Four Key Takeaways from LakewoodAlive’s “Knowing Your Home: Windows 101” Workshop
June 16, 2017
Click here to view the PowerPoint presentation associated with this workshop It’s an age-old question for which many homeowners seek answers: “How do I make my windows stop leaking?!?
More than 35 attendees came to Nicholson House for our “Windows 101” workshop.
More than 35 area homeowners came to Nicholson House on June 15 for LakewoodAlive’s “Knowing Your Home: Windows 101” free workshop. Led by expert Fred Cortright, this workshop explored techniques to help homeowners maximize their windows’ efficiency.
If you happened to miss this workshop, we’ve got you covered. Here are four key takeaways from “Knowing Your Home: Windows 101.”
1. Older can be better.
Most Lakewood homes were built prior to 1950 and were constructed from old-growth wood. The trees utilized for construction grew for a long time, and thus produced more durable wood. Homes built since 1960 are typically composed of new-growth wood, which was grown quickly and lacks comparable durability. By maintaining your home’s old-growth wood windows, you can help ensure your residence is equipped with durable windows that should last for a long time.
2. The best investment is often investing in the windows you already have.
Generally-speaking, it’s more cost-effective to repair your existing old-growth wooden windows rather than replace them with new windows. On average, replacement windows (including installation) nowadays cost approximately $800 per window. If you were to restore or repair your wooden windows, you’d likely save several hundred dollars per window and maintain windows that could potentially last another 100 years. There are often simple fixes to modernize your existing windows and make them more effective.
3. Storm windows are your friend.
The most significant cost savings typically occur from installing storm windows and maintaining them properly. Storm windows serve as a buffer for preventing wind and other elements from impacting your home. While homeowners previously only had exterior storm windows, interior storm windows now represent a viable option as well. In order for your home’s storm windows to prove truly effective, they should be professionally installed with airtight sealing.
4. Keep perspective, budget properly and be ready to prioritize.
There’s no magic formula when it comes to determining how to handle your home’s window needs. Since new windows tend to be expensive, it’s worthwhile to developing a prioritization plan with a gradual approach based on your budget should you opt to pursue window replacement. Additionally, it’s important to maintain realistic expectations. New windows won’t save you hundreds of dollars in monthly energy costs when you don’t spend that time of money of energy costs to begin with. But when you succeed with making the best decision based upon the various factors impacting your home, you can better ensure your windows work for you.
Did you miss the event or need a refresher? Here is the presentation and handout Interested in an energy audit that will not only benefit you and your home but LakewoodAlive too? More information can be found here ClearResult Energy Audit