From time to time, we compile some of the most frequently asked questions from our clients. We have organized those questions into the following categories:
1. Insurance & Tax discounts (read more)
2. Design characteristics (read more)
3. Testing & Permitting (read more)
4. Cost (read more)
5. Energy Efficiency (read more)
6. Miscellaneous (read more)
7. Technical (read more)
Q: I am a first-time homeowner and need to purchase windows for my house. What are the characteristics that I should look for to differentiate one window contractor from another?
A: The answer to this question is complex, but it is a very important question. There are key categories to consider when
purchasing new windows and doors from a contractor:
Price versus quality and service: Price always comes to the top of any list when comparing any two items or services. Deciding between
window contractors is no exception. However, you must be careful since you get what you pay for. What at first seems inexpensive can quickly become costly and lead to a very stressful situation. Typically, companies charging less, take significant shortcuts in order to deliver on their promises, if at all.
Window installation requires particular techniques and labor training, some window companies save on labor expenses by hiring untrained installers.
Appearance and function: The majority of the manufacturers have
impact-resistant windows and doors made out of aluminum framing offering somewhat the same product styles, such as single-hung, horizontal rollers and casement windows. However, not all of the windows are made equal. Look for the finished quality of the paint and the silicone used to seal the joints. Also, look for consistency in the way the window is assembled. It is very important that you see and operate the offered product before signing any contracts.
Service: Once your windows are installed, it is important to know how reliable the manufacturer's service department is. If for any reason something happens to your windows in the future, you want to know that the manufacturer will stand behind the service that was provided initially.
Q: I am a first-time homeowner needing to purchase windows for my house. What characteristics should I examine to differentiate one window contractor from another?
A: This isn't an easy question to answer but it's important nonetheless. For starters, here are the key categories to investigate when
purchasing new windows and doors from a contractor:
Price versus quality and service: Price always comes to the top of any list when comparing any two items or services. Deciding between
window contractors is no exception. However, consumers should exercise caution, because you are getting what you pay for. Products that seem inexpensive at first glance can quickly become costly, adding unwanted stress to your life. Typically, companies charging less, take significant shortcuts in order to deliver on their promises, if at all.
Window installation requires particular techniques and labor training, some window companies save on labor expenses by hiring untrained installers.
Appearance and function: The majority of the manufacturers have
impact-resistant windows and doors made out of aluminum framing offering somewhat the same product styles, such as single-hung, horizontal rollers and casement windows. However, not all of the windows are made equal. Look for the finished quality of the paint and the silicone used to seal the joints. Also, look for consistency in the way the window is assembled. It is very important that you see and operate the offered product before signing any contracts.
Service: Once your windows are installed, it is important to know how reliable the manufacturer's service department is. If for any reason something happens to your windows in the future, you want to know that the manufacturer will stand behind the service that was provided initially.
Q: Why should I replace my windows?
A: Window replacement is a sensible idea for home-improvement. This is especially true if you choose well-made
high-performance replacement windows. They will save you money because your home heating and cooling bills will be lower-and your home will be much more comfortable to live in.
New windows will increase your home's value and provide numerous benefits like enhanced levels of safety and security, greater beauty, low maintenance and ease of operation.
Q: How do I know when I need new windows?
A: There are many factors that might influence your choice to replace existing windows.
- Your energy bills are high-and continue to increase.
- Your home feels drafty in cold weather or too warm from heat penetrating your windows and doors in warmer weather.
- You're concerned about the safety of your windows and doors.
- Your windows and doors are difficult or impossible to operate.
- Your home's existing windows and doors are faded, making your home look old and out-dated.
- The glass of your windows and doors is cracked, damaged or the operating hardware is failing.
- You're looking to add "curb appeal" to sell your home.
- Your old windows and doors are in constant disrepair, requiring anything from puttying, painting, replacing parts, adjusting and waterproofing.
- You want to decrease your home's high insurance rate.
Q: What is a replacement window?
A: A true
replacement window is custom built to fit within the opening of an existing window. Replacement windows fit precisely and can be installed without disturbing an existing window's interior and exterior areas.
Q: Is it sensible to replace windows in an ailing economy?
A: Reports that the construction or housing industry are down typically refer to new home construction. In truth, the recovery of this segment of building may take some time.Conversely, the home-improvement business is slated to recover much sooner (before the end of 2009). Homeowners not planning to build new homes anytime soon may decide to fix up their present homes. A savvy home-improvement idea is to
replace windows and doors.
New windows add to the home's value. A January 2009 issue of Remodeling magazine reported that 77.2% (national average) of the
window replacement cost is gained back once the home has been sold.Moreover,
premium-quality replacement windows and doors save homeowners money due to lowered home heating and cooling bills.
Window replacement contributes to a cleaner environment and reduces our nation's dependency on foreign oil.
Q: Will new windows eliminate condensation?
A: Condensation is air-suspended moisture vapor, something that cannot be fully eliminated. However,
high-quality windows that incorporate warm-edge technology glazing systems do effectively reduce condensation, as these products are much less thermally conductive than other types of windows. These systems can also warm the window, minimizing the hot and cold conditions that turn moisture into condensation.
Q: Can impact windows and doors reduce outside noise?
A: All
windows and doors reduce noise to varying degrees. The best solution to eliminate exterior noise, however, is to utilize laminated, insulating glass in the home's windows and doors. This provides up to 100% improvement in sound deadening compared to other glass types.
Q: Do windows cause condensation?
A: Windows are not responsible for condensation. However, you should still consider replacing drafty windows and doors or installing a new roof or siding. In doing so, you are reducing (and tightening) air flow in your home, so it will retain more humidity.
Q: Can I reduce the condensation on my windows?
A: Yes, by controlling humidity and generating air movement. To control condensation, humidity levels need to decrease as exterior temperatures drop.
Q: How can I reduce humidity in my home?
A: Primarily, you can control the sources of moisture and increase ventilation in your house. To decrease or control excess humidity and condensation:
- Place exhaust fans within your kitchen, laundry and bathrooms.
- Vent gas burners, clothes dryers, etc. to the outdoors.
- Shut off furnace humidifiers (and any other humidifying devices) within your home.
- Check to ensure that the ventilating louvers in your attic, basement or crawl spaces are open and appropriately sized.
- Open fireplace dampers. This creates an escape route for moisture-filled air.
- Air out your house for at least a few minutes every day.
CHOOSING A WINDOW CONTRACTOR
