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Window Installation Tips
When installing new windows there are a number of factors to keep in mind:
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There are a number of types of windows and frames so it will be crucial to
find a match.
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When you do decide to replace a window(s) take into consideration the
condition of the frame, and the insulation and vapor barriers in the
connected walls. If any of these things need to be repaired or replaced they
could add to the cost of the project.
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Be aware that the job will require caulking and weatherstripping take place
as well.
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Replacing older windows is often a smart idea and will save the homeowner
money down the road. With the current rising heating and energy costs new
windows can pay for themselves as they are more efficient in keeping in the
heated or cooled air. In fact in many cases new windows can be so efficient
that they make the existing heating and cooling systems of the house over
sized. Thus if you are also looking into getting a new HVAC system keep in
mind that if you have just got new windows or plan to get new windows in the
near future this might influence what type of model you need to get.
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Keep in mind that if you own an older home that many older paints were lead
based and if the project calls for scraping paint it could prove to be
hazardous. Be sure to take the proper precautions.
Window installation contractors may also provide the following services:
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House Siding
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Decks
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Drywall Installation
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Carpentry
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Doors Installation
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How to Replace Your Windows Like a Pro
By Brooke Sikula
There are many ways to improve the beauty and energy efficiency of your home, but few provide the benefits that replacement windows have to offer. Replacing old windows with new more energy efficient windows can provide instant cost savings, and replacement windows can pay for themselves in a very short period of time.
Replacing your windows, however, is not a job to be taken lightly, and it is important to give such an important project the respect and attention that it deserves. The key to replacing your windows like a pro is to plan properly and to know what you want before you start shopping.
One of the most important things, perhaps the most important thing, to do before replacing your current windows is to measure the windows carefully. The old saw measure twice cut once certainly applies when it comes to replacing windows.
It would be a mistake to assume that all the windows in your home are the same size, even if they look exactly alike. The fact is that window sizes can vary from room to room, or even within the same room. This is especially true with older houses, who may have had their windows replaced by previous owners.
After you have all the measurements you need, it is time to go shopping for the replacement windows you need to complete your project. The prices on replacement windows can vary quite a bit from manufacturer to manufacturer, so it definitely pays to shop around for the best deal.
Of course, quality should be the primary consideration when shopping for replacement windows. After all, the last thing you want to do is replace substandard windows in a few years. Buying the best replacement windows you can afford the first time around is the smartest strategy.
It is also important to determine whether you can do this type of project on your own, or whether you should hire a window contractor to help you with the work. Most experienced carpenters will have little trouble installing their own replacement windows, but those with lesser skills may wish to enlist professional help to get started. If you have a family member or friend who is a good handyman, it may be worth your while to get them involved as well.
Installing replacement windows is not an easy project, but it is by no means outside the skills of the average homeowner. With some planning and some hard work, most people will be able to replace their windows, saving time, money and energy in the process.
Brooke Sikula is a freelance writer based in Ventura, CA and writes on a wide range of topics from home improvement to credit repair and everything in between. She is a regular contributor to http://www.get-home-improvement.com and http://www.credit-card-faq.com
For more information and advice on home improvement projects, check out http://www.home-improvement4u.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brooke_Sikula
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New Construction Windows Or Replacement Windows? Which Is Right For You?
By John Rocco
Hello, my name is John Rocco.I grew up around the window and door business. My father owned a glass shop that dealt in every aspect of residential and commercial glass.Naturally, when it came time to choose a profession, I wound up in the window and door business.I have been in the business for about 27 years, and I have been self employed for 20.
One of the things that separated my company from my competitors was my willingness to show my customers how to replace their windows themselves. Whenever I would encounter a customer with a curiosity or willingness to learn how to install their own windows,i would offer to sell them the labor on one window,using them as my helper.Then,they would install the rest of the windows using the knowledge gained from helping me install one.Most window companies would never do this because there is so much money made on the labor.But I was always so busy,i never felt like it was costing me money.
Eventually, I made an installation video for those homeowners who wanted to do their own windows.While the video is for sale on my website, I decided to take excerpts from the video and write an article once a week covering some part of the window replacement project.This article is going to cover the difference between window frames used in new construction homes, and the window frames that are used to replace existing aluminum or wood windows.
When a new home is being built,the windows are nailed to the wood studs that make up the house frame.In order to accomplish this, new construction windows have a fin around all four sides of the frame that rests against the outside of the stud and nails are driven into the studs through the nailing fin. After that,flashing paper is applied to prevent water leaks,then the exterior material is applied. That material can be stucco, brick, siding, etc.
Now,imagine 10 or 20 years later when you want to replace those windows. If you were going to install your replacement windows the same way the original windows were installed, you would have to remove the exterior material around each window in order to get to those nails holding the frame in there. You can see how this procedure could cause many problems, not to mention all the labor involved. I have seen homes in california with stucco exteriors where the homeowner had the stucco cut out in order to remove the old windows.The problem was they were unable to match the stucco colors after patching. Its just not a very efficient way to replace windows. So the replacement frame was designed.
In most parts of the country it's simply a new construction window frame with the nail fin removed. In the west, where stucco is a common home exterior,a retrofit frame was designed. If you're going to be replacing the exterior material on your home, then you might want to consider going with the new construction window since the nailing fins will be exposed anyway. Also, chances are that a contractor will be doing your exterior replacement,and it would be wise to let the contractor install the windows as well.Since my installation videos deal with window replacement only, these articles will focus on replacement frames and retrofit frames. Using these two frame styles,a do it yourselfer can replace their old windows without any damage to existing interior and exterior surfaces. And the job can be done using common tools such as a drill,tape measure, and caulking gun.
In next weeks article,we will discuss the replacement of wood sash windows.
John Rocco has been installing replacement windows since 1978
To learn more, visit http://www.vinylwindowsforless.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Rocco