FAQ

How much does it cost to transform my house?

Remodeling are more affordable than you might assume. The cost varies depending on a number of factors including the project size and scope of work; new construction versus renovation and etc... But a basic facelift of an average home, including new doors, shutters, porticos, and some exterior detail, but no siding and window can be completed for about $10,000.00. Complete transformation of a 4 bedroom, 2 story colonial including new siding, new windows, doors will generally range from $30,000 to $40,000.

Why is safety in my new windows important?

According to the Product Safety Commission, there are more than a quarter million injuries caused by broken glass every year. And that does not reflect those treated at home. It only accounts for injuries treated in emergency rooms.
That's why tempered safety glass is such a benefit. Tempered safety glass is four times stronger than ordinary glass. As a result, it's very difficult to break. And even if it does break, it shatters into harmless, blunt pellets. Plus, tempered glass is virtually impossible to cut with a glass cutter. That deters intruders! It all adds up to a safer, more comfortable environment for you and your family!

Can windows really help me lower my energy bills?

Yes! If your windows are more than 10 years old, you are probably losing valuable heat and/or air conditioning through them every day! How? Windows can lose heat in three major ways: through the glass, around the sides of the window and from conduction that occurs through the window frame. The end result? In the winter, you end up constantly trying to heat the air from the outside! And in the summer, your air conditioning system has to work twice as hard trying to cool it!

Today's windows contain insulating, double-paned glass that has been custom-designed to stop hot air from going in or out. In addition, if your windows are custom-made, and not standard sizes, they will be built specifically for the openings in your home. That eliminates air infiltration around the frames. Plus, with the multi-chamber design of vinyl windows and the thermal breaks in aluminum windows, conduction is drastically reduced.

Some window manufacturers guarantee an energy-savings.

What is the difference between an insert window and a standard, full frame window?

An insert window is installed into the existing window frame. Insert replacement products are installed without disturbing the interior trim or exterior of your home. Full frame products are appropriate when the entire window needs replacement—for example, when it's substantially out of square or has deteriorated beyond repair. The window, including sash, frame and casing is replaced.

Why is UV protection important?

What's the first thing most of us apply when we head out to the beach? Lotion with UV protection. If we want to protect ourselves from getting a sun burn, we lather up with suntan lotion, right? It's because we know that suntan lotion provides a valuable shield against the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.
But did you know that UV protection is also available in your windows? Low-E, a coating which can be applied to glass, significantly reduces harmful UV rays, while Heat Mirror® virtually stops all UV transmissions. So, not only do these options keep rays from reaching you and your family inside, they also protect your carpet and furniture from the fading that UV rays can cause!

How can I stop condensation or fog from forming on my windows?

Condensation, or fog, on windows is actually caused by humidity, or water vapor. Humidity is present in almost all air. When this water vapor comes in contact with a surface that is at a cooler temperature, the vapor turns to visible droplets of liquid, or condensation. (A good example of this is on a bathroom mirror after someone has taken a hot shower.)
So, how do you stop condensation? By reducing the level of humidity in your home to 20 or 30 percent, you can reduce almost all of the condensation on your windows.

What are the advantages of vinyl windows over wood windows?

Although wood windows are beautiful, there are many disadvantages to wood. First, wood does warp over time. That means that no matter how well your windows fit when they were first installed, you may still end up with air infiltration later! In addition, wood does require a large amount of maintenance to keep it looking good.

Vinyl windows, on the other hand, will not warp or get misshapen over time. And because the color of the vinyl goes all the way through, they make sanding, scraping and painting things of the past!

What are the advantages of wood windows over vinyl windows?

Wood prime windows are installed into the rough-opening which minimizes the loss of glass space. Wood windows can be painted in colors. For period style homes, wood windows had a unique old fashioned charm.

What are the advantages of custom replacement windows over pre-made, standard-size windows stocked at home centers and lumber yards?

Because custom windows are made to fit perfectly, they provide the best energy efficiency (which saves on fuel bill) and install much more easily and with very little mess. Also, because of the myriad of options available that affect appearance and efficiency, custom windows allow consumers to design exactly the windows they need or want.

Standard windows typically cost less in the beginning, but other expenses and factors—like additional labor and the disruption to the home—far outweigh the original savings. For example, installing stock windows requires that you add brick or siding to the exterior, and drywall or other materials to the interior. In addition, custom-made windows allow you to choose the best solution to the problems you want to solve by replacing windows.