Is Your Replacement Window Installation Team Doing A Good Job? A Six Point Checklist!
The day your replacement windows arrive is very exciting — and very nerve-wracking. Choosing to invest in your home by installing vinyl replacement windows, fiberglass replacement windows, or wood replacement windows is a smart decision. You want to make sure that your replacement windows are installed correctly to realize the maximum benefit. Here is a six point checklist you can use to help ensure your replacement windows are installed properly.
Point One: Have you researched the team and their warranties?
One of the first steps in selecting replacement windows is researching the company that sells the windows — and the team they use to install the windows. One of the advantages to buying your windows from a replacement window specialist, rather than a discount store, is that replacement window specialists tend to use their own dedicated team of installers, whereas discount stores subcontract the installation job, often to the lowest bidder.
Make sure to check out the warranties on installation. A quality replacement window installation team will stand behind their work with a strong guarantee.
Point Two: Are the replacement windows level and square?
Using a level, you’ll want to check that each window is installed properly. Replacement windows should be level — meaning that when you place a level on the window sill, the bubble should line up precisely between the two markings. Additionally, windows need to be square. You can check this with a carpenter’s square or by measuring the windows corner to corner. The two measurements should be identical.
Point Three: Are the replacement windows plumb?
Replacement windows need to be plumb. Using your level, check to make sure that your replacement windows are installed straight up and down, not angled to one side or the other. If a window is not plumb, you have a greater chance of air infiltration and difficulty operating your windows.
Point Four: Do the replacement windows work properly?
Replacement windows should operate effortlessly: you should be able to open and close your windows easily. Test them all: do they tilt in for easy cleaning? Do the locks work properly? Check this right away! If there is a problem, the replacement window team needs to address it.
Point Five: Are the replacement windows sealed and insulated?
Replacement windows are designed to be installed with exterior sealers and insulation both in the frame and beneath the sills. Check to make sure there are no visible gaps, and that the work is done in a neat, attractive fashion. You don’t want your replacement window team to skimp on caulk or insulation: this will result in subsequent problems.
Point Six: Has the replacement window installation team cleaned up after themselves?
Installing replacement windows can be a messy job. A reputable team will clean up after themselves, making sure that there’s no broken glass, debris, or building materials left behind. Some of these materials can be hazardous, especially to young children, so you want them removed.
Five Ways Home Replacement Windows Improve Your Quality of Life
We hear a lot about how home replacement windows — and here, we’re talking about high quality vinyl replacement windows, fiberglass replacement windows, and wood replacement windows — can enhance the energy efficiency of your home and raise your home’s resale value. And while that’s all lovely, wonderful information, there are times it’s really not enough. If you are going to make a major investment in your home, such as installing replacement windows, you want to know what these windows are actually going to do for you.
Here are five ways home replacement windows improve your quality of life:
- Increase the amount of natural light.
- Create a more comfortable living space.
- Make you healthier.
- Make your home ‘work’ better.
- Make your family safer and more secure.
One of the most common benefits of having replacement windows installed is the increase in the amount of natural light that enters the home. We all need a certain amount of natural light for optimal health: researchers have linked natural light exposure with emotional well being.
Interior decorators also agree: natural lighting can do marvels for the look of your home. Natural light can create a warm, inviting, cheerful space — marvelous to live in and enjoy!
The energy efficiency offered by replacement windows saves you money and is good for the environment — but did you know it also makes the interior of your home more comfortable? By eliminating drafts and keeping warmed or cooled air inside, replacement windows help you control the interior temperature of your home. You decide how warm you want to be — replacement windows makes it easier to stay at that temperature!
There are a number of ways that replacement windows can help make you healthier. Replacement windows with double or triple pane glass, rigid frame construction and other features help minimize air and moisture intrusion. This means that fewer allergen triggers make it into your living space — if you’ve ever had hay fever, you appreciate the value of a pollen-free zone! Additionally, by helping maintain a consistent interior temperature (see the previous point) you’re creating an environment conducive to better health for children and the elderly.
A home is actually a complex set of systems, in which windows play an integral role. When windows can’t be opened, this can create problems: every home needs adequate air exchange, particularly in moist environments like kitchen and bathrooms. Often original construction windows do not open at all — or they do not open easily, meaning that the homeowner doesn’t open them. Replacement windows, on the other hand, particularly vinyl replacement windows, open easily, making them a more functional part of your home’s overall systems.
It’s impossible to overrate your family’s safety and security! What value can you put on the well being of your children, your partner, your parents, your loved ones? Flawed and insufficient windows are a common point of entry for many criminals. Replacement windows, on the other hand, offer enhanced security. Additionally, since replacement windows open easily, they allow for rapid exit in case of fire or other emergency — a critical consideration when seconds could mean the difference between life and death!
Replacement Windows: How Do You Know if a Bid is Fair?
Shopping for replacement windows can be confusing and intimidating. Generally, as a homeowner, you’re operating ‘blind’, making a purchase you don’t know a whole lot about. Replacement window technology has advanced tremendously over the past few years, and if you’re not up on the energy efficiency features, construction methods, and what windows are best for your given environment, it’s hard to know if a bid given to you by a replacement window specialist is fair or not.
Here’s how you can discover if you’re being quoted accurate prices or if someone’s trying to rip you off:
The Replacement Windows Being Quoted
Are you considering vinyl replacement windows, fiberglass replacement windows, or wood replacement windows? Each type of replacement window has an appropriate application — but there is a range of prices associated with the different types of replacement windows. Wood replacement windows tend to have the highest prices, while fiberglass and vinyl replacement windows are more cost-effective options. Make sure you understand what type of replacement windows you’re talking about, and what the average price range for that type of window is. Your quote should be in keeping with that range.
The Brand of Replacement Windows
There are a number of companies offering high quality replacement windows, including Alside, Harvey, and Anderson. Other manufacturers present replacement windows that they say ‘are good as’ these top brands — but that’s not necessarily true! Compare the prices of the replacement window brand you’re being quoted with the prices of established industry leading brands: you shouldn’t be paying as much for no-name windows as others pay for the very best!
The Sales Tactics Being Used
High pressure, rapid fire, intense sales techniques are a definite red flag. If a contractor wants you to commit to the replacement windows in a hurry, not allowing you any time to check prices, there’s a better than good chance that the quote you’ve been handed is on the high side. Additionally, look out for quotes given without seeing your house, taking any measurements, or really understanding what your family’s window needs are.
Economic Stimulus Package Makes NOW the Time to Re-do Your Windows!
Homeowners can save up to $1,500 on qualified home improvement projects as part of the Economic Stimulus Package, which means that this may be the ideal time to replace your existing leaky, single-pane windows with vinyl replacement windows, wood replacement windows, or fiberglass replacement windows — all of which offer superior energy efficiency, with double or triple pane glass, insulating argon or krypton gas, and insulated, rigid construction frames.
High quality vinyl replacement windows, such as the Alside Excalibur line, offer a cost effective, attractive way to take advantage of government incentive programs. Available in a wide range of styles, with a beveled mainframe design that complements any decor, these windows are sleek and surprisingly elegant.
When considering vinyl replacement windows, one factor to consider is the maintenance and upkeep. You’re enjoying savings now, but you want to make sure that those savings extend over the lifetime of your windows! Windows that require annual painting and labor intensive upkeep are not necessarily a good investment of your money. Alside Excalibur and other high quality vinyl replacement window lines offer the ultimate homeowner benefit: little to no maintenance requirement! These windows never need painting! They tilt-in for easy cleaning — you can put that bulky and potentially unsafe ladder away!
Make sure that your replacement window specialist is a qualified installer for the Stimulus Package credit. You will need supporting paperwork to claim your tax savings! Go with an established, respected pro: not some fly by night bargain company. You’ll be glad you did!