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Want
to replace your windows?
Have
you been thinking about replacing your windows?
Improved design, energy conservation, UV protection and low
maintenance make them a welcome improvement.
They can be a cost effective way to increase the value of your
home and make it more attractive to buyers if you plan to sell.
Maybe with a little attention to detail and determination you
can do it yourself. If
your skills lie elsewhere, there are reputable local contractors at
your service. First,
evaluate the existing windows. Sure they’re old and maybe you just
don’t like them, but take a good look. Are they not working right
because the opening is not square?
It might mean you have foundation problems that a new window
will not fix. Is there
water or termite damage to the surrounding wall? The
new window might suffer the same fate. A
little critical examination now could save you time and money.
New
windows come in a variety of styles (casement, single hung, double
hung, slider, fixed), options (tempered, special coatings, UV
protected, dual pane) and materials (wood, vinyl or aluminum clad
wood, vinyl, aluminum, steel). The good news is that you can take
advantage of these choices for each location. You might opt for dual
glazed on the noisy street side and special coatings or UV protection
for locations that are hit by the hot afternoon sun. Safety
glass is laminated or tempered to prevent creation of large shards
when broken. It is required where there is potential for contact
and/or breakage. Accidental trips or falls into safety glass do not
generally result in life threatening injury. Safety
glass is required in windows within 24 inches of doors, within 60
inches of the standing surface of the tub/shower and at the base of
stairs. In these
locations, this is an option you can’t afford to be without. There
are secondary egress requirements for bedrooms. If the bedroom has
only one door, the window becomes an emergency access. Size matters!
Imagine a firefighter in full gear coming in the window. The window
must have minimum opening dimensions (20” wide, 24” high, 5.7 sq
feet) that make this possible. The manufacturer knows these dimensions
and can tell you if the window is suitable for use as secondary
egress. Also, there is a maximum sill height (44inches) so the rescuer
can safely step rather than stumble into the room.
Sometimes it is necessary to lower the sill (bottom) of the
opening of the original window. Be sure to take this into account when
measuring. Measure
according to manufacturer’s instructions. Don’t assume anything!
It may be logical to you to measure one way but the
manufacturer has something else in mind. Take each measurement at
least twice. The windows
are often custom made and can’t be returned if you provide incorrect
measurements. If you have
decided on a professional installer, let them do the measuring.
Even
the most well intentioned sales person may not be able to accurately
answer your warranty questions. Review
the warranty for these answers. Is
the warranty transferable? How
long is a “lifetime”? Must
the windows be professionally installed? Does
the warranty cover labor as well as material?
Keep records of the purchase details and the manufacturer’s
contact information for yourself and any future owners. Properly
installed replacement windows can provide many years of enjoyment with
minimal maintenance. John
McGibbon Real Estate Inspections “Highly
Recommended” (805) 685-2425 www.JMinspections.com |
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