Tag Archives: Replacement Windows

3 Questions to Avoid the Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda Experience When Buying Windows

July 12, 2017 Doug Bennett

Avoid buyer’s remorse when shopping for new or replacement windows for your Kansas City area home by knowing which questions to ask before you purchase. At All-Weather Window, Doors & Siding, we have 25 years of experience, and we know all of the questions homeowners wish they had known to ask before making a final decision. We have created this guide full of questions that we know you will wish you “woulda” asked before you bought your windows:

Will My Replacement Windows Match My Existing Windows?

This is an important question to ask when you just need to replace a few windows in your home. You want to make sure they look the same! Don’t try to window shop for a replacement window that looks similar on your own as you will probably end up unhappy with the results. You not only need to take into consideration the materials the windows are composed of (like wood, vinyl, or composite), but also the the type of configuration (like double-hung or casement). Your replacement window should have the same look and function as your existing windows.

You should consult with a window professional at an experienced window company who can help you find a perfect match. Be cautious of a window supplier that only offers one type of window, as their opinion will be biased, and their window recommendation might not match anything you have. There is no “one-type-fits-all” in window replacement.

Will I Lose Glass Due to Thicker Window Frames?

There are two types of replacement windows – pocket replacement windows and full frame window replacement. The one you choose will affect the amount of glass area.

Pocket windows are manufactured to fit inside of an existing window frame in your home. Many homeowners choose to go this route because they don’t require a lot of work inside or outside of your home, they tend to be less costly, and they take less time to be installed. Many window contractors only offer pocket type installations.

Because the pocket windows have a frame of their own, which fits inside of the existing frame, you will likely lose some window space. This problem is even more noticeable if you have narrow windows, or multi-units such as twin or triple wide casement type windows, and the posts that separate the windows are left in place. The space between the glass can be double what it is currently, and that beautiful view of your yard is lost to your new window frame.

If more glass space and natural light are important to you, you may want to go with a full frame window replacement. All-Weather offers both types of installations and your consultant can help you make the right choice to maximize your view.

Another factor that affects glass size is frame size. Some window brands have large, beefy frames that reduce the glass size, while others offer slim-line frames that give more glass area. Both can be installed as pocket replacements or as full frame replacements. Just ask, and we’ll explain the differences to you and show you examples of all of the styles.

Will My Blinds and Window Treatments Fit the New Windows?

This is one question most homeowners never think to ask. They assume it will all be the same but not all window frames are the same size. When replacing your windows, it is important to pay attention to the differences in dimensions. If you ask your window company this question they will be able to plan ahead, and help you find new replacement windows that will work with your existing window treatments. No one wants a surprise after their new windows are installed that they need to buy new plantation shutters!

Also, be sure to find out who is responsible for removing and reinstalling window treatments as most contractors do not provide this service. All-Weather can quote this as an option for you in most cases.

These are just three of many important questions you should consider and ask before you purchase new or replacement windows for your home. For a full list of questions to keep in mind, click the image below to download our All-Weather guide to Improving Your Window Buying Experience.

General News, Windows

6 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Window, Siding & Door Company

June 15, 2017 Doug Bennett

It’s one thing if you buy a pair of pants you don’t like and can’t get your money back when you try to return them. But when you’re spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a home improvement project, it’s important to take your time and do your homework when it comes to choosing a reputable company you can trust.

At All-Weather Window, Doors & Siding, we know that replacing windows, upgrading the entry doors, adding insulation, or updating the siding on your home is a big decision. We want to help you make the right decision.

Obviously, we’d love for you to choose us, but no matter who you choose, make sure it’s a solid company who stands behind their work and their guarantees. To help you through the decision stage, we put together a list of questions that homeowners should ask before hiring a window installer.

1. How long has your company been in business?

Working with a new company is not a deal-breaker by any means, but companies that have been around longer tend to have more experience working in the industry and area.

When choosing a company that will be installing or replacing your home’s windows, entry doors, or siding, you want to be sure that they know how to do the job the right way and have a track record for doing so. You don’t want to end up paying the price for their lack of experience or hiring a fly-by-night company that will be gone next year.

2. What kind of training and experience do your technicians have?

A second way to ensure that a window, siding and door company does a quality installation is by inquiring about the type of training and experience their technicians have. A properly trained technician can make all the difference when it comes to the installation of a new door or window.

When these products are installed the right way, they make your home more energy efficient, which helps to lower your monthly energy bills. Poor installation could result in leaks, gaps, and energy loss.

3. Ask for reviews or testimonials from customers.

No company is going to advertise their weaknesses or disadvantages. They will only tell you their benefits. To understand the real experience, talk to someone who has used that company’s services and can tell you if they were satisfied or not.

In today’s online world, most companies have reviews or testimonials available for potential customers to view on Google, Yelp, Angie’s List or their website. However, if you cannot find them online, ask the company if they can provide you with testimonials from customers, or even for names and numbers of references that you can call.

These reviews and testimonials help to validate the statements companies make about their services and products. If they can’t provide reviews from customers, you probably can’t trust them.

4. Ask for photos of projects similar to the work you want to have done.

Just like with reviews and testimonials, it is reassuring to see the work that a company does before agreeing to use their services. We recommend asking the window, siding and door company you are interviewing for photos of projects similar to the one you are looking for.

This will give you a real feel for the quality and workmanship you can expect. If you are doing your homework before calling them, check their website or social networks; some companies post recent work online as well.

5. Is your company a member of the Better Business Bureau?

The next few questions focus around a company’s credentials. Quality companies will have professional credentials that prove they have met a set of criteria set by that organization. One of these credentials is the Better Business Bureau, or the BBB. According to the BBB’s website, “BBB helps people find and recommend businesses, brands and charities they can trust.”

Some good affiliations to look for include the BBB, Angie’s List, and Home Advisor. AWWDS proudly boasts an A+ Rating and No Complaints on record. These are two great metrics to look before you hire.

6. Is your company a NARI Member?

Another thing to check when looking for a window installer, or any company in the remodeling industry for that matter, is that they’re a member of NARI, or National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

The NARI logo, according to their website, is the sign of a professional. NARI membership means that a professional is a full-time, dedicated remodeling expert and members are required to follow a strict Code of Ethics.

There are also several different certifications that will show you how qualified the company is. For example, AWWDS is an experienced Andersen installer and Certified Service Provider for Andersen Windows & Doors, as well as a Master Level Build Smart Dealer for LP Smart Siding.

The list of questions to ask goes on and on, but we think that these are the most important when looking for a professional company to install your windows, doors, or siding. If you are in the Kansas City area and are looking for a quality company to hire, don’t forget to start with this list!

For more information about All-Weather Window, Doors and Siding, give us a call today at (913) 262-4380.

Windows

What to Expect from All-Weather’s Window Installation Process

May 23, 2017 Doug Bennett

All-Weather Window, Doors & Siding technicians are masters at replacing Kansas City area home windows. They are careful not to miss a step, so that your windows are installed correctly and won’t have problems down the road.

Here’s a step-by-step summary of what a window installation job looks like, and why we do it better than anyone else.

Step 1: Determine if it’s a Lead-Safe Installation

Before our technicians begin any job, they check the year that the home was built. This is due to lead-based paint products that were used prior to the federal government banning them in 1978. Lead from paint, including lead-contaminated dust, is one of the most common causes of lead poisoning.

If your home was built prior to 1978, our expert technicians take additional safety precautions (as mandated by the EPA) to ensure dust particles don’t enter your home during an installation.

We are also careful to do most of the work from the outside of your home. This allows us to be less intrusive. If we must be inside your home to install the new windows, we always wear booties on our shoes to protect your floors and your home.

Step 2: Remove Old Window

After we determine what type of procedures we need to follow, we remove the old windows from your home. Starting with the sash and frame from the windows, then moving on to remove the storm windows.

We carefully inspect the window opening to ensure it is level and straight and no wood rot exists. This is critical as it will affect whether or not the new window is installed correctly.

Step 3: Install Replacement Window

Once it’s time to install your new replacement windows, we follow a few guidelines to ensure they match up with the old window openings. We shim the window to make sure it fits level, straight, and tight.

Then we use non-expanding foam to fill the void around the window. This ensures the window stays airtight, effectively insulating your home.

Step 4: Clean Up Work Site

After the installation process is complete, our technicians will leave your home as clean (or cleaner) than when they started. They vacuum all work areas with a HEPA vacuum to remove all dust particles effectively. All that’s left to do is enjoy your new windows and lower energy bills!

Contact All-Weather Window, Doors & Siding today at (913) 210-8810 or (816) 673-2480 or schedule an appointment online to install replacement windows in your home.

Simply The Best in Replacement Windows, Doors, and Siding in Kansas City...Guaranteed!