Considerations When Choosing Window Replacements
Considerations When Choosing Window Replacements
Replacing the windows in your home can be an overwhelming task, due to all the factors there are to consider. Nevertheless, following these steps should give you a better idea of how to go about it.
A Starting Point
Deciding which window you want to replace is an obvious start, and then ask yourself, “what can I afford?” Coming up with a buget will give you an idea of how many windows you can actually replace, as well as the designs and materials you will be able to use.
The Function of Your Windows
What do you your new windows to do? Are they merely to look through and open, or do you want them to provide a sense of design and elegance to your home? The issue of security is an important factor to consider as well.
Shop Around
Contact several replacement-window vendors and installers for quotes and discuss with them, the various window types that they offer and the details of each. Make sure to discuss the energy-efficiency options they have available (standard insulated glass, etc)
Discuss the energy-efficiency offered by the vendors
- low-e coating - window coating that reduces heat loss through the glass, allowing heat from the sun to penetrate it.
gas-filled windows - argon or krypton is inserted between double glazing to reduce heat loss - Ask yourself, how much money would I save on heating and cooling bills with these options?
- Ask the vendors which types of windows abide by the standards of the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act,” which allows you to earn tax credits by purchasing energy saving windows.
- Don’t be afraid to ask the vendor/installers for references. Were past customers happy? Was the work completed in a timely manner?
Choose a Vendor
Choose a vendor/installer based upon price, window type, references and your gut impression, and make sure that the vendor/installer offers guarantee(s). It is also very important to make sure that the installer is properly insured. Get a valid certificate of insurance from the contractor before you pay them any money or before they begin the work.
…We hope you’ll choose Weather Tite Windows, your windows experts out of Atlanta, Georgia!
New Windows Tax Credit
Thanks to a Bill called the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, you can earn tax credits on energy saving windows! This bill extended and changed the Energy Policy Act of 2005 with expanded tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements, including windows and doors. Which means when you purchase Weathertite replacement windows and doors that meet specified guidelines, you’ll save two ways. First, you’ll save on home energy costs year round, then you’ll save even more with the 2009-2010 tax credit. Your applicable tax credit will be 30% of your purchase price, up to a $1,500 total credit for all qualifying products, including windows and doors. Continue reading ‘New Windows Tax Credit’
Weathertite Windows Podcast
Listen as Adam Hollander discusses small business ownership, the importance of generating customer referrals and why serving the customer is the hall mark of our success. Click on the below button to listen, or click here.
Your Drafty Windows Are Costing More Than You Think
The cost of energy goes up every year, and it’s not going to stop anytime soon. What can you do about it? You can’t exactly make your own fuel oil, natural gas or electricity. But you can use your energy more efficiently. If you have old windows, it’s possible you’re losing a chunk of change due to your heat escaping through drafty windows. Continue reading ‘Your Drafty Windows Are Costing More Than You Think’
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Energy efficient windows saved me hundreds of dollars. The benefits of vinyl replacement windows include beauty, easy maintenance and durability. But one of the greatest benefits is savings. Continue reading ‘Energy Efficient Windows Save Hundreds’
How To Clean Gutters
There are two main areas of a gutter to clean. The interior gutter, where all the debris collects, and the exterior of the gutter. The interior portion of the gutter should be cleaned twice a year, unless you have our Gutter Guards, and the outside of the gutter needs to be cleaned once a year with the rest of the house.
Cleaning The Interior Of Gutters
If debris backs up water in your gutters, the water can cause serious long term problems to your house. It can easily rot out the fascia and sophet as well as cause interior wall damage if the water finds a way in to the eaves. The best way to avoid this is with gutter cover installation.
However, if you need to clean your gutters the old fashioned way. Take out a ladder and go section to section and remove all the debris. The biggest draw back to this is the ladder work. It is very easy to fall off of a ladder. Plus, climbing up and down a ladder 50 times may not be your idea of a good time on a Saturday afternoon. Also, Be careful not to crush your gutters with the ladder.
If you live in a single story house, your best bet may be a pressure washer with a special gutter attachment. It is never a good idea to try and use a ladder and a pressure washer at the same time. One problem with this method, is the possibility of blowing water back into the house through the eaves, however this is the preferred method.
Actually getting on the roof and cleaning the gutters is a very bad idea. Especially if you are not use to walking on roofs. I have seen roofers walk up insane angles in order to do their job, but they are trained professionals. All it takes is one slip and your time could be up.
Exterior Gutter Cleaning
It is a good idea to pressure wash your house at least once a year. During this process do not neglect your gutters. Basic mold and grime will build up on your gutters and dirty gutters really detract from the beauty of your home.
Use a strong degreaser and apply it your gutters. Make sure it is approved for use in your pressure washer, if you need something that is not approved you could always use a spray bottle or an acid injector. Put the degreaser on the gutters and let it sit for about five minutes. Do not let it dry. Go back over it with the white nozzle and see if you can get off all of the grime.
If you are not able to remove all of the grime, you may have to use goof off. This is a painstaking process and sometimes it does not get everything off. Especially roof tar, which over the years stains the gutters. If your gutters are really bad, it may be a better idea to simply replace the gutters.
What are Insulated Windows?
Insulated windows are a great addition to any home that has only a few windows or has several windows. An insulated window is a window that will help keep your heat inside your home which is exactly where you want it to be in the winter months. Insulated windows will also help keep the cool air in and the hot air out during those warm summer months. How does this happen? Continue reading ‘What are Insulated Windows?’
How A Window Contractor Can Help You Save Money
Are you thinking of putting in new windows in your home or business? If you are then there are several things you need to consider before taking out the original windows. Some of these things to consider are what windows you want to put in. Do you want similar windows to what you already have or do you want something different? The next thing to consider is the cost of the new windows. Then the final thing to consider is who will put the windows in? Are you a do-it-yourselfer or will you be hiring a window contractor? Continue reading ‘How A Window Contractor Can Help You Save Money’
What is a Window Sash?
A window sash is a very important part of any traditional window. With the design on the window in mind there may be several window sashes on each set of windows that will allow a space to be both opened and closed depending on the desire of the person in the room. There are some window designs that have permanently fixed window sashes that cannot be opened or moved. Continue reading ‘What is a Window Sash?’
Benefits of Vinyl Replacement Windows
Vinyl windows offer many advantages over typical wood or aluminum windows such as energy efficiency, durability, cost and ease of care. Because the materials are manufactured specifically for windows the manufacturers are able to produce a high quality product. Continue reading ‘Benefits of Vinyl Replacement Windows’
