Window Replacement Process 101

​So you’re thinking of replacing your old windows with new Pella windows, but you’re unsure where to start? Look no further. This is a helpful guide we put together so that finding the right replacement windows for your home doesn’t have to be such an overwhelming, confusing mess. Instead, you'll end up with the most beautiful windows that you LOVE, that fit the style of your home perfectly, and that fit within your budget. Best of all, you'll find the whole process to be a breeze.

​Starting the Window Replacement Process

​It is first helpful to do a little inspirational research to better understand what you like and don’t like. We put together some of our inspiration and design tips for window replacements here. 
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Learn to Speak Window Language
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Before you begin window shopping, it is crucial to learn the language. Understanding the window industry definition and terms will help you when talking to professionals. Here are some standard terms you will need to know.

• Double-hung – Two operable sashes on a window.
• Double-pane – Two sheets of glass within the sash of a window.
• Grille – The decorative piece that divides window panels and gives the appearance of multiple panes of glass.
• Mullion – The structural part that attaches two separate windows.
• Sash – The operable or stationary framework that sits inside the frame and holds the glass.
• Single-hung – One operable sash on a window.
• Single-pane – One sheet of glass within the sash of a window.
• Triple-pane – Three layers of glass held together in the sash

Selecting Your Replacement Windows
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Pella offers replacement windows in three different material types.
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Wood: Pella’s wood windows offer low-maintenance and durability. Besides exceptional energy efficiency, Pella’s wood products provide the most design options to ensure your home looks exactly the way you intended.
 
Fiberglass: Pella’s Patented Fiberglass windows and doors resist warping, dents and rot. With the ability to withstand extreme weather and damaging UV rays, it is our most popular material preference in Northern Arizona. The maintenance and upkeep are minimal, while performance is reliable year-round. 
 
Vinyl: Pella’s unique vinyl formula is tried and tested to withstand the effects of weathering. The unique Pella-specific design lends strength and durability that prevents sagging, warping, buckling, and bowing. They are energy-efficient and easy to care for and low-maintenance.  
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Make your windows your own by customizing your hardware. There are many features and options to choose from: trim color, blinds, between-the-glass grilles, and smart home connectivity through Pella Insyctive Technology. Sounds a bit overwhelming, right? Don’t worry – our Window & Door Shopping Made Simple does all the work for you. Answer the questions on the form and our window experts will do the rest. 

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Installation Methods

In the window and door world, most installs are done one of two ways. 
 
Method 1 - Remove the glass and slip a new window inside the old window frame (that remains in the opening) and install sticky vinyl trim to span over the old structure to the new frame. With this method, the inefficient old frame is still in place, causing heat/cold loss and it also decreases the amount of glass to view through. 
 
Method 2 - Remove the old window by pulling the frame towards the center of the opening to remove it without disturbing the surrounding exterior finishes. Then, slip the new finless framed window into the hole and squirt caulking around it to prevent moisture or wind from infiltrating the home. When the caulking fails, moisture will enter the wall and cause damage. Failure can happen with the smallest human error or slowly over time. 
 
As you can see, these install methods are not without their risks; the reason for this being that “window replacement companies” are not allowed to touch/modify the surrounding structure. 
 
Instead of replacing windows by using conventional, quick-install methods (like above) – we replace the entire window and integrate the new windows nail fin with the existing moisture barrier previously installed on the house when it was initially built. This ensures that you end up with a superior product that lasts the lifetime of the window.

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Understanding Your Window Warranty
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After the window installation process and clean-up is done, one of our team members will show you how to operate your new windows properly. This includes opening, closing, locking and showing you the proper way to clean your windows. 
 
If a problem with your windows come up and they need servicing, we’re here to help. All Pella products come with the Pella Care Guarantee – warranty for the product purchased – as well as a 10-year installation and service warranty (see Pella website for more details). At Triple E, we work closely with Pella to solve the problem as quickly as possible. 
 
As Northern Arizona’s local remodeling experts and Certified Pella Contractors, you can rely on us to give you our honest opinion and professional recommendations. Let us help revitalize your home — Call 928-778-3056 to schedule a free window consultation.