| Selecting a bathroom replacement window is not easy. | | | | more cost-effective window vinyl or glass blocks are |
| Choosing between a wood, vinyl, acrylic or glass block | | | | best, next most expensive will be the acrylic blocks, |
| bathroom window is made easier by considering 7 | | | | and the priciest windows will be made of wood. The |
| criteria based on the window's design, cost, looks and | | | | opening designs of the windows will also have an |
| function. This article will provide seven practical steps | | | | impact on costs. Double hung and slider windows are |
| to help compare window types and will help you make | | | | generally the cheapest and the casements are most |
| the right selection for your window project. | | | | expensive. Make sure to consider the life cycle costs |
| Step 1 - Determine how much operability you need in | | | | of your window - a more insulated glass package will |
| the window - If you need a window that can open | | | | cost more today but can pay for itself with reduced |
| completely, (whether it be a side to side slider - an up | | | | energy costs down the road. |
| and down double hung - or a crank out casement | | | | Step 5 - Get money back from the government with |
| style) then a vinyl, wood or acrylic block window will be | | | | an energy efficient glass package and save money on |
| best. These types are available with different opening | | | | your heating and cooling costs- With the $1,500 energy |
| options to maximize air flow. A couple in Cleveland | | | | tax credit available on windows with a U value of.30 or |
| Ohio recently replaced an old single pane metal | | | | better (that is comparable to an R value of 3.33 or |
| framed bath window that was literally rusted shut with | | | | better) you can get back your investment in new |
| a vinyl casement window and are now able to get the | | | | replacement windows in a very short period of time. |
| steam out of the bath area while simultaneously | | | | Look for wood and vinyl windows with Low E/Argon |
| reducing heating and cooling costs. | | | | or Krypton filled glass packages. Make sure your |
| Step 2 - Think through your need for security - If | | | | windows are tax credit eligible before making any |
| you're worried about vandalism, break-ins, or theft a | | | | purchase. |
| glass block window is an excellent choice. These | | | | Step 6 - Consider the interior and exterior design look |
| blocks are very difficult to break (it would take a | | | | you desire - For a classic and traditional look it's hard |
| sledgehammer to knock them out) and gaining entry | | | | to beat the wood window (which looks very nice with |
| would require that each unit be broken out individually - | | | | fancy trim packages to finish the window on the |
| a task that takes a lot of time and makes a lot of | | | | inside). For a more contemporary design the sleek look |
| noise - something burglars aren't looking to contend | | | | of the block window will generate a more modern |
| with. Many of these windows are also mortared into | | | | appearance. |
| the foundation for additional security. | | | | Step 7 - Use decorative, frosted, etched glass or |
| Step 3 - Evaluate how much privacy you want - If the | | | | colored glass block to add style to your bathroom |
| bath window to be replaced is directly in or by a | | | | window - Why be boring when you can add a cool |
| shower or tub you'll want to use a glass package that | | | | and distinctive look to your bath or shower window? |
| offers the maximum amount of privacy. For vinyl and | | | | You can use decorative etchings or mural designs in |
| wood windows you can use an obscure and | | | | vinyl, wood and block windows. In addition there are |
| tempered glass assembly for maximum safety and | | | | frosted and colored glass blocks that can brighten up |
| privacy. Acrylic and glass block windows are available | | | | a room and add a one of kind style. A family in |
| with high privacy frosted, diamond, ice, or wave | | | | Cincinnati Ohio put an etched glass block window tree |
| patterns that can even eliminate the need for curtains | | | | mural into an area that was formerly an inefficient |
| in a wet area. A single mother in Columbus Ohio felt | | | | single pane metal picture window in their master |
| much safer after replacing the old and rotten wood | | | | bathroom. |
| frame double hung window in her daughter's bathroom | | | | Making the right choice of the best bathroom |
| with a high privacy block window pattern with an | | | | replacement window is not the simplest thing to do. |
| integral air vent. | | | | Develop your selection by examining the function, |
| Step 4 - Develop a budget for your bath window - | | | | design, and cost of the window for your specific |
| When it comes down to the budget rarely does | | | | remodeling project. |
| someone say the skies the limit. If you're looking for a | | | | |