Designing a New Kitchen? Add Replacement Windows To Your Renovation List.
If you're in the process of designing your new kitchen, it's the perfect opportunity to upgrade your kitchen windows. New windows can make your home quieter, improve your home's curb appeal, and reduce drafts. They're also often easier to clean than older windows, and they can even reduce your carbon footprint.
Kitchen windows are a smart investment, especially if you're already in the planning stages of a home renovation.
From style, function, and performance, today’s homeowners have many options when it comes to selecting replacement windows. In fact, the choices can be a bit overwhelming. However, our Toulmin Kitchen & Bath team is here to help you select the best replacement windows for your Alabama home!
Let's look at some things you should consider before buying replacement windows.
Kitchen Replacement Windows 101: What You Need To Know
If you're considering adding replacement kitchen windows to your kitchen renovation project, the first step is to research all of your options.
We’ve compiled some information below to help you get started.
Step 1: Learn The Advantages & Disadvantages of Window Materials
Replacement windows come in a variety of materials, colors, and styles, so you’ll want to make sure you select the best option for your home. The first step in researching replacement windows is to learn about the materials available and the disadvantages and advantages of each type of window option on the market.
Wood Replacement Windows
Because they are a natural insulator, wood windows can be helpful in regulating your home's temperature. When properly insulated, they can also prevent condensation. Wood windows can be painted or stained to match your home's existing windows. Wood windows do require periodic painting and staining to prevent cracking and rotting. They are a premium product and cost more than vinyl.
Aluminum Replacement Windows
Aluminum windows are another popular choice. They are relatively inexpensive, costing slightly more than vinyl windows. They also tend to be a bit more durable, which makes them a better option for homes in warmer climates like Alabama.
Composite Replacement Windows
Composite windows are made of more than one material. They look like vinyl or wood, but they are completely different. There are two types of composite replacement window options to consider—Fiberglass and Fibrex (by Anderson). Fibrex is made with 40% wood fibers giving it the strength and durability of wood and also the rot resistance factor that homeowners like in vinyl replacement windows.
Vinyl Replacement Windows
Vinyl windows are popular because they cost less than wood, aluminum, and composite replacement windows. Vinyl windows are easy to install and are they’re the most cost-effective window option on the market. Vinyl windows won't ever peel, crack or fade. While the technology of vinyl windows has improved over the years, they are still not as strong as wood replacement windows and have been known to warp and sag over time. This is why we do not recommend vinyl windows.
Step 2: Evaluate The Replacement Windows U-Factor and SHGC Value
A replacement window’s U-factor represents the window's ability to prevent heat from escaping. Simply put, U-factor measures a replacement window’s overall energy efficiency. You’ll want to look for replacement windows with lower U-factor values, as this indicates better heat retention capabilities, ensuring your home remains comfortably warm during colder months while reducing heating costs. For warmer climates like ours in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, Alabama, finding the lowest Solar Heat Gain coefficient (SHGC) value possible should be a top priority for homeowners. The lower the SHGC, the less solar heat it transmits and the greater its shading ability.
U-Factor and SHGC Values in Replacement Windows
Windows with lower U-factors are more environmentally friendly, as they contribute to a reduced carbon footprint by conserving energy.
Replacement windows with favorable U-factor ratings enhance your home's insulation and lead to long-term energy savings and greener living.
Finding replacement windows with the lowest Solar Heat Gain coefficient (SHGC) value possible should be a top priority for Alabama homeowners.
Step 3: Determine What You Need Out of Replacement Windows
When choosing the best replacement windows for your kitchen renovation, you’ll want to consider several factors. Ask yourself these three questions to help you decide which window replacement option would be best for your kitchen remodeling project.
Where Will the Replacement Windows Be Installed In My Kitchen?
When you're thinking about getting replacement windows for your kitchen project, don't forget to consider where you want to put them. Let's say you have a double-hung window over your kitchen sink – it might be a pain to open it easily. In that case, you might want to go for a casement window instead. Casement windows are convenient because you can open the whole sash just by turning a handle.
But hold on! Don't forget to look outside, too.
Will the open window block your walkway? Do you have a cute herb garden in a window box? If you do, a casement window might not be the best pick! So, take a good look at your space and figure out the best window style that's both practical and suits your kitchen setup.
Do I Need The Replacement Window To Help With Kitchen Ventilation?
Another thing to consider when deciding on kitchen replacement windows is ventilation. If you want a view but don't need extra ventilation, a fixed window (often called a picture window) can be a great choice. A fixed window lets in the light and provides a view, but it doesn't open. If you’re needing the window to help with ventilation in the kitchen, you may want to consider a casement window or a double-hung window option.
How Will The Weather Affect The Performance of The Replacement Window?
Rain, sun, and temperature swings, as well as the location of the window, can affect the performance of your replacement windows. For example, if your kitchen receives all-day sun, consider purchasing a window with Low-E glass, an invisible metallic coating that blocks radiant heat transfer and reduces UV rays. Low-E glass is known for keeping UV rays out while letting in the maximum light. An added bonus is its ability to protect fabric, furniture, and carpets from fading.
Step 4: Find a Window Replacement Company You Can Trust
When it’s time to renovate your kitchen, you’ll want to work with a West Alabama contractor that prioritizes quality products and materials, innovative kitchen design, and quality craftsmanship and construction. Toulmin Kitchen & Bath sets itself apart as West Central Alabama’s one-stop shop for high-end kitchen and bathroom design-build services. We offer exquisite custom cabinetry, Sierra Pacific's energy-efficient windows and doors, seamless construction of bathrooms and kitchens in new homes, and meticulous home remodeling services. With extensive experience in the industry, our seasoned team is known for creating beautiful spaces that exude functionality.
Toulmin Kitchen & Bath is West Alabama’s preferred retailer for exquisite Sierra Pacific windows and doors. We are also the region’s exclusive supplier of custom steel windows and doors from The French Steel Company. Whether you're looking to renovate your kitchen or replace your home's windows and doors, or do all of the above at the same time, our experienced team is here to assist you and will help you find the perfect options for your home.
Ready to Remodel Your Kitchen?
Need Replacement Windows?
We offer kitchen design-build and window installation services across West Central Alabama, including the greater Tuscaloosa and greater Birmingham areas.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation! Call us at (205) 579-8392 or click here to schedule an appointment online.
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