Different Types of Window Replacement
Window Replacement is one of the most important home improvement projects homeowners can undertake. Broken windows and frames allow ice, water, air, and mildew to leak into the home, raising energy bills and making the house uncomfortable.
Window Replacement Ellicott City, MD seals in winter heat and expels summer ice and moisture. The result is lower energy bills and a healthier, more comfortable home.
The classic choice for many homeowners, double-hung windows open from both the bottom and the top, allowing you to ventilate your home and easily clean both sashes. These are popular options for remodeling projects and new construction, and come in a variety of materials and finishes.
Typically clad with aluminum or vinyl on the exterior, double-hung windows minimize heat and condensation transfer from the outside. Wood frames are also available, allowing you to select a stain or paint that complements your decor. Some manufacturers produce wood windows with a finish that does not require painting, minimizing maintenance.
The sashes on these windows are hinged at the top, and some have a secondary lock for increased security. This type of window is a good choice for homes that will be used by children and pets, as the sashes can be tilted inward for easy cleaning and maintenance. This window style is also a good choice for rooms facing walkways, porches or patios, as it maximizes interior and exterior space and does not protrude.
In addition to minimizing energy transfer, the frames on these windows are designed for maximum durability and comfort. They are insulated with foam, and are often clad with aluminum or vinyl on the outer surface to prevent rotting, water damage or insect infestation. They are also usually manufactured to meet stringent energy efficiency standards, which can help lower heating and cooling costs.
These windows are not typically as affordable as single-hung windows, but they offer more ventilation and are easy to clean. Your licensed window contractor can help you choose the right option for your home and budget.
A good way to maximize the performance of your replacement windows is to select high-quality, name brand windows from an established manufacturer. These windows will be backed by a strong warranty and are field-proven to stand the test of time. In addition, double-hung windows can be upgraded with a number of features that improve their energy efficiency, such as Low-E and Argon filled glass, and a soft coat seal to reduce condensation.
With a fixed upper sash and a lower sash that opens up, single-hung windows are an ideal solution for older homes with outdated frames. They provide ample natural light and ventilation to any living space and work well in a variety of home styles. They are also a great fit for rooms overlooking patios, balconies or walkways since they open without protruding into outdoor spaces.
Single-hung windows can be used in new construction, but are often installed as replacement windows for existing window openings. They can be hung from the interior or exterior of your home and are available in both wood and vinyl. They are easy to maintain and feature a durable, low-maintenance finish.
These windows are available in sizes that start at two feet wide by three feet tall, which is perfect for a bathroom. They can be paired with other windows and doors to create a larger window. If you’re looking for a bigger option, double-hung windows are available in sizes up to six feet wide and 12 feet tall.
A double-hung window is able to tilt inward, which makes it easier to clean from inside. This is a benefit for rooms on the second floor of your home or those that are hard to reach. They’re also a good choice for rooms that are prone to moisture such as bathrooms or kitchens where you can crack the top sash to reduce humidity and prevent mold and mildew from forming.
When you purchase replacement single-hung windows from , you can choose from a variety of frame, glass and hardware options to customize your style and meet your needs. For example, our features the redesigned SmartTouch lock and handle that practically disappears when closed to keep with your modern design. Plus, you can enjoy a higher level of energy efficiency thanks to the standard Soft Coat Low-E and Argon Filled insulated glass.
Learn more about our selection of replacement single-hung windows and how they can enhance your home’s beauty and functionality by booking a free appointment with a Design Consultant.
Designed to open outward with a single crank, casement windows are hinged on the right or left side and can be opened at a wide angle. They’re ideal for letting in the fresh air and provide a clear view to the outside. They’re also easy to clean and offer a minimal sight line so that they’ll blend in with any home style.
They don’t have meeting rails or sashes like hung or sliding windows, which makes them less likely to leak or draft. And because they’re solid sheets of double or triple-paned insulated glass, they can be extremely energy efficient, especially in conjunction with high-quality window weatherstripping.
Another benefit of casement windows is that they’re often a little more durable than other window styles. They can resist wind-driven debris better than sliding windows because they’re hinged on multiple points instead of moving along a track. And they’re also more resistant to rain and snow than sash windows, which can be prone to corrosion in areas that are exposed to a lot of moisture.
With their crank operation, casement windows are much easier to open and close than hung or slider models. This makes them an excellent choice for places that are hard to reach, such as above counters or cabinets, as well as second-story spaces where opening a traditional window would be difficult. They’re also a great option for homes in areas where ventilation is important, such as bedrooms or living rooms.
Like other window types, casement windows can be customized to match any style of home and feature a variety of colors, finishes and materials. Depending on the brand, casement windows can be crafted from vinyl, aluminum, wood or composite materials. They can also be complemented with a wide range of hardware and trim, making them a versatile addition to any room in the house.
One thing to keep in mind about casement windows is that they don’t usually come with screens, so you will need to add them or purchase separate bug screens. They also tend to be a bit more expensive than other window styles, but they do offer some key benefits that make them worth the investment.
Sliding windows are another popular window style that operates similarly to a single-hung or double-hung window. They have one fixed sash and a moving sash that glides horizontally alongside the other to let in more natural light and fresh air. They’re available in a wide range of sizes and can fit into almost any space.
They’re often crafted from vinyl, which is a durable material that resists warping, fading and moisture damage. Vinyl also doesn’t require special cleaning products and is easy to wipe down. This makes it a popular choice for homeowners looking to upgrade their home’s aesthetic without compromising functionality and affordability.
Like the other window types, sliding windows can be customized to suit your home’s unique aesthetic. Choose from a wide array of colors, finishes and textures to complement your existing décor. You can also opt for a variety of glass options to increase visibility and improve your home’s energy efficiency. If you’re looking for extra security, you can add a grille to your replacement sliding window, which is a metal bar that resembles bars on a door and creates a solid barrier between your windows and the outdoors.
As with all replacement windows, the best way to make sure you’re getting exactly what you want is to hire a professional window contractor. Look for a company with excellent customer service, several years of experience and proper licensing. A good window replacement contractor should be able to guide you through your price quotes, materials selection and design options.
If you’re replacing a sliding window, start by removing the interior and exterior trim around the opening. Then, remove the old window from its frame. Be careful not to drop the sash, as it may break. Once the sash is removed, you can start to work on preparing your new replacement window for installation.
Check to see if your slider window has removal buttons at the top of its sliding section. If it does, press down on them and tilt the window towards you to release the clips. Next, you’ll need to locate and remove the roller assembly from the bottom of your sash. You can use a putty knife to pry the rollers from the track if you’re having trouble getting them loose.
How Asbestos Removal Works
There are some different asbestos removal methods. Hiring a professional abatement company is the safest option. For more information, Click Here to proceed.
Ensure the contractor you hire follows regulations set by government agencies responsible for worker protection laws. These include the Environmental Protection Agency and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Friable asbestos must be removed by a contractor with a bonded asbestos license. If this material is found in your home, it cannot go through the regular garbage pickup.
Asbestos is a set of minerals used in everything from building insulation to oven mitts throughout the 20th century. However, public knowledge of its ability to cause various types of cancer, particularly a rare and aggressive form called mesothelioma, prompted governments around the world to ban or greatly limit its use.
Although asbestos is now banned, it can still be found in many building materials in older homes, and there are ways for homeowners to identify and test suspect materials. Since microscopic asbestos fibers have no odor or taste, testing is the only way to know whether a material contains asbestos.
However, even if you have a sample of suspected asbestos material, you must consult an accredited asbestos abatement professional to determine its level of danger. It would be best to have a professional inspect the area before beginning any renovations that may disturb the suspect material. If the material isn’t damaged or you’re not planning a major remodel, it’s best to leave it alone.
The type of asbestos in a product can be determined by looking at it under a microscope. Chrysotile, the type most commonly found in buildings, is fibrous and curly, while crocidolite, often found in clothing, has a blueish color and sharp fibers. Other clues include the age of the home, any remodeling history, and the maker or builder of the item.
There are also several products available for homeowners to use in their inspections of suspect material, such as a special resettable cloth that can be used to wet the material and make it easier to see its condition. Suppose you have a large amount of suspected material. In that case, you can also check with your local health department, board of health, fire department, and environmental agency to find out how to handle and test it properly.
It’s also important for homeowners to know their state regulations, usually similar to federal ones, that protect people from unnecessary removal of asbestos and require contractors to follow strict guidelines. Some states also have abatement and disposal regulations, including specific rules on labeling, transporting, and disposing debris.
Before the actual asbestos removal begins, the site must be prepared. The area is demarcated and sealed to prevent the spread of asbestos fibers. This is done by putting up polyethylene plastic sheets, using duct tape to seal openings, and turning off the HVAC system in the non-abatement areas.
Workers entering the abatement area will wear face masks and respiratory protection. They also wear disposable coveralls. The coveralls can be removed for a shower, which a portable HEPA vacuum cleaner will clean before the worker returns to the work area. All waste materials will be double-bagged in 6-millimeter bags and placed into a plastic, leakproof container for disposal.
When working on Class I asbestos removal, the material is wetted with water before and during the operation. Cutting, abrading, or breaking the material is prohibited unless it can be demonstrated that methods less likely to release asbestos fibers are not feasible. Workers may use alternative engineering and work practice controls for Class II reduction if it can be shown that these alternatives will reduce employee exposure to PELs below the PELs under worst-case usage conditions. The employer must demonstrate this by providing data representing employee exposure during the use of the alternative control method under conditions that closely resemble the work practices and controls expected for the project.
Any contaminated waste materials generated during the abatement process must be wetted, then double-bagged and enclosed in a plastic, leakproof container, and transferred to the receptacle no later than the end of the work shift. The container will be transported to a landfill specially licensed to receive asbestos waste.
If the asbestos is removed in an occupied building, the work site must be fully decontaminated after each shift. This must include clean changing rooms and showers for all employees. Employees exposed to airborne asbestos must change into street clothing in a clean changing room. This is the only way to avoid the spread of asbestos particles to the outside world.
Asbestos is not something you can remove by yourself. It is a deadly carcinogen, so only trained asbestos abatement professionals should touch it. They will have special protective clothing and equipment, including respirators and goggles. They will also wet the asbestos materials before using special tools to cut them up and dispose of them. The waste will be double-bagged, sealed in plastic, and put into leakproof containers that can only be transported by licensed hazardous waste transporters. It will then be taken to a special landfill that is certified to handle asbestos.
During the abatement process, the professionals will mark off infected areas of the building. This helps keep the abatement process efficient and avoids contaminating clean areas of the building. The marked areas will be closed off from the rest of the building. A special air filtration unit will be set up within the containment area, and this will exhaust through a series of filters, including a HEPA filter that is 99.9 % effective at removing asbestos fibers and any air that could have contaminated other parts of the building. A third-party firm will then test the outside air to confirm that other building parts have detected no elevated asbestos levels.
Any vents and other portals leading into the work area will be closed off so there is no risk of contaminated air escaping during the process. The HVAC system may also be turned off during the abatement process to prevent the spread of asbestos dust. HEPA vacuums will be used to vacuum up any stirred dust during the abatement process. This is much safer and more effective than simply blowing the dust into the air with a regular Shop-Vac.
Asbestos abatement is usually accompanied by remediation. Remediation refers to a comprehensive plan of action, covering everything from the first to the final inspection and creating a prevention plan for future asbestos problems. The two processes are not mutually exclusive, and both are vital for the safety and success of any asbestos removal project.
Asbestos is a dangerous mineral, and the inhalation of its fibers poses a health risk. Because of this, homeowners and business owners must seek the services of a licensed asbestos abatement contractor for any renovations that may disturb asbestos-containing materials (ACM). The EPA regulates how ACM is handled and abated. The agency requires that anyone working with ACM receive proper training and certification to ensure the work is done properly.
Homeowners should also be aware of possible misleading claims by firms that provide asbestos testing or inspections, removal, or remediation services. In some cases, these companies may encourage unnecessary or improper removal of asbestos from homes, increasing the risk to occupants.
The EPA has guidelines for safe handling of ACM, including wetting the material to reduce airborne dust. In addition, wetting makes it easier to clean up the material after removal and disposal. A trained professional should carefully remove and dispose of any contaminated equipment or clothing during the process. The contaminated material should be placed in a sealed, leakproof container labeled with the sample’s date and location. The contaminated container must be taken to a certified landfill using a specially prepared vehicle.
Once the reduction is complete, the work area should be cleaned with wet methods, using sponges, mops, or wet wipes, and then with a HEPA vacuum cleaner. After the cleaning, all areas should be visually inspected for asbestos debris and dust, and air monitoring should be conducted to ensure that the asbestos levels have not increased. Any contaminated equipment or clothing should be removed and placed in sealed, leakproof containers labeled as ACM and stored in a special dumpster until they can be taken to a hazardous waste landfill.
In many cases, if the ACM is not disturbed and the asbestos stays intact, it will not pose any health risks. In this case, the consultant will recommend encapsulation or enclosure to seal the asbestos and prevent its release into the environment. However, in many situations, the best action is to remove the asbestos and safely dispose of it fully.