Window & Door Buying Guide – Simplified

​As a homeowner, your windows and doors are one of your most significant investments. Like any other investment, you want to make sure you’re choosing the right product, installation method, and warranty. As homeowners ourselves we get it, that's why we’ve simplified the window replacement process in this window and door buying guide, so you’re equipped with the information to find the right windows and doors for your lifestyle and home.

Start Your Window Replacement Process with a Little Inspiration
 
First, it is helpful to do a bit of inspirational research to understand better what you like and don’t like. Here, we put together some of our inspiration and design tips for window replacements. 
 
Learn to Speak Window Language
 
When you first begin looking for new windows and doors, the industry terminology can be overwhelming and make you feel lost rather quickly. Here are some standard terms and definitions that will help you navigate the window and door buying world more easily.
 
•       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
 
At this point in the window buying process, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with all the information. Be easy on yourself. You don’t have to become an expert yourself. You only need a basic understanding of it all to feel confident in making the right decision. Write it down when you find yourself stressed or don’t understand something. These are great questions to ask the experts. 
 
Select Your Replacement Windows Materials to Fit Your Lifestyle
 
It is crucial to choose a window frame material that fits your lifestyle and climate. This will ensure that you will get optimal performance and total life expectancy for your windows and doors. Here are three of the most common window frame materials and their benefits:
 
Wood:  Wood window frames offer low maintenance, durability, energy efficiency, and beauty. 
 
Fiberglass: Fiberglass windows and doors resist warping, dents and rot. The maintenance and upkeep are minimal, while performance is reliable year-round. With the ability to withstand extreme weather and damaging UV rays, it is our most popular material preference in Northern Arizona. 
 
Vinyl:  Vinyl is tried and tested to withstand the effects of weathering. They are energy-efficient and easy to care for, while the design lends strength and durability to prevent sagging, warping, buckling, and bowing. 
 
 
Understanding Your Installation Options
 
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 slightest 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 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 window’s lifetime.
 
Window Warranty
 
After the window installation and clean-up are 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 comes up and needs servicing, we’re here to help. At Triple E, we work closely with the window company of your choice to solve the problem as quickly as possible. 
 
Choosing the Right Window Replacement Contractor
Choosing the right window replacement contractor to install your new windows is essential in the window replacement process. In our book, it’s as important as choosing the right windows. But how do you know if you’re choosing the right one for your needs? Here are a few things to consider when choosing your contractor:
 

• Go with your gut feeling. 
• Make sure the contractor or window replacement service is licensed, bonded, and insured. 
• Ensure they specialize in window replacements. Look for certified badges such as Pella or Andersen. This ensures that they went through extensive training.
• Check their years of experience in the window industry.
• Think local – local contractors have a better understanding of your climate and can offer better advice on what windows handle the weather in your area best. 

 
 
As Northern Arizona’s local remodeling experts, 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.