Is it time to replace old windows in your home? Not only do new windows add beauty and value to your home, they also increase safety, security, and energy efficiency. There are few better investments than beautiful new windows for your house. If you’re wondering when to replace old windows, here are some questions to consider:

• Are your windows stylish, up-to-date, and in excellent condition?
• Do your windows ventilate air properly (but remain airtight when closed)?
• Do your windows open and close smoothly, without extra effort?
• Are your windows accessible and easy to clean?

If you answered no to any of these questions, then chances are you’re not completely satisfied with the current windows in your house. If it’s time to replace old windows, we’re here to help.

With over 30 years of experience in the window business, the window experts at Weather Tight know how to help you through every step of window replacement. Our high-quality products, smooth installation, and phenomenal customer service are guaranteed to make you extremely happy with your decision to upgrade and replace old windows within your home.

 

Time to Replace Old Windows in a West Allis Bungalow

Weather Tight recently worked on a 75-year-old bungalow-style house in West Allis. This was a perfect example of a home desperately in need of brand new windows. Typical of the age and style, the home featured a large picture window with two surrounding double-hung windows. While the look of the windows fit the home, the old windows had presented several issues for the homeowners.

One of the main issues was air infiltration in the winter from the leaky windows. We all know Wisconsin winters mean drafty windows and cold air leaks. As is often the case, the homeowners saw condensation in between the panes of glass in the windows. This condensation was a sure sign that air and moisture were making their way inside the bungalow.

Like many Wisconsin homeowners, these folks relied on plastic shrink wrap covering their windows, as an attempt to solve their leaky window problem. This temporary winter window fix is common but leaves residents with more disruption than satisfaction. The unsightly plastic wrap on windows is hard to apply and rarely creates a tight seal. The plastic blocks outside views, sun exposure, and warmth.

Perhaps the most frustrating part of this annoying eyesore is that the plastic wrap on the windows must be replaced every season (so windows can be cleaned and opened in the summer months). This means more wrestling with a blow dryer and double-sided tape for a winter window solution that’s both ugly and ineffective. Not to mention the damage double-stick tape can do to beautiful woodwork. When we arrived at the bungalow, we could see it was definitely time to replace old windows and improve everyday life for this family.

Weather Tight experts quickly identified ventilation as the biggest issue in this case. As indicated by the moisture in between the panes, as well as the drafts, air was getting in despite the homeowner’s best efforts. The smartest option was to replace the old windows with three beautiful new double-hung windows. The new windows blended perfectly with the historic style of the home, increasing curb appeal and adding value to the property.

Best of all, the new windows allowed the homeowners to better control the temperature of their space all year long. No more drafty Wisconsin winters, plus great cooling airflow during the dog days of summer! Installing windows with double ventilation capabilities, from both the top and bottom, was the best fit for this home and would serve the client for years to come.

With so many window options out there, window selection may seem overwhelming. Trust experts familiar with the unique needs of Wisconsin homeowners so you can find the perfect replacement windows for your house. You want the highest quality windows to beautify and protect your home, but to also fit the look and style of your property.

Protecting Woodwork During Window Installation

With this West Allis home, the right window installation process was particularly important, especially due to the special woodwork surrounding their windows. As is the case with many of the beautiful bungalows, flats, and cottages here in Milwaukee, the craftsmanship is second to none. Preserving woodwork and brickwork is an important part of the window replacement process.

Due to Weather Tight’s experience with the historic and beautiful architecture of Milwaukee homes, we know how to protect craftsman features. We ensure our new windows enhance the look and function of the home rather than detract. The result is seamless, efficient, and a strong improvement that compliments the craftsmanship.

For our West Allis bungalow windows, we decided on a pocket install for the new window installation. Pocket install is a simple process in which the existing window frame is left intact. New windows are measured to fit within the given space perfectly. This procedure leaves the wood trim and features untouched and preserves the finish.

New Windows Vent in the Summer and Stop Drafts in the Winter

Another big concern for our West Allis family was the fact that their old windows didn’t open easily to let in the fresh air.

Older windows become sticky and stubborn. As the seal and pane erode over time, the window shifts and no longer opens with ease. Often the glass either becomes loose in the pane or the window requires brute force to open. The result is a window that’s tough, loud, and frustrating. Wrestling to open the window is more trouble than it’s worth, and of course, windows that won’t open (or feature loose glass) are a major safety concern.

The double hung replacement windows selected for the bungalow open with ease. These new windows feature screens, which provide ventilation from both sides. In the summertime, a natural breeze will easily flow into the house, giving it an open, airy feel. Of course, the screens efficiently block any outside bugs and serve as a protective shield for the room without sacrificing any airflow.

While cool breeze in the summer is important, it’s also important to protect against drafts and heat loss in the winter. After a careful installation and a lot of precision, the new windows are insulated around the edges to ensure all surfaces are airtight. Using the latest in window sealing and insulation technology, Weather Tight windows ensure there’s no cold airflow in the wintertime. Our windows are equipped with a maintenance-free exterior and fuel-efficient glass.

Fuel-efficient glass is important for many different reasons. According to the Department of Energy, it’s imperative to replace old windows with energy efficient glass because of the significant impact on both heat gain and heat loss throughout your home. Windows are accountable for 25% to 30% of the temperature energy. Replacing old windows with new energy-efficient windows with fuel-efficient glass will result in a lower heating and energy bill.

Beautiful Replacement Windows & Happy Customers

The last part of the window replacement process is installing brand new trim on the outside area surrounding the new windows. We take a great deal of pride in the appearance of our windows, always adding top-quality aluminum trim to finish.

With the West Allis bungalow project, our team was also installing new siding for the homeowners to complete their full home makeover. The window trim was added as part of the final siding process, giving the home a polished update with plenty of curb appeal!

Maintaining their new, beautiful windows won’t be a problem for this West Allis family. The cleaning process is simple with Weather Tight installations. Keeping your windows sparkling is never a concern for our customers!

Our windows are engineered to tilt inside. This ingenious feature allows homeowners to clean both the inside and out easily (without climbing a ladder)! Simply open the window to the inside and shine them from the comfort of your own home. Cleaning our windows is simple. We keep our customers happy!

Our expertise has made us Wisconsin’s most recommended window installer and remodeler. We’re constantly striving to please our customers and give them the home improvements of their dreams. Windows are a sound investment and an important way to update your home. Now is the perfect time to replace old windows with new and improved windows from Weather Tight.

Window updates are surprisingly affordable. Visit our Weather Tight contact page and fill out the online form to receive a free no-obligation quote. Schedule a free appointment with a windows specialist who will come to your home and assess your needs!

Hear from Tod and Todd

Tod Colbert, President of Weather Tight, and Todd Schulz, Vice President, enjoy giving their customers the best advice on all home improvement aspects including windows, siding, doors, roofing, and gutters.

To learn more about the window improvements made to the West Allis bungalow house, visit Tod & Todd’s Home Improvement Tips and to learn how Weather Tight was able to successfully replace old windows and transform the problematic double-hung picture window into a beautiful three double-hung set.