Buying Windows – What You Need To Know

 

Shopping for energy-efficient windows can be confusing if you don't know what questions to ask your window installer. Make the right decision and you will never have to think about windows again, but make the wrong decision and you may be back in the market for replacement windows in just a few years.

Relax. We're going to give you the questions to ask and the things to look for. These tips will make shopping for replacement windows easy and will guide you in selecting a proven, high-quality, energy-efficient window, professionally installed and backed by a solid warranty. There are 7 things you should evaluate when shopping for replacement windows:

 

1. COMPANY

Make sure you are dealing with a well-established and reputable window company. How long have they been in business? Make sure they have a showroom you can visit to see working, full-sized products. The window installer you choose should also be a member of NARI and the Better Business Bureau. They should be able to provide you with proof of licensing, bonding, and be insured to $1,000,000.00. Attempt to deal directly with the window manufacturer and cut out the middleman.

 

2. ENERGY-EFFICIENT MATERIALS

Wood is good, but vinyl is final. You are probably replacing old wood or aluminum windows so it's plain to see why vinyl window products are a better value. Wood is prone to swelling and rotting, it will also require painting or staining to maintain its appeal. Wood clad windows may just hide problems. Aluminum will oxidize, and is either hot or cold to the touch depending on the season (not to mention the potential condensation problem). Vinyl windows are a great choice if they are fusion welded and made with steel reinforced uPVC.

 

3. WINDOW FRAME

Your replacement windows should be custom made to fit your opening without the use of expansion pieces. You should not have to alter your openings to fit the windows. If you are interested in purchasing casement or awning windows, Make sure the frames are fully steel reinforced. Make sure the window retailer guarantees in writing, the windows will not sag. Look for multi-chambered, fusion welded designs, which increase strength and thermo-efficiency. Make sure the replacement windows you choose are certified. A full-screen system is a must.

 

4. WINDOW SASH

The sash is the part of the window that holds the glass. The frame surrounds the sashes must also be multi-chambered, fusion welded, and reinforced. If windows are non-reinforced the sashes can and will distort over time, resulting in a leaky, poorly locking window. Quality windows use structural reinforcement in the sash to provide added strength. Reinforcement is a must. Stanek’s non-conductive FiberMax® reinforcement offers superior structural strength against bowing, warping and sagging.

 

5. ENERGY-EFFICIENT GLASS

Insulated glass is a must. The more energy efficient the glass, the more comfortable you will be enjoying reduced gas and electric bills. Quality glass systems like Heat Mirror® can offer you center of glass R-Values up to R 10.0 and reduce outside noise by up to 30% while blocking up to 99.5% of harmful UV rays, virtually eliminating fading damage to your homes contents. If you live in a high wind zone, look for impact-resistant glass which will eliminate the need for impact shutters. Eighty percent of the window is glass and for this reason it makes sense to limit consideration only to products offering the highest, energy-efficient insulated glass packages.

 

6. INSTALLATION

Do not accept a "caulk and walk" installation from a window dealer. Make sure the window contractor you choose provides you with a superior installation along with top-of-the-line building materials (caulk, coil, etc.). Make sure the opening is left 100% maintenance free. There should be no exposed external wood remaining around recently installed windows. Insist on PVC coated aluminum trim capping, and 100% silicone caulk for the outside. Make sure the installation crew is factory trained and fully insured. 

 

7. WARRANTY

A warranty is only as good as the product on which it is placed, and only as good as the company providing it. Insist on reading a copy of the warranty. Make sure the window installation is covered for the full-term of the warranty. Find out who would actually be performing the service work if necessary. Would the service person be from the window dealer or the window manufacturer? Find out what would happen if the dealer goes out of business or no longer carries the brand. The warranty should be non-prorated on both the parts and labor for as long as you own your home. Accept no verbal promises! If you don't get it in writing, then you will likely not get it at all. What is the value of a lifetime warranty that comes from a company that has only been in business for a few years?