Resources               

common window
questions
You know, I joke with my wife that, "nobody ever recreationally shops for windows"!
In fact, a recent Glazing-industry trade publication confirmed this through some expensive  
study they did that found that most people will only "shop" for window replacement
installation services 1.1 times in their entire life (how's that for exact?!).

So I dunno if this is the "1" or the "0.1" time for you but if it is the latter (and not the former)
then you probably already have a deep familiarization of how important a decision it is to
choose the right outfit.

Sometimes it's the subtleties that make all the difference. I mean, I know that none of your
friends, family, or neighbors will probably ever say, after having new fiberglass insulation put
into the walls, "Oh wow, is that R-30 you got tucked-in-there? And Kraft-faced? Wow! And staple-gunned
24-on-center? Ooo-wee!". A new roof is a similar example to some extent.

Yet installed windows and doors will be noticed. They will have an effect on your level of
comfort and dramatically influence the rate by which your home value appreciates.

Whoever you choose-- whether us or someone else: choose correctly! Nothing worse then
doling-out hundreds and thousands of dollars only to conclude, "I'll never do that again"!!!
Can you guys replace windows in the winter?
Yes. We usually end-up wearing about 3-4 layers of clothes but
absolutely, we do. In fact, I usually joke that the best time to get your
windows installed is during the winter because you'll know right away
whether they were installed correctly or not (drafts, etc.). Some of the
caulk and products we use during this time period are of a higher
performance value (they actually do make caulk that can be used to
-10 degrees) and typically we use a Separate set of slippers while
performing the inside work. Of course, spending a hour shoveling
snow before being able to set-up tools kinda stinks but that's life,
right?!!

Do you guys cut material inside the home?
NO! Goodness no! No, as much as can be done outside the home will
be done outside the home. Now certainly, sometimes things have to
be "trimmed-in place" or "field modified" but we know that dust is a
four-letter word in most households. (Actually: dust is a 4-letter word!)

How long does a replacement installation take for a whole
house of windows?
Hmmm, well, of course that depends upon the complexity of the job
but, as a benchmark rule of thumb, it could take a whole week-- start
to finish-- to replace all the windows in a typical suburban residence.
Through our affiliate: WixonArtGlass certain church projects (like the
inverted art glass skylight dome at Mt. Moriah Church in Bronzeville
with 96 individual 3-D contoured panels) have taken an entire year.

Can you reuse the existing interior trim?
Depends, but usually not. A lot of it depends on the installation type.

If it is a "Pocket" replacement known colloquially as an "Insert
window" (like those wooden, Russian tea dolls: one inside the other
inside the other inside the other) then the old window sashes are
removed and a new unit is "plugged-into" the existing opening. This
method is very common for homes built before 1960 with plaster walls.

If it is a "Full Frame" replacement (a.k.a. "New Construction"
window) then 98.5% of the time the old interior trim mouldings will
have to be replaced with a new profile. There might be different
margins from what the old was to the new. And why not, right?
If you're doing full frame-- you'll probably be glad to have a more
stylish look, anyway.

Which method is better?
Again, depends on the unique application but consider this: if your
engine runs-out in your car: would you like just a new engine or all
the accoutrements that come with a new car?!! (Like a stereo, GPS,
leather, a radio that actually works, etc.!!)

A lot of it frankly is contingent upon how deteriorated the existing
units are. Make no mistake: repair is more profitable for us as a
business than new (and usually less cost for you as a homeowner) so
if we can reasonable perform an appropriate "Band-Aid" then we'll
see what we can do.

Do you offer "maintenance free" doors or windows?
You mean "Free Maintenance" or "Maintenance Free"!!
(Just kidding, whoops!!)

We offer a whole panoply of windows and doors with various,
respective warranties-- some designed to last longer than others--
but I don't know of many things in life that are genuinely
"maintenance free". I'm always nervous when I hear this because I
can think of a plethora of products that were "designed to save the
World" that have since vanished in existence. Either something
eventually fades, fails, leaks, gets scratched, or ends-up going
bankrupt so our core philosophy is this:
Build it right and it'll last forever.

Ever been to Europe? Seen all them old churches from the 1500s?
Ever wonder how they've lasted so long? Quality construction, that's
how. Just keep in mind that, like a roof: windows and doors have a
finite period of time before they'll fail. (And when they do, feel free to
have your grandkids ask my grandkids for an estimate!).

What will the outside look like when it's all done?
There are a variety of different techniques and products available to
make your new Entryway or window transition gracefully and
aesthetically. We certainly have our opinions about what we think
looks better than others and we can guide you through the choices:
pro and con.

It some cases an exterior brickmould of a distinctive profile is used. In
others, aluminum coil-stock is crimped using a metal brake. In others,
there's no need for any exterior trim because the new unit "butts-up"
against the masonry, for example.

Basically put, just like fresh fish doesn't have that "fishy smell" (it has
no smell-- it's fresh): a good quality window, Entryway, or door
installation is best when it cannot be ascertained readily that "...that's
the new one!" (Although, it'll look newer. Wait a minute, did that make
any sense?!!)

Can you guys move the furniture?
Yes, we can assist in relocating some items. If you have a vase from
the Ti'ang Dynasty that's insured by Lloyd's of London for $15 million:
maybe have someone else move that. I should also mention that mini-
blinds in many cases will have to be cut down or modified since a
frequent issue is thicker, more rigid frame construction encroaching
into the daylight opening areas.

Can you paint the windows (stain and varnish the doors)
ahead of time?
In many cases yes, we can. An increasing number of manufacturers
offer factory pre-finishing which is a good thing for a lot of reasons.
Beyond that, if you have a particular allergy or asthmatic reaction to
fumes: there are low V.O.C. finishes we can use and enhanced
ventilation techniques we can employ.

Do I have to be here when you're installing the windows or
doors?
That's up to you. We'd like to think that we conduct ourselves in an
honest, respectful, professional manner and we've certainly been
handed they keys and access codes to plenty of buildings. We've
had plenty of past clients who've either gone on vacation during
installation or simply absconded: so it's up to you.

We certainly don't mind you being around and we're always more
than happy to ongoingly show you how we're doing something, etc.
We will always work cooperatively with other trades, other Architects,
neighbors, pets, kids, and committees; according to their rules.
If you're a celebrity, CEO, sports star, or rock star: we will respect
your confidentiality and sign statements as such, if necessary.

Can you work way high up?
Is 40 floors off the ground high enough? We have OSHA certifications
(through Buildsafe Construction Safety Institute) and can write a
specific Fall Protection Plan for your property management company,
if necessary. We have affiliates who can provide suspended scaffold
rigs for even higher applications.

Will you work Sundays/Holidays?
I hate to admit it but, being in the service business, there are special
circumstances that require this level of commitment, so it depends,
but yes, we have performed at this level in the past.
Yes, we do replace windows in the winter!
Check out this window! I laughed so hard when I
saw this... there must have been yards and
yards of length of plastic tape on this thing trying
to hold it together!
-We use Great Stuff® foam because it is the
best form of insulation around your windows in
achieving the highest defense against
weatherization. Great Stuff® Pro foam sealants
expand to take the shape of cracks and voids,
forming a permanent barrier to stop drafts.
-Foam sealant cuts down noise pollution: ideal
product for noise abatement (reduces outside
noise transference).
-Minimizes condensation and related structural
damage like ice dams, dry rot, and foundation
damage.
-Minimizes hidden mold and mildew that
homeowner can’t see and reduces related
allergy problems also caused by
condensation/high humidity in the home.
-Fiberglass, when chinked or compressed, loses
its insulation value. Caulks tend to shrink and
crack over time. Foam is a more effective air
-sealant that either fiberglass or caulk. Foam has
a higher R-value that fiberglass & caulking
products.
-Air-sealing reduces the pathways where insects
can enter the home.
-Because of strong adhesion qualities to many
building substrates, Great Stuff® Pro foam
actually makes installation stronger.
-Great Stuff® foam has the Energy Star logo.
Look at the gap in this opening between the
outside of the window frame and the inner wall
opening, Yuk!
This rot could have been prevented by properly
insulating around the window.