Enhancing the look of your home with a remodel will give it a whole new vibe. One of the most important parts of any home improvement project is choosing windows that reflect your home’s style. More importantly, though, you want to take care that you install energy-efficient windows that keep your interior temperatures pleasant all year long. Discover three must-haves when deciding on windows for your home.

Always Go With Low-E Glass

Windows with low-E glass are basically like a pair of sunglasses for your house. They feature microscopic metal coatings to reflect harsh solar heat during the summer so the AC doesn’t have to run as much, and they do this without reducing how much artificial light comes through them. In the winter, the low-E glass traps heat from the furnace inside the house instead of letting it escape through the glass. These types of windows are also helpful for stopping harsh UV rays from coming through the glass and damaging your hardwood floors and furniture. Ultimately, opting for low-E glass during a remodel makes your windows more functional and energy efficient.

Use Precise Measurements for Rough Opening Sizes

Don’t ever order custom windows based on hasty approximations for the rough openings. If you do, there’s a good chance the windows won’t fit once you go to install them. If you are unsure about measurements, you should talk to a professional. Here are the different measurements you need to get to ensure a perfect fit:

• Rough opening width measurements taken at the top, middle and bottom
• Rough opening height measurements taken on the left, center and right
• Depth of the window opening
• Diagonal measurements to verify the opening is square
• Frame thickness requirements
• Clearance needed for shims and insulation

Avoid Over-Expansion of Spray Foam Insulation

When a window has small openings around the frame, you may find it tempting to spray a bunch of regular expanding foam into them. But this is a huge mistake you want to avoid at all costs. Standard foam has a tremendous amount of force behind its expansion, so much so that it can bow the window frame out of shape once it fully cures. If you use regular foam spray and the window all of a sudden won’t lock or slide, the foam is most likely the culprit. Using low-expansion foam provides a much better seal without putting excessive pressure on the frame.

You can install your new windows yourself, but hiring a professional usually provides the best results. Expert installers know all the tricks and techniques for navigating tricky framing issues and choosing the right window style for each space throughout your remodel. If you live in Bloomington, IL or a surrounding area and need window services, make your first call to Nordine Remodeling.