Investing in new windows is one of the smartest decisions you can make as a homeowner. However, there are many factors to consider when choosing new windows for your home. Here we provide a buyer’s guide covering the things to consider before choosing new windows to help you make an informed decision. 

How To Choose New Windows: Style And Colour Of Your House

Today, many homeowners are updating their windows as part of an exterior makeover. This is because new replacement windows have a major impact on the appearance of a home. As a result, you want to consider the style and colour of your house when choosing new windows. A drive around your neighbourhood will provide inspiration.

For example, many homeowners who install new windows are choosing black frames to update the look of their homes. However, if you aren’t doing a complete makeover, this trend might not make sense and appear out of place depending on the current colour scheme of your exterior.

Colour

We suggest taking colour cues from the following elements when designing your window replacements:

• Siding
• Roof
• Brick
• Eavestroughs
• Garage doors
• Entry door

You’ll want your window colour to blend in with your existing exterior materials to create a cohesive look and increase curb appeal.

Grilles

Next, windows come in several styles enhanced by features such as grilles running vertically and horizontally on windowpanes. Grilles create texture and interest to enhance the look of your home. They come in a choice of finishes such as brass and pewter, as well as different configurations such as Prairie, Colonial, Georgian, etc. The design of the grilles helps set the historical period of your home. For example, you wouldn’t use busy Colonial white grilles on a midcentury modern home. 

Glass

You can also choose distinct types of glass for your new window installation, including:

• Tinted: Tinted vinyl window glass provides daytime privacy.
• Obscure or privacy: Texture can be added to glass where privacy is essential such as the bathroom, with satin, frosted, or glue chip designs available. 

Style

The window style is based on the overall design. Some examples of window styles include:

• Double hung: These windows are more traditional, ideal for historical architecture.
• Bay: Bay windows are another traditional look featuring a large centre window flanked by smaller windows on each side. Bay windows extend outward, creating a perfect spot for a window seat.
• Casements: Casements can have a sleek modern look, especially in trendy colours like black.
• Sliders: Sliders are more functional than attractive, making them better options for the back of the home. 

Energy Efficiency

Always choose windows with ENERGY STAR certification, as they meet specific standards for energy efficiency. Check the U-factor and Energy Rating (ER) to ensure your new windows minimize heat loss and air leakage, and ensure passive solar heat gain. You want a low U-factor and high ER. Double and triple-glazed windows with Argon or Krypton gas provide the best energy efficiency.

If you have window grilles, choose Simulated Divided Lites, which are installed on both sides of the glass. They create the look of multiple small square panes of glass fused together without interfering with your window’s energy efficiency. 

Maintenance

Vinyl is a low-maintenance material that requires little effort. Even coloured vinyl doesn’t need a new coat of paint, as the colour is manufactured right into the vinyl. For easy cleaning, have your grilles fitted inside the panes of glass, or choose removable grilles. Also, opt for windows that are easy to clean inside and out.

For example, casements can be cleaned inside the home by simply opening the window and removing the screen. Windows such as double/single-hung and sliders feature tiltable sashes that allow you to clean the exteriors from the inside easily. Low maintenance makes life easier for the life of your windows.

 Functionality

Functionality determines how the windows operate and how easy they are to open and close. Well-made windows are designed for easy operation, even if you suffer from limited strength. Trying out the windows to ensure you can lift them or use the handles to open and close them is essential as you want to be able to operate them without a struggle. For example, you might need more strength to lift single/double-hung windows, making sliders a better option. You might have poor hand strength, making operating a crank for casements and awnings difficult. Functionality and style go hand in hand. Here’s how the basic window styles operate:

• Awning/Casements: These windows are operated via a crank, with awnings opening out and up and casements opening out and to the side.
• Sliders: Sliders operate along a track, sliding horizontally.
• Single-hung: Single-hung windows have a top and bottom sash, with the top fixed in place and the bottom sash sliding up and down.
• Double-hung: Double-hung windows look like single-hung windows but have two moveable sashes, allowing you to open them from the top down, the bottom up, or both for improved air circulation.
• Fixed/Picture: These windows are “fixed” in place and can’t be opened.

To suit your needs, you can create configurations combining different window types. For example, if you have a lovely view, consider a massive picture window flanked by casements to let in the breeze. This configuration also works well for bay windows. If you have obstructions outside, casements and awnings won’t open, in which case you might choose sliders or single/double hung windows. 

Other Things To Consider Before Choosing New Windows

A few more things to consider when choosing new windows include:

• Security and safety: New windows offer added security with safety hardware that eliminates external threats. Our windows feature Encore Truth hardware providing exceptional protection.
• Interior features: You also have interior finishes, including the window frame materials and colour, and window hardware. Encore Truth handles also offer several folding handles for casement windows that can be tucked away for a modern look that doesn’t get caught on window coverings.
• Warranty: We offer a Lifetime Warranty on our products, covering all window components for no extra charge, including hardware, window frames and sashes, insulated glass, and even accidental glass breakage.
• Natural light: You might also consider making window openings larger or adding additional windows to bring more natural light into your home.
• New Windows Rebate Programs in Ontario:
  • Ontario Energy Rebates: Up to $325 per window.
  • Canada Greener Homes Grant: Up to $250 per window.
  • City Of Toronto Home Energy Loan Program (HELP): Borrow up to $125,000 for energy-efficient upgrades.

By considering all these factors when choosing new windows, you will have years of enjoyment, energy savings, and timeless curb appeal that increases the value of your home.

Click here for a free quote from the experts at Weaver Exterior Remodeling.