Replacement Windows Lexington KY is a major home improvement project with a wide range of costs. Cost factors include frame material, style, and energy efficiency upgrades.
Professional installation reduces costs and ensures local code compliance. It also improves safety, longevity, and performance. Consider replacing several windows at once to get bulk pricing from manufacturers and lower labor rates.
Frame Material
Replacing windows is a major home improvement project, and the selection of frame materials plays a big role in both up-front costs and long-term energy efficiency. For many homeowners, the choice is based on budget and aesthetic preferences. Other considerations include durability, performance, and maintenance requirements.
Wood frames are the classic option and remain popular for their timeless appeal and exceptional thermal performance. They can be expensive, however, and require regular maintenance to avoid moisture damage and warping. Our window repairs and installation services can help keep your wood frames in pristine condition for years to come.
Vinyl frames are a popular alternative to wood and provide an excellent balance of affordability, durability, and energy efficiency. Vinyl is a poor conductor of heat and offers natural insulation, helping to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures year-round. Several styles are available, including a variety of colors and finishes. Some vinyl replacement windows feature insulating chambers to further enhance their performance.
Aluminum is a durable, lightweight material that resists moisture and corrosion. Its low visual weight allows for slimmer profile designs, maximizing glass area and opening views. It also provides good insulative value, although not as much as some other frame materials.
Composite frames are a more advanced option that combine the warmth and appearance of wood with increased strength, durability, and energy efficiency. Some are clad in vinyl or aluminum, while others feature a fiberglass exterior. While they are generally more expensive than other options, their superior strength, dimensional stability, and improved energy efficiency often make them the most cost-effective long term.
Fiberglass frames are the most expensive of all the frame materials, but they provide a strong balance between performance and minimal maintenance. Unlike vinyl or wood, fiberglass doesn’t warp or swell with temperature changes and is highly resistant to rot and pests. They are also less prone to expanding or contracting, which can lead to drafts and sticky sashes.
All of the above window frame types offer impressive benefits, and deciding which one best suits your needs will be a personal choice. We recommend consulting with a professional before making a final decision. They will be able to advise you on the best frame type for your specific home, as well as recommend additional features to improve your comfort and energy efficiency.
Glass
The type of glass used in windows affects overall cost. Single-pane glass has the lowest price tag but offers minimal insulation. In New York City, that can make a big difference during summer and winter temperatures. Double-pane glass costs more but will help keep your home a comfortable temperature without requiring a big energy bill. Energy-efficient options with low-emissivity glass and triple-pane glass provide even more savings. These upgrades increase upfront costs but can pay for themselves over time by reducing energy bills.
The location of the window in your home also affects price. Typically, ground-floor windows cost less to replace than those on higher levels of your home. A full replacement will cost more than repairing one damaged pane. Top-rated brands of replacement windows balance affordability with durability and energy efficiency. Fiberglass windows are high-performing but cost more than vinyl, which is cheaper but still provides good energy efficiency.
If you’re replacing only one or two windows, you might be able to save on installation and labor costs by doing the work yourself. However, hiring a professional ensures quality workmanship and peace of mind. Plus, a pro will ensure your new window is properly installed to avoid leaks, drafts, or other problems down the road.
It’s important to check with your condo or co-op board before you hire a contractor for any window replacement projects in a building with shared walls. You may be required to submit project plans for approval and/or a fee to cover the cost of any necessary modifications. If you live in a historic neighborhood or landmark, the Landmarks Preservation Commission might require a permit for the work. A local company can handle all the paperwork and have plenty of experience navigating the process.
While you can choose standard glass, consider investing in energy-efficient options that will lower your energy bills and qualify for tax credits. It’s also worth asking your window pros if they offer add-ons to reduce energy consumption, such as tinted glass or low-E coatings. Finally, remember to tip your window pros for a job well done. While it’s not always expected, a tip is a great way to show appreciation for their hard work.
Hardware
Windows do much more than frame a view. They impact comfort, style and energy efficiency. But with all the parts, styles and terminology, getting the information you need to make a smart decision can seem overwhelming.
The first step is understanding the basics, including what makes up a replacement window and how they differ from original windows. Then you can determine the right size and type of windows for your home. The number of windows you need to replace will also influence costs, as a full replacement project typically costs more than just replacing a single window.
Frame material is another major cost driver for replacement windows. Popular options include aluminum, composite, vinyl and wood. The frame material you choose will impact your window’s appearance, energy efficiency and maintenance requirements. Each option has advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider your needs before choosing a frame material.
Glass makes up the largest portion of any window, and the type you choose will have a significant impact on replacement window costs. Today’s glass is often tempered, which means it’s been repeatedly heated and cooled to strengthen it and reduce its brittleness. Many types of glass have a rigid layer of plastic sandwiched between two panes of glass, which adds to the durability and helps prevent breakage in the event that a window is broken. This feature is especially common in hurricane-prone areas, where windows are commonly known as “impact windows.”
Hardware and window add-ons also affect overall pricing. Decorative grids or grilles, between-glass blinds and premium hardware finishes like brushed nickel increase cost over standard options. Energy-efficient upgrades, like low-e glazing and gas fills, will also increase your up-front investment but can save you 7% to 15% on annual energy costs.
The way your replacement windows are installed has a big impact on both the overall project cost and installation labor time. The most cost-effective options are retrofit installations, in which new windows are installed inside existing frames to minimize disruption to trim, siding and exteriors. However, full-frame replacements can be more expensive and require removal of siding and trim to install the new frames and sashes.
Installation
Window replacement is a home improvement project that can improve energy efficiency, reduce noise, and enhance curb appeal. It is also an investment that can increase the resale value of your home.
However, there are many factors that can impact the cost of replacement windows, including materials, size, installation method, and more. It’s important to understand the installation process before committing to a project.
The first step in replacing a window is to remove the existing one. This is often the most disruptive part of the project as it requires furniture to be moved and construction tools to be used inside your home. Once the sash is removed, the frame will be exposed and will need to be scored around the perimeter where it is bonded to adjacent surfaces, especially where it meets other trim and siding. This will allow for the removal of exterior trim and siding where necessary without compromising other materials and removing accessible fasteners. It is important to score as close to the existing window as possible to ensure proper alignment and avoid any future issues with water leaks, air infiltration, or bowing of the frame.
After the old window has been removed, the new frame and sash will need to be prepared for the replacement window. This includes lubricating the moving parts, prepping the sill for new installation, and removing and disposing of any old hardware or trim. Once the preparation work is done, the installer will install the replacement windows, which will require a reinstallation of the interior stops and sash if needed. After the windows are installed, they will be tested to ensure that they open and close properly.
Depending on the type of windows you choose and the complexity of your home’s existing layout, the total cost of Replacement Windows can vary greatly. In general, higher energy efficiency ratings and custom sizes will drive up pricing, as will dry rot repair or structural adjustments that may be required. However, upgrading to high-quality windows can make a significant difference in your home’s comfort and performance, and can help you save money on energy bills by reducing heating and cooling costs.