Living in Gulf Shores, AL means you enjoy beautiful weather for much of the year. But there are times when heat waves and tropical storms roll through the city. Keeping your living spaces protected from these elements is heavily dependent on your windows. If you’re thinking about updating your home with new windows, it’s imperative to choose the right type. This guide walks you through the benefits of window replacement and how to select the best options for coastal living.
Improve Your Home’s Energy Performance
Every window in your home is a potential entry point for unwanted heat if it doesn’t have proper insulation or coatings. Many of today’s window replacement options feature Low-E glass specifically designed for southern climates. The microscopic metallic coating reflects a massive percentage of solar heat gain without compromising your view or natural light. This means that updating your windows is an easy way to improve the home’s overall energy performance.
Make Your House More Comfortable
If your home has single-pane windows, you may notice hot spots near windows. This happens because the single layer doesn’t do a very good job at blocking the sun’s radiant heat. Some rooms may feel much warmer than those with fewer windows. With double-pane windows, there’s an extra layer of argon gas that acts as a protective barrier. Your living spaces will stay at a more consistent temperature. Replacing older windows will also reduce strain on your air conditioner.
Create Better Interior and Exterior Aesthetics
Upgrading your windows is one of the easiest ways to transform the interior and exterior of your home. There are many different colors and material options to choose from. Durable vinyl windows work well in Gulf Shores because of their low maintenance requirements and resistance to salt-air corrosion. Some homeowners add picture windows to bring abundant natural light into their interior spaces. For the outside of the home, these windows add a high-end, luxury look.
Enjoy Quieter Indoor Living Spaces
Window replacement can also help with the noise level inside your home. If you live on a busy street or near local shops, windows with laminated glass can block disruptive outdoor sounds by as much as 50%. We frequently install sound-dampening windows in home offices and bedrooms to reduce unwanted distractions.
Add to Your Home’s Overall Value
Windows play a large role in the overall value of your home. If you’re thinking about selling, buyers may make more competitive offers if they know the home already has high-performance windows. In Gulf Shores, impact-resistant windows are a selling point for coastal properties. These windows help the home stay storm-ready and may even lead to lower insurance premiums.
Double-Hung Windows
Double-hung windows make it simple to let the Gulf breezes cool your home. Opening the top sash lets hot air escape while an open bottom sash pulls in cooler air. Many double-hung windows even feature tilt-in sashes that simplify cleaning. You can open the latches to clean the exterior glass from inside the house.
Casement Windows
Casement windows are different from double-hung windows in that they swing outward on a side hinge rather than sliding up and down. You crank the handle at the base to open the entire sash, which forms a natural scoop to funnel air directly into your home. The sash presses firmly against the frame when closed, providing an extremely tight seal against wind and rain. This type of weather-tight construction is particularly beneficial during heavy tropical downpours. Plus, they feature unobstructed glass that offers stunning panoramic views of the shoreline or the surrounding landscape.
Sliding Windows
Sliding windows are just as the name implies; they slide open and close on a horizontal track. They are commonly placed in locations where a swinging or protruding sash would interfere with exterior walkways or landscaping. Most are wider than they are tall, which allows for expansive views of the surrounding coastal scenery.
Awning Windows
These windows have a hinge at the top that allows them to open outward from the bottom rather than sliding vertically or swinging sideways. The canopy effect they create lets you keep them open during rainstorms without worrying about water leaking into your home. Awning windows are frequently used in rooms where privacy is a concern. You can place them high up on the wall so they allow natural light in without compromising your seclusion from the outside.
Picture Windows
Picture windows don’t have any bars or sashes, but they don’t open. They are inherently the most airtight option available. Homeowners often place one or more of these windows in great rooms or entryways. They are useful where you want clear views of the outside and maximum light, but don’t need ventilation.
Double-Pane Windows
Double-pane windows are standard in most of today’s construction projects. They have two layers of glass instead of one. The space between the two panes acts as an insulating buffer, slowing the transfer of heat. This means your home stays naturally cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Insulated Glass
Windows with gas-filled insulated glass perform even better than standard air-filled double-pane versions. The space between the panes contains a dense, non-toxic gas like argon or krypton. This gas provides superior thermal insulation and further reduces the amount of heat energy transferred through the glass.
Full Replacement Windows vs Insert Windows
When you replace your windows, you’ll have the option to select from full replacements or inserts (also known as pocket windows). Full replacements require removing the entire window frame and trim. This is actually a good thing if the existing structure has wood rot or termite damage. Still, having to reconstruct the surrounding opening means the replacement process takes longer.
With window inserts, we simply replace the glass and not the frame or trim. If the current frame and trim are in good condition, pocket windows give you an affordable and quick way to upgrade your home without a major remodel.
How Long Does Window Replacement Take?
Most window replacement projects take about one to three days to complete. Full window replacements take the longest. We’ll have to strip the opening down to the studs and install entirely new frames and trim. Our team will let you know immediately if we encounter any issues that could delay the expected timeframe.
Schedule Expert Window Replacement Today in Gulf Shores
At Bluewater Exteriors, we have been serving the residents of Gulf Shores and the surrounding areas since 2017. We have an A+ rating with the BBB because of our commitment to quality workmanship and superior customer care. We’ll clearly explain all of your window replacement options and offer window specials to make upgrading more affordable. We believe in getting the job done right the first time with window installations that stand up to Gulf Shores weather.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced team members.
