From updating the kitchen to installing a deck in your backyard, there are lots of things you can do to increase the resale value of your home.
If you’re getting ready to put your house on the market, though, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed by all the different improvement options available to you.
When your time is limited but you want to make sure the improvements you choose will give you the most bang for your buck, a good option to consider is home window glass replacement.
Read on to learn about how replacing the glass in your windows can help to increase the resale value of your house. You’ll also get some great tips on how to choose the best glass for your windows.
How Does Home Window Glass Replacement Boost Resale Value?
There are lots of ways in which replacing the glass in your windows can yield a higher sale price for your house. The following are some of the specific benefits this type of renovation offers:
Improved Energy Efficiency
These days, most home buyers are looking for ways to reduce their home’s carbon footprint. They want to minimize the amount of energy they’re wasting, not just for the benefit of the environment, but also for the benefit of their bank account.
Energy-efficient homes tend to have significantly lower utility bills compared to homes that aren’t energy efficient.
One way to improve the energy efficiency of your home is to update the glass in your windows. This is especially true if it’s been a long time since you’ve done so (or if you’ve never done it at all).
Better Aesthetics
New windows will almost certainly look nicer than the windows you currently have in your home.
If you want to improve the curb appeal of your house, you definitely ought to consider installing new glass that’s free from smudges, stains, and/or weather damage.
While you’re at it, you may want to consider updating the frames for your windows, too.
If you do this on the windows at the front of your house, you’ll be amazed at how much newer and nicer it looks. This simple change could be the thing that gets your house off the market sooner.
Reduced Noise Pollution
New windows may also do a better job of blocking out noise from outside. Most home buyers want to live in quiet neighborhoods without a lot of noise from children, pets, or cars driving by.
If you know that your neighborhood is not the quietest, you can still make your home an appealing option by limiting the amount of noise people hear when they’re inside your home.
Even if you’re not planning on moving out right away, the lack of noise pollution will likely make it worthwhile for you to replace the window glass now.
How to Choose the Best Type of Window Glass
Are you ready to replace the glass in your home’s windows? Are you unsure of what kind of glass to use?
If you’re not sure which glass will yield the greatest benefits, here are some tips to keep in mind as you begin considering your options:
Double vs. Triple Glazing
Thankfully, single-pane windows are pretty much extinct these days.
Windows that are double- or triple-glazed are much more energy-efficient and do a better job of blocking out outside noise. How do you know whether you should go with double- or triple-glazed windows, though?
Double-glazed windows feature two panes of glass that are connected by a spacer. Triple-glazed windows feature three panes, each connected by a spacer.
In most cases, double glazing is sufficient. If you live in a place that gets very hot in the summer or very cold in the winter, though, it may be worth it for you to look into triple-glazing to help you manage your home’s temperature in the most effective way possible.
Gas Filling Options
With double- and triple-glazed windows, the space between the panes of glass is usually filled with some kind of inert gas.
The two most popular options are krypton gas and argon gas. Both of these gases are clear, odorless, and nontoxic.
Argon is more affordable than krypton. However, krypton works better for triple-glazed windows since it takes up less space.
Consider Low-E Coatings
When choosing between the most popular types of windows, you’ll also have to consider whether you want to invest in a low-E coating.
A low-E coating is a thin metal layer applied to once side of the glass. This layer is practically invisible and slows the rate of heat transfer through the glass.
If you live in an area with long, harsh winters, you may want to consider a coating with a higher solar gain. This will allow more heat into your home.
If you live in an area with a lot of sun and hot temperatures, a coating with a lower solar gain will be a better option.
Consider Tempered Glass
If you worry about the durability of your windows, you may want to purchase windows made with tempered glass.
Tempered glass (or safety glass) is glass that’s been heated and cooled quickly. The rapid temperature change makes it much stronger than treated glass and more resistant to breaks.
If tempered glass does break, it’s less dangerous than other types of glass since it crumbles into small, dull pieces.
In some places, building codes require the use of tempered glass. Even if it’s not required in your area, though, it may still be worth considering.
Update Your Home’s Windows Today
As you can see, home window glass replacement can definitely increase the resale value of your home. The key, though, is to make sure you’re choosing the right type of glass for your windows.
Be sure to keep this information on the most popular glass option in mind as you begin preparing for your window updates. It’ll help you ensure you’re using the best glass and getting the greatest return on your investment.
If you need more help preparing your house for a move or renovating it for your family to enjoy, check out some of our other home repair and renovation articles today.
