Installing Vinyl Windows

Your home’s windows are a lot more important than you might think. Windows aren’t just there to bring light into your home and to allow you to see outside. They should also help you keep heat in your home, for example. But, for many of us our older wood or aluminum windows are, to be frank, a bit of an eyesore and they may actually be costing us money. So, how would vinyl replacement windows help you here?

1. Increase your home insulation: If your windows are made of wood or aluminum then, as they get older, they will start to degrade. Wood windows, for example, can warp and crack leaving plenty of room for heat to escape from your home and for cold air to come in. Aluminum windows can have very similar effects. The metal here is not designed to act as insulator and, once again, you may find that these windows are not an effective barrier. This is not a problem with vinyl windows which are far more durable over time than wood and that are more of a natural insulation solution than aluminum. This is also a much more environmentally friendly solution.

2. Give you less work to do: If you already have wood or aluminum windows then you probably realize how much work is involved with keeping them in good shape. Both wood and aluminum will need regular maintenance work as they get older. Wood can, for example, pick up mold problems and may need repairs and aluminum windows can rust or suffer from pitting problems. In both cases you might end up repainting your windows regularly to keep them in an acceptable condition. Vinyl windows need hardly any maintenance (apart from the occasional wash), last for longer periods and do not need to be painted.

3. Save you money: Putting in vinyl replacement windows may cost you money but it will also go some way to saving you money as well. Windows that let heat out are a drain on your wallet. Vinyl windows will simply act as an effective barrier to keep the heat that you pay for in your home. With vinyl replacement windows you also won’t need to pay for repair and maintenance costs and you won’t need to have them painted regularly.

As we move into summer, now is the perfect time to go ahead and buy the replacement windows you have been thinking about. If you purchase certified energy efficient models, you are eligible for a federal tax credit of 30% of the cost of the windows (up to $1500). Coupled with the reduction in cooling costs for an energy-efficient home, this is a good deal. Plus, most of the cost of new windows is recoverable if you sell your home.

As of June 1st, there has been a change in the criteria windows must meet to qualify for the tax credit. Old energy star labeling and outdated manufacturer’s certifications may not be accepted by the IRS. So, you need to make sure the company you buy your replacement windows from provides current certificates proving that their products meet the new, stricter standards.

Additional Information

The 30% credit applies to the cost of the windows themselves and not the installation. However, replacing all the windows in even 3 bed, 2 bath home will still generally make it possible to claim the full $1500 amount. The installation must occur in 2010 to be eligible for the current credit. Keep your receipts and manufacturer’s certification and remember to file form 5695 with the IRS to take advantage of this program.

When preparing to install new windows or doors, it is important to carefully remove the old material. This is removal, not demolition. Some of the material can be re-used.

First, all interior wall surfaces and trim must be removed. Have all replacement product and necessary tools at hand to install the new product right after removing the old.

You will use: a utility knife, flat pry bar, hammer, scredriver, plywood, reciprocating saw, screws and masking tape.

For doors — Gently remove the interior trim using a pry bar. This trim can be reused upon installation of the new window/door. Use a utility knife to cut away any old caulk between the siding on the exterior door frame.

Casing nails, which secure the door jambs to the framing, should be removed using a flat pry bar. Here is where your reciprocating saw comes into play. Those stubborn nails you can’t remove can be cut away. Now, remove the door from the casing

For windows — Place tape across the window to avoid shattering. Remove the interior trim from the frame with care. Again, this may be reused. Those stubborn nails can be cut with the reciprocating saw.

Your replacement windows or door can now be installed.