:: Tips
Selecting replacement windows can be an adventure as there are so many options. It can also be daunting when you don’t know where to begin. Your budget, the style of your home, and even the location of the window are all factors to consider. If you are comparison-shopping, answering these questions before you speak with dealers will allow them to provide you with apples-to-apples estimates. So here are some crucial questions to ask yourself:
Do you want aluminum, wood or vinyl windows?
Wood requires upkeep, maintenance and regular staining or painting. Aluminum can scratch discolor and fade, and loses 1,416 BTUs per hour. Vinyl requires no maintenance, and stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, losing only 1.3 BTUs per hour.
Do you live in the north or the south?
Southern climates face more extreme heats so Low-E coating is a must, while northern homes should look for well-insulated, triple pane windows.
What is the window orientation in the home?
South-facing windows tend to let in the most light. East- and west-facing windows tend to let in the most heat while the sun is at its lowest point, so a Low-E coating is a must. If a window faces a particularly wonderful view, perhaps having a bigger window than you already have would be beneficial – more of that lovely golf course can be seen from your sofa. Determining which windows must be able to open, and the space they have to open (casement windows need room to swing out) is also important.
Which window styles do you prefer?
There are many different styles and not all of them may look right for the type of home you have. A log cabin requires a different look than a colonial or a cape cod. You can review a number of different styles in our windows section.
Do you have any unique details you want to include?
Do you want mini-blinds for in-between your glass? Do you have a bathroom window that requires a special etched glass for privacy? Or perhaps you have a decorative stained-glass look in mind for a special window. See our options section for a list of unique window specialties.
What color is the house?
The majority of window manufacturers offer a few standard colors – especially when it comes to vinyl windows. We offer 75 standard colors. If you need your windows to coordinate with a very large rose bush in the entry-way, then perhaps you want a custom color to match it. We do that, too, but not every manufacturer does. Determining your color preference, and bringing along a sample will help clarify your needs. Consult with your dealer to review our Color Selection Guide.
How is the window warranty structured?
Many warranties cover manufacturing defects only. If you live near the golf course, you may want to look for a warranty that also covers glass breakage, regardless of the reason. Some warranties are also transferable, so that if you sell your home, the warranty becomes a selling point and increases the value of your home. (See our warranty for an example of the best.)
What is my budget?
What am I willing to pay for replacement windows, and how many can I afford to do at one time?
Do I like my weekends free of house projects?
If you answered yes, then our windows are the solution. Virtually maintenance free, with no painting required, and windows that are a snap to clean, you’ll only need to find a dealer nearest you, and leave the rest to us.