As the owner of an investment property, Compass Master Property Manager advises, curb appeal has to be one of your top priorities if you want to attract renters to your rental on a steady basis. Prospective tenants expect their future homes to look new or at least have recently updated features.
One of the most strategic updates you can make when looking to improve the appeal of your rental is windows. New windows are an excellent marketing tool for rental property because they help you make the right first impression on tenants every single time.
But the value of updated windows is not limited to their aesthetic appeal. Large windows, for instance, mean you have much natural light entering the home. Plenty of natural light makes for a better ambiance within the home and a healthier environment for tenants.
Windows also influence the energy spending for your rental. Being a significant part of the building envelope, windows work with HVAC systems and insulation to regulate the home’s internal climate. Windows also has a role in protecting the rental from moisture damage.
But it costs a lot of money to replace windows. So, when you replace the windows in your rental, you want to be sure you can extract every ounce of value from each dollar spent. To do that, you need to know the following before you update the windows in a rental property.
Type of installation
There are two types of window installation: full-frame installation and retrofit installation.
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Full-frame installation
This involves completely removing the old window and its components – frame, trim, and all. A new window is installed in its place with all-new features. This kind of installation is more expensive but very thorough. It offers long-term benefits because it gives you a chance to address existing issues such as rotting window frames.
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Retrofit installation
You insert a new window into the existing frame with this option. The jamb of the old window is retained for the new one. A retrofit installation is quicker and cheaper, but it is a cosmetic fix. If there are serious issues with the old window, this option will not fix them. Use this option if you want to touch up the property.
The window style
The two window style options most commonly used are sliding windows and crank windows.
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Sliding windows
These are available as horizontal or hung slides. The mobile part of the window, within the frame, is operated by hand. Although the window sliders incorporate a weather seal at the junction where the sash meets the frame, this seal is not always practical. It is not uncommon to experience some energy loss with these windows.
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Crank windows
Known as casement or awning-style windows, they are operated with a crank mechanism. Crank windows are more efficient than sliding windows due to their airtight seal, but they are also the more expensive option. Given their status as the best-performing windows in the market, they are the better option for your property.
The number of panes
This refers to the number of glass panels within the window frame. Windows come as triple-pane, double-pane, or single-pane.
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Single-pane
This has a single pane of glass inside the frame. Although it is the cheapest option, it also uses the most energy. Nearly no noise reduction is possible with single-pane windows. They are also relatively easy to break. They are not recommended.
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Double-pane
The double panes mean higher energy efficiency and more effective noise reduction. But, as can be expected, these are more expensive, but the savings easily offset those additional energy costs. It will work for most rentals.
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Triple-pane
These offer the highest energy efficiency of any windows; 50% savings on energy more than single-pane windows and 20% more than double-pane windows. In addition to excellent noise reduction, they add a layer of security because they are so hard to break. However, due to their much-higher costs, these windows are only recommended if your location has frigid winters.
When should you replace the windows?
The standard lifespan of windows, if you live in an area with extreme weather changes, is 15 years. Temperature swings from warm to bitter cold, powerful storms, and damage from moisture are some of the things that come together to shorten the window’s lifespan.
In milder climates, your windows may last 20-25 years. The windows are not subject to extreme stresses, so the wear rate is slower. Regardless of the climate in your location, it would help if you started planning for new windows after 15 years.
Windows that are carefully maintained regularly last longer. If you want to know if it is time to replace your windows and get money-saving advice on the type of windows to buy, you should contact a window specialist to inspect them.
