Colorado Springs offers a mix of architectural styles, with many brick homes in neighborhoods like Old North End, Broadmoor, and Downtown. These homes, while charming, require careful attention when it comes to window replacement, as the area’s climate—characterized by cold winters, warm summers, high winds, and occasional hail—can take a toll on traditional window materials. This guide explains how to replace windows in brick homes in Colorado Springs, focusing on durability, energy efficiency, and long-term benefits for the local climate.
Choosing the Best Windows for Brick Homes
The high-altitude environment of Colorado Springs, combined with significant temperature fluctuations and intense sun exposure, makes it essential to choose windows that are energy-efficient, durable, and well-sealed. Renewal by Andersen offers a range of windows that can handle the area’s climate while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of brick homes.
Climate Considerations for Colorado Springs:
Energy Efficiency: Colorado Springs experiences cold winters and warm summers. Energy-efficient windows with Low-E glass help reflect heat in the summer and retain warmth in the winter, reducing energy costs and maintaining comfort. UV Protection: Colorado’s high altitude means stronger UV rays, which can damage interior furniture and flooring. Windows with UV-blocking glass protect your home’s interiors from sun damage while improving energy efficiency. Wind and Hail Resistance: Colorado Springs is known for high winds and the occasional hailstorm. Sturdy, impact-resistant windows are crucial for protecting your home from wind damage, hail, and debris.
Schedule a free consultation for your window or door replacement
Schedule a ConsultationHow to Tell If Your Windows Need Replacing
Brick homes in Colorado Springs, especially those with older windows, may show signs of wear due to the climate’s effects. Common signs that it’s time for window replacement include drafts, condensation between panes, difficulty in opening or closing windows, and rising energy bills. Replacing outdated windows with energy-efficient models can improve your home’s insulation and reduce heating and cooling costs.
Key Benefits of Replacing Windows in Colorado Springs
Energy Efficiency
Given Colorado Springs’ extreme temperature changes, energy-efficient windows are essential for homeowners. Renewal by Andersen windows with Fibrex® material and Low-E glass provide excellent insulation, helping keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. These energy-efficient windows reduce the strain on your HVAC system, lowering energy bills throughout the year.
Noise Reduction
Colorado Springs has a variety of bustling neighborhoods, particularly in areas near the downtown core or the U.S. Air Force Academy. If you live near these busy areas, noise can be a concern. Renewal by Andersen windows offer superior noise reduction, thanks to thicker glass and advanced insulation, helping create a quieter indoor environment.
Durability
The combination of intense sun exposure, cold winters, and high winds in Colorado Springs can cause traditional window materials to warp, crack, or fade over time. Fibrex® windows are designed to withstand these harsh conditions, providing long-lasting durability and performance. They resist warping, cracking, and fading, even with the region’s dramatic weather changes.
Enhanced Home Appearance
Colorado Springs’ brick homes often have a timeless, classic appeal, and upgrading windows can complement this aesthetic. Renewal by Andersen windows come in a variety of styles and finishes, allowing homeowners to customize their windows to match their home’s architecture. Whether you prefer traditional or modern designs, there are plenty of options to suit your style while improving curb appeal.
Full Frame vs. Retrofit Windows: Which Is Right for Colorado Springs Homes?
When replacing windows in a Colorado Springs brick home, you’ll need to choose between full-frame replacement and retrofit installation. Both methods offer advantages depending on the condition of your current windows and frames.
Full Frame Replacement Explained
Full-frame replacement involves removing the entire window, including the frame, down to the rough opening. This method is ideal for homes with older or damaged window frames or if you want to maximize energy efficiency. Full-frame replacement ensures a better seal and insulation, which is especially beneficial in Colorado Springs, where winters can be cold and windy.
Understanding Retrofit Window Installation
Retrofit installation, or insert replacement, involves placing new windows into the existing frames. This method is less invasive and more cost-effective but works best when the current window frames are in good condition. Given the fluctuating temperatures and potential frame wear in Colorado Springs, it’s important to have a professional assess whether retrofit installation will provide sufficient insulation and protection.
What Is Retrofitting?
Retrofitting refers to the process of installing new windows into existing frames without removing the original structure. This method is faster and less expensive than full-frame replacement but may not be suitable if the existing frames are damaged or provide insufficient insulation. In Colorado Springs, where the climate can be unpredictable, retrofitting is only recommended if the frames are still in good shape and can provide proper insulation.
Best Window Inserts for Brick Homes in Colorado Springs
If retrofitting is the right choice for your home, selecting high-quality window inserts is critical. Renewal by Andersen offers high-performance window inserts designed to fit seamlessly into existing frames while improving insulation and energy efficiency. These inserts are ideal for Colorado Springs’ climate, offering durability and protection from the elements without the need for a full frame replacement.
Challenges of Replacing Windows in Colorado Springs’ Brick Homes
Brick homes present unique challenges during window replacement due to the rigid nature of brick. Precise measurements and expert installation are required to avoid damaging the brickwork. Additionally, Colorado Springs’ freeze-thaw cycles during winter can cause brick to expand and contract, making proper sealing critical for preventing drafts and moisture infiltration. Professional installation ensures the windows are properly fitted and sealed for long-lasting performance.
How to Choose Window Colors That Complement Brick Homes
When selecting window colors, consider how the frames will complement the aesthetic of your brick home in Colorado Springs. Neutral tones such as white, beige, or bronze are classic choices that blend seamlessly with brick exteriors. For a bolder, more modern look, darker colors like black or deep green can create a striking contrast and enhance your home’s overall appearance.
Benefits of Fibrex® Window Frames for Brick Homes in Colorado Springs
Fibrex® frames, exclusive to Renewal by Andersen, are a perfect choice for Colorado Springs brick homes. Fibrex® frames combine the strength of wood with the low-maintenance benefits of vinyl, making them highly resistant to temperature changes, UV exposure, and moisture. These frames are energy-efficient, durable, and available in a variety of styles and finishes, allowing you to customize your windows while enhancing performance and durability in Colorado’s diverse climate. Replacing windows in brick homes in Colorado Springs requires attention to the city’s unique climate and architectural preferences. Whether you opt for full-frame replacement or retrofit installation, choosing energy-efficient, durable windows will significantly enhance your home’s comfort, security, and curb appeal. Schedule your free consultation today to explore the best window replacement options for your Colorado Springs home
Schedule a Consultation