Make sure you're working with a well-established, reliable and reputable window company. Review their background, history and read their online reviews. When talking to a window company, be sure to ask the following questions:
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While these seem like simple questions, you may be surprised by the answers you receive from other window companies. Many window companies don't make or install the windows they sell. Ask for references, check out their online reviews and ultimately, find a company and a brand you can trust. Learn more about how to search for replacement windows online as well as other key factors to look for during the initial process.
Tips
In today's market, there are several window companies touting a sweet price of $189 or less, per window. Be careful when choosing these companies.
The $189 price is misleading, because it often represents a smaller-than-average window size or a lesser quality product. Many times the price only covers a partial window installation and not the complete job.
Once you select window options and the window installation is complete, the actual cost ends up being several times the advertised price!
When it comes to buying quality windows, you get what you pay for. Need help researching replacement window companies? View our window company comparison chart for more information on the top brands in the window industry. Windows are an investment in your home, and if you want a product that is going to look great, perform and last longer, expect to pay a little more. Learn more about what goes into the price of a window and what you should expect the cost to be.
Replacement Window Price Comparison
Builder / Construction Grade Windows $$+
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Stanek® Premium Quality Windows $$$+
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Ultra Premium Architectural Windows $$$$+
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Tips
If you're replacing old windows, now is a great time to consider options for different window materials. Wood windows, although beautiful, are prone to swelling and rotting, and requires regular maintenance to maintain its appeal.
Aluminum windows tend to oxidize and can form condensation or frost inside a window when it is cold outside. Aluminum doesn&#;t hold heat in well, so this material may not be the best choice in cold climates.
Fiberglass windows need to be painted, can chip over time and are the most expensive window type. A fiberglass window frame also has less insulation than a vinyl window frame, which may lead to air, water and dust infiltration. Over time, fiberglass windows tend to weaken at the corners of the frame.
A typical vinyl window frame may be foam-filled to help with insulation but will lack structural integrity. However, Stanek vinyl replacement windows are built to last, using FIBERMAX® and a fusion welding process, which is the strongest and most energy-efficient way to construct a window frame. Premium vinyl windows are a great choice if they are fusion welded and made with reinforced uPVC. Unplasticized PVC, or uPVC, is eight times more impact resistant than plasticized PVC and has one-eighth of the expansion and contraction potential. When you compare the look and feel of quality uPVC vinyl to plasticized vinyl, you can see and feel the difference in quality.
Our Stanek vinyl windows are also available in a variety of interior and exterior colors to complement your home. If you like the look of wood but don&#;t like its upkeep, consider a woodgrain vinyl option. Woodgrain offers the look of real wood without the maintenance headaches.
Tips
Your replacement windows should be custom made to fit your openings precisely without the use of expansion pieces or fillers. The openings should not need to be altered unless you plan to change the style or size of the window.
Window frames and sashes should always be reinforced. If windows are not reinforced, the sashes will sag and warp over time, resulting in leaky windows that don't lock properly. The sash is the part of the window that holds the glass in place and is surrounded by the frame. Sashes must be multi-chambered, fusion welded, and reinforced for strength and stability.
Air chambers filled with high-density polyurethane foam improve insulation. At Stanek Windows, we custom make your windows in our own manufacturing facility and utilize multi-chambers with foam fill, reinforcements and fusion welds for superior performance.
Tips
The more energy efficient and sturdy the window, the higher its cost, due to the materials and technology needed to manufacture the window. However, the energy costs you will save throughout the life of your energy-efficient windows will offset the initial cost of the windows many times over.
What makes a window energy efficient? According to ENERGY STAR requirements, an energy-efficient window is typically made of quality frame materials, multiple panes, Low-E glass, gas fills and warm-edge spacers to reduce heat transfer.
What is an energy efficiency rating? The efficiency of a window is measured according to the U-Factor, solar heat gain and design pressure of the window. Learn more about each of these terms below:
Tips
Labels from the National Fenestration Rating Council®, the National Accreditation and Management Institute (NAMI) and ENERGY STAR® indicate that a window has met important performance requirements. These certifications are important and are intended to provide unbiased facts that homeowners can use to evaluate different window products.
When shopping for windows, don't accept a verbal promise that a company's windows are certified. Ask to see documentation of the certification and make sure each window you are planning on purchasing has a certification label affixed to it. Unfortunately, some companies will test a modified window for a "high performance" label, but unless the window you purchase has the certification label attached to it, it isn't certified and may not be the same window that was represented during the sale.
Tips
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While most homeowners spend hours researching replacement windows, they tend to leave out one crucial consideration &#; the installation.
The window installer is just as important as the window manufacturer, and in many cases they are different. If a window isn't installed correctly, it will perform poorly and may not be covered under warranty. Most window companies don't cover problems they believe are caused by installation. This can have drastic implications and leave you with an ill-performing window.
At Stanek Windows, our window installers are trained to install our windows to ensure long-term performance and installation is guaranteed.
Tips
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, and don&#;t accept verbal promises! If you don't have it in writing, then you probably won't have a guaranteed warranty.
If there is a warranty claim, find out who will service the product &#; the manufacturer, the installer or the dealer &#; if they happen to be different. If the warranty is a manufacturer&#;s warranty and the company you purchased windows from is not the manufacturer, find out how to schedule service in case any issues arise.
Tips
Some window companies try to sell you their products from a brochure, which doesn&#;t offer you the full user experience of the window. Insist that you see full, working window samples so you can examine the window completely before it is installed in your home.
When inspecting the samples, open and close the window and test the locks. Since you will be using your new windows almost daily, it&#;s essential that you like the way the windows look and operate before you buy them.
Remember, new windows should be a one-time investment for your home.
Tips
Have you ever looked at your windows and thought, &#;Hmm, we could do better?&#; Well, you&#;re in the right place. Choosing the perfect windows for your castle (yes, even if your &#;castle&#; is a two-bed semi) is more complex than you might think. But don&#;t fret, this ultimate guide is here to make you a near-expert on uPVC windows, so you can invest your hard-earned money wisely.
So, let&#;s talk uPVC. If you&#;ve been doing a little window shopping (pun absolutely intended), you already know they offer an impressive blend of durability, energy efficiency, and, wait for it&#; affordability! You get a lot of bang for your buck.
Standing for &#;unplasticised polyvinyl chloride&#;, uPVC is basically a more rigid form of PVC. It&#;s non-toxic, eco-friendly, and offers a stellar lifespan. The material resists corrosion, rot, and even the annoying Lincolnshire weather that rarely seems to make up its mind.
The beauty of uPVC is its versatility. You can find a style that fits your home&#;s personality like a glove. Let&#;s get into some of the most popular choices:
Good ol&#; casement windows are the go to of the UPVC windows &#; easy to open and close and brilliant for ventilation.
Ideal for those tight on space and looking for a sleek, modern design.
The Swiss Army knife of windows, these guys can tilt inwards for a bit of air while still keeping your home secure.
Roofriendly&#;s sliding sash windows are made to measure and come with a choice of colours, finishes, handles and glazing options &#; including decorative Georgian or Victorian bars for that cottage feel.
Flush casement windows open from top or side hung hinges, closing so that the face of the window sits flush with the frame, they have a lip that sits over the window frame when closed.
So, you know what style you fancy, but did you consider additional features? Things like double glazing or triple glazing, noise cancellation, and even UV resistance are game-changers, trust me.
Keeps the warmth in and the noise out, what&#;s not to love? And triple glazing takes this to another level &#; it&#;s twice as effective at keeping the heat in during the colder months.
Live near a busy street? Noise-cancelling windows are like headphones for your home.
Keeps those pesky UV rays at bay, so your furniture and your curtains won&#;t fade.
Now, this is huge. With energy prices soaring higher than a summer&#;s day temperature, you&#;ll want windows that keep the cold out and the warmth in. Look out for the &#;WER&#; rating. That&#;s Window Energy Rating, for those not in the know. The higher, the better. A++ being the highest (achieved with triple glazing).
New uPVC windows offer so many choice when it comes to finishes and colours, you&#;ve no problem matching your home&#;s look and feel, or transforming it completely! Whether you&#;re into classic chic or modern minimalism, there&#;s something for everyone.
Ah, the part where we talk about us&#;Roofriendly. We&#;ve been installing uPVC windows across Lincolnshire for over 20 years, and we&#;ve got this down to an art. From initial measurement to final fitting, we take care of it all. And of couse make sure to give your home that &#;just as we found it&#; look after we&#;re done.
Just like a good haircut, uPVC windows need a bit of upkeep. Usually, a quick wipe down with a damp cloth works wonders. For any mechanical parts, a dash of lubricant spray every so often keeps things moving smoothly.
While uPVC windows won&#;t require you to break the bank, they are an investment. Depending on the size and type, costs can vary. And if you&#;re a bit strapped for cash, Roofriendly offers flexible financing options. So, basically, we&#;ve got you covered!
Before you decide who to help you with your window installation, let&#;s go over some common mistakes. The biggest one? Opting for the cheapest option. Listen, we get it, but cheap often comes out expensive in the long run. Find the balance between your home and budget needs rather than the lowest cost option.
We&#;ve been in the game long enough to know that when it comes to uPVC windows, one size doesn&#;t fit all. Your needs are unique, and we&#;re here to make sure they&#;re met.
We hope this guide leaves you more informed and confident about your uPVC window choices. And remember, if you&#;re still unsure, Roofriendly is always a call away.
If you&#;ve read this far, it&#;s safe to say you&#;re serious about your home improvement. So why not get in touch and get a free window quote, we&#;d love to help.
For more information, please visit uPVC Profile Manufacturer.