Windows play an important role in the energy efficiency and functionality of your commercial building. Commercial windows can last for decades, but eventually, they start to break down in various ways. Broken internal parts can make windows hard to open and close, while poor energy efficiency can make them drafty.
When it's time to replace your commercial windows, it's important to work with an experienced contractor you can trust. Install windows that are good quality and stylistically matched to your building. In this guide, we'll talk about the various factors to consider when installing new commercial windows in your Connecticut commercial building.
Why Maintain Your Commercial Windows?
You probably don't spend a lot of time thinking about your commercial windows, but maintaining your windows is important for your business. Old, broken windows are inconvenient and can make maintaining a comfortable interior temperature challenging. Some reasons to maintain your commercial windows:
1. Ease of use. Well maintained windows should work well when opening and closing. Failure to keep up with maintenance can lead to difficulty using windows for ventilation or other purposes.
2. Security. Broken windows can present a security risk and may lead to theft or break-ins.
3. Aesthetics. Well-maintained windows look good, while poorly maintained windows can make your building appear neglected.
4. Energy efficiency. Windows can lose energy efficiency when they're not well maintained. As seals around the windows break down, this causes drafts and air leaks that can make your commercial building cold in winter and hot in summer.
Signs Your Commercial Windows Needs Repair or Replacement
You may not know the age of the windows in your commercial structure, but you'll be able to tell when they need replacement. Some signs that your commercial windows need repair or replacement include:
- Windows get stuck frequently, or need something (like a ruler) to prop them open
- Multiple windows have broken glass to be repaired
- Windows are made of wood which has deteriorated over time, some wood is rotten and exposed to elements
- Windows are single pane, causing the room to heat up in summer or stay cold in winter
- Windows are 30 years old or older
- Ice forms on inside of windows in the winter
- Your windows allow a great deal of sound from outside into your commercial building
What to Expect When You Call For Exterior Window Replacement
Assemble a team. If your window replacement is happening as a part of a major renovation, you'll need to involve an architect. You'll also need a commercial contractor to perform the work. Look for professionals with experience working with commercial clients and installing windows on commercial structures.
It's best to vet 2 or 3 contractors before settling on one that seems like a right fit for your business. When you're trying to choose a commercial contractor, prioritize one with good communication skills, as this is important for avoiding disputes.
Sign a contract. Once the contract is signed, the contractor will order the parts and schedule the job. Permits need to be pulled at this time as well. The wait for commercial windows will be several weeks, with the exact length of time depending on a variety of factors including size of the job and customizations.
If you're in a rush to install new windows by a certain time (example: you'd like to install the windows during a slow period, or you represent a school that would like windows installed before the end of the summer), get started well in advance to get the work done.
Let the construction team do their job. Once the windows have been ordered and shipped, your contractor team can get to work. Just how long the job will take depends a lot on the number of windows being installed and the nature of the windows. A storefront window can take all day, while smaller windows may take an hour. Your contractor should maintain good communication throughout the job, and will give you a timeline before starting the job.
Conduct a walk-through. Once the job is over, your contractor should conduct a walk-through with you to ensure that you're comfortable with the work performed, and any final issues that need to be addressed are noted.
Replacing Windows in a Historic Commercial Building
Connecticut has a lot of historic buildings. The windows in these buildings play an important role in the aesthetics and style. Typically, it's acceptable to replace old windows with new as long as the windows look appropriate for the time period. This is especially true in the parts of the building that face the street.
Historic buildings often fall under the regulation of historic societies or organizations that oversee these projects. These organizations ensure that the historic value of the property is maintained. You'll need to work with your building's historic society to ensure that the windows you install are acceptable and will preserve the historic beauty of the property.
Many modern business owners replace wooden windows with aluminum, because aluminum is more economical and easier to maintain. Aluminum can be shaped in any style you need, and from a distance, no one will be able to tell that the windows aren't made of wood.
Start Your Window Replacement Today
Commercial window replacement starts with finding a good Connecticut contractor. For more information about how to find the right professional for your commercial window replacement, download the Litchfield Builders guide to finding a contractor. You can also call us to schedule an appointment for a free consultation to discuss your upcoming commercial renovation.
