There’s no specific time for you to embark on window renovations, you’ll just know when the time is right. You start to notice things like the frame losing form and shape, or the windows not letting in enough light. Whichever the case may be, you’ll notice different changes that hint at a window renovation. Window renovation can make your home feel new and revitalized.
There’s more to window renovation than just changing the frames and window glasses; new windows can change how the air comes into the home, can change how sunlight comes in and can completely change the shape and feel of the home.
Before you embark on a window renovation project, there are certain guidelines and tips you should know about. These tips will help you make the right choice and make the whole window renovation process as easy as possible.
Tips to Know Before Your Window Renovation
- Figure out your priorities
You should set your priorities right and figure out what you want. If you want to get a clear and unobstructed view of the outside, then you should choose a fixed (or picture) window. This one is designed for hours of peaceful gazing.
If you want to increase the amount of air that comes into your room, then you should opt for a casement window; this one is designed to open fully.
Also, consider how much time you want the windows to be in shape and order. Your choice affects the window frames and wooden frames need to be painted and maintained regularly; if you don’t want to go through that hassle, you can consider using vinyl frames.
- Know your materials.
You can choose the materials for your window frame before you start renovating. There are four options you can choose from; clad, aluminium, wood and vinyl.
Wood is a good choice but it also has its disadvantages. It can easily get rotten or destroyed by wood-eating insects and it’s costly.
Clad windows is a wood frame that’s covered with aluminium, vinyl or fibreglass. It’s designed to withstand several harsh weather conditions and doesn’t require painting. Most of the time, engineers prefer to work with materials that are lightweight, rust and mildew resistant.
- Safety
You should also have in mind that there should be at least one window that’s big enough for an escape route in case of an emergency. For instance, if there’s a fire, there needs to be an escape route such as this one. It is required by fire codes that there should be a provision such as this. That’s why you must hire a licensed professional to get the job done.
4 tips for selecting a window frame colour
When it comes to choosing the right colour for your window frame, the colour white seems to be a popular option. White is always the best fit for both inside and outside. However, white is not the only option as there are other colours you can use for window frames. You can try out other options like black, brown, grey and other neutral colours. You can also try out bolder colours.
So how do you select a colour for your window frame?
- Use colour as a tool to enhance (or disguise).
Colour is a tool that can be used in different ways. You can either use it to enhance or conceal some objects you don’t want visible in your home. When choosing a window frame colour, you need to choose between accentuating the colour of your window frame or concealing it.
If you don’t want your windows to stand out, then you should opt for a colour that matches that of your siding. However, if you want your windows to stand out, then choose a contrasting colour to make your windows more visible.
- Stick to Your Home’s Current Architecture
The style and colour of your window frame should rhyme with the current architectural design of your home. If your window design is in contrast with the current design of your home, it can cause a conflict in the exterior.
If the architectural design of your home leans towards the modern style, then you should choose straight lines for your frames and more colours. But if your home’s architectural design is a traditional one, then use fewer decorations and colours for your frames.
The frame colour should be similar to your preferred window style. If you opt for a modern frame, then use colours like black to give your windows a modern feel. If you choose a traditional frame, then use colours like cream or grey. In all, ensure that your colour doesn’t contradict the window style.
- Flow with Your Background
The background of your home can give you an idea of window colours or the colour of your home generally. You must have taken your home background and surroundings into consideration before choosing the colour for your home siding. But putting into account your location and the colours that will go well with that area can help you accentuate the look of your exterior.
If you live in a suburban neighbourhood, you could tap inspiration from the surrounding houses and check out which window frame colour fit more in the environment
- Consider Environmental Problems
Your environment is also a determining factor when choosing a colour for your window frame. If your siding and other parts of your window exterior are susceptible to any problem because of the environment, you should consider the problems before choosing a colour.
If you’re in an area where there’s usually an accumulation of dust on the sidings and windows, then you should choose colours like beige or sand colour. These colours will help to conceal the dirt. Choosing a dark colour for this kind of environment will only make the dirt obvious.
If you’re in an area that’s susceptible to moisture which can cause algae growth, then blue or grey hues would be your best choice.
However, because the colour you choose can conceal dirt doesn’t mean you should not maintain the windows. Ensure to always clean the windows regularly and rid them of any appearance of mould, mildew, or algae growth.
Double glazing or Triple Glazing? Are they necessary for window renovation?
Double glazing or triple glazing, what’s the difference? There’s not much difference between these two window glasses other than one double glazing has two glasses while triple glazing has three glasses.
They perform pretty much the same functions, but you can opt for triple glazing if you’re intent on maximum satisfaction.
How can double glazing or triple glazing benefit your home during the renovation?
- Energy Efficiency
This is one of the reasons why many people upgrade from single pane windows to either double or triple-glazed windows. The additional glass pane causes an increase in energy efficiency. In many households, they experience heat loss because of their kind of window.
So double or triple-glazed windows can maximise the insulation in the room. However, note that upgrading your windows for energy efficiency is just a part of it. Energy can be lost through other areas like doors, roof space and floors. So ensure you’re fixing the problem on all sides.
- Noise reduction
Double-glazed and triple-glazed windows help with noise reduction. If you live in a noisy environment or on a busy road, then replacing your windows with either of these types will help.
While double-glazed windows can achieve noise reduction, triple-glazed windows can achieve better noise reduction. But if you’re going to opt for the triple glazed windows then be prepared to spend more than with double glazed windows(which its thickness may be enough for you).
Do the windows have to be an escape route in case of fire?
In case of a fire spread, your window night is the only option for escape. Now, it will spell doom for the occupants of that house if the window isn’t big enough to accommodate them. During window renovation, the windows should be built big enough to allow a person to pass through without obstruction. It should be at least 0.33 m² and at least 450 mm high or 450 mm wide.
Cleaning of windows
When it comes to cleaning indies after renovation, you need all the tools you can get to clean perfectly. The squeegee is the number one cleaning tool in every cleaner arsenal. This tool helps to wipe off dirt effectively from the window panes.
The squeegee coupled with the right cleaning liquid can rid your windows of any dirt.
Choosing blinds and curtains for your window
After renovating your windows, you should get the best window treatment for them. It could be either blinds or curtains, whichever one you choose, you must ensure that it matches the interior design of your window. Also, your blinds or curtains have to perform certain functions like controlling the influx of sunlight and air.
Majorly, picking a curtain or blind for your window treatment depends on your choice and preference. The colour you choose depends on the existing colours of the interior decoration.