You probably need new windows — we can help you find the right ones for your home (2024)

When it’s time to shop for new windows, it can be daunting if you’ve never done it before. Shopping for replacement windows involves more than just finding a window that might look nice. To ensure you’re buying the right windows for your home with design and energy efficiency in mind (Editor's note: Lowe's makes it super easy to get a custom quote), you need to know a few things about them first. According to experts, while it can be costly, new windows can provide significant benefits like lower outside noise and better energy efficiency for the entire home.

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Along with your window size and desired glass type (more on those below), you'll also want to consider the material, design, local regulations, safety concerns and (of course) your budget.

Learn more about each of those factors below.

Lowe's Window Installation

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The window frame material is one of the most essential features to consider when shopping for windows. The most popular frame options are vinyl, wood and fiberglass.

• Vinyl windows are energy efficient due to their excellent insulation capabilities. They’re also water resistant, so they don’t rot or warp. However, with vinyl materials, you often have fewer design and color choices.
• Wood windows have a traditional look that can be styled with just about any color. The downside is that wood is not very moisture-resistant. Similarly, due to the craftsmanship involved, you can expect to pay more for them.
• Fiberglass windows are extremely robust and can handle even the harshest weather conditions. They perform great in both situations, whether warm or cold. Fiberglass also has fantastic insulation properties, ensuring your home's areas are comfortable year-round. These qualities come at a cost, making fiberglass much more expensive than wood or vinyl.

The types of glass used for the windows affect everything from energy efficiency to noise transmission and UV ray protection. It’s one of the most important things to consider, and the many glass types mean this is one feature you should consider. Low-E glass is ideal if you live in areas with harsh weather and want good energy efficiency. Insulated glass helps reduce the noise that comes in from outside the home. Laminated and tempered glass are cost-effective solutions that give you a good bang for your buck.

Windows play quite a role in a home's aesthetic appeal from inside and outside. A home with more classical architecture might be better suited to wood casem*nt or double-hung windows, while more modern homes might benefit from sliding windows and awning windows.

The area where you’re adding the windows is also important. If you’re installing windows in a living room where a lot of natural light would benefit the area, then bay windows or casem*nt windows are an excellent choice. Sliding and awning windows work wonders in the kitchen or basem*nt, where ventilation is crucial.

A small amount of maintenance is often required to keep your windows in good shape and there can be minor differences based on material. “Maintenance should be minimal for all windows if they are properly installed and manufactured,” says Nicholas Alexander from Alexander Development Group. “You just need to keep them clean.”

The only minor difference between vinyl and wood windows regarding maintenance is sealing and painting. Alexander says that if you have wood windows, they should be sealed or painted if they are exposed to rain or snow.

Part of shopping for new windows is finding a reliable contractor to install them. A professional window installer knows how to install a window and ensure it’s weatherproofed and sealed tightly. They also take reliable measurements to ensure you order the correct window size.

You can also ask them questions about getting new windows, from what window types best match your home's overall design to the material best suited for your location. Installing windows is one part of their job, and helping you find the right ones is the other.

Your budget will impact the types of windows and materials that you can select from. While all the features of fiberglass may sound great, the lower pricing that vinyl frames offer might make it a more suitable option. If you’re on a low budget, a fixed or single-hung window may be cheaper than the alternative casem*nt or awning window. If budget isn’t a huge concern and you want a window that might increase the value of a home and give it better curb appeal, bay windows are a winning choice.

Safety isn’t always considered when buying windows, but you should. If you live on a lower level where an intruder might have easy access to a window, you may prefer a more impact-resistant window, harder to open or harder to get through. An awning window that only tilts upward is safer than a shingle or double-hung window that opens all the way. Keep in mind that most windows come with a locking mechanism to prevent forced entry, but it’s never bad to play it safe.

Window warranties can vary significantly based on the manufacturer but generally cover any window defects.

“Window warranties typically come in increments of 5 years, so 5, 10, 15, 20, and lifetime,” says Alexander. “The warranty should cover your frame and sash, glass, and functioning hardware, but normal wear and tear isn’t covered.”

Suppose you use a professional window company to install the windows. In that case, they typically also offer their warranty that covers any failures or damage from improper installation but may not cover any problems due to the material. A contractor’s warranty typically lasts around a year but sometimes up to five, depending on the company. Another upside of using certified professionals to install your windows is that some warranties are voided unless a professional installs them.

Local regulations and laws can also play a minor or major role in determining what kind of windows a home can use. Some areas require windows to meet a certain energy efficiency threshold, with requirements for the u-factor and the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) value. Similarly, some building codes may require vinyl over wood or vice versa. Specific window colors and types may not be allowed if you live in an HOA.

There are multiple types of windows that you can choose from. Some types are better suited for specific areas of the house due to things like security features and a more aesthetically pleasing design, among other features.

Single-hung windows are affordable and feature a top-fixed sash and a bottom-operable sash. The bottom sash can be moved up and down. Due to their simpler design, they’re easier to install and cost less than other options, making them a great budget-friendly choice.

Double-hung windows are similar to single-hung windows, except that the top and bottom sashes are operable. This provides greater ventilation and makes cleaning the area simple. They’re still very affordable, costing just a bit more than single-hung windows.

Sliding windows are typically found in the basem*nt or sometimes in the kitchen. The sash on both sides can slide horizontally to the side. Since these windows don’t have many components, they’re easy to replace and install and also require little maintenance.

Casem*nt windows open fully outwards and provide a great deal of ventilation. These windows are known for their weathertight seals and ability to reduce air leaks, but they lack security features.

Awning windows have hinges at the top that allow them to open outwards in a tilting fashion. They offer excellent privacy, making it hard to see inside the home from the outside, and offer excellent ventilation even when it rains. Compared to the previous window types, they often cost more.

Bay windows contain multiple windows that typically extend farther out than the home's walls and meet at several angles. Their bigger size allows more natural light to enter an area. These windows are generally the most expensive to replace and install but offer great curb appeal.

Apart from window types, there are also various window glass options. While these two are separate categories, sometimes they interconnect in that some window types match better with specific glasses.

• Float glass is typically the starting base for most window glasses. It’s formed from a combination of molted glass and molted tin, then cooled and cut into shape. While it allows ample sunlight, by itself, it’s considered weak and thus often treated with other coatings and protective layers.
• Laminated glass consists of two glass sheets with an additional polyvinyl butyral (PVB) insider layer. This added protection prevents the glass from breaking into pieces if it shatters. The glass also excels in soundproofing, making it a good choice for homes in busy areas where cars drive by. Since the glass is held together in case of breakage, it’s also commonly used in homes and businesses where harsh weather is abundant.
• Tempered glass is the result of a cooling process performed on float glass. This process creates a strong material that can better withstand impacts. When it breaks, tempered glass is broken into smaller pieces rather than large ones, helping reduce the chance of injury or damage in the area.
• Insulated glass is made up of two or three glass sheets that feature an insulation spacer made up of air or gas in between. Krypton or argon gasses are commonly mixed in between and provide the glass with insulation qualities. The build process helps insulated glass reduce the noise transmitted and reduce heat transfer.
• Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass is float glass treated with a layer of metal oxides. This protective layer helps the glass significantly reduce heat transfer, allowing natural sunlight to enter your home. Low-E glass is one of the most energy-efficient glasses, trapping the heat inside during the winter to keep it warm but reflecting solar heat outside in the summer. It’s also designed to reflect harmful UV rays, which can potentially cause discoloration and other damage to furniture and wood flooring.

Lowe's Window Installation

$

800.00

At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Nicholas Alexander has spent over 10 years in the construction industry. He is currently a development associate for the NYC-based Alexander Development Group, which develops and renovates apartments, office spaces and more.

MarkSoto is a freelance home improvement and construction writer from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He has extensive knowledge of home improvement projects, having covered the space for more than four years now.Markcomes from a family of DIYers and contractors and has previously written about roofing, home renovations, landscaping, painting, and more. He spoke with experts and professional within the home improvement and construction space for this article.

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