Windows
The story typically goes: a home is built, family loves the house, has a lifetime of memories in it, then at some point fall completely out of love with the windows. This happens for a few reasons. First, likely the windows that were put in during the build were of adequate quality for the time and fit the build budget as the best window for the project. Second, the expected life of them has been completely exhausted and they are deteriorating quickly showing their wear more each month. Replacing windows is likely not on the list of desired activities. However, with the right contractor and a good understanding of what your needs are, the process becomes much less stressful.
The big key points of replacement windows are: how they are installed (replacement slide in versus flanged new build), glass package (this is where science really matters), and frame/ sash materials. While one could talk for days about the nuances and minute details of each brand, style, and option that window manufacturers have, we can boil it down to one key litmus test to make sure you are going to get the best value. The ultimate test of each window is the price of the window and the contractor installing it. Each option and piece of that window has a cost associated with producing it and if you don’t need it, don’t order it. That doesn’t mean that some of the options are not important! They frequently are and make a big difference of the life of the window. For example, if one has a hundred-year-old house without insulation in the walls, triple pane windows are likely not going to return as big of energy savings as one would hope. Matching the window to the situation is incredibly important. That is where the difference in glass packages, materials, and installation really matter.
The right contractor installing the window is incredibly important because there are many ways to install windows incorrectly and there are very few ways to install them properly. The flashing details, sill pan, building drainage wrap, screw pattern, window tape, air sealing, and finishes all matter. If these details are not properly performed, the likelihood of a premature failure is almost guaranteed. We are always here to help, and we would rather see a window installed properly by someone else’s crew and have long and good performing life than one that is cut short by poor installation. Let us show you how we are different.
