You should plan on about 30-45 minutes for the appointment and there is no cost to you. Your appointment will go faster if you take the time to look through the products we sell and have a general idea of what you want prior to our arrival. If you don’t know where to start and aren’t sure what you want, that’s fine too. We are happy to help you navigate all the options and decide on what will work best for you. It can be overwhelming with all the different options to choose from. We know it’s a big decision and we want to make sure that you are happy.

On average, it takes about 30-60 minutes to remove and replace one window. We can install most jobs in one day, but it can take longer depending on the number of windows and difficulty of the install.

The average savings for window replacement is 10-20% but the most reliable information on the subject is found at EnergyStar.gov and EffecientWindows.org. These impartial organizations have no ties to manufacturers or dealers. No matter which manufactured product you choose, when you switch from the old single pane aluminum metal or wood windows to new double pane windows that have triple coat LowE and Argon gas, you can achieve a U-Factor of .27-.29 and an SHGC (solar heat gain coefficient) of .21-.24. These are excellent ratings and will make a difference in the comfort and feel of your home. Using a 4th surface LowE coating on the interior surface of the glass can reduce the U-factor a few more points. To meet the Energy Star Rating, the EPA requires a U-Factor of .22 or less and an SHGC rating .17 or higher. However, a .22 U-Factor vs. a .29 U-Factor has a very minimal if any, actual effect on your utility bills.

There is no right or wrong answer. It all comes down to what you are trying to achieve. Are you looking for a specific color? Are you looking for the highest energy efficiency? Ease of operation? Do you need to adhere to the policies of an HOA, city code or Historical District? We offer vinyl, fiberglass, composite, and wood products. Here are some pros and cons for each:

We do not highly recommend triple pane windows. When you upgrade to triple pane glass, you can reduce the U-Factor from a .29 to a .22 and receive an additional $2.50 per sq. ft. of the glass area (approx. $42 per window) in utility company rebates. This amount might cover about half the cost of the upgrade. Triple pane glass may slightly improve the warmth of your home in the winter but does nothing in the summer. The downside of the triple pane is that you lose some additional natural light with 4 coats of LowE on the glass. The extra glass also results in a heavy window sash that can be harder to operate and remove for cleaning. You will have a greater chance of required maintenance on the windows due to the additional weight stress on the frame, locks, wheels, and mechanisms. You will also have a greater chance of condensation glass failures due to the extra chamber in the glass.

Vinyl windows are affordable, durable and energy efficient. They have become a popular option for homeowners because of their incredible value. They are low maintenance and last for decades. Vinyl windows today are made with UV inhibitors to prevent the yellowing and peeling that is seen on older vinyl windows. Vinyl windows are a beautiful option for any home. Vinyl windows are not “cheap”, they are affordable.

Your new windows should be easy to maintain, but that isn’t saying they don’t require cleaning from time to time. Dirt, dust, and other debris can cause damage to moving parts if you let it build up. Wheels rolling through a track that is full of dirt and debris can jamb them up making it difficult to open and close windows and doors. We recommend periodically vacuuming the tracks and wiping them down to remove dirt and debris. Twice a year you should lubricate all sliding window and door tracks as well as the wheels with silicone spray.

It’s normal for water to build up on the sill or the outside track. The windows and sliding glass doors are made with a “weep” drainage system. Vented holes on the bottom of the frames allow water to drain to the outside as it builds up. Proper maintenance of this weep system is required to assure proper drainage. Periodically inspect the weep holes on the exterior bottom rails to make sure they are clear of any dirt or debris. Use a soft brush to clear the openings if necessary.

Vinyl, capstock, fiberglass and composite windows and doors should be cleaned with mild, non-abrasive soap and water with a clean soft cloth and then wipe dry. Always test cleaners in an inconspicuous area first.

Immediately following the installation of wood windows and doors, you must apply a top-quality paint, finish, or water repellant wood preservative to all bare and primed wood. Periodically refinish or repaint to avoid damage on wood parts. Failure to do this adequately will void the warranty.

There are some important energy ratings that you should know about. In windows, there are 3 main ratings that you should be aware of. 

• U-Factor: The U-factor is the insulation rating on a window or door. High-performance, double-pane windows will generally have a U-factor of 0.30 or lower indicating that they are very energy-efficient. A rating around .28-.30 is typical and is very energy efficient, but to meet the Energy Star Rating, the EPA requires a .22 factor. This means spending more money on a triple pane window or adding more expensive coatings and spacers. The cost to get a window down to a .22 is typically not worth the investment. There won’t be a noticeable difference in how your home feels and a .22 factor vs. a .30 factor has a very minimal, if any, actual effect on your utility bills. 
• SHGC Rating:  Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. This rating reflects the amount of solar radiation that passes through a window or door. The lower the SHGC,  there is  less solar heat transmitted making it more effective at reducing cooling loads during the summer by blocking heat gain from the sun.  The higher the rating, the more solar heat is allowed to pass through, reducing heating loads in the winter by collecting  heat gain from the sun. An average SHGC rating on a double pane window with argon gas is .21 which means that 21% of the solar heat is passing through.
• STC – Sound Transmission Class. This is a score given to the window or door based on its ability to reduce sound coming through it. The higher the rating, the less noise penetration. On average, a standard double pane window with argon gas  will have an STC rating of .22. If you are looking for a higher rating, buying windows with glass that has two different thicknesses can bring the rating up to a .33.