Although the job of changing out a window for a new one on an aging building seems fairly straightforward, no one who goes through the process of window replacement would ever agree that it is a completely painless project. There are a big range of issues with windows that can arise, including cost control, time required during on-site installations, making sure the contractors adjust to the nuances of your particular windows, and the difficulty of finding the right contractor for your project.

Ricochet Construction has been serving the Dallas metropolitan area for many years, and has a long history of successful window replacement for both homes and large multi-family communities. We often work on very large apartment and condominium communities that host 1,000+ rental units, but we are well-adapted and prepared to work on any commercial property that may need window repair work.

In the following article, we will briefly cover major issues that come up when dealing with window replacements, and suggest how we would go about working with you to ensure your window replacement project delivers all the benefits you should expect from this kind of work.

There are of course obvious signs that your windows have reached the limits of their functional lifespan. If you are experiencing any form of water leakage, especially during heavy storms, you should immediately have your windows evaluated by a professional in order to avoid any problems that can happen with moisture getting into your walls through the window seams. This could lead to a much higher repair bill if not addressed quickly.

Other signs that windows are aging include drafts of cold air coming from any area of the window or the surrounding framework. The increased heating costs of poor window structures shouldn’t be underestimated, not only from cold air coming in, but from hot air in the Dallas summer entering your home and driving up the cost of air conditioning. Older windows are not as well designed for creating tight seals, and the benefit of having newer windows can be extensive over a long period of time.

Finally, newer windows benefit from a new set of designs and materials that aren’t available in older windows. Not only do you get better heating and cooling properties from newer materials, but the glass itself and the surrounding frames give you many more options for increasing the aesthetic effects of your windows, improving the appearance of the property, and making it both easier to rent or sell when the time comes.

Depending on the amount of structural damage to the frame, you may need a new construction window rather than just a standard window replacement. Replacing just the glass itself and the moving part of the window may not be enough to ensure a fully functioning and well-sealed window.
You may want to save cost using single-hung versus double-hung windows. Double-hung windows allow both panes to be moved, but are more expensive, and often aren’t necessary. Consider keeping the cost of the project down by choosing single-hung windows.
Explore fixing rather than replacing the windows. It’s a common idea to pull all your windows at once and do a full replacement job in order to “just deal with it all at once.” However, sometimes a seal can be repaired must more cost-efficiently, and replacement isn’t necessary at that time. Be sure to have every window fully inspected before pulling the trigger on a complete replacement job.

Windows seem like a large project for many homeowners and rental property owners. But they can also be well-worth the investment in heating costs and improvements in rentability and selling price for a property.

At Ricochet, we will inspect your properties and advise you on exactly what repairs you need, and how long they should take. We have contracted with numerous homeowners and HOA’s on window repairs, and can supply a long list of satisfied customers to give references as to the quality, timeliness, and professionalism of our work. Contact us any time to find out more!