Picture windows can bring in light and brighten up your home, plus they provide beautiful views of the outdoors. If you’re considering installing a new or replacement picture window, there are many factors that will play into the project's success. From choosing the perfect size for your opening to properly sealing around the window for proper insulation, understanding how to install these special windows is essential. Here, we explore everything you should know about picture window installation so that you can consider all the factors that affect success.
How Do Picture Windows Differ From Other Types of Windows?
Picture windows are a beautiful and functional addition to any home. These windows are typically large and offer an unobstructed view of the outdoors. Unlike other types of windows that can be opened and closed, picture windows are fixed in place. This means they do not allow for fresh air flow, but they do offer a number of benefits.
For one, picture windows allow natural light to illuminate a space, illuminating your home and reducing the need for artificial lighting. They also provide a clear and expansive view of the world outside, which can be especially beneficial if you have a picturesque view. Overall, picture windows are a great option for those who want to enhance the beauty and natural light in their homes.
Benefits of Picture Windows
With their expansive size, picture windows allow natural light to flood into your house, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. They provide an unobstructed view of the outside, with no “divided light” grille dicing up the vista seen through the glass. Additionally, picture windows can help lower your energy bills with passive solar heating, allowing the sun’s warmth to enter the home during colder times of the year.
Picture windows can add value to your home and entice buyers by highlighting the beauty of your home’s location. They’re especially effective in homes with mountain or water views, where the attractiveness of the location served as a major reason for building the home in the first place.
Disadvantages of Picture Windows
While picture windows provide beautiful views of the outdoors, they do come with their share of disadvantages. One of the biggest challenges is keeping them clean. Between the inability to open and close and their large size, it can be difficult to reach every corner of a picture window.
Plus, since they tend to be quite large but don’t open, picture windows take up a lot of space that could otherwise be devoted to windows that also provide natural ventilation. To balance this, many homeowners pair picture windows with additional windows on either side that do open.
Picture windows are not very energy-efficient. If they’re placed on the side of the house that gets the most summer sun, they can cause the home to heat up substantially, requiring air conditioners to work harder and use more energy. However, the position of the window and the type of glass you choose can make a significant difference in the energy efficiency of a picture window.
Types of Picture Windows
Picture windows come in many shapes and sizes, from classic rectangular windows to unique arched or circular designs. You can choose from a variety of framing materials, including wood, vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass, and there are plenty of energy-efficient glass options to help you lower your heating and cooling costs. You can choose between double-paned or triple-paned windows (some versions have argon glass between the panes for additional insulation), low-E glass (that limits the effects of UV light), or even tinted glass for added privacy.
Cost Estimate for Picture Windows and Installation
While the price of a picture window can vary depending on its size and the type of framing materials used, a picture window typically costs between $500 and $900 to install. However, higher-end wood or fiberglass framed windows can reach up to nearly $2,000.
Keep in mind that these estimates do not include additional costs for labor or the necessary modifications or repairs to the wall where the window is to be installed. Consulting with a professional contractor can help you get a more accurate estimate for your specific project.
What To Expect of Professional Picture Window Installation
Picture window installation is not a DIY project. The size of the pane and the preparation of the opening should be left to professionals.
When you opt for professional picture window installation in Winston-Salem, NC, anticipate a seamless and efficient process. Experienced installers first assess the readiness of the wall where you want the window to be installed and take exacting measurements to ensure the new window will fit perfectly. They then meticulously remove your old window, taking care not to damage the surrounding structure.
Upon removing the old window, professionals clean and prepare the area for the new picture window. A large picture window is heavy, and it will take several workers to bring it in and place it with precision, securing it firmly in place and sealing any gaps between the frame and wall to ensure proper insulation.
Following the installation, workers will clean up the site, leaving your home just as neat as they found it. The entire process is typically completed within a day, minimizing disruption to your routine.
Optimizing Your Picture Windows With Window Treatments
Have you ever admired the stunning view from your picture windows but wished they provided a bit more privacy? Or maybe you've noticed unwanted glare during certain times of the day. Whatever the case may be, window treatments are a great solution to optimize your picture windows.
With a variety of options available, such as sheer or blackout curtains, valances, retractable shades, or even shutters, you can customize your window treatments to provide the perfect balance of natural light and privacy. Not only do window treatments enhance the functionality of your picture windows, but they also add style and charm to any room in your home. Just be sure to consider how you’ll clean your draperies, shades, or shutters before you install them.
When you learn everything you should know about picture window installation, you’ll be better informed to select an experienced and professional contractor. Your installer should be able to help you select the right type of window and framing material and do the job efficiently. The result should leave your home beautifully enhanced with the allure of a stunning view through your new picture window.
Although costs can vary depending on the size and style of window, most homeowners will find that the overall cost for installation of a picture window is very manageable. With its many benefits, installing a new picture window in your home is an easy and satisfying upgrade you won't regret!
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