Why Windows Need To Be Replaced in Commercial Buildings

Designing and selecting windows in buildings pose a unique challenge because balance is the key here and many conflicting and contradictory elements or issues need to come together to make it work well. Windows are an important factor to consider when thinking about the energy costs of any commercial buildings, as more often than not windows are the source of energy and sound leakage which can affect any organization or company working in a building adversely.

With rising costs of electricity and gas, heating expenditures have come under a lot of scrutiny by both environmentalists and building owners. Windows with their varied construction and choice of materials can determine whether your seemingly humongous energy bills are justified or not. While replacing windows to reduce heating costs might not seem so obvious as an idea, by carefully considering various factors like the rate of heat transfer through a window or their capacity to resist heat, you can come to a conclusion whether your windows are at blame for inflating your energy bills. While windows definitely do play a part in the energy expenditure of any commercial building, it’s also important to note that a lot of factors are at play when it comes to determining the true benefits of window replacement. Every building is different and as such requires different calculations to determine whether the cost of replacing windows will be justified or not.

The experts at Zero Defects can offer detailed assessment and expert recommendations to help you decide whether your building’s windows need replacement. Our years of experience and expertise ensure quality craftsmanship and successful completion of your project with minimal disruptions to your daily activities.

The various costs associated with replacing windows of commercial buildings are discussed in detail below.

Windows: Due to technological advancement windows have become more efficient at keeping weather elements like heat and cold at bay. Double paned windows with two layers of glass and another layer of insulating gas in between are good at maintaining the temperature of a building. There are a variety of options for the insulating layer of gas in double paned windows depending on the level of insulation and the cost. Air is a popular choice of gas in such windows and for those seeking additional insulation often opt for Argon which will drive up the cost compared to air. Krypton is an even better insulating gas, but its cost is higher than that of argon filled windows. Other insulating options for single or double paned windows include tinting and low e-coating which will further drive up the cost.

Frames: Frames are another cost deciding factor for window replacements. The choice of the frame material itself makes a huge impact on the cost along with the additional costs of any special finishes or coats. Popular frame materials include aluminum, vinyl, and fiberglass which require less maintenance and hence are cheaper over the long run. Wood, while still popular as a frame material comes with its own cons including higher maintenance due to periodic refinishing and repainting.

Installation: Installation is another significant expense to consider when thinking about window replacement. The installation costs depend on the condition of your existing window frames as too damaged frames will require a complete tear-down of the old frame and re-installation of a new one which will significantly affect the cost. If the existing frames are even somewhat salvageable, then you can get away with replacing just the damaged parts and keep the costs down.  

Benefits of replacing windows in commercial buildings

Energy Savings: As discussed above, windows play an important part in determining the overall energy expenditure due to heating and cooling in a commercial building. It’s difficult to calculate the exact amount of money you would be saving by replacing windows, but with careful analysis by professionals like an HVAC engineer, it’s not difficult to measure the rate of heat transfer through windows and their insulating potential. By comparing it with new windows, a conclusion can be derived regarding how much heat gain or loss the new windows would be able to achieve.

Reduced sound transmission: By replacing old windows with new ones, Commercial Buildings can achieve reduced sound transmission, preventing the seeping of outside noises like traffic into the building. Thus, it can greatly influence the working environment and the comfort of the people inside the building. Windows are graded based on their sound transmission class (STC) with windows having a higher STC, being more efficient at blocking sound.

Durable and long-lasting: With the advancement in production technology, today’s windows are definitely more equipped to stand the test of time and weather. For example,  aluminum has effectively replaced steel as a frame material due to its corrosion resistive nature and its ability to reduce air leakage. Hence, once you have replaced your old windows with new ones, you will have to suffer fewer maintenance charges and it will also be a long time before your windows will need to be replaced again.

Contact Zero Defects today to discuss your window replacement project or request a free estimate to learn more about our expert services.