Windows

Whether it's storm damage, your children's baseball or simply failure due to age, most homeowners will have to deal with window replacement sooner or later. Replacement windows are a chore, not high on any handyman's list of things they want to do with their spare time. No matter the reason for the work, you really need to take a few things into account before heading to the building supply store.

Consider the age of your home. Older houses tend to have windows consisting of wooden sashes and hardware that is no longer made. If you wish to keep the antique look intact, you might have to search out a supplier of obsolete or out-of-date locks and fastenings to complete your work. Most modern houses usually have aluminum windows, and though they are not energy efficient, replacement parts may be more accessible if your willing to do some research.

Do you need to improve energy efficiency? Vast improvements have been made over the last 25 years. Double paned windows, a glass sandwhich of sorts consisting of a peice of glass on each side of a sealed dead air space in between, is much more efficient than the single paned windows. Also frames that are made our to vinyl, fiberglass, wood and other materials transfer much less heat and cold than the old aluminum windows. Improvement has even been made to aluminum frames which now contain thermal breaks to stop thermal transfer. It is also very unlikely you will be able to purchase the exact size of your current windows unless they are custom made. In that case it would be wise to seek the advice of experts, NOT YOUR BUILDING SUPPLY STORE! Hire a professional to make sure you get the most out of your remodeling dollars! A professional comes with the best information, experience and a trained installation crew. Windows are only as efficient as their installation. The most energy efficient window will provide little value if it is improperly sized and incorrectly installed.

When you are ready to tackle your project there are three primary concerns to be dealt with. The first is aesthetic. The second is quality of the window. The third is the contractor's expertise and reliability.

Windows can come in a number of configurations and materials. It can be confusing, so do your research and get the expertise and experience of a professtional to guide you through the process. You can get additional information below by clicking the links to our Aluminum, Fiberglass, Hurricane, Storm, Vinyl and Wood replacement window pages. Some popular choices include. solid wood, wood inside and vinyl or aluminum clading over the wood outside, vinyl inside and outside, fiberglass inside and out and of course anodized coated aluminum. Most major brands have models with various extrusions that can replicate your existing windows or change the looks of your home entirely.

Comparing quality among manufacturer's is almost impossible. Over the years, even the major manufacturer's have produced some "bad windows" and most manufacturers have the "base / contractor grade" model all the way up to the "all the bells and whistles" model. This is one reason you should not purchase windows by brand name alone. Quite often the base model not only does not have the upgraded items such as tilt sash or automatic locking, but the actual frame extrusion is thinner making it a much less reliable product. The only rule of thumb that we can give is to never purchase a window that you can't first look at, touch and operate.

When your ready to look at windows have a salesman show you how they work and then try to work them yourself. If they have special features, be sure you not only test these features but also consider the practicality of its use with regards to you personal circumstance. Some people find all these extra mechanisms difficult to operate and impractical for their use.

You should also inquire about the warranty, the availability of replacement parts, how long the manufacturer has been in business and (if you are really motivated) do some Web searching to find out what other people say about their products! With major brands such as Andersen, Pella, Jeld Wen and Simonton, parts are available for 20 years or longer.

Concerning your contractor, it is important to do a little investigation unless you have found them from a very strong referral. We have an article that we can email you about buyer protection. this should get you started and help you avoid the big traps. You can email us directly or fill out the form on the contact page and we would be happy to send you the article link.

Ideally, the installer should have lots of experience with replacement windows. Be very careful taking a chance with someone who does not specialize in window installation! You can save some money but you must be willing to accept the added risk. Installing replacement windows is not brain surgery, an experienced carpenter can do a fine job if he or she is willing to take the time to do it right.

Our replacement windows are built to enhance your home with natural beauty and durability. Each window is custom-built for a precision fit, in your choice of styles and colors. Our Experts can guide you through the selection process and help you find the right window and the right fit for your home and budget. Don't take chances with your home. You can trust "Citywide" to install only top quality, competitively priced products. No high pressure sales! There is no need to sit in a three hour sales presentation. Our windows and quality workmanship speak for themselves and we provide free information and cost estimates on our website, via email or over the phone.

Our windows are custom sized to fit your home.