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Owning a home can mean maintenance as part of living in it, and one of the things that require upkeep are the doors and windows. There are many things you can do to try and fix broken doors or windows. Click here for tips on how to do this yourself, but the two main professional ways of doing it are either a window replacement or adding an insert. If you are not sure which is which, we have you covered.
The article below will explain both of these means of amending a broken window so you can choose the best fit for yours, depending on your budget and limitations.
Types of Windows to Choose from When replacing Yours
Replacing your windows once every few years has tremendous benefits. As the house shifts over the years, they can lose their shape and become weak. There are a few different types of windows you can choose from, for instance:
Vinyl Windows are the cheapest options for most homes and are suitable for almost any design.
Wooden Windows – these cost more than the vinyl; however, they do look beautiful and, when painted or treated, can avoid sun damage or rot.
Cladding – this is usually added to wooden windows to make them more durable. Materials used for this include fiberglass, aluminum, and vinyl.
Fiber Glass – some designs are made from fiberglass and are a strong option if you are not keen on using vinyl. These are also less prone to expanding and contracting like most windows tend to do over time with seasonal changes.
Storm Windows – in countries where the weather can get harsh with storms regularly these will be the ideal solution to keep things out. It is a well-insulated option.
Tilt-out Windows – if you are looking for something easy to clean, the tilt-out variety is perfect.
Double-Hung Variety – a versatile and easy design to revamp homes and is easy to operate. You operate it by simply pushing it up and down.
More about these and aspects to consider with your window can be found on many online sources such as this site.
An Insert Window Replacement
If your window is broken but the frame isn’t, the insert window replacement method may just be the right move for you. With this technique, there is no need of replacing the whole window frame but rather the existing frame is left intact but the window itself is renewed with another one.
This method is much easier than other techniques as installing and repairing it requires fewer materials and may cost less. Lower installation costs are a great benefit in this case, as is the quick turnaround time to replace the broken window. Ideally, buying only the window glass will cost you half the price as opposed to swapping out the entire window and frame.
Another great advantage of this is that the replacement window is more often than not, the exact size and shape of the original one, thus keeping with the original design without having to choose another style that may look unkempt or force you to replace all the other windows and frames of the house which could cost a lot of money and time.
When choosing this option, it is also good to note that it will not alter the rest of the house’s foundation or structure. Thereby keeping any risks of damage to walls and other surfaces to nil.
A Full Frame Window Replacement
As per the name, the full-frame window replacement serves the purpose of replacing the entire window and frame as a whole. Both are commonly removed and swapped with a new one.
In comparison to the insert, these full-frame replacements are beneficial in that it allows for proper installation and correction of any faults and damages to the broken or existing faulty windows. Sometimes there could be water damage to the frame or cracks from wear and tear, and this is the ideal solution to remove the old and put in the new.
Sometimes old windows tend to get gaps between the frames and the walls or the windows, when they are fully replaced, it allows for these air gaps to be sealed so that no water or draft goes through them. It also has another indirect advantage of being energy efficient. All holes and gaps are minimized and removed so warm air can stay inside the house when the heating turns out, thereby avoiding waste and higher energy bills.
With these, you can change the entire design, size or shape of the existing window if you are looking to upgrade your home. When looking for the difference between the full frame window replacement vs insert it is clear to see which one should be the first selection for your home, however it will depend on your existing situation. Wood windows, for instance, can be replaced with metal ones and more energy-efficient materials which will help minimize maintenance costs in the long run too. The only downside to this is the budget, so if you do not have the budget for it, you may want to consider the alternative insert option.
