Minneapolis MN Window Replacement Tips
6 Things You Need to Keep in Mind When Replacing Your Windows
Your replacement windows in Minneapolis MN have more benefits to your home than you’d think. It helps to prevent energy leaks, not to mention that a well-built window frame can enhance the structural integrity of your home. If you’re looking to replace your old windows, here are six things you need to consider before you decide to install new ones:
1. Think about the safety of the operation
A single-hung window can be dangerous, especially for children, because it can fall down from the hinges much more easily than the double-hung options. Although the latter option is usually more expensive to install upfront, the safety factor is worth all the extra dimes you have to spend - trust us.
2. Check the frame materials
Each type of window materials has their own advantages and downsides. You want to make sure that the type of window you’re choosing fits with the style of your home and gives you all the benefits that you’re looking to get from a window. Listed below is a quick rundown of some examples of window materials:
Wood frame (natural)
- Pros: Fits with many different decoration styles, durable, easy to decorate
- Cons: Requires a lot of maintenance, pricey
Fiberglass frame (glass fiber)
- Pros: Thin and light, high energy efficiency scores
- Cons: Not long-lasting, loses its look over time, expensive
Composite frame (fiber-x)
- Pros: Maintain the same look for a long time, durable, thin and light, energy-efficient
- Cons: Costly and hard to find
Aluminum frame (metal)
- Pros: Light, cheap, and easy to fit
- Cons: Very low energy efficiency, not very durable
Vinyl frame (PVC)
- Pros: Energy-efficient and cheap
- Cons: Requires quite a bit of material to be durable
3. Check the structural integrity of your home
The process of replacing windows requires you to tear down some parts of the wall of your home. If your home is not in the condition to go through this, the entire structure could collapse. That’s a huge issue that will take weeks if not months to fix, not to mention that it will cost a ton of money. To prevent this issue, you need to make sure that the structure of the house is in good condition. The best way to check is to call an inspector and have them check the foundation and the wooden structure inside the wall. This way, you’ll know what you have to be concerned about before you give the window replacement project the green light.
4. Think about the landscape
You have to keep in mind that the location and the landscape around your home has a lot to do with how the project will be done. For example, if your house is on top of a hill, the installer will have to make sure that the new window doesn’t interfere with the views. They may use a wider frame so that there’s more space for the window so that you can enjoy the sunset in a way that you could have never enjoyed before. If you want to get a certain effect from your new windows, be sure to let the contractor know beforehand so they can choose the right products and installation process for you.
5. Think about the energy efficiency scores
Your windows are where you may be losing a ton of energy each year, and the energy loss could be happening right under your nose without your knowledge. You should keep these points in mind when choosing a window:
Condensation Resistance
- The condensation resistance number tells you how foggy the window is going to be - the higher the resistance score, the better.
Air Leakage
- If there’s an air leak in the window seal, it means that there’s a lot of energy leaks. Your AC will have to work harder if there’s a lot of air leakage, so you should look for a window with a low leakage score.
Visible Transmittance
- This number indicates how much sunlight the window allows into the room, but not the UV rays. The higher the number, the brighter your room is going to be.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
- This number tells you how much heat can come through the window - the lower, the cooler.
6. Choose the right type of glass
The type of glass you use will dictate a lot of how energy-efficient the window is going to be. We recommend you go with an insulated glass unit (IGU), as this is by far the best type of glass in the market. It’s made from two pieces of glass with a gap in between with a layer of insulation inside. This prevents the excess moisture from gathering inside the window, and it helps to prevent heat transfer as well.
If you’re looking to replace your windows, Advanced Exteriors MN is your best bet, we specialize in window replacement in Minneapolis, MN. Get in touch today to see how we can help, (763) 537-5117.






