Category: Best Replacement Windows

The Best Window Company in Cincinnati – Window Universe

If you’re looking for the best replacement windows in Cincinnati you’re in luck!  My company, Window Universe, serves the entire Cincinnati area offering some of the best replacement windows around and sliding patio doors in town.

See instructions below to receive 25% off your order. All of our readers in Cincinnati qualify. Note this offer is only for customers in Cincinnati area.

If you’re looking for the easiest possible way to get great quality products and service I would be happy to personally help you with your order. As our company has grown I can’t help everyone with ever order anymore, but I always reserve time to work with the readers of this site.  I love staying in touch with folks and hearing directly from you about your project.  If you request information through the form on this page I will personally respond to help out.

Replacement windows Cincinnati, OH

How does this work?

Great question.  First of all, we’re not a typical window company.  The biggest difference you’ll see is that we don’t send salespeople driving all over town trying to “close deals”.   You don’t see in-home salespeople for encyclopedias anymore, and you don’t see too many still selling vacuums or knives either.  As the great Bob Dylan used to say, “times, they are a changin”.  We’re the future of replacement windows, not the past.

widow dog replacement windows
Here’s the window dog hard at work with us. He has to earn his kibble around here!

Everyone orders everything online now and windows are no different.  To get a quote and a free copy of our window price list just fill out the form at the bottom of this page.  I’ll get back to you with additional information and pricing.  From there we can make revisions and get your order moving along.

You don’t need to measure anything and you don’t need to deal with a salesperson sitting on your couch.  Our goal was to make this as easy as possible and I know you’ll enjoy it.

Does anyone want a commission based window salesman in their house?

I know I don’t. That’s why we send out the pricing and product info by email. We’ve taken the hassle out of replacing your windows.

If you’d like to get a simple quote for your project the process is easy. Complete the form on this page and we’ll be in touch with more info.

You can also find our website at WindowUniverseCincy.com for more info.

Best replacement windows in Austin TX from Window Universe.

How do I get 25% off my order from Window Universe?

That’s easy. Every reader of this site qualifies for this promotion. Just click any of the links on this page to check out the Window Universe Cincy site.

Once you scroll down you’ll see the 25% off promotion listed at the top of the page like this:

Then you fill out the form at the bottom of the page and they’ll email you their price list and additional information along with the 25% savings.

The form looks like this:

Then you’ll receive an email from a window expert with detailed information about the available options, the prices, efficiency ratings and more.

It’s designed to be easy because that’s what our readers are looking for.

Note: this offer is only available to customers in the Cincinnati area.

Do windows qualify for federal tax credits?

Yes. We offer a range of efficiency packages including options that qualify for the new federal tax credits. We can show you what those packages would cost, how they improve the overall efficiency and how much tax credit they would qualify for.

Who measures and installs the windows?

Another great question.  All of our projects in Cincinnati are professionally measured and installed by the manufacturer’s installation service.  This means that the window manufacturer will take the exact measurements and then handle the installation as well.  It’s a great way to make sure you get a quality result.

Which windows do you offer?

We offer a range of options in Cincinnati in an effort to provide a great option for most people.  We’ll have options with U-Factors as low as 0.18, Air Infiltration rates as low as 0.01, STC ratings as high as 34.  I could go on and on.  The point is we probably have the right option for you.

When you request your quote below feel free to give me some info as to what you’re looking for or what you’re comparing to.  It’s ok if you just want a decent option at a decent price.  Frankly, that’s what most people are looking for.  You don’t need to be a window expert, I have that covered.

Still have questions?

The easiest thing to do is to fill out the form below and get your free copy of our price list.  That way you’ll be able to see what is involved.  If you have questions just email me back and ask me.  It’s really easy.  Ultimately we’re not the right fit for everyone.  If I don’t think your project is right for us I’ll be happy to tell you.  My goal is to create happy customers, not to close deals.

Why doesn’t every company send out copies of their price list?

Ha, your guess is as good as mine.  I can only assume that if a company was proud of the value they offered they’d be happy to share their pricing. If they’re not so proud they may be a little reluctant.  If you’d like to see a copy of our pricing just fill out the form below and I’ll personally email you back with a suggestion or two and some detailed pricing info.  It’s the easiest way to order new windows.

Note: you will also receive the 25% off promotion when you use the form on this page.


Itemized Price List Request Form

The Best Window Company in New York – Window King!

For years we’ve been hearing from readers asking for a recommendation for the best window company in New York.  I’m happy to recommend my friend Nick and his company, Window King.

Window King is the best window company in New York

Who is Window King?

They’ve been serving the Tri-State area for decades with great results.  They operate the same way that my company does by offering great products at great prices without all of the sales hype that some companies feel is necessary.

The company was started by Nick’s mom 26 years ago in the very same location where they operate today.  You don’t find that kind of longevity from a lot of window companies these days.

When we started talking about working together on the site I was encouraged by the way their business philosophy fits so well in to what your readers are looking for.  Of course after being in the industry for decades Nick knows how the other guys are operating and he knows how to make his company stand apart.  Now, Window King works with us and supports the site both financially and with the great content we’re working to provide.

Here what one of their customers says about them:

This was the second time we have used Window King, they have replaced 11 windows in our home. They are courteous, professional and punctual. The windows were installed perfectly and they cleaned up all of the debris. They beat all estimates & do a great job. 

How do I reach them?

If you’re in New York, Long Island or anywhere in the Tri-State are you’ll want to reach out to them to see how they can help.  You’re going to love what they have to offer.

There are 3 easy ways to get more information:

  1. Give them a ring right now at 718-792-5989
  2. Send them an email info@windowking.biz
  3. Fill out the form below and they’ll be in touch

However you reach out, be sure to tell them TheWindowDog sent you and they’ll take great care of you.






 



How to Order Windows Online

Do you want to order windows online without having some salesman in your house? You’re in luck. It’s the future and you can now order almost anything online. You can skip the run-around from a pushy, commission based in-home salesman and order the windows online without needing to measure them. We’ll show you how.

Ordering windows online is a service that Window Universe started offering back in 2015. This has been available for quite some time and they have it completely figured out. Window Universe was a pioneer of online window ordering back then and they’re still the leader in this space.

Window Universe reviews

How can you order windows online?

It’s actually much easier than you might expect. All you do is fill out a very simple form. We have a copy of the form below. It asks for some very basic details about your project. Here is the info they’ll ask for.

First, they ask for your zip code

This is to make sure they can offer service in your area. It’s also so they can suggest a window option and efficiency package that will make sense in your climate. Someone in Detroit will want different options than someone in Phoenix and your zip code will help them make a recommendation.

Don’t worry, there are local warehouses and installation departments all over the country. Everyone involved in the installation is local. They just put the prices and product info in email which allows them to skip the in-home sales pitch. As a result, you can get the info you want without any hassle.

Next, they ask how many windows you’re thinking about replacing

You do not need to measure your windows. Since the windows are all custom made anyway the exact sizes don’t matter yet. At this point they’re just asking how many total windows you’d like to include.

Note: when you place the order a technician will come out to take the exact measurements so the windows can be custom made and fit just right. A professional will take all of the measurements.

You not committing to anything at this stage. If you’re not sure how to count the windows just take a guess. If you’re not sure if you want to replace some of the windows or all of the windows in the house, just pick one for now and they can show you alternatives once you have the online window quote.

At this stage, the idea is to show you how the pricing works. It’s a starting point. Once you see how the pricing works they can answer any questions and make unlimited revisions to get the quote just the way you want it.

Once you submit your request you can also email pictures of anything that you’re not sure how to describe. The terms can be tricky sometimes and a picture does say 1000 words.

Then, they’ll ask how you’d like the windows to open

Basic info is all they need here. Something like “3 open side to side, 1 doesn’t open at all and 10 open up and down, 14 total windows” will do the trick.

You can also ask for an online quote for a sliding patio door or a hinged door.

Note: If you have windows that are curved on top or that are not rectangular it’s a good idea to make a note of this.

Next they’ll ask what color window frame you’d like

There are many colors available. White, beige and almond are the most popular but there are many colors available. Colors like black, bronze, red, gray, green, even woodgrain interiors are available.

Again, you’re not committing to anything here. The idea is to show you how the system works so you’ll see any costs associated with the color choices on the itemized quote and revisions can always be made.

Note: They can also mail out a set of color samples so you can see them in real life. That is sometimes the easiest way to pick a color. If you’d like a set of samples, just ask.

There is a field at the bottom to include any additional notes or questions

After you complete the form you’ll receive a confirmation email from someone at Window Universe. If you want to send pictures of anything just reply to that email.

Next, one of their window experts will review your request and they’ll email you the following info:

  • A copy of the window pricing
  • Product details and brochures
  • Efficiency ratings for suggested packages
  • Photos of past projects
  • Feedback from past customers
  • A detailed and itemized quote

Note: This is just a starting point. They typical quote is revised 2-3 times before an order is final so don’t worry about making changes or asking questions. The idea is to get you this info so you can see how the system works and go from there.

What happens after you receive your online window prices?

Once you receive the window prices and product info by email you can respond with any questions. They can make unlimited revisions to your quote until the order is exactly the way you want it.

They can talk it over on the phone, by email or by video chat. I’m confident they’ll be able to answer any questions you could possibly have.

Once the order is exactly the way you want it they can send you the order forms online, you complete the forms and your order is moving along.

Note: you don’t pay anything upfront to get the process started. More info on payment process below.

If you decide not to place an order that’s fine too. At the very least you’ve received detailed info about the available options and prices so you know what you’re dealing with.

What happens after you complete the window order forms online?

The next step is for the local installation department to contact you to setup a final measurement appointment. This is not a sales call. The person who will be coming to your house is a technician who will be taking the final measurements for your order. They’ll be making sure that what you ordered is something that can be accomplished and they’ll also take the exact measurement to 1/16 of an inch.

You can certainly ask them any questions, but they’re not there to give you a sales pitch or any sort of runaround. They’re just measuring the windows.

What happens after the windows are measured?

After that measurement appointment the measurements are returned to the office and the order is double checked by a window expert. They’ll confirm that what you ordered equals what was measured and that everything matches up.

If there are any discrepancies the folks at Window Universe will be in touch to make sure everything gets sorted out. You’d have the opportunity to approve any change so you’re never stuck with anything.

Then, the windows are custom made just for you. The manufacturing time does vary throughout the year so you can always ask about the current window lead times.

Note: At this point you’ll pay a deposit because the windows are being custom made just for you. They even accept all credit cards with no extra fees. You can also use their 0% financing with $0 down if you’d prefer.

Once the windows are custom made and delivered to the local warehouse the installation department will call you to schedule an installation appointment.

Sometimes customers are concerned that the installation department will just call and tell you what day they’re showing up but that’s not how it works. They’ll let you know the next available dates and you can pick a date that works for you and your schedule.

Then the windows are professionally installed

The installers will deliver the windows and they will typically install 10-15 windows per day. Be aware that it can be difficult to exactly estimate the work time. If the work time is an issue for you just talk with them ahead of time. With that information they can typically accommodate your schedule.

It’s a good idea to walk through the project at the end to make sure everything is looking great. If anything needs to be addressed or reordered make note on the completion paperwork and that will be promptly handled.

It really is that easy to order windows online

The products offered by Window Universe are top notch windows from reputable national manufacturers. Since everything is custom made there are many thousands of available configurations. They typically try to make the process simple by making a suggestion or two.

They will also send efficiency ratings and all of the technical info you could possibly want. Once you get the quote by email you’ll see why so many people choose to order windows online.

They’ve been offering this service for a long time with many thousands of past customers. There’s no question you could ask that they haven’t heard before and there’s nothing involved in your project that they haven’t seen 1000 times. As a result, they’re experts at this and I think you’ll appreciate what they offer.

Can you order windows online without installation?

Absolutely. When you receive your itemized quote by email the labor costs will be itemized in the lower right section. If you want to install the windows yourself or if you already have an installer the installation costs can be removed.

People commonly ask about the warranty if the windows are ordered without installation. There is no change to the warranty. Obviously if the windows were installed in a way that caused a problem that would be between you and the installer, but installing the windows yourself does not void the warranty.

Should I request an itemized quote by email to find out more?

I think it’s a great idea and it costs you nothing at all. There’s no downside. At the very least you’ll know more about windows than you did before. You can review the info on your own schedule, ask questions anytime and there’s no obligation.

You can probably see why this is the future of replacement windows.

Here’s the form to request an itemized quote and price list by email

If you have any questions about the quote or the windows or the options I’m sure they can help and you can always ask me too. The idea is to make the process of ordering new windows absolutely as easy as possible.

Get your completely FREE project quote by email.  

Gentek Signature Elite Windows Reviews

If you’re looking for Gentek Signature Elite windows reviews you’ve come to the right place. Frequent readers of the site will know that I tend to think the Gentek window line is one of the nicer product lines and the Signature Elite is one of the best windows they make. That’s one reason my company elected to carry them in several markets so we have real first hand experience with these windows.

Here are three Gentek Signature Elite double hung windows.

What are the advantages of the Gentek Signature Elite windows?

There are a few key reasons that this model is one of the best replacement windows on the market today.

First, these windows are backed by a billion dollar company

Associated Materials owns Gentek along with several other major brands like Preservation, Alside, Revere, Alpine and more. The backing of a large manufacturer with a 70+ year history means that these windows are likely to be around for the long haul. It also means the warranty is likely to be honored for many years to come.

In my opinion people routinely undervalue the risk associated with the smaller manufacturers. It’s always my suggestion to work with a larger company and Gentek fits this bill

Next, the Signature Elite window utilizes slim frames to maximize glass area

Glass area can be a big factor for some folks when picking a replacement window. Some models, especially older designs, will use thicker bulkier vinyl window frames and the salespeople talk about strength. The downside to those bulky designs is that you get less glass area in the same size window.

Here you can see the difference in glass area that you can achieve with the Gentek Signature Elite windows.
Here you can see the difference in glass area that you can get from a window with a slimmer frame. The difference can be substantial.

The Signature Elite line utilizes a newer design that intentionally maximizes glass area with slim vinyl frames. This is more of a factor when the existing windows are on the smaller side. If your windows are large this might not be a huge concern, but to me it’s always important.

Next, these windows use upgraded hardware and components

If you’re new to window shopping it can be easy to think that all replacement windows are pretty similar. While it’s true that many windows generally look similar, there are some pretty important differences.

One of these differences is the quality of the hardware and components used. Things like balances, locks, tilt latches, etc are not always easy to see and they’re parts that people don’t always know much about.

best replacement window balances
Here you can see the differences in the common types of balances. Many manufacturers use the cheaper Constant Force type, but with the Signature Elite windows you get the upgraded type.

In my mind the quality of these components is a great indicator of the manufacturer’s intentions with the product. For example, the Gentek Signature Elite windows use the same upgraded hardware and balances as the Preservation Reserve windows which usually sell for much higher prices.

That tells you that Gentek always intended this to be a top of the line product and they’ve succeeded.

What colors are available for the Signature Elite windows?

The interior and exterior colors are a nice selling point for this model. Below you can see the available options.

Gentek Signature Elite interior and exterior colors.

You’ll see the popular black exterior is available along with many other colors. It’s important to remember that all color combinations are not available and adding colors will increase the cost of your project. If you’re considering color options other than simple white or beige, you’ll want to talk to your dealer about the options.

What is the warranty for these windows?

Overall the warranty on the Signature Elite windows is pretty good. I mentioned earlier that it’s backed by a billion dollar company so that’s a good start. The warranty is a transferable lifetime warranty so it’s good for as long as you own the house. Then it’s transferable when you sell the house so you can use that as a selling point.

The warranty covers the frames, the glass, the hardware and even the seal of the insulated glass unit. Overall I’d say the warranty is very strong and it a great reason to buy these windows.

How efficient are these windows?

These are very efficient windows which is another nice feature. Gentek uses their Barrier XP Packages in the Signature Elite windows. This means they are available with hundreds of available efficiency packages.

These are the efficiency ratings for the common Gentek Barrier XP efficiency packages.
Here are the efficiency ratings for the most common Barrier XP packages.

You can get triple pane glass for a top of the line solution with U-Factors as low as 0.21. Or, you can pick from a wide range of double pane options to get the best solution for you.

Gentek offers several spacer options including Super Spacer, Intercept Spacer and a stainless option called ThermD. They also offer different types of low-e coatings and different gas fills like argon and krypton to make sure you can get the best solution.

This shows the foam insulation inside the frames of the Gentek Signature Elite windows.

In addition to great glass options, here you can see the optional foam insulation in the frames too.

You will see some in-home window salespeople acting like they have the very best efficiency packages but the chances are Gentek offers everything those small companies offer and many more options too.

Finally, the air infiltration rates are another huge advantage to this model. You get an air infiltration rate of 0.04 in the double hung model which is better than many competitors. That means when the window is closed and locked you won’t get a draft into your home.

This is the frame and structure of the Signature Elite replacement window.

What’s the bottom line?

This is a window model that has many advantages that can’t be matched by most competitors. They’re backed by a billion dollar company, they use upgraded hardware and components, the slim frames allow for max light and the efficiency packages are top of the line.

Overall I do think this is one of the best replacement windows on the market today. That’s one reason it’s a product we offer through my company in several markets and we’ve had great success. If you’re considering ordering new windows I’d say this is defininltey a model to look at.

How can you find a great window company?

That part is easy.  Check this section for recommendations of window companies all over the country. There’s no better way to get new windows.

Other posts you might find interesting:

Is Triple Pane Glass Worth the Cost?

If you’re shopping for new windows for your house the odds are good you’ll hear about triple pane glass. You’ll probably be wondering whether or not triple pane glass is worth the cost. The answer is, it depends, and we’ll look at the factors to consider right now.

You may hear some grizzled old timer say, “that triple pane isn’t worth it” or some other blanket statement that doesn’t make any sense. Note, that advice isn’t worth much. We have no idea what it’s based on and the person saying it probably doesn’t either.

To start to understand whether or not triple pane glass is worth the cost you need to understand two things. First, what is the cost difference? Second, what are the other benefits? We’ll look at some real life examples from my company to see how it works.

What is the cost difference?

This is a critical piece of information if you’re going to decide whether or not triple pane glass is worth the cost. Historically companies would play games with the pricing for triple pane glass. This is likely what has formed some of the opinions out there.

As of today (this will change over time) my company charges $89 additional in most situations to add triple pane glass. So, let’s use that in our example. Say you have 20 windows in your house. $89 x 20 = $1780. The additional cost of triple pane glass in a 20 window project would be $1780 as of today, April 28, 2021.

Now we know what it costs lets look at what you get in return

There are three main advantages to windows with triple pane glass.

  • Triple pane windows are more efficient. There are many double pane and triple pane packages out there so there isn’t one simple metric to illustrate the improvement in efficiency that you get in switching from double pane to triple pane, but it’s around 25% in most cases.

That means by spending the additional money you get windows that are around 25% more efficient for as long as you own the house. That’s a pretty measurable improvement. It’s also the sort of thing you only have one chance to buy. You can’t decide to add triple pane glass next year. Technically you can, but it would be much more expensive.

  • Triple pane windows are quieter. Despite the claims made by some of the door to door salesmen out there triple pane windows will not eliminate all outside noise, but they do make the house quieter.

Sound transmission is measured by the STC rating. This stands for Sound Transmission Coefficeint. We have other posts on STC ratings so I won’t get into all of the details here.

Since we’re using my company as an example, I can tell you the STC rating for a popular model we offer goes from 28 to 32 by switching from double pane to triple pane glass.

Whether or not that’s a huge deal will depend on your house and your neighborhood, but a good night sleep can be very valuable.

  • Triple pane windows carry more resale value. To be fair I’m sometimes a little skeptical when it comes to claims about resale value.

We had a reader of the site say that a Renewal by Andersen salesperson told her she wouldn’t be able to refinance her house if she didn’t have Andersen windows. Obviously that’s not true, but it’s a great example of the silly statements those commission salespeople will make to try to get a deal.

However, there is no doubt that triple pane glass is worth something to a buyer. It’s something that anyone can see and understand. There are many window upgrades that are virtually invisible to a future buyer of the house. Those will generally carry no resale value at all.

Triple pane glass is different. You can see it, a real estate agent can see it, everyone will know it’s there. You can also be confident that efficiency is only getting more important to buyers. If you think it’s important today it’ll be more important next year.

So, is triple pane glass worth the cost?

Well, now you know the price and you know the benefits. Only you can decide if it’s worth the cost. I tend to suggest that if it fits into the budget it’s a worthwhile option.

With triple pane glass you get a house that is more efficient and quieter and worth more money when it’s time to sell. In our example the cost difference for a 20 window project was $1780.

Triple pane glass is definitely not necessary for a perfectly nice result. If it stretches your budget and you want to skip it, skip it.

If it fits into your budget and you’re planning on being in the house a while I do suggest it. When my friends and family call me for new windows we often end up installing triple pane windows. It’s a great product and it provides for a great result.

My advice is to consider triple pane when you’re replacing your windows. Understand the cost difference and benefits and you can decide if it’s something you’d like to include in your replacement window project.

Other posts you might find helpful:

To find our company or other recommended companies in your area check this section. You can also find window reviews here and information about the tricky window sales tactics that many companies uses here. We hope you enjoy the site!

Andersen Windows Sells Silver Line and American Craftsman brands

This is a deal that happened a little while back and at the request of some commenters who may be Renewal by Andersen salespeople we’ve posted it here.

We used to find it funny that the Renewal by Andersen salespeople would pick on vinyl windows while their company was producing thousands of them, but now they’ve sold these vinyl brands.

Why did Andersen sell these brands?

Maybe they took our advice that producing cheap vinyl windows didn’t help their sales pitch for more expensive options. Either way, below you’ll find the press release they issued back on August 28th.

Now that the American Craftsman and Silver Line window brands are owed by Ply-Gem windows we’ll see if there are any updates to the product lines. Ply Gem has a lot of experience producing vinyl windows so perhaps we’ll see some much needed upgrades.

Here’s their press release

BAYPORT, Minn., Aug. 28, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Andersen Corporation, America’s premier window and door manufacturer, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its hollow core vinyl window and patio door business, including the Silver Line and American Craftsman brands, to Ply Gem, a leading manufacturer of building products used in both new construction and home repair and remodeling across the United States and Canada. 

Andersen has been leading the window and door industry for more than 115 years by creating different and better products and services and building brands people value and trust. In recent years, the company has achieved unprecedented growth, driven by its Andersen®, Renewal by Andersen® and specialty brands. 

“This divestiture is part of Andersen’s broader strategy to sharpen our focus on our Andersen, Renewal by Andersen and specialty brands, continue to make the significant investments required to support our fast-growing, proprietary, Fibrex® engineered composite products, and deliver exceptional value to our customers for years to come,” said Andersen Corporation Chairman and CEO Jay Lund. “In addition, we believe the Silver Line and American Craftsman brands and the talented employees who have built these brands will have continued growth opportunities under Ply Gem’s stewardship.”

Ply Gem will acquire the four Silver Line manufacturing plants, associated distribution and support services for $190 million, which represents a 10X multiple of Silver Line’s trailing 12-month EBITDA through the second quarter of 2018. The more than 4,000 employees working in these locations and functions will transition to Ply Gem with the business.

“The Silver Line and American Craftsman brands are industry leading brands and have been trusted by customers and consumers for over 60 years and Ply Gem is excited to add them to our existing portfolio of quality window products,” said Gary E. Robinette, Ply Gem’s Chairman and CEO.

The transaction is expected to close by early in the fourth calendar quarter of 2018, subject to regulatory review and approval. 

About Andersen Corporation


Headquartered in Bayport, Minnesota, Andersen Corporation and its subsidiaries manufacture and market window and door products under the Andersen®, Renewal by Andersen®, Silver Line®, American Craftsman®, EMCO®, Weiland®, MQ™ and Heritage™ brands. Andersen, a privately held company, was founded in 1903 and employs more than 12,000 people with manufacturing sites in North America and Europe. Andersen has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2018 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award. Visit us at andersencorporation.com

Other Andersen window posts you might find helpful:

How can you find a great window company?

That part is easy.  Check this section for recommendations of window companies all over the country. There’s no better way to get new windows.

Other posts you might find interesting:

What is a Replacement Window Spacer?

When you’re in the market for replacement windows, you’ll probably hear a lot about the NRFC ratings, the glass and the installation itself, but another important factor is the replacement window spacer.

What is a Replacement Window Spacer?

Any replacement window that has more than one pane of glass will have some type of spacer system.

The spacer is not simply the space between the panes of glass but it is the material that is used to hold the glass in place from between the panes. It also keeps the seal of glass air tight to keep in inert gas like argon or krypton gas.

replacement-window-spacer
Here you can see a triple pane glass unit with 2 spacers. The spacers are the gray pieces that separate the pieces of glass and keep the gas sealed inside.

Why is the Type of Spacer Important?

The spacer is one of the factors that affects the overall efficiency of the windows.

If the spacer is aluminum, the efficiency of the window will not be as effective as a spacer made of stainless steel (which is less conductive).

Many window manufacturers are now offering ‘warm-edge’ spacers that are generally made of a composite material. This type of spacer can help to improve the condensation rating (and by improve, we mean lower the likelihood of condensation, but you can read more about that here).

What Type of Window Spacer Should I Get?

My two cents worth is that you can ask the company you’re considering hiring if they have a some type of ‘warm-edge’ replacement window spacer. Generally the cost to upgrade should be quite nominal.

It’s included in our triple pane windows at my company, but nearly any replacement window company worth it’s salt should be able to  upgrade double pane windows with a high performance spacer as well.

Andrew Zahn is the owner of Zen Windows in Central, PA.   Andrew has worked in home improvement sales, marketing and public relations before opening his own window company.  If you’re in central PA and you’re thinking about new windows you should reach out to Andrew.  He’ll be the easiest window company you’ve ever dealt with. 

Are Foam Filled Windows Better?

Are Foam Filled Windows Better?

One of the more common questions that we here in the Milwaukee area, is regarding foam filled windows. Are they actually better?  Is the upgrade worth the money? Which type of foam is better, injected or push-in? The answer like many things in life of course is… It depends.

Are foam filled windows better?
Here are two different types of foam filled windows. Is one better than the other? Check the U-Factor.

Foam Filled Windows have benefits

Foam filled windows will provide some benefits across the board, the debate really comes down to how much of a benefit, and is it worth the added expense. My first recommendation to replacement window shoppers is to check how this option affects the U factor of the window. Some foam filled windows will have a U factor that improves by 2+ points, others will not budge at all. There are a variety of factors for this, most notably in the design of the extrusion(the “inner-framing” of the window).  Windows that have many chambers will often see less impact on U factor, because those dead air spaces actually do a decent job of insulating. This is not necessarily reflective of product quality, it is just a different means to an end.  That said, the primary benefits to foam filled windows will be superior thermal performance (measured by U factor and condensation resistance), as well as a little bit of extra structural stability. It could be be conceivable to improve sound transmittance as well, however the impact here is probably negligible in most cases.

Types of Foam Filled Windows

The two common methods to foam fill windows are injected foam, where spray foam is actually injected into the extrusion, and push in foam, where expanded polystyrene is cut and pushed in. Despite what sales people may tell you, both are effective methods when executed properly, and each does have its own minor pros and cons.  Injected foam is generally higher density, and therefore a better insulator.  This advantage is somewhat mitigated however by the fact that these are pretty small spaces, so the actual increase in R factor is minimal. The downside of injected is that spraying foam can produces air pockets and inconsistent fill. Push in foam eliminates that potential issue, however this type of foam must be cut to exacting tolerances where it provides a tight fit in the chamber to be effective. The manufacturers that do this right, have CNC machines that cut the foam precisely to fit.

Bottom Line

Ultimately, the option for foam filled windows is better, however the value of it depends on the price vs performance increase. This is generally a pretty inexpensive option, so it does make sense in many cases. The one thing to keep in mind, is that when comparing two different products, the type or even presence of foam filling does not necessarily make that product better than the other. A precisely designed and manufactured unit will be the better option, with or without foam.

Brandon Erdmann is the owner of HomeSealed Exteriors in Milwaukee, WI.  He’s a window installation expert, a supporter of this site and an all around great guy.  If you’re in the Milwaukee area and you’re thinking about new windows you should give Brandon a ring.  You’ll be glad you did.

Bow vs Bay Windows – What’s the difference?

We get asked about the differences between bow vs bay windows all the time. We finally decided it was time to whip up a post with the correct answer for all to see.

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To put it simply the difference is in the layout of the windows.  Both bow and bay windows stick out from the house, but they have a different look.  Bow windows are made up of equal sized lites or panels while bay windows have a center section that is larger than the sides.

We may need a picture for this one.  First we’ll start with a bay window.

bay window vs bow window price and cost

Ok, so that’s a bay window.  3 panels, and the center is larger than the sides.

Now, here’s a bow window:
 bow-windowSee the difference?  The bow has several panels and they’re all the same size.  A bow window can have 3, 4, 5, 6 or more panels, but they’re always the same size.

Is a bow window better than a bay window?

Nope, it is really just a style difference.  Do you prefer the look of the larger picture window in the center or a bay window or would you rather have several symmetrical panels?  One is not better than the other, they’re just different.

What is the price difference between a bow and a bay window?

The difference in cost is typically pretty small.  Many manufacturers will charge more for a bigger window, but the difference between a bow and a bay is typically not a huge driver of the cost.  A bow window with many panels (called lites) will typically cost more than a bay window with only 3 lites.

A cost difference of a few hundred dollars wouldn’t be unusual, but you shouldn’t see much more difference than that.

As you’re shopping for new windows be sure to check out our detailed window reviews here.  If you’re looking for anything that you can’t find be sure to post a comment or send us an email.  We read every single one and we’ll do our best to respond.

 

Single Hung vs Double Hung Windows

Here’s a little bit of terminology that is often misunderstood.  What are the differences between single hung vs double hung windows?  Here we’ll take a look at the basic definition and we’ll look at some of the other advantages and disadvantages including the cost, the operation, the screens, how they function and the typical price.

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First things first!  The basic definition:

Both single hung and double hung windows open up and down.  The difference is that in a single hung window the bottom sash opens up and down, but the top does not move.

In a double hung window the bottom sash slides up and down AND the top sash also opens and closes.

Perhaps this picture will help:

single hung vs double hung windows
Here is the difference between a single hung and a double hung window.

So there it is, the difference is in how the window operates.  People often confuse double hung with double pane.  For the difference between double pane and triple pane windows check this out.

Ok, so how important is this difference?

Well, that’s really up to you.  One important thing to keep in mind is that a single hung window does not allow the top sash to tilt in for easy cleaning.  That means the bottom will tilt in, but the top will not.  Is that a big deal?  Only you can decide.

Beyond that many people don’t open the top very often so the difference is not important to them.  We open the top quite a bit in my house as the window dog is a redbone coonhound from the hills of West Virginia and he would go straight through a screen if he saw a varmint in the yard.  For us it is very important that the top opens, but you may have different priorities.

What is the price difference between single hung vs double hung windows?

This is a question we get asked a lot.  The difference typically isn’t huge, but it can add up.  The two windows are essentially the same with the single hung having less hardware.  The cost difference between the two will depend on the manufacturer, but it wouldn’t be uncommon to see a price difference of $20-$40 per window.

If you have 20 windows in your house that amount can add up.  We’ll often suggest switching to single hung windows as a way to save a few bucks, but it really just depends on how you plan on using them.

We hope that helps, for more detailed info on the greatest replacement windows check out these reviews.  If there is anything you’re looking for that you can’t find just post a comment or send us an email.  We read every single one and we do our best to respond!