What should I look for when selecting my replacement windows?
Window replacement is a big investment for your home. In terms of product, think about the importance of appearance, performance, and durability before you choose. Also make sure that you are getting professional installation. Poor installation can ruin your windows’ performance no matter how efficient the windows are.
How can I tell if I need new windows or doors?
Here are some signs that your windows and doors need to be replaced:
Why should I be concerned about windows?
Windows can be responsible for unnecessary heat loss, high-energy consumption and cold drafts. Windows and the area around them are the biggest single area of heat loss in the home.
What are the benefits of an energy efficient window?
What is a replacement window?
A replacement window is a window that`s custom built to fit within the opening of an existing window. It`s built to fit precisely and can be installed without disturbing the interior and exterior areas around the window. It is not a new-construction window, which is typically what builders use on new homes. It is not the type of window that you routinely see at Lumber Stores or on the racks at Home Depot or Lowes. Replacement windows are available only by special order and are made in 1/8” increments to assure a perfect fit.
How much will replacing my old windows cut down on my heating bills?
Windows are one of the most important aspects of regulating home temperatures. Most windows in older homes were designed when energy was cheap and new energy efficient materials were unknown. Today’s newer energy efficient windows are designed with overall thermal efficiency in mind; keeping the heat in and the cold out. Typically, an older home can lose up to 50 percent of its energy heat through leaky, drafty windows and doors.
Are new windows a bad investment if I plan on selling my home?
No! In fact, not only will new windows make your home more energy efficient and visually appealing, but they should increase the overall value of your home.
Why change to vinyl windows instead of aluminum or wood windows?
There are many advantages to having vinyl windows. Vinyl windows are very popular as they are energy efficient, economical, easily customized, and maintenance free. Vinyl windows are manufactured from a plastic called polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC material has a very high R-value, which means that it has a high resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the heat resistance and the higher the energy efficiency wick will reduce your heating and cooling costs. As a result, Vinyl windows provide excellent insulation because they keep I the heat in the winter and keep out the heat in the summer Vinyl Windows are one of the least expensive choices and they come in a wide range of prices. They can be easily customized and are available in a wide range of styles, shapes and sizes, installation is quick and easy. Extremely resistant to scratches, they do not require be scraped, painted or stained. The exterior will not fade, which means that vinyl windows will last longer than aluminum or wood. Since they are strong and durable, they require practically no maintenance at all. In addition, they can be recycled which allows you to contribute to saving the environment. Vinyl withstands assaults from moisture, heat, cold, humidity, salt, pollutants and acid rain; assaults that can and do affect wood and metal. Vinyl windows and patio doors never flake, blister, stick, rot, rust, peel or corrode. Vinyl`s color is integral throughout the material, so scratches go virtually unnoticed. You never have to paint, strip and sand or lubricate vinyl windows or patio doors. Vinyl is truly the most durable, lowest maintenance window and patio door material available.
I saw an ad for a low priced window, why is it so cheap?
There are no short cuts. You get what you pay for. In comparing price, it is critical for you to understand what you are getting for the money you will be investing. Be sure that you are making an “apples-to-apples” comparison. If a price sounds too good to be true, it probably is, and some critical ingredients will be missing. Most windows will perform during the initial months since their installation. However, time exposes the lack of quality. Low priced windows will not include the better glass packages to ensure energy efficiency. Low price windows have a reputation for hidden charges. In the end, the window that you want and the window price that was marketed will rarely be the same. You will pay more. It is recommended that you deal with a company that will offer you “reasonably” priced windows that offer options that low priced windows cannot offer.
How much will noise be reduced with new windows?
Typically, you will get a 30 – 40% noise reduction with a regular double paned window over a regular single paned window. Please note that new windows cannot reduce the noise completely, since there are many ways of sound entering your house; fireplaces, walls, doors, and vents all allow sound into your home. We can add laminate glass to decrease noise even more!
I don`t know if I can afford to pay for my new windows or doors all at once, what can I do?
We offer options such as financing, and deferring payments. Speak to our salespeople as there may be opportunities for 0% interest rate during promotion.Just ask!
What is U-value and how does it relate to R-value rating?
R-value and U-value are reciprocal to one another. The term U-value is measured by the amount of heat that escapes a surface-a wall, ceiling, or window. R-Value is measured by insulation value. How many glass layers there are in a window to the type of gas that is between the panes of glass, are some of the basis of this measurement. The higher the R-value, the better insulated are walls and ceilings. The lower the U-value, the better job a window does in keeping out heat and cold.
What is Low-E glass?
Low Emissive or “Low-E” glass has a special thin-film metallic or oxide coating on its interior surface, which allows the passage of short-wave solar energy (light) but prevents the passage of long-wave energy (heat) from the sun or heating systems through the glass. Low-E glass thus allows light to enter while also providing thermal insulation. This type of glass cuts the loss of heat during the winter and cuts the absorption of heat during the summer by reflecting the heat back to its source, thus providing year-round savings by lowering utility bills. Low-E glass also selectively filters the sun`s energy, blocking up to 84% of the sun`s ultraviolet rays in the summer, thereby reducing the degree of fading of upholstery, carpet and drapes. Low E also reduces heating costs reflecting room side heat back into the room resulting in a lower winter U-value.
How long should it take for a representative to give me an estimate?
Depending on the size of the project, developing an estimate probably only takes about 30 – 45 minutes. However, take all the time you need to get your questions answered to your satisfaction. After the job is done is too late to deal with issues such as, “I thought it was going to look like …” or “I thought I was getting …” It is your home and your money, make sure you invest wisely. Fifteen minutes is not enough time for you to assess whether or not you are getting everything you need. Conversely, it shouldn’t take more than an hour unless you have a significant number of questions. It’s okay if you do have questions, because you should.
How long does it take to install new windows?
In most cases, we normally install 10 to 15 windows per day.
How long does it take for the windows to be ready for installation?
Our lead time is usually 3-4 weeks. Our busy season starts in April and lasts through December. During our busy season you can expect a 4 week lead time.
Does weather effect the installation of windows
Actually we install windows year round. During the warmer months we remove several windows at a time. During the cold months, we remove one window at a time. The weather slows down the installation but the quality never suffers.
What is a typical installation process after I place my order?
What if my current windows have security alarms?
If you have an alarm system connected to your current windows, you should notify your alarm company. We have experience removing the contact sensors from the sashes and can do that if you wish. Your alarm contractor will be responsible for reestablishing the system with your new windows.
