Home Window Replacement Basics
You can find different types of windows designated for new construction and replacement. A window for new construction has a nailing fin — a rim that allows you to secure it in the rough opening of a wall. A replacement window doesn’t have a nailing fin. It’s secured in an existing window frame with fasteners that run through the window assembly, making it easier to install. When updating existing windows, you typically use windows that are designated for home window replacement unless the existing frame around the opening needs to be replaced. Before buying replacement windows, make sure you have good measurements of the existing rough openings. Read Measure Windows for Replacement for instructions.
Windows are either operable (they can be opened) or fixed (they can’t be opened). There’s at least one sash — a sheet of glass and a framework of vertical stiles and horizontal rails — in a window. A pane is a single sheet of glass framed in a window. Glazing can refer to either the glass in a window or the process of securing the glass into the framework. The window frame consists of the head, jamb, side jamb and sill.
Anatomy of a Window
Single Hung or Double Hung Vinyl Window
- Head jamb
- Grilles between the glass (GBG)
- Glazing/glass
- Sash
- Side jamb
- Stile
- Rail
- Sill
Different Types of Windows
Window type is a key factor in window replacement cost. Each type of window has specific features and characteristics to consider. In addition to appearance (from inside and outside), consider their function, whether or not you want to open them and the amount of light they should let in. Also think about cleaning and maintenance when browsing through the different types of window replacement options.
Double Hung Windows
Double hung windows offer a classic look. These replacement window panels have operable upper and lower sashes. Lowering the top sash and raising the lower sash can allow warmer air near the ceiling to move out through the top, while cooler air can flow in through the bottom. Many double hung windows have sashes that tilt inward, allowing you to clean the exterior surfaces from inside your home. This feature is particularly valuable if the windows are on a second story. Since double hung windows offer good airflow and ventilation, they work well as kitchen, basement or bathroom replacement windows.
Single Hung Windows
Single hung windows look similar to double hung models, but only the lower sash is operable. As with double hung windows, some models allow you to pivot the sash inward to clean the exterior.
Sliding Windows
Sliding windows have one or more panels that move horizontally along upper and lower tracks, allowing you to easily open up half of the window for ventilation. They work best in small spaces and are a great choice for bathroom replacement windows.
Picture Windows
Picture windows are available in a standard rectangular design or shapes that offer more visual variety, such as an octagon. These windows are fixed models designed to offer wide, unobstructed views and provide lots of light.
Glass Block Windows
Glass block windows are constructed from individual blocks sealed together with mortar. The thick, break-resistant glass provides privacy but still allows light into your home. Glass block windows are fixed, but some have a built-in vent you can tilt open. Other models — designed for use in a laundry room — include an outlet for a dryer vent hose.
Other Window Types
There are other common types of windows, often designated for new construction.
Bay and bow windows extend out from the house. A bay window is an assembly of three or more individual panels positioned at 30 or 45 degree angles and usually consists of one large middle window flanked by two smaller windows.
A bow window is similar but doesn't project as far from the house. The panels are at smaller angles — 10 degrees, for example — giving the appearance of a gentle outward arc.
Casement windows
are hinged on one end and pivot out for ventilation at the other end. They’re easy to open and provide good air flow. Casement windows are often used in kitchens above the sink because of their easy one-handed operation.
Awning windows have a top-hinged sash that tilts out from the bottom. The design of an awning window helps keep rain out when the window is open. They’re often used as smaller windows with higher placement.
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Skylights
mount in the ceiling and are either fixed or operable. During the day, they function like overhead light fixtures. Larger, traditional skylights need a direct connection between the ceiling and roof for installation. Smaller tubular skylights include a reflective tube that channels natural light through an attic space and to a diffuser in the ceiling, illuminating small spaces, such as hallways or bathrooms. Their size allows them to work with any roof-support type without cutting and reinforcing joists.
Common Window Sizes
When determining the best windows for your home, you’ll first need to determine the correct window sizes you’ll need as replacement windows, which are available in many common dimensions. When ordering replacement windows, use the combination of width and height (the number in parenthesis). For example, a window that’s 32 inches by 62 inches is 2852 (two feet eight inches by five feet two inches).
The actual dimensions of the window should be slightly smaller than the rough opening measurements to allow for correct installation. The rough opening is the framed opening into which the window will be installed. This opening should be between 3/4-inch and 1-inch larger than the replacement window.
Standard sized windows are more readily available and they’re less expensive than custom window sizes.
Double Hung and Single Hung Windows (width by height)
The most common window type is double hung, however, single hung windows are also popular. Common dimensions for both typically run as follows:
- 24 inches by 36 inches (2030)
- 24 inches by 48 inches (2040)
- 24 inches by 52 inches (2044)
- 32 inches by 48 inches (2840)
- 32 inches by 62 inches (2852)
- 48 inches by 60 inches (4050)
Sliding Windows (width by height)
Sliding windows, which slide from left-to-right, range from 36 inches to 84 inches. Common dimensions for are as follows:
- 32 inches by 24 inches (3020)
- 32 inches by 32 inches (3030)
- 60 inches by 36 inches (5030)
- 72 inches by 48 inches (6040)
- 84 inches by 48 inches (7040)
Fixed/Picture Windows (width by height)
Common dimensions for fixed or picture windows (with standard widths ranging from 24 inches to 96 inches) are as follows:
- 36 inches by 24 inches (3020)
- 48 inches by 60 inches (4050)
- 60 inches by 36 inches (5030)
- 72 inches by 48 inches (6040)
- 96 inches by 60 inches (8050)
Casement Windows (width by height)
Hinged casement windows (with standard widths ranging from 18 inches to 72 inches) are as follows:
- 19 inches by 16 inches (1714)
- 19 inches by 29 inches (1725)
- 27 inches by 27 inches (2323)
- 33 inches by 33 inches (2929)
- 41 inches by 29 inches (3525)
Window Frame Materials
The frame material of a window affects factors such as heat transfer, durability and maintenance.
Vinyl
Vinyl
is a common material for replacement windows that’s low-maintenance and affordable. They’re made from rigid, impact-resistant polyvinylchloride (PVC), with hollow chambers inside to help them resist heat transfer and condensation. Vinyl replacement windows don’t require painting or finishing, and the material doesn’t fade or rot.
Aluminium and Aluminum Clad
Aluminum and aluminum clad windows can be economical options for replacement windows. They’re durable, light and relatively easy to handle. Aluminum windows are corrosion-resistant and require little maintenance. Aluminum clad windows offer the benefits of wood on the inside but are covered on the exterior with a tough, low-maintenance jacket of aluminum. The cladding makes the exterior durable and prevents rot.
Wood
Wood is popular, particularly for the interior parts of a window. It’s a great choice for homeowners who want a traditional look, but it does require more regular maintenance. Wood is available on new construction windows. It doesn’t conduct as much heat or cold as other materials and doesn’t allow as much condensation. Wood windows often come unfinished, but you can save work by purchasing them already primed on the exterior or interior surfaces. You can also buy them already painted in a few standard colors.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass windows are durable, waterproof and low-maintenance. They're usually an option for new construction windows. Fiberglass won’t crack, bend, warp, rust, rot, corrode or peel, and they’re long lasting and easy to care for. The lower heat conductivity and lower thermal expansion mean the frames won’t expand and contract as much as other materials.
Windows and Energy Efficiency
Some windows feature two layers of glass (double pane) or three layers (triple pane). Air or argon gas, which has better insulating properties, is sealed between the panes as an insulator. If the unit is properly constructed, condensation shouldn’t occur between the panes. A drying agent, called a desiccant, may be used between the panes as added protection from condensation.
Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass has a thin coating of metallic oxide that allows light in but blocks out much of the heat that contacts it. A Low-E coating can help keep your home cool on a hot day by reducing the exterior heat entering your home. On a cold day, it can keep most of the interior heat from escaping through the glass. Low-E glass also reduces the amount of ultraviolet (UV) light entering the home, helping protect carpets, upholstery and furniture from fading.
The U-value or U-factor of the window indicates the rate at which heat flows through the window and frame, and measures overall energy efficiency. A lower U-value means the window will insulate better.
Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) is a specification that indicates how much solar energy passes through the window. A higher number means the window allows a higher percentage of solar heat to pass through. If you live in the South, you may want to consider windows with lower SHGC ratings to block heat in the summer and reduce cooling costs. In the North, you may want to look for windows with higher ratings to allow the sun to aid in warming your home.
Windows may be labeled as ENERGY STAR® certified for specific zones of the country. Take a look at Residential Windows, Doors and Skylights to learn the benefits of these windows.
Other Window Features and Options
Impact-resistant glass is used for homes that are in areas that are prone to hurricanes or other severe storms. It’s designed to offer protection against flying debris and withstand greater impacts without breaking compared to a standard window.
Tempered glass is a type of safety glazing. The glass is designed to crumble when broken rather than shattering like standard (annealed) window glass.ss
The sound transmission class (STC) rating of a window indicates how well it reduces noise from outside. A higher number means less sound is transmitted through the window.
Double-strength glass is thicker and resists breakage better than single-strength glass.
Rough-opening dimensions indicate the size opening the window will fit. The actual dimensions of the window are slightly smaller than the rough measurements to allow for installation materials.
Grids or grilles are available with some windows to simulate the look of a window made up of multiple, smaller panes of glass. The grid may be mounted on the window surface or encased between panes of glass.
Window Cleaning Tips
You can consider buying window cleaners or you can try a do-it-yourself solution. A simple mixture of a gallon of water with either a teaspoon of baby shampoo or 1-1/2 cups of vinegar is an effective recipe for general cleaning.
Follow these general steps to keep your windows clean and streak free. For complete instructions, see our window cleaning guide.
- Rinse the window surface from top to bottom with clean water.
- Clean with one of the mixtures listed above and a sponge. Apply uniform pressure horizontally, then vertically.
- Don’t allow solutions to collect or puddle on vinyl surfaces and quickly rinse, dry and run down.
- Rinse thoroughly using clean water without allowing any solution to dry on the glass.
- Wipe the window, frame and sill with a lint-free, dry cloth.
Window Installation
A seasoned DIYer can install a basic window, but to ensure the job is done right, connect with a Lowe’s window installation professional. They’re experts at measuring the correct window size as well as removing and installing windows.
Frequently Asked Questions for Replacement Windows
Considering replacing your windows? Here are some answers to questions you may have about the project.
What is the Average Cost to Replace Windows?
Replacement window cost varies by project. Think about the number of windows you're replacing and whether you want to do the work or have the windows professionally installed. Before buying windows for replacement, take a look at some other factors that influence the cost.
- Window Type and Size: The type of window you choose and its size are key factors in replacement costs. For example, the purchase price for a double hung replacement window can run from a couple of hundred dollars to around $1000 or more, while a single-hung replacement window can run from around $100 to several hundred dollars or more. Your location will affect price.
- Window Features: Low-E glass, gas-insulated panes, ENERGY STAR® certification, panes that tilt in for easy cleaning and other features add cost to window replacement.
- Project Materials: In addition to the window, you'll likely need to plan for the cost of flashing, caulk, weatherstripping and more. If you're doing the work yourself, you may need to purchase some tools as well.
- Taxes and Permits: These costs will vary by project and location.
What Time of Year is Best to Replace Windows?
Late spring and early summer, when temperatures tend to be mild, is often the best time to replace windows. It'll be easier to keep interior temperatures comfortable during the project than it would be in the heat of summer or in cold weather.
You may also want to consider fall as an alternative. Temperatures will typically be mild in the fall as well and the demand for product will likely be lower in the fall months. Installer demand may also be lower, a consideration if you're having the windows professionally installed. Keep in mind the climate of your area and what times of year storms are most likely.
Can I Replace Windows Myself?
Replacing windows is usually an intermediate to advanced project, but if you have experience with these levels of do-it-yourself projects, take satisfaction in DIY work and want to save money on installation costs, you can install windows yourself.
However, if you have a lot of windows to replace the project can last for several days to a couple of weeks or more, so balance the value of your time against any money you might save. Keep in mind, professional installation often comes with an installation guarantee, which could save you money in the long run.
If you do replace your windows yourself, make sure you follow any applicable building codes. Permits and inspections may be required.
Let Us Install It
If you’d prefer to leave window replacement to the pros, reach out to us. We’re happy to help.