Replacing Windows in a 1990s North Texas Home: Questions to Ask Before You Commit

If you're a busy family in North Texas with a home built in the 90s, it's easy to put off replacing your windows. There just aren't enough hours in the day to keep up with school runs, work, and the rest of life's chaos, after all!

But putting it off isn't going to make the problem go away, especially if your rooms are getting too hot in the summer or some of your windows are difficult to use. If you're ready to commit to a window replacement, here are the questions you should ask first.

Do My Windows Still Do Their Job?

Take a moment to think about how your windows are really performing for you on a normal week. Do the rooms that get the sun all day start to become unbearable by lunchtime? Are some windows just impossible to open and shut, and do you find it freezing in the winter because they let in all the cold air?

The sad truth is, older windows just don't cut it anymore. Start by figuring out which rooms and windows are causing the most problems, so when you start talking to contractors, you have a clear idea of what you want to fix. Discussing your options with a local installer like the Lone Wolf Exteriors team will also make your project a lot easier to plan from the start.

Do I Need Windows That Can Handle Texas's Heat?

North Texas summers require your air conditioning system to work hard, so when you're shopping for new windows, performance is key. Ask your contractor about the window's U-factor, which is a measure of how much heat gets through the glass. Also ask about its solar heat gain coefficient, or how much sunlight makes it through to the room.

The U.S. Department of Energy has a fantastic guide to understanding these ratings and how to choose the right windows for your climate. You can also check the ENERGY STAR window criteria to learn more about how certified products are assessed.

How Am I Going to Live Through The Installation Process?

If you work from home or you homeschool your kids, you'll want to ask about how the installation is going to affect your day-to-day routine. What rooms will the contractors need to get into? How are they going to protect your floors and furniture while they're working? What can you move out of the way before they start?

Getting these questions out of the way upfront will make it a lot easier to plan around work, school, and everything else.

What Am I Actually Getting For My Money?

Before you agree to your window replacement project, ask the contractor to give you a written breakdown of what is included in the price. Check out what the warranty looks like and ask who you can call with any questions after the job is done.

A bit of planning now will make the whole project easier to handle. Concentrate on what you really need to fix, what performance you need from your windows, and how the project is going to fit into your family's life before you make any decisions.