Replacement Windows
Window replacement is one of the best ways to improve your home’s value, add comfort, and even save on heating and cooling costs.
Why Do a Home Window Replacement Project?
What impact do your existing windows have on your home? Swapping old, low-performance windows with replacement windows can result in increased comfort, enhanced beauty and even add value to your home. Milgard custom-makes each replacement window to order to ensure a perfect fit and you can tailor each window to meet your specific needs in any room.
Cost vs Value
According to a 2020 survey of cost versus value, Remodeling Magazine reported that replacement windows in upscale homes have an 74.5% return on investment in the Pacific Region. If you’ve been considering home replacement windows, now might be a good time to take action. A Milgard Certified Dealer can help, or, take this short quiz to find the perfect window for your home.
Tips to Consider When Replacing Windows in Your Home
The style of your home plays a big role in the type of window you choose for each room. Several other factors affect the window glass and other features you’ll want to use for a particular room. Let’s consider some of the things that will influence your home window replacement decision.
Window Operating Styles
Privacy
Solar Heat Gain
Curb Appeal
Safety & Security
Ventilation
Weatherization
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Window Operating Styles
For a kitchen window over a sink or counter, a sliding horizontal window lets in lots of light and is easy to open when reaching over a counter.
Awning windows provide a great option for ventilation during rains. They open outward and provide shielding for the window opening. Like horizontal sliding windows, they also can be a good choice above a sink or counter—their crank systems allow for easy one-handed operation.
Some double hung window models have tilt-in sashes for easy cleaning. In second- and third-story rooms, these windows save you from having to haul out a ladder to clean your windows.
Think about what furniture or other furnishings you might put in front of a window or patio door inside your house. If a table, for instance, is going to be placed in front of a window, consider a casement window that can be opened and closed with one hand from a crank at the bottom of the window.
In a home window replacement project, you have the opportunity to change the operation style of your existing window or even put in a patio door.
Note: For a French patio door, be sure to consider how you want to use the interior space near it. If your use of this space would conflict with an in-swinging door, consider an out-swinging French patio door or a French-style sliding door.
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Privacy
For a bathroom window or windows flanking an entry, consider privacy/obscure glass options. These provide privacy without the need for window coverings. A variety of colors and texture patterns are available for a translucent to semi-opaque effect.
Transom windows and skylights provide ambient light without compromising privacy.
If your house is near any source of noise, such as a busy highway or airport, consider Milgard’s® sound control windows in Quiet Line™ Series. These windows are made with laminated glass (two or more panes of glass bonded together with a plastic inner layer) is highly effective in reducing noise.
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Curb Appeal
To give your home more curb appeal, it pays to choose your replacement windows carefully. Next to the style of a house (colonial, Cape Cod, ranch, modern), windows are the biggest factor in determining how your home looks to the outside world.
Most older homes date back to the days when glass only was available in small panes. So it makes sense, when updating older homes to maintain a traditional look through the use of grids and trim.
Generally, windows in the front of a house should complement the style of the home. For many people, and many home styles, that means a traditional, symmetrical design. This is particularly important in neighborhoods where existing homes set a general style or style is mandated by code. On other sides of the home, you have more freedom.
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Assembled in configurations, windows and patio doors can create a wonderful sense of openness that brings the outdoors in and can actually make a room seem larger than it is. Picture windows can be combined with arch «half round» windows to add grandeur to a room.
Flank a picture window with operating windows like casement or single hung to provide view and ventilation. Or place awning windows underneath.
Sliding glass doors (standard or French-style) are a great way to bring in the view without the swing space required by an ordinary door or French patio door.
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Safety and Security
On first floors, you may have security concerns. To keep your home secure, but still enable easy ventilation, you might consider combinations of picture and awning or casement windows. These windows are hard to pry open when locked. For a living room, consider combos of awning windows above or below a picture window.
Local building codes usually have egress requirements for bedrooms, specifying the size and height of an opening you need to allow in the event of a fire or other emergency. Often, casement or sliding horizontal windows can be a good choice for meeting these codes. Be sure to discuss egress with your contractor or dealer.
A basement window can be a particular challenge if you’re also looking to ensure egress. Horizontal sliders are an excellent way to achieve ventilation and permit egress in window wells.
If you have walkways or paths near your windows, you may want to consider windows that don’t open out (such as horizontal sliders, single hungs and double hungs). That way, you won’t block a pathway every time you want ventilation.
In a child’s bedroom, opening only the top sash of a double hung window for ventilation can add an extra measure of safety.
Tempered glass is extremely strong. When it breaks, it shatters into little pebble-like pieces without sharp edges, reducing the likelihood of injury. Window and door manufacturers offer tempered glass for use in patio doors, side lights and windows in children’s rooms, and in many cases, there are required codes for the use of tempered glass in bathrooms. Talk with your dealer or contractor to find out what’s applicable to your home.
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Controlling Solar Heat Gain
If you’re looking to control solar gain due to sun exposure you’ll want to use extra high-efficiency forms of Low-E insulated glass to reject more of the sun’s heat and damaging rays while letting you enjoy window light.
Windows facing east and west get low-angle sunlight in mornings and afternoons, and windows facing south can get low-angle sun in spring, fall and winter, particularly the farther north you live. All of these conditions can be blinding and especially troublesome in a room used for watching television or working on a computer. High-efficiency Low-E glass, shades, curtains, low overhangs and awnings can be used in various combinations to help alleviate these effects.
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Ventilation and Weatherization
Need air? Consider which way the prevailing winds in your area blow. Maximizing ventilating windows along this line can greatly improve the fresh air in your home. A strategically-oriented casement window can even funnel breezes into your home.
Is there a side of your house that gets icy blasts of wind? Consider non-operating windows such as picture windows and radius windows on that side. These are among the best options for keeping the elements out of your home while letting natural light in. Be sure to select the most energy-efficient windows you can afford, and keep in mind that smaller windows will be more efficient in these situations.
In a bathroom, you probably will want at least one operable window to vent moisture so you don’t have to rely solely on a fan.
If you desire abundant natural light and fresh air, consider window styles such as horizontal sliders and casements as well as sliding patio doors that let in lots of air and light. Ventilating skylights are a great way to let in more light while providing a place for rising warm air to leave the house.
Windows on the north, east and west walls can all be great for balancing interior light with natural light but can be energy drains in cold climates . Replacing these windows with energy-efficient options can help improve your heating bills.
Need help with decision making? Schedule a free expert consultation.
What to Expect: Replacing Your Windows
Here’s what to expect when you choose Milgard windows to replace your old windows. Learn about the different types of installations and how your Milgard Certified Dealer can help you choose the perfect window for your home. Click here to learn more about the 4 different types of window replacement options and which one will be used on your project.
Replacement Windows and Doors
Replacement Solutions
We make your replacement project easier
Replacing windows and doors can seem stressful—but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re unsure if you need to replace or wondering what to do next, we’re here to help you understand each step and make your replacement project a success.
Evaluate
Is it really time for a replacement? Some signs, such as condensation or cosmetic damage, might not need replacement at all and are actually perfectly normal. Others, like water stains and wood rot, need immediate replacement.
Knowing the signs that require prompt attention versus those that can be easily fixed can help you evaluate whether and how soon a replacement is needed.
Need help deciding?
Select
We can help you navigate the process of selecting your replacement windows and doors. We’ll get started with a high-level look at basic choices like window/door styles and materials (wood, extruded aluminum or Ultrex fiberglass), and then we’ll guide you through design options – like wood stains, colors, hardware finishes, shades and screens.
Our Replacement Workbook details Marvin replacement products and options. Use the Workbook paired with our Replacement Guide to make the best choices for your replacement project. Download your copies below.
Consult
You don’t have to go through the replacement process alone. Marvin has a variety of replacement specialists available to create your perfect replacement process, each of them are there to provide guidance, answer questions, prepare your quote, measure for your new windows and doors, and place your order. They will also help you get the installation process underway.
Local independent Marvin dealers
You can view replacement windows and doors in person at a local independent Marvin dealer. Your dealer may be a Marvin Authorized Installing Retailer (they handle all aspects of the replacement process), while others work with contractors for measuring, order, and installation. Our experts are always happy to partner with your contractor or to recommend a contractor if you don’t already have one.
Marvin Authorized Replacement Contractors
Available in some areas, these experts work with you through your entire replacement process from window selection all the way through installation. They will also work with a Marvin dealer on your behalf.
Infinity from Marvin
A line of high-quality fiberglass windows and doors designed exclusively for replacement. Infinity retailers offer a one-stop shopping experience, providing knowledgeable expertise from initial consultation all the way through full-service delivery and installation.
DIY Installation
Installation Instructions
Get installation instructions for your window or door. Instructions include preparing the rough opening, sealing, shimming, fastening, flashing and water management.
Project Examples
Should You Do It Yourself?
1. Window Installation Skills
Do you have the necessary skills to replace your own windows? The level of skills needed to replace your own windows can vary, depending on the replacement project type. Installing a full-frame replacement window, for example, is more complex than installing an insert replacement window. An insert replacement window allows you to keep the existing window frame and trim, whereas a full-frame replacement window requires a complete tear-out and replacement of the existing one. A good place to start for determining the magnitude of a replacement project (and if your skills match the project) is to review the product installation instructions or watch our installation videos.
2. The Right Tools
Do you have the right tools to do the replacement job yourself? Andersen window installation guides provide product-specific lists of the required tools and materials, but most installation projects require a few standard tools:
- Safety glasses
- Caulk gun
- Waterproof shims
- Tape measure
- Level
- Hammer
- Power drill/driver
- Screwdriver
- Putty knife
- Utility knife
- Small pry bar
3. A Realistic Schedule
Do you have enough time to set aside for your project? A full-frame window replacement requires at least 4 to 6 hours per window on the ground level—and more for windows on upper floors. Insert windows may require less time. It’s always best to set aside additional time for reading through your installation guides thoroughly.
Insert Windows
Best for:
• Preserving interior and exterior window trim
• Situations where the original window frame is solid and free of decay
Full-Frame Windows
Best for:
• Modifying the size and/or shape of the window
• Replacing rotted or deteriorated window frame
• Adding or changing interior and/or exterior trim
Narroline® Window Conversion Kit
Designed specifically to retrofit existing Narroline® windows (1968 and newer), turning them into easy-to-clean tilt-wash double-hung windows
Patio Doors
Almost all Andersen® patio doors offer custom sizing to fit virtually every application. Choose from inswing, outswing or gliding configurations, plus a variety of options and accessories
Storm Doors
Choose from a selection of storm doors designed to be installed with basic skills and tools.
Insect Screens
Learn how to install insect screens on Andersen® products
Helpful Terms
Common installation terms are listed below. Visit the full glossary for additional information
Fastening: Windows/Doors must be fastened to a structural member in the rough opening. Fastener type and attachment method are dependent on a number of factors such as window/door type, assemblies, wall type, construction type, structural anchoring material, location, and fastener embedment depth.
Flashing: Windows/Doors must be flashed to integrate the window/door into the drainage plane. Flashing must be applied shingle fashion to direct water to the exterior. Flashing materials may be straight or formable self-adhered tape or liquid applied. The water management system may be of the drainage or barrier type.
Opening Preparation: Openings must be sized to accommodate the window/door and to allow adequate room for squaring, shimming, insulating the window/door or assembly; and any additional allowances that must be made to include flashing material stack-up, and joining materials and fasteners.
Sealing: Windows/Doors must be sealed to the drainage plane and rough opening. Backer rod is used to limit the sealant depth between the window frame and the rough opening, cladding, or trim. Sealant is used to prevent water and air infiltration by bridging the gap between the rough opening, window frame, and installation flange. Low expanding foam can also be used to provide an air seal between the window/door frame and the rough opening.
Shimming: Windows/Doors are shimmed to plumb, level, and square the window/door in the rough opening properly and to space the window frame off the rough sill.
Water Resistive Barrier (House Wrap): Windows/Doors must be integrated with a water resistive barrier. Water resistive barriers may be applied before or after window/door installation. Water resistive barriers may be of the house wrap type or liquid application.