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window replacement

Why do a home window replacement project?

What impact do your existing windows have on your home? Swapping old, low-performance windows with replacement windows can result in increased comfort, enhanced beauty and even add value to your home. Milgard custom-makes each replacement window to order to ensure a perfect fit and you can tailor each window to meet your specific needs in any room. 

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replacement windows are an investment in your home

Window replacement cost vs. value

According to a 2020 survey of cost versus value, Remodeling Magazine reported that replacement windows in upscale homes have an 74.5% return on investment in the Pacific Region. If you’ve been considering home replacement windows, now might be a good time to take action. A Milgard Certified Dealer can help.

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Replacement window operating styles

For a kitchen window over a sink or counter, a sliding horizontal window lets in lots of light and is easy to open when reaching over a counter.

Awning windows provide a great option for ventilation during rains. They open outward and provide shielding for the window opening. Like horizontal sliding windows, they also can be a good choice above a sink or counter—their crank systems allow for easy one-handed operation.

Some double hung window models have tilt-in sashes for easy cleaning. In second- and third-story rooms, these windows save you from having to haul out a ladder to clean your windows.

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V300 Trinsic Series Windows

Placement and privacy considerations

Think about what furniture or other furnishings you might put in front of a window or patio door inside your house. If a table, for instance, is going to be placed in front of a window, consider a casement window that can be opened and closed with one hand from a crank at the bottom of the window. In a home window replacement project, you have the opportunity to change the operation style of your existing window or even put in a patio door.

For a bathroom window or windows flanking an entry, consider privacy/obscure glass options. These provide privacy without the need for window coverings. A variety of colors and texture patterns are available for a translucent to semi-opaque effect.

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replacing windows to add curb appeal

replacing windows to add curb appeal

To give your home more curb appeal, it pays to choose your replacement windows carefully. Next to the style of a house (colonial, Cape Cod, ranch, modern), windows are the biggest factor in determining how your home looks to the outside world.

Most older homes date back to the days when glass only was available in small panes. So it makes sense, when updating older homes to maintain a traditional look through the use of grids and trim.

Generally, windows in the front of a house should complement the style of the home. For many people, and many home styles, that means a traditional, symmetrical design. This is particularly important in neighborhoods where existing homes set a general style or style is mandated by code. On other sides of the home, you have more freedom.

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consider air flow when choosing window operating styles

Air Quality and Ventilation

A well chosen window and door offers benefits of healthier living and comfort in addition to the aesthetics.   Beyond energy efficiency, beyond beauty, windows and doors are carefully placed to maximize enjoyment of healthier living.

Air quality is typically thought of as an outdoor issue. But indoor air inhibitors such as mold spores, dust, cleaning chemicals, and pet dander contribute to a high amount of pollutants. Americans spend as much as 90% of their time indoors. When properly placed, operable windows provide access to clean, fresh air. This natural ventilation flushes out stale air, which is particularly important in tightly sealed buildings.  

The location of your windows may help you decide which operating style is best for your project. For example in a bathroom, you probably will want at least one operable window to vent moisture so you don't have to rely solely on a fan.

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Expansive views with C650 windows

Replacing windows to add spectacular views

Assembled in configurations, windows and patio doors can create a wonderful sense of openness that brings the outdoors in and can actually make a room seem larger than it is. Picture windows can be combined with arch "half round" windows to add grandeur to a room.

Flank a picture window with operating windows like casement or single hung to provide view and ventilation. Or place awning windows underneath.

Sliding glass doors (standard or French-style) are a great way to bring in the view without the swing space required by an ordinary door or French patio door.

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protecting against solar heat

Replacing windows to insulate from solar heat

If you're looking to control solar gain due to sun exposure you'll want to use extra high-efficiency forms of Low-E insulated glass to reject more of the sun's heat and damaging rays while letting you enjoy window light.

Windows facing east and west get low-angle sunlight in mornings and afternoons, and windows facing south can get low-angle sun in spring, fall and winter, particularly the farther north you live. All of these conditions can be blinding and especially troublesome in a room used for watching television or working on a computer. High-efficiency Low-E glass, shades, curtains, low overhangs and awnings can be used in various combinations to help alleviate these effects.

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V300 window

Local building codes usually have egress requirements for bedrooms, specifying the size and height of an opening you need to allow in the event of a fire or other emergency. Often, casement or sliding horizontal windows can be a good choice for meeting these codes. Be sure to discuss egress with your contractor or dealer.

A basement window can be a particular challenge if you're also looking to ensure egress. Horizontal sliders are an excellent way to achieve ventilation and permit egress in window wells.

If you have walkways or paths near your windows, you may want to consider windows that don't open out (such as horizontal sliders, single hung and double hung). That way, you won't block a pathway every time you want ventilation.

In a child's bedroom, opening only the top sash of a double hung window for ventilation can add an extra measure of safety.

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