What You Need To Know

Knowing what questions to ask about energy-efficient windows will save you a lot of time and money.  Having the correct information up front gives you the opportunity to know the best window questions to ask your window installer. Such as, the type of vinyl replacement windows that perform the best in your area.  Make the right decision to invest in energy efficient replacement windows the first time, and you won’t have to reinvest in energy efficient windows again. Make the wrong decision and you will be back in the market for replacement windows again in just a few years.

Jay’s Siding & Windows will help you with the questions to ask and the things to look for. These tips will make shopping for replacement windows easy and will help you in selecting a proven, high-quality, energy-efficient window, professionally installed and backed by a solid warranty. It will give you the opportunity to compare apples to apples, so you know what all the replacement window companies are really promising.  Here are some of the things you should evaluate when shopping for replacement windows, and remember all manufacturers will not honor the warranty unless the replacement windows are installed correctly.

Before you start to look for replacement window companies you need to put a plan together for the following:

How many companies do you want to evaluate?

Then how much time are you willing to commit to each company?

Do you have a budget established and a time frame for the replacement windows?

Are you interested in replacing all the windows or just some of the windows?

What are the best times for you to evaluate the companies, mornings, afternoons, evenings or weekends?

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ENERGY-EFFICIENT MATERIALS

Wood is good, but vinyl as they say is final. When replacing old wood or aluminum windows it is easy to see why vinyl window products are a better value. Wood is prone to swelling and rotting, it will also require painting or staining to maintain its appeal. Wood clad windows may just hide problems. Aluminum will oxidize, and is either hot or cold to the touch depending on the season (not to mention the potential condensation problem). Vinyl windows are an ideal value choice when they meet the federal energy tax guidelines; are AAMA and NFRC labeled; have fusion welded corners; and made with reinforced uPVC.

WINDOW FRAME

Your replacement windows should be custom made to fit the window opening. You should not have to alter your openings to fit the windows.  Make sure the frames are fully reinforced. Make sure the window contractor guarantees in writing, the windows will not sag. Look for multi-chambered, fusion welded frames.

WINDOW SASH

The sash is the part of the window that holds the glass. The frame surrounds the sashes must also be multi-chambered, fusion welded, and reinforced. If windows are not reinforced the sashes can and will distort over time, resulting in a leaky, poorly locking window. Quality windows use structural reinforcement in the sash to provide added strength. Reinforcement is a must. These key features offer superior structural strength against bowing, warping and sagging.

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ENERGY-EFFICIENT GLASS

Insulated glass is a must. The more energy efficient the glass, the more comfortable you will be, and the more you will save on your reduced gas, electric, and oil bills. Quality energy efficient vinyl window replacements can offer you center of glass R-Values up to R 10.0 and reduce outside noise by up to 30% while blocking most of the suns harmful UV rays, virtually eliminating fading damage to your homes contents.  You will also be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.   If you live in a high wind zone, or security is an issue, look for impact-resistant glass for peace of mind.

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INSTALLATION

Installation is a HUGE problem in the home improvement industry because of the lack of experience and education.  Most companies are marketing companies looking for sub contractors to install the window replacements

they sell because they don’t want to carry any liability.  The sub contractor only cares about getting in and out as fast as possible to get paid.  No wonder windows leak!  Do not accept a “caulk and walk” installation from a window company. Make sure the window contractor you choose provides you with a superior installation system which will include top-of-the-line installation materials such as long life exterior caulking (50-75 year), not painters caulking. Installed vinyl windows will leave the openings practically maintenance free. Make sure the installation crew is factory trained and fully insured and have gone through InstallationMasters(tm) training and certification.  This certification card shows they are installations professional installers.

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WARRANTY

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. It shouldn’t be complicated.  All you want to know is if something goes wrong can, and will the window company or window manufacturer take care of it, and how long will it take.  Make sure the window installation is covered for the full-term of the warranty. Find out who would actually be performing the service work if necessary and what the process is.  Would the service person be from the window dealer or the window manufacturer? Make sure you get a glass breakage warranty and a screen warranty as well.  That way you are getting a lifetime warranty.  Not a what if warranty.  The warranty should be non-prorated on both the parts and labor for as long as you own your home. Accept no verbal promises! If you don’t get it in writing, then you will likely not get it at all. What is the value of a lifetime warranty if it isn’t in writing.

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Jays Siding & Windows process is simple.  We spend about one half hour with you on the first visit and measure your windows, give you this information sheet and then within 3-5 business days send you an another packet with all the information to answer these questions and links to key sites and some references for you to call to see how they liked doing business with us and of course the price for your project.  From there we will contact you in about another week to give you time to absorb the information and do a professional follow up. When it is the right time for you it is the right time for us.

Should you have any questions or need more information please call us at any of the listed numbers.

Office @ 425-656-8010;   Fax @ 425-656-8011; Cell @ 206-330-6968

Email @ sales@jayswindows.com;   Website@ www.jayswindows.com