Are Replacement Windows Worth the Cost?
Like other worthwhile investments in your home, replacement windows can be costly. While today’s market is full of budget-friendly options that can make your window installation project more affordable, try to avoid a purchasing decision based solely on cost. Window quality should always be a main concern. After all, inferior windows won’t reliably deliver the functionality, security, and energy efficiency you expect, especially in Chicago’s notoriously frigid winters.
Whether Des Plaines and Naperville replacement windows are worth it depends a lot on market value. Some renovations will simply yield a bigger return on investment (ROI) than others. For example, compare a full roof replacement with a driveway makeover. Given that a roof is a vital part of any home, roof replacement will logically result in a bigger ROI than driveway repaving.
Of course, windows are also important components of homes, but the ultimate value of a Naperville or Des Plaines window replacement project is determined by the quality, styles, features, and options of the products you choose. In any event, replacement windows can be a smart investment. Just be sure to keep a few facts in mind.
Window Frames Matter
The material that your replacement window frames are made of go a long way toward home improvement value. The three primary frame materials on the market are wood, vinyl, and fiberglass. (Less common but very impressive in terms of strength and thermal protection are composite frames, which are a blend of wood fiber and thermoplastic polymer.) Of the three most popular frame materials, vinyl is the least expensive, followed by fiberglass, and then wood. With today’s design and production methods, all three offer significant advantages such as enhanced curb appeal and durability, but wood frames will require more maintenance. That’s why wood windows are often clad in aluminum or vinyl, making upkeep easier without detracting from wood’s natural appeal.
More Energy Efficiency Means More Value
Replacing your old or worn windows with energy-efficient ones can have immediate positive impacts. Not only will you enjoy more consistently comfortable interior temperatures, but you may also see huge savings in monthly energy costs. If you’re putting your home on the market, potential buyers are sure to notice new windows, and if they’re energy-efficient windows, all the better. In general, homes with energy-saving features or with a record of low electricity bills are eminently attractive to home buyers.
Look for the ENERGY STAR® label when shopping around for replacement windows. This certification signifies that these windows have met the federal government’s stringent standards for energy efficiency. Because they typically feature better insulation and low-E glass that allows less solar heat into the home, they may reduce the average homeowner’s energy use by as much as 30%.
A Low-Risk, High-Value Replacement Window Company
As the premier replacement window company serving the Chicago suburbs, Opal Enterprises installs windows in several different materials and styles to suit a range of budgets. Crafted by top manufacturers like Andersen and Kolbe Windows and Doors, our windows are available with numerous design options to satisfy your aesthetic preferences and beautify your home.
Whether you want fiberglass, vinyl, wood, or composite windows, you will find options that will help you save on energy costs because our manufacturers utilize energy-saving features with many window styles. Our experts can help you choose the ideal replacement windows and siding for your home.
