Window Replacement: Cardinal Rules You Shouldn’t Break

Most homeowners plan window replacement strictly by the book or purely based on intuition. Although you can achieve some of your home improvement goals with either of these two approaches, mixing them and being more flexible can lead to beautiful results.

To think like a veteran architect when planning your window replacement, BEE Window® shares the cardinal rules you should follow:

Use The Norm As A Guide Only

Many windows are traditionally matched with certain architectural styles. The double-hung window is synonymous with Colonial and Cape Cod homes, while the casement is emblematic of Tudor and Prairie ones. Following the tradition helps achieve historical accuracy, but that doesn’t mean you should be bound by the norm. After all, some traditional home-window pairings were formed by chance, not by choice.

In the past, homes didn’t use oversized replacement windows because it was simply impossible to manufacture large pieces of glass. Now that the technology is available, utilize large windows if you feel they’re the most suitable choice for your aesthetic and functional needs.

Don’t Let The Façade Determine The Other Sides of Your Home

Installing historically accurate windows in the façade is a sound practice. It accentuates the distinctive character of your home, contributing to its curb appeal and potentially increasing its value. However, you shouldn’t necessarily repeat your choice on all the other sides of your home. Any experienced window company would advise you to select your units on a room-by-room basis. For example, if you really must use the double-hung in the front of your home, install casement windows in bedrooms to meet egress requirements. If you worry about not having visual harmony, smart use of grilles can make all of your units complement each other.

Think About Comfort

Windows play critical roles in energy efficiency because they’re major contributors to daylighting, natural ventilation, and thermal insulation. Other than looking for the ENERGY STAR® label, you should know the prevailing wind patterns and the orientation of the rooms to the sun. If you consider the local climate and the elements right from the start, your new windows provide you more benefits than you realize.

As the trusted source of Restorations and Infinity From Marvin® windows in the region, BEE Window can help guarantee your window replacement project’s success. Call us at (800) 233-0169 or fill out our contact form for your free estimate. We serve clients in Fort Wayne, IN, and other Indiana areas.