It’s common to find many homeowners making the decision to replace their existing windows with new ones. There are a number of reasons why they do so, whether to enhance their home’s energy efficiency because they want a modern look or simply because it gives them more flexibility and convenience when it comes to being able to open and close their home’s doors and windows. If you’re considering the installation of new windows in your house, it is important to work with a company that you can trust and have a good relationship with. For example, if you’ve bought a home with older windows, it may be necessary to get the windows replaced before the old ones can be removed. Fortunately, this isn’t usually a difficult task. Here’s what you should do:
Hire a professional. There are some companies in your area that will not only replace your old windows but also install them for you. These installers have been trained to know exactly how to go about the process, which ensures that your home is sealed and installed correctly. Additionally, these installers will have the tools needed to properly install all of your exterior doors and windows. Because there are so many companies that offer this service today, it may be necessary to ask your friends and family members for referrals to companies that they use.
Go through a checklist. If you have friends or family members who have recently had the same project completed, it is likely that they can give you some great feedback on different installers that they have used. You’ll probably want to visit several companies before committing to one, so it is important to make a list of the features that you are looking for in a company. Check out the experience level of the staff, the tools that they use, and the level of quality that you are looking for in your window installation.
Look at the work. The professionals that install new windows will ensure that they are doing a good job, so don’t think for a second that just any person can do this task. It will require a solid foundation, and the window installer will need to have experience installing sashes, frames, and other components. You should also inquire about the type of sash weights that are being used. There are a few different types available, and each will require a specific amount of pulling strength. If you are not sure what weight is appropriate, it might be a good idea to look at some previous jobs to get a feel for how heavy the weights should be.
Make sure that the window installation team has the right equipment. If you are having wood windows installed, you should always ask to see the type of chainsaw used to take down the old frame. If the installation team is using traditional nails and screws, they should have sufficient experience removing these materials to ensure that the new frame will hold up properly. This is just as important for installing metal windows because if the chainsaw used is not strong enough to take the metal frame apart, the installation could become a disaster.
The last thing you should consider before making a decision regarding which window installation method you should use is whether or not the new frame will fit into the hole already there. Sometimes sash weights cannot be inserted into very small openings, and there may be an excessive amount of space between the top frame and the bottom sash. In this case, the installation could become quite messy, since the weights must be pulled through the frame with wrenches and pliers, rather than merely being pushed in. Even a full-frame window replacement might sometimes require ripping out and replacing the sash weights. A professional window installer will know how to deal with these situations.