Bring the Outdoors in! How to Choose the Best Windows for Your Cottage Reno

What adds value to your cottage and conserves energy at the same time? Windows—and this is how you choose the best ones for that cottage renovation.

When is it time to replace your cottage windows?

You’re leaving property value and energy efficiency on the table if you don’t improve your cottage windows. But how do you know when it’s time to replace old ones? Look for these signs:

• You feel drafts when you shouldn’t
• Windows leak water in the rain or spring melt
• Condensation forms between panes
• Maintenance becomes too frequent to handle
• The window warps from age and shifting temperatures
• It becomes difficult to open and close the window
• Paint begins to flake
• Wood frames begin to rot

Some of these are more severe than others—rotting wood, warped glass, and condensation require replacements right away. Some windows don’t receive proper maintenance, while others just need replacement with old age.

“All-weather” are some of the best windows for your cottage!

All-weather windows are among the best kind for your cottage, even if you aren’t there in the winter. Letting in cold air requires more energy to heat the space, and you don’t want to discover burst water pipes when you roll into the driveway for your summer getaway!

Similarly, windows that let cool, dry air escape in the summer will cost more money to run your air conditioning while also putting more strain on the unit.

Start with double-pane windows to add extra insulation to your cottage, keeping in the heat or the cool air (depending on the month). You can also mount seasonable storm windows during the winter to improve energy retention, or on particularly humid days in the summer. Make sure that they’re temporary though!

Raising the cottage’s value or reducing costs?

Are you trying to rent out the cottage in an affordable tourist area, or simply minimize costs after purchasing the cottage? If so, consider tilt-and-turn windows to improve your cottage’s value. They add exceptional value to modern cottages by layering on that up-scale “cottage feel.” They also add ventilation to let in the cool summer night air.

Installing wooden frames cost more up-front and require more maintenance, but can increase the cottage’s resale and rental value in popular tourist destinations.

Choose the best cottage windows for your summer reno according to style, energy efficiency, and property value. Still unsure where to start? No problem—ask us for a recommendation, and remember that we pay the tax in July and August!