The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide to Replacement Windows in Rockford
Getting high quality replacement windows in Rockford is very important. With the crazy weather in Illinois, your windows need to be durable and energy efficient. Plus you want them to look good.
But buying windows is no easy task. There are many styles, materials and features you need to be aware of before making a decision. Feldco is Rockford’s window expert and we’re is here to help you out.
We’ll tell you everything you need to know about replacement windows in Rockford. When it’s time to choose new windows, you can get the perfect ones for your home.
Energy Efficient Windows are Important for Rockford Homeowners
As you know, Rockford’s weather goes through extremes – during the summer it’s blistering hot and it’s very cold in the winter. Your windows need to be ready for anything.
Energy efficient replacement windows will make your home air-tight. This means your heat or air (depending on the season) won’t escape your home. This will make your home feel comfortable year round.
Not only will energy efficient windows make your home more comfortable, but they’ll save money on your energy bills.
How so?
You already know that energy efficient replacement windows prevent heat or air from escaping. When your home is air-tight, your furnace and air conditioner don’t have to work as hard to reach your desired temperature. Because of this, you’ll see an improvement in the cost of your electric and heating bills.
There are a few things that make your window energy efficient:
- Double/triple pane windows
- Argon gas filled glass
- Low-e glass
- Proper caulking
Argon Gas Filled Windows Prevent Heat From Escaping
Why have one window pane when you can have two or three?
Double and triple pane windows are more energy efficient than single pane windows. Not only do they have multiple panes of glass, but in-between is argon gas.
Don’t worry, it can’t hurt you.
Argon gas is odorless, colorless and harmless. It’s used to insulate your windows.
This is because argon is denser than air and moves much slower. That makes it difficult for heat to escape your home.
Use Low-E Glass Windows to Reflect Sunlight
What in the world are low-e glass windows?
Lew-e is a metallic oxide coating used to reflect heat and sunlight away from your home. This prevents the amount of UV rays and dims the natural light entering your home.
There are several benefits to having this.
During the summer, you’ll love low-e glass replacement windows. With less sunlight entering your home, you’ll see a significant difference in the temperature. It’ll be much cooler, like you’re sitting in shade.
Also, low-e glass windows lessen the harshness of sunlight. You’ll have less glare on TV screens and your home won’t be so bright.
One thing often overlooked is the importance of limiting the amount of UV Rays getting into your home. These UV rays have the ability to fade furniture, floors and fabrics. This washes out their colors and your home won’t look as nice. Nobody wants that!
You can learn more about low-e glass in this video:
Make Sure Your Windows are Well-caulked
Caulking plays a major role in your window’s energy efficiency. They seal up the gaps between the window sashes and the frame or the frame and the wall.
It’s important to test how well your caulk is working. Run your hand along the caulked areas. If you feel a breeze, then it’s time for the caulk to be replaced.
Follow the instructions in this video to learn how to properly caulk your windows:
Which Material Will Make Up Your Replacement Windows?
What material your replacement windows are made from can affect how well they perform. There are several popular materials used to make windows:
- Wood
- Aluminum
- Vinyl
We’ll tell you everything you need to know about each window material.
Beauty Comes at a Cost: Wood Windows
The biggest allure of wood windows is their gorgeous, traditional look. No matter what type of home exterior you have, replacement wood windows will look absolutely stunning. These gorgeous looks come at a cost though – literally.
Wood windows are extremely expensive compared to other window materials.
Not only do you have to pay a huge cost up front, but keeping them well-maintained isn’t cheap either. You’ll need to paint and stain them every few years in order to keep them looking beautiful.
There’s nothing more frustrating than warping and rotting windows. This is a common issue with wood windows that you’ll have to work hard to avoid, especially with Rockford’s humid summers and heavy precipitation during the other seasons.
You have to ask yourself, “Are wood windows worth it?”
Aluminum Windows Aren’t Great in the Summer
Aluminum replacement windows are a much cheaper option than wood. They’re also extremely durable. You won’t have to worry about warping, rotting or physical damage.
The problem with aluminum windows presents itself during the summer. Since aluminum is a good conductor of heat, it’s absorbed quickly and retained. Your windows will get extremely hot and will elevate the temperature of your house.
You Can Have it All with Vinyl Windows
You know what they say – save the best for last.
Vinyl windows have it all.
Some vinyl windows are made with insulated frames. Pair that with argon gas-filled windows and you have the most energy efficient window on the market.
They’re also extremely customizable. There are many colors to choose from – including wood grain finishes.
There isn’t much maintenance required to keep vinyl windows looking great either. They just need to be cleaned regularly – no different than anything else in your home. There’s no painting or staining to worry about. This is because the color is baked into the windows when they’re made.
Plus, vinyl windows are resistant to warping and rotting. They’re all around easy to care for.
Get the Right Style of Replacement Windows for Your Home
Once you’ve picked the material of your replacement windows, it’s time to look into styles. There are many different window styles available:
- Double hung
- Casement
- Sliding
- Awning
- Hopper
- Picture
- Bay
- Bow
- Garden
- Architectural
All of these window styles have different functions and work better in certain areas than others. We’ll help you determine which ones you’d like throughout your home.
The Most Popular Window Style: Double Hung Windows
Double hung windows are the most popular window style. They can be used anywhere throughout your home.
This is because they have great air ventilation. You can open them from the top or the bottom and control how much fresh air enters your home.
Double hung windows are also super easy to clean. They have tilt latches on the top of both sashes. When they’re pushed in, you can tilt the window into your home and clean both sides.
There are also child safety latches on each side; one at 3 inches and the other at 5 inches. This prevents your double hung window from opening too far.
The safety latches are perfect for parents of young children or pet owners – you’re able to open your window without worrying about them.
Casement Windows Open on a Hinge
Casement windows are another style that can be used virtually anywhere in your home. They open outwards on a hinge so you’re able to easily control the air circulation with them as well.
Like double hung windows, you’re able to clean both sides of your casement window from inside your home. All you have to do is crank the window open as far as it can go. The back edge of the casement window will move towards the middle, leaving a gap large enough to fit your arm through.
Feldco casement windows also have the added luxury of flush handles. While most casement handles stick out and can snag your clothes or bags, or interfere with your window treatments. Feldco’s don’t. They can be bent inwards to lay flush against the window.
Sliding Windows Are Extremely Easy to Open
There isn’t a window easier to use than a sliding window. Since they open and close on a track, you only have to use one finger to move them. That’s why they’re usually found in hard to reach places like above kitchen sinks.
Since sliding windows are similar to a double hing window on its side, you have great air ventilation as well. This is perfect for your kitchen since it can get very warm and smoky from cooking.
There are also child safety latches on sliding windows. They work the same way as the ones on double hung windows. They’ll prevent the window from being opened more than 3 or 5 inches.
Much like casement and double hung windows, you can clean your sliding windows from inside your home too. You’ll have to remove the entire window sash. Don’t worry, it’s easy.
You start by sliding open the window and gripping it on both sides. Then push up until the bottom of the sash comes out of the sliding track. Then finish by pulling the top out of its track.
You can learn more on how to clean and operate sliding, casement and double hung windows in this video:
Open Your Windows at Anytime: Awning Windows
What happens if your window is open and you’re enjoying the fresh air when suddenly it starts to rain? You’ll have to close that window before your house gets wet.
Not anymore!
Awning replacement windows are hinged at the top and open outwards from the bottom. This creates an awning effect with the window (hence the name). Any rain or snow will slide down the window and away from your home. That means you can have your window open no matter the weather is outside.
Awning windows will look great anywhere in your home but are most often found in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
Hopper Windows are Perfect for Your Basement
Remember how the awning window opens? Well reverse all of that, so hinged at the bottom and open inwards from the top.
Now you have a hopper window.
Since they open inwards they’re usually found in basements. That way you’re not disturbing any plants, grass or displays outside of the window.
See the World Through Beautiful Picture Windows
While picture windows don’t open, they can really open up an entire room of your home. Since they give you the best sight lines and visibility, it makes the room they’re in feel larger.
That’s not all!
Picture windows also allow the most light into your home. Because of this, they’re perfect for living rooms and family rooms. They’ll really brighten up the entire room.
Plus, picture windows don’t just improve the look of your house inside but also your curb appeal. Large picture windows will catch the eye of neighbors and people passing by.
Bay and Bow Windows Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Speaking of curb appeal, bay and bow windows are a fantastic way of improving yours. Both are a combination of windows that extend past the facade of your home, creating a window seat inside.
So what’s the difference between the two?
Bay windows consist of a picture windows with double hung or casement windows on each side. Bow windows are 3 to 5 picture or casement windows in any combination.
These replacement windows maximize the amount of light you let into your home without sacrificing the benefit of air ventilation.
The only thing is you will need a much larger window opening to fit a bay or a bow window. If you do, you can’t go wrong with either of these window styles.
Grow Your Own Herbs in a Garden Window
Bay and bow windows aren’t the only replacement windows that extend past the facade of your home. Garden windows do too.
They’re window boxes (windows on every side) that allow you to display knick-knacks or grow plants and herbs.
The reason they’re so perfect for growing small plants is because they’ll get the most sunlight. Since there are windows on every side, it’s almost like you’re growing them outside. In the winter, they won’t die from Rockford’s brutal cold.
Since garden windows extend past the facade of your home, you’re also not taking up any extra space inside to grow your plants.
Garden windows are usually found in the kitchen because many homeowners use them to grow fresh herbs and vegetables.
Try Something Different with an Architectural Window
Have you ever seen uniquely shaped windows? Those are called architectural windows.
Whether they’re circles, octagons or perfect squares, they’ll add a distinct touch to your home. It’s important to keep in mind that architectural windows are inoperable.
While they look good anywhere in your home, most homeowners usually pair them with other window styles. Architectural windows look great above other windows.
You can learn more about Feldco’s replacement windows in this video:
Dress Up Your Replacement Windows
Half the fun of getting replacement windows is customizing them the way you’d like. There are many different ways about doing this:
- Adding window grids
- Putting up window treatments
- Installing shutters
We’ll go into each one with a little more detail below.
Break Things Up with Window Grids
While a large picture window will draw your neighbor’s attention, adding window grids will get them talking about how great they look.
You can dress up your windows with several different window grid patterns. They’ll improve the curb appeal of your home.
There are three different window patterns available at Feldco:
- Colonial grid – one horizontal line down the middle and one vertical line down the middle
- Diamond grid – made up of diagonal lines going across the window in both directions. These create diamonds across the window
- Prairie grid – creates an outline around the window
Don’t Let People See into Your Home with Window Treatments
Window treatments such as blinds and curtains are a great way to improve the look of your home both inside and out.
Their benefits aren’t only cosmetic. Window treatments prevent people from seeing inside of your home. They’re the perfect way to give a room a little more privacy.
There are also energy efficiency benefits to window treatments. They help prevent heat from escaping your home during the winter.
Avoid Condensation with Window Treatments
Make sure you open your curtains or blinds everyday for a little while. If you don’t, condensation will form on your windows. While condensation isn’t harmful, it will detract from their beauty.
Window condensation forms when a cold surface meets hot air. Since it’s cold outside and the curtains are trapping hot air against it, you’re going to get moisture.
Also make sure that the moisture on your windows is on the outside of the glass and not between the panes. If it’s between the panes of glass, you have seal failure which is a much larger problem. It’s important to note that window treatments do not cause seal failure.
Shutters Add a Visual Pop to Your Replacement Windows
Window shutters are a window treatment added to the outside of your window. They add a personal touch and improve the curb appeal of your home.
Feldco’s shutters are extremely durable. They don’t warp or rot and are chip resistant. This is perfect to withstand Rockford’s weather.
You have many colors to choose from so you don’t have to worry about not finding one to match your home.
Leave Window Installation to the Professionals
Now that you have chosen your beautiful new replacement windows, it’s time to install them. Don’t just go about installing them by yourself though – this isn’t a DIY job.
All the benefits of each replacement window style and material won’t be maximized if they aren’t installed properly. The last thing you want is to spend all this time finding the perfect window to install it poorly and not enjoy them.
Replacement windows should be installed by professionals. They install windows everyday as their job. A Rockford window installation professional knows exactly what they’re doing to make sure your windows are installed right the first time.
Finding the Right Window Company in Rockford
So where should you get your replacement windows?
There a few things a window company must do to be the best in Rockford:
- Offer both product and installation
- Treat your home with care
- Pay attention to detail
- Be in business for many years
- Be trusted by many homeowners
Product and Installation Under One Roof
You want a window company that offers both the product and the installation. That way you’re not running around looking for a company to buy the windows from and a separate company to install them.
They Must Treat Your Home with Respect
Once the installers are in your home, you want them to treat it with the same care you do. You don’t want them banging up your walls and furniture. They need to be careful and respectful of your belongings.
Once your replacement windows are installed, you want the installers to clean up after themselves. That means any packing material, tools and scraps are picked up and removed from your home.
Pay Attention to Details
Window installation is a fast job. The last thing you want if for an installer to bring the wrong tools or parts and have to reschedule your installation.
A window company should have exactly what they need for your job. When they’re installing your replacement windows, they should pay careful attention and make sure the job is done correctly the first time.
They’ve Been Around for a Long Time
A window company that has been in existence for a long time is something you want. This is because they’ve seen and done it all. They’ve been around to know what they need to do to get your replacement window project finished the correct way.
Plus, a Rockford window company that has lasted a long time will be around to support you long after your windows are installed. They’ll be able to come out and service any issues you may face with your windows down the road.
A fly-by-night window company in Rockford doesn’t have that experience. They’re looking to make a quick buck installing your windows and then get out.
So what’s considered a long time for a window company to exist? At least 10 years is a good start, but the longer they’ve been around, the more experience they have.
Other Homeowners Trust Them
The most important thing is that other homeowners trust them. That’s the sign that a window company is running a reputable business.
For example, Feldco has delighted over 350,000 customers over 40 years. We’ve been around for quite a while and homeowners continue to trust us. No wonder we’re Rockford’s best replacement window company.
Get the Best Replacement Windows in Rockford
That was a lot to take in. Let’s recap what you learned:
- What makes an energy efficient window
- Different window materials available
- The different styles of replacement windows
- Different window add-ons
- Why window installation isn’t a DIY project
- How to find the best window company in Rockford
When you need replacement windows, turn to Feldco. We’re Rockford’s top window company for a reason. So don’t wait. Get your free quote now!