accumulation of dirt. But maintaining it from the outside can be challenging.

How Much Do Sliding Windows Cost?

The installation cost of sliding windows depends on the size, brand, and material you choose. The average cost is $378, while the higher-end version can reach $1,285.

 

Conclusion

Windows allow you to breathe fresh summer air and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings without stepping out of the house. Each type of window offers general and unique benefits worth considering.

With such a rich selection, choosing replacement windows to spruce up your home is tricky. But at the end of the day, what matters is having new windows that will improve your home’s comfort, convenience, appearance, and energy efficiency. This article provides enough information to get you started.

If you want to learn more about specific windows and whether they would be a good fit for your home refurbishing summer project, get in touch with G.H. Clark Contractors, Inc. We specialize in roofing, siding, and window replacement in Maryland. We are licensed, bonded, and insured.

Visit our service page for more information about our window replacement services, or contact us today to get a no-pressure estimate on your choice of windows.

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Are you looking for a way to add a different look to the exterior and interior of your house? If so, installing new windows can provide a new aesthetic for both sides of the wall.

Perhaps you just purchased the property and are looking for several different methods of switching things up.

Maybe you noticed that your windows are aging quickly, and want to ensure to install new ones in order to keep up security.

No matter what the reason, you have several different windows to choose from. Here’s how to find good windows that are a perfect fit for your home.

1. Consider Your Ventilation Needs

Many of you will come across a dilemma in choosing between a window style that can be opened and a fixed window that remains shut.

Both come in several different styles, so there’s bound to be a look that you fall in love with from each.

Also, both have a place in your home. However, because a window’s main purpose is to promote airflow inside and outside of your house, you need to make sure you have operable windows installed.

You can avoid ventilation problems by finding a perfect balance between the number of operable windows and the number of fixed windows you install.

2. Invest in High Quality

Many homeowners make the mistake of settling for windows that are less valuable purely for the sake of saving money.

Remember, this is a long term investment that you’re making for your property and your family. You don’t want to go cheap on projects that you’ll be stuck with for the next decade (or longer).

Buying a new set of high-quality windows can be an energy-saving investment for your entire home.

It will help you cut into that horrifically-high energy bill that you’ve wrestled with the last year or so.

Eventually, you will make back the money that you invested in your new windows with the dollars you saved in your energy bill.

3. Find the Right Style for Your Home

Homes come in many different shapes, styles, colors, and sizes. Because of that, not all window styles are going to fit the style of home that you have.

It’s very important that you take a look at your property’s architectural style and consider the windows that would match it.

For example, if your home would be considered a colonial-style home, then you want windows that will fit nicely with the house’s symmetry. For that reason, you should look into square windows that will gel with the structure.

Also, be sure to consider things such as the length of your home. If a portion of your home is more unconventional in length, then you’ll want to invest in taller windows.

Placing regular-sized windows and doors on a tall home will leave the exterior with a lot of awkward spacing between the windows and the roof.

4. Consider the Different Designs

Perhaps you’re looking to break away from the types of house features that all of your neighbors have.

That rebellion should start with the window designs that you replace in your home. In fact, there are many different designs to choose from such as casement windows, double-hung windows, picture windows, and sliding windows to name a few.

The best part? No one is forcing you to only install one type of design in your house. It can be a healthy balance that you find between the different styles, and they all serve a different purpose.

For example, casement windows can be a tremendous option for homes in both Calvert County and Anne Arundel County because of the high winds.

They allow you to open the windows outward in order to let more air in while protecting against possible high winds.

Many of you reading this are familiar with double-hung windows, one of the most common types of windows in the country.

Double-hung windows are operable through the bottom half of the window, which slides up to allow airflow inside the home.

It’s important that you consider all of your options and make the right decision for your home’s needs. To start, consider the places in your home, such as your bathrooms and kitchen, where you need to air out humidity that can pile up.

5. Use Color to Liven Your Home

One of the best features of the new windows that you’re installing is the different color options that are available.

In fact, one of the hottest trends in home exteriors right now is to let the window colors set the tone for your entire home. Many homeowners prefer to leave the siding a neutral color and let the accent colors of the window do the talking.

It creates a modest and clean look that your neighbors and friends will fall in love with.

If you’re not sure what color windows would look good with your siding, then be sure to ask your window installation company of their opinion. They’ll be happy to make a few suggestions that you can use to come up with your individualistic home design.

Finding Good Windows Has Never Been so Easy!

Now that you’ve seen several considerations to make in your hunt for good windows, it’s time to start brainstorming!

Be sure to read this article for tips on how to find the best window companies in Annapolis.

For more inquiries, please be sure to reach out via our contact us page and we’ll be happy to help you further!

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