8 Window Replacement Tips Every Homeowner Needs To Know

Buying New Windows Can Be Simple if You Follow Our Tips

The windows in your home are essential for bringing in natural light while providing a great view, but if your windows are outdated and inefficient, it may be time to consider a window replacement.

Upgrading your windows can improve the comfort and efficiency of your home while updating its look, but the process can be complex. Here are some tips to help you avoid common pitfalls and make the window replacement process as easy as possible.

Skip the DIY Installation

Many big box stores offer replacement windows at an attractive price, but if you try to do the installation yourself, you may end up with a window that is inefficient, hard to open, or worse, improperly sealed, allowing for water damage and structural problems over time.

It takes skill and experience to install and finish a replacement window properly, and a professional installation offers the best long-term performance and efficiency.

Avoid Pushy Sales Tactics

Many replacement window providers are more interested in making a sale than providing a quality product. Avoid distributors that insist on lengthy, in-home demonstrations before they provide a quote, and don’t let them talk you into costly upgrades you don’t need.

Choose a Reputable Installer

Make sure your window provider and installer are both reputable companies. Check references when possible, as well as online reviews, Better Business Bureau ratings, and third-party reviews. Be sure the installer is fully licensed and insured for your protection.

Measure Carefully

The accuracy of your quote often depends on the quality of your window measurements. If you’re doing it yourself, take your time and measure each window in several places, vertically and horizontally. Keep track of each window by placing them on a drawing or map of your home. For the greatest accuracy, consider having a professional measure your windows.

Select the Best Windows and Features

Choose energy-efficient, durable, and low-maintenance windows. Vinyl or fiberglass windows are great choices, as they offer low-maintenance frames that will last far longer than wood with no warping, twisting, or cracking. Plus, they are more efficient, especially when paired with low-E or insulated, argon-filled glass.

Clean the Work Area

As installation day nears, make sure to clean the area around each of the windows that will be replaced. Move furniture to another room and store belongings in a safe location. Take down any window treatments such as drapes or blinds, and lay down paper or cardboard to protect vulnerable finished floors.

Discuss Installation Plans

Work with your contractor to plan the installation. Choosing a mutually acceptable day will make the process as smooth as possible, as well as agreeing on installation steps, installation order, entry points, travel paths, and other details like bathroom availability.

Check the Work

When the installation is complete, make sure your windows look and work properly and that everything meets your expectations. It is far easier to correct minor issues while the contractor is still there than to bring the contractor back later.

Quality Replacement Windows & Installation Services

When you want quality replacement windows at competitive prices with no pushy sales tactics, turn to our team at Zen Windows. We offer hassle-free, no-obligation window replacement quotes, and we feature a laid-back, no-pressure sales process.

The quality of our windows speaks for itself, and we feature some of the best installers in the business. Plus, we make the process of buying your new replacement windows easy, with great financing options and zero down payments.

Contact us online to find your local Zen Windows distributor or call today to request your free, no-obligation replacement window quote!

7 Questions To Ask Before You Buy New Windows

Asking the Right Questions Now Prevents Hassles Later

Looking to buy new windows? Before you choose, you might want to ask your prospective contractor a few questions about their products, process, and people.

What Questions Should You Ask?

Knowing that you should ask questions before committing to buying windows from a company doesn’t help much if you don’t know the questions to ask. While this is hardly an exhaustive list of every question you might have for a contractor, it’s a good place to start, and it may help you think of a few questions of your own you might like to ask.  

What warranties do you offer?

Warranties and guarantees are excellent indicators of the quality of a contractor. Any contractor confident in their work should offer good coverage of that work — after all, a good warranty looks good in their advertising and shouldn’t cost them any money if they’re doing good work.

When is the first payment due?

You don’t want payment to be a surprise when you’re working with a window company, and you probably don’t want to be spending money well before any work is done on your project. The most confident companies will take payment upon completion because they’re not scraping by with cashflow issues (which could become getting-your-windows issues), and they’re confident in the work they’re going to do for you.

How many window styles do you offer?

A window company should be able to tackle nearly any style of window you might want, with the only limitation being the cost of truly custom designs. You don’t want to get funneled into whatever specialty the company has instead of getting what you truly desire — don’t settle for the same style throughout the home if you want a variety of interesting designs!

Are your energy-efficiency features standard on all windows?

Well-constructed modern windows are inherently more energy-efficient than their predecessors, but there’s no guarantee that you’re buying energy-efficient unless you dig into what you’re getting. Even if the answer from a company is “no,” they should at least be communicating clearly to you what sorts of energy features you can choose from and what you can expect from a given product or assembly.

What brands do you recommend or work with?

Most window companies work with particular brands, and if they understand the deeper details of the work, they’ll have strong recommendations ready when you ask for them. If they suggest the same thing for essentially every request, that’s a bad sign — if they have specific picks for your particular needs or preferences, that’s great.

Will you handle permitting issues?

Fighting through bureaucracy is a major source of stress on any upgrade to your home or property, which is why it’s a great relief when you can forget about all that and leave it to the professionals. At a minimum, you want to know if your planned project requires permits in your area and when or if you’ll need to take care of them — but you shouldn’t have to unless specific local regulations require your involvement.

What makes you different?

There are countless window companies out there and even more general-work contractors who will do windows if you ask. Perhaps the easiest way to understand what — if anything — a window company has to offer you is to ask what makes them different.

Ask Zen Windows These Questions and More

Now that you have a few questions in mind, you might want to direct them at Zen Windows and see what answers we can provide! We work hard to make buying windows and doors as painless for the consumer as possible, with a huge variety of styles and customization options, hassle-free quotes with no money down, and superior customer service from start to finish.

Ready to get started? Call or contact us online with these questions and more!

Your 3-Step Guide To Measuring Your Windows for Replacement

Measure Right the First Time for a Seamless Window Installation

If your next home improvement project is replacing your windows, there are specific steps you need to take before ordering new replacement windows. The first course of action in any window replacement or installation project is to measure the windows.

This quick step-by-step guide will help ensure that your new windows are a perfect fit.

Step 1. Measure the Width

Grab your tape measure or slide rule, open your window, and take three measurements of the window’s horizontal plane (width): Top, middle, and bottom. Be sure to measure between the surface of the jambs or the frame, not from the extensions holding the window in place. (Jambs are the main vertical parts forming the sides of a window frame.)

Write down each measurement and account for the width of the tape measure itself. Zen Windows will use the shortest of the three measurements to confirm a proper fit.

Step 2. Measure the Height

Similar to step one, measure the vertical height of the window at the same three points — top, middle, and bottom. Make sure to measure from the tallest point and, again, record the smallest result of these three measurements. A word on measurement discrepancies: One-quarter to one-half inch longer than the actual measurement is the rule of thumb. Never be short.

Step 3: Measure the Depth

To determine the depth of the window, measure between the outside and inside stops that extend in front of the window frame. You should measure this dimension a few times and note the shortest point. This measurement must be at least 3-1/4″.

Additional Advice on Measuring Windows:

• When measuring for new or replacement windows, start from the top left corner to the bottom right corner, and write it down. Then, measure the top right corner to the bottom left corner. Compare the measurements for continuity. If these lengths aren’t equal, your window opening is not square or rectangle. Knowing your window frame is misaligned in the rough opening will be helpful before contacting Zen Windows.
• Never measure your old window frame, which is a common mistake many homeowners make.
• Double-check your measurements for accuracy so you are 100% sure they are correct.

Final Thoughts on Window Measurements

We have provided you with these three simple steps and tips on measuring for new or replacement windows. If you’re still unsure of the accuracy of your measurements, ask your Zen Windows team for help.

Want to talk to your local Zen Windows team before you start measuring? Find your closest location or call.

How to Choose Energy-Efficient Windows

Winter is right around the corner, and if your home has older windows, that often means chilly drafts, cold spots, and condensation problems. More importantly, it means higher heating costs and a less comfortable home for your family. If you are considering replacement windows to address these issues, here are a few tips that can help you choose the most efficient windows for your needs.

Select the Best Glass for Your Climate

The type of glass in your windows can have a huge impact on their energy efficiency. When possible, choose dual- or triple-pane glass. These windows have more than one pane of glass with an air pocket between them, creating an insulating layer that is far more effective as a buffer against the cold than a single pane of glass. Filling that space with an inert gas like argon increases the insulating effect even more, keeping your home comfortable for longer with less energy. Low-E glass is another way to increase the efficiency of your windows. It reduces the amount of infrared radiation that can pass through your windows, which keeps your home cooler in the summer.

To maximize your energy savings, look for windows with a low U-factor, which represents the amount of heat that can be physically conducted through the window. In hot climates, choose a window with a low solar heat gain coefficient, or SHGC, which indicates how much heat you can expect to gain from the sun. In cool climates where passive heating is desired during the winter, look for windows with a high SHGC.

Choosing the Best Window Frames

Wood window frames offer decent insulation, but they can easily warp, twist, and rot with exposure to the elements, and they need constant repainting and upkeep to avoid damage. Aluminum windows conduct heat easily into and out of your home. For the best efficiency, consider vinyl or fiberglass windows. Both offer great thermal performance and air sealing, plus they are low maintenance. Choose windows with insulated frames and quality warm-edge seals for the best efficiency, and choose fusion-welded frames for the best seal and greatest durability.

Selecting the Most Efficient Window Styles

If you want to keep out drafts, windows that do not open, like picture windows, are a great choice, but many homeowners enjoy a bit of a breeze and some fresh air during nice weather. For the most efficient operable windows, choose casement windows, awning windows, or hopper windows, as their seals are reliably simple and effective. Double-hung windows are more complex and require several seals to block air infiltration, as they only have one operable sash to seal.

Other Tips to Increase the Efficiency of Your Windows

Adding heavy curtains or drapes to your windows can help to seal out drafts and prevent heat loss during the winter. Simply close them at night to keep the heat contained, then open them during sunny days to take advantage of free solar heating. Inspect weatherstripping on doors and windows often and replace it as necessary to keep out drafts.

Energy-Efficient Replacement Windows From Zen Windows

Are you ready to upgrade your windows? Choose energy-efficient vinyl or fiberglass replacement windows from our team at Zen Windows. We offer a range of frame and glass options to maximize the performance of the windows for your climate, and we make the buying process as easy as possible with fast, free quotes, a hassle-free sales process,[DisplayIfSet group=”Additional_Pages” setting=”financing”] great financing options with no money down,[/DisplayIfSet][DisplayIfSet group=”Additional_Pages” setting=”warranties”] and a lifetime warranty on all our replacement windows[/DisplayIfSet].

Call Zen Windows today or contact us online to request your free, no-obligation window replacement quote from your closest Zen Windows distributor.

Which Windows Are Best for Basements?

In homes that have them, basements are a great place to store seasonal or infrequently needed items, hide unsightly appliances, create a workspace, or turn into extra living space. With so many potential uses, it makes sense to bring in some extra light and ventilation with a few well-placed windows, but what are the ideal types for your basement? There are several good choices and a few factors that may affect the type of window you choose.

What Makes a Good Basement Window?

Windows in the basement should be operable to provide some light and ventilation, especially if you will be creating a workspace or living area there. If you will be spending considerable time in the basement, the windows should also be large enough to serve as an exit or egress in case of an emergency like a fire. Finally, the windows should be easy to open but hard to manipulate from the outside, and they should lock securely to keep your home protected from break-ins.

The Best Basement Windows for Your Home

Basement windows are often limited by the vertical height available between the grade and the top of the foundation. Short, rectangular styles are some of the best options for basements, including the following types of windows:

• Hopper windows: Hopper windows are hinged at the bottom and can open either in toward the basement or out away from the home. They offer plenty of light and ventilation, and outward-opening hopper windows can allow materials to be passed into the basement, but they are poor choices for egress windows because the glass is in the way.
• Awning windows: Hinged at the top, awning windows typically open out, forming a kind of roof over the window well. This makes them ideal for ventilation or passing materials into the basement, and they can also serve as awkward egress windows in an emergency if they are large enough.
• Slider windows: Typically configured with one fixed sash and one operable sash, one half of a slider window can move over the other to provide a large opening and plenty of ventilation. Large slider windows can provide easy access to the basement and are good choices for egress windows.
• Casement windows: Hinged at the side, casement windows can open in or out like a door, depending on the configuration. They offer large amounts of light and ventilation, as well as easy access to the basement. If there is enough height for a large casement window or space to install a window well outside, they make ideal egress windows as the glass can swing completely out of the way.

At Zen Windows, we feature all these types of windows and more. Call or contact your local Zen Windows dealer for a quote.

Basement Windows Installations by Zen Windows

When you need quality basement windows and a professional, energy-efficient window installation, choose our team at Zen Windows. We make the processes of buying replacement windows simple, and our company features:

• Top-quality windows and window installation services
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• Lifetime material and labor warranties on all windows
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• Free, accurate, and fast window replacement quotes
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• Great financing options with no money down
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• No high-pressure sales tactics, in-home demos, or pushy salespeople

Get the perfect windows for your basement with help from our team at Zen Windows. Call us today or send us a message online to request a free, no-obligation quote from your nearest Zen Windows dealer.

What to Expect When You Replace Your Windows

If you’re getting ready to replace the windows in your home, you probably have many questions about the process. Which style windows should you choose? Are low-E, double-paned windows the best choice? What frame material is the most energy-efficient?

There are a couple of questions, though, that are often left off the list:

• What does the replacement window installation process involve?
• What happens if your windows aren’t installed properly?

To get the most out of your window replacement investment, be sure to do your research to select the best, most reliable, and skilled installers in the business. There’s absolutely no need to suffer from a bad window installation!

The Cost of Improper Window Installation

New windows are a significant investment, yet too many homes have been marred by the improper installation of replacement windows. When you pay good money to have your windows upgraded or replaced, you rightfully expect the job to be done correctly and efficiently.

When windows are improperly installed, both you and your home can start to feel the effects quite quickly.

• Gaps are the most apparent sign your windows aren’t installed correctly. There should never be a gap between the frame and sill. If there is, the frame is too large for the glass.
• Drafty windows make your home uncomfortable and affect its energy efficiency. Drafts or breezes of any kind have no place in newly installed windows.
• Water damage can lead to wood rot and the growth of mold and mildew.
• Operational failure occurs when your new windows don’t open or close correctly.
• Messy caulking is easy to spot and means the installer didn’t take the time to do it correctly.
• Fog between the panes is a sure sign of a lousy replacement window installation job.

A Proper Window Installation Replacement Process

In a perfect world, every replacement window installer would do the job right the first time. Sadly, that isn’t always the case. Zen Window’s installation process ensures every single one of your new windows is installed correctly. We provide personalized replacement window installation services from local owners dedicated to making sure you receive nothing but the best service.

Our friendly window installation crews have years of experience and expertise and are OSI-certified and LEED-certified. They understand what you want from the installation process and consistently deliver with:

• Open and honest communication: You know your project manager’s name and contact information from day one.
• Handy tips: We’ll tell you ahead of time how to prepare for installation day.
• Convenience and reliability: Unlike some other replacement window installers, Zen Windows never overbooks appointments or shows up late. We’re at your home to install your new windows at a time that’s convenient for you. And there’s never a rush to complete a project so to get to the next job.

Put Your Trust in Zen Window’s Replacement Window Installation Process

Lower energy bills, improved curb appeal, and minimal maintenance are just a few of the reasons to replace your home’s existing windows. At Zen Windows, we want to make the replacement window installation process as enjoyable as possible. That’s why we put so much emphasis on getting the job done right the first time!

We’re proud to provide our customers with a stress-free, no-pressure approach to replacement window sales and installation. To learn more or schedule window replacement services for your home, check online for the location nearest you or call us.