What Window Installers Should Ask YOU When You Request a Quote

These Are The Things Window Installers Should Ask YOU When You Request a Quote

You are prepared with your list of questions to ask potential window installers, but have you given any thought as to what questions those installers should ask you when you request a quote? The questions installers ask can tell you a lot about their level of attention to detail as well as their quality and professionalism.

Here are the top questions you should expect a reputable installer to ask before providing you a quote:

What Type of Windows Do You Prefer?

Windows come in all sorts of shapes and styles. It is important for a window installer to know what type of window you are interested in prior to giving you a quote. If you aren’t sure which type of window you are looking for, a quality installer should be willing to discuss the window types and help you determine which is best for you.

What Size Windows Do You Need?

Larger windows and custom size or shape windows cost more than factory standard sizes. Manufacturers may also provide discount pricing on certain standard sizes if they have excess stock. If your windows are available at a reduced price, the installer should be able to pass those savings on to you.

How Many Windows Will You Be Ordering?

In general, the more windows you order, the more likely you are to get a price break. An installer should ensure they have a total window count prior to crunching the numbers. This will allow them to give you the best quote possible.

What Level of Efficiency Are You Looking For?

Windows come in single, double, and even triple pane. Each additional pane decreases heat transfer and increases energy efficiency. What this means for you is a lower heating bill in the winter and a lower cooling bill in the summer.

An installer should check with you to see if the upgrade to triple pane is worth it or if you would prefer to stick with dual pane.

What Floor Will The Windows Be Installed On?

If you have ever done projects while standing on a ladder, you know that it simply takes longer to do the same project while on a ladder than it does if you are standing on the ground. Window installation is the same. If all your windows are being installed on the ground floor, your installation will be faster and less costly than if you have second story windows that require ladders and other logistics.

Are You Aware of Any Structural Damage to the Areas Surrounding the Windows?

The installer will be able to calculate a reasonably accurate average labor cost based on how long they expect installation to take. The amount of time it takes to install windows is based on several known factors such as the type of windows, number of windows and what floor of the house the windows are being installed on.

The unknown variable that could affect the actual installation time, and therefore the labor cost, is any structural damage to the surrounding areas. If the building’s structure has water damage from old, leaky windows, the structural integrity concerns will need to be addressed prior to installation. By asking about any known damages up front, window installers are supplying you with the most accurate possible estimation of installation costs.

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Top 5 Window Trends To Watch For In 2019

Don´t Miss The Window Trends of 2019

Fashionistas stalk the runway shows making sure they are on top of all the hot new trends for the year. As a homeowner, the new year brings another set of trends to watch: windows.

Before you were in the market for new windows, you likely didn’t give much thought to them. Now that you are getting ready to upgrade, have fun and draw inspiration from these top 5 window trends to watch for in 2019:

Modern Styling

Modern window styling is here to stay and is a trend that will only grow in 2019. Modern windows feature very large panes of glass set in frames with minimal grid patterns. They have simple clean lines and the shape tend to be rectangular rather than rounded or curved.

The jumbo size panes of glass provide expansive, uninterrupted views and a brighter, airier house with more light flooding in.

Photo: www.the-loudmouth.com

Dramatic Colored Frames

The era of unobtrusive, neutral colored window frames is over. Rather than blending into the background in a utilitarian way, look for window frames to become a dramatic pop of accent color within a room.

Homeowners who love this trend are choosing statement colors like evergreen, dark bronze, painted metallics, dark brown, barn red and a nearly infinite palette of custom colors.

The most popular dramatic color for window frames this year is black. Black frames create a statement and go with both the black, white and grey as well as the black and gold interior design trends.

Photo: www.the-loudmouth.com

Brass Hardware

If you aren’t ready to make the move to statement frames, you can still give a nod to the current trends. Hardware is a great small-scale place to start. The most popular choice for hardware right now is brass.

An antique brass finish feels warm and inviting. It is reminiscent of Victorian and Colonial style with a high-gloss finish for a modern twist. If you are looking for something even shinier, go with a very highly reflective bright brass finish.

Photo: www.thehardwarehut.com

Decorative Glass

Clean, minimal looks dominate the window styles for most rooms this year with one very notable exception – the master bathroom. For a privacy-meets-statement aesthetic, homeowners are turning to decorative glass windows particularly in the prairie window style.

Decorative glass windows are a more interesting decorative alternative to simple frosted glass.

Photo: http://www.cachecrazy.com

Energy Efficiency

EnergyStar rated windows are increasingly becoming an industry standard. Efficient windows can help prevent thermal transfer and reduce your heating and air conditioning bills. You may even be eligible for a tax credit and your home will likely increase in resale value. All of those financial savings are definitely a trend worth following.

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https://chicagowindowguy.com/home-tips/top-5-window-trends-to-watch-for-in-2019/

How to Properly Measure a Door

Properly Measure a Door: https://chicagowindowguy.com/home-tips/how-to-measure-a-door-size/
Measuring a door size sounds pretty basic, right? Just break out a tape measure and check the height and width of your old door. Yes and no. When it comes to measuring doors, there is actually a bit more to it than that. This infographic breaks down the steps you need to take to properly meaasure a door.

French Doors vs Sliding Doors: What's the best option?

Read the full blog article here: https://chicagowindowguy.com/home-tips/french-doors-vs-sliding-doors-whats-the-best-option-for-your-home/

Two of the more interesting choices for doors which can open onto a patio or serve to connect two rooms are French doors and sliding doors. Each gives a different feel to the room and comes with its own set of logistical pros and cons. Do you want to learn more about french doors vs sliding doors? Let’s explore and compare these two options.

Are Used Sliding Glass Doors A Good Home Investment?

There is a certain appeal about buying new-to-you items. The allure of paying less than retail price and getting a discount can be very tempting. Sometimes buying used is a good deal and works out perfectly. Other times the decision that was supposed to save money ends up costing money instead.

If you are considering purchasing used sliding glass doors, you may wish to come prepared with knowledge of the potential problems that could arise once you get the door home.

Top 4 Things That Can Go Wrong With Used Sliding Glass Doors

Dirty Rollers

All sorts of nasty things can get caught up in the wheels of sliding doors. Bits of pet and human hair accumulate over time and get wrapped around the bearings until the door doesn’t slide smoothly anymore.

If your used door comes to you with dirty rollers, you will be stuck with the unenviable task of vacuuming someone else’s hair out of the rollers.

Broken Or Rusted Rollers

Rollers are usually made of a combination of metal and plastic pieces. If the door has been in a consistently humid environment, the metal pieces may corrode and make the door challenging, if not impossible, to open.

The plastic portion of the rollers wears down over time and can break on older doors. This also prevents proper door function.

Replacing the rollers means completely removing the door, purchasing and installing new rollers, then reinstalling the door.

Bent Track

With heavy wear and tear over time, tracks may become bent. Whether the track bends inward or outward, it will create headaches for you.

An inward bent track pinches the rollers so that the door gets stuck and won’t fully open.

An outward bent track makes it much more likely for you to accidentally pull the door completely off the track when you are attempting to open or close it.

Fixing a bent track requires removal of the door and use of a strong pair of pliers (for inward bend) or rubber mallet and block of wood (for outward bend) to straighten the track.

Broken Pane

If the seal around the glass has started to weaken, the pane may disconnect from the frame entirely and shatter.

Replacing the glass is very time consuming and involves fulling removing the seal and the remaining glass shards before installing a new pane.

Bottom Line: Is It Worth It To Buy Used Sliding Glass Doors?

If your used sliding glass door happens to have none of the most common issues, it may well be a good deal. However, if you wind up requiring professional repair work done on the door, based on the nationwide average you may spend up to $392.

Add to that price tag the intangibles – all the time spent finding a repair person, the hassle of scheduling the repair, and the lack of warranties on the product.

Buying used sliding glass doors is a gamble and it is one that you don’t have to make. Contact us for a great price on brand new, fully warrantied sliding glass doors and professional installation.

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https://chicagowindowguy.com/home-tips/are-used-sliding-glass-doors-a-good-home-investment/

French Doors vs Sliding Doors: What’s The Best Option For Your Home?

One of the most fun aspects of remodeling your home is the opportunity it gives you to completely re-imagine what the space could look like. Your choices in windows, doors, paint colors, and furnishings allow you to create your own world exactly as you imagine it.

Two of the more interesting choices for doors which can open onto a patio or serve to connect two rooms are French doors and sliding doors. Each gives a different feel to the room and comes with its own set of logistical pros and cons. Do you want to learn more about french doors vs sliding doors? Let’s explore and compare these two options so you can choose which is best for your home.

What Are French Doors?

French doors are two hinged doors set into the same frame. They can both be active (usable) or, in situations with limited room for door swing, can be set up so that only one of the doors is active. Doors may be set up to swing into or out of the room.

What Are the Pros of French Doors?

Aesthetic Beauty

French doors are a classic, timeless choice. Their visual appeal complements both historic and contemporary homes.

Function

If you will be moving large pieces of furniture in and out or hosting parties with large groups of people, the large width of a traditional two-panel French door with both sides functional is a major pro. It creates a much wider opening than a sliding door.

What Are the Cons of French Doors?

Space

With French doors, there must be room for the door to swing inward or outward. This takes up space in your room or on your patio and affects furniture placement options.

Price

French doors are more expensive than sliding although the final price depends on the exact doors you choose. If you like the idea of French doors and want to know more about pricing, contact us for a quote.

What Are Sliding Doors?

Sliding doors consist of two large glass panes installed in a track. One of the panes remains stationary while the other slides back and forth to open and close. That means that the functional opening width is equal to the width of one of the panes.

What Are The Pros of Sliding Doors?

Views

Sliding doors are mainly glass, so they let in plenty of natural light and provide great views of your yard.

Space

Sliding doors don’t swing into the room, so they need far less space than French doors. They also don’t affect furniture placement within the room or on the patio.

Price

Sliding doors vary in price depending on the quality and manufacturer, however, in general, they tend to be less expensive than French doors.

What Are The Cons of Sliding Doors?

Aesthetics

Sliding doors can look very modern in a contemporary home, but they may not suit the timeless nature of a classic historic home as well.

Functionality

Sliding doors need a track to slide in, so this means that the threshold is higher than it is for French doors. This may not be too big of a concern, however, if someone in your household uses a cane or wheelchair, the threshold height may be a consideration. We would be happy to discuss wheelchair accessible door options with you.

 

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