Order Replacement Windows

I’m assuming that by this point you’ve decided on a window product and you’ve taken your measurements.  Now it’s time to order replacement windows.  The first step is to pick out the options you want in order to make sure you’re getting the correct windows.

Whether you’re ordering windows through a big box store, a building products distributor, a lumber yard or ordering windows online there are differences in terminology that can be critical to the success of your project.  Remember these products are custom made and they’re not returnable.  Once you’ve placed the order they’re yours whether you like it or not.

I will tell you how the terminology works with the manufacturers we work with, but the specific manufacturer you’re ordering from may be different.  It is VERY IMPORTANT that you clarify everything before you place the order.  Basing decisions on what you’ve read online is a risky move as real differences in terminology do exist.

 Step 1: Get the size right

When you place your order you’ll submit the width and the height that you’d like for each window.  You’ll need to clarify if this is the exact size or the rough opening size.  Some manufacturers will take a rough opening size and cut it back a fraction of an inch in each dimension so that it will easily fit in the opening.  If you’ve given them the exact size you want and they then cut it back you’ll end up with windows that are too small.

I highly suggest submitting the exact size that you want and writing “exact size” on the paperwork to protect yourself if there is a problem down the road.  I suggest this because you want to be the one who determines how big the new windows will be.  You’re going to be the one standing there next to a hole in your house scratching your head thinking “how am I going to fit this in here”. That clerk from the home improvement store isn’t going to be the one dealing with it so he shouldn’t be making critical decisions about your project.

If you don’t write “exact size” on the paperwork and you do have a problem down the road that clerk isn’t going to remember or admit that he told you it wouldn’t be cut back.  You need to have everything absolutely as clear as you can.

 Step 2: Get the options right

Once you’ve got the size right all you need to do is get the options right and you’re in good shape.  Make sure basics like the style of the window and the color of the window are clearly spelled out in the order.  You should specify glass options like low-e glass or argon gas fill.  Every company uses different terminology for glass options.  It’s important to quantify not only the ingredients (type of glass, type of gas fill, etc), but the results you’re looking for.  For example, are you trying to achieve a specific window rating or Energy Star rating?  If so that should be clearly spelled out.

It’s critical to clarify which way a window will open.  Most manufacturers specify anything with a left and a right as seen from the outside of the home.  This makes sense when you’re looking at blue prints.  It makes less sense when you’re sitting at your kitchen table looking at your casement window.  To you the hinge is on the right, but you’ll need to order a hinge left window in most cases because the manufacturer thinks of it as viewed from the outside, or from outside looking in.

Be sure you are 100% clear anytime you’re using left or right.  Is it left when viewed from inside the home or when viewed from outside the home?  This is a very common mistake.

Next make sure you’re clear on style options like grids between the glass.  Even folks in the business get confused by the terminology sometimes.  For example some installers will say the grid pattern of a window is 6 over 6 and they’ll think that means anything.  Remember we’re talking about custom made products.  In these two examples both windows have 6 over 6 grids, but the patterns are different.  In these examples it’s easy to say which one is likely correct, but as the sizes vary this can become less clear.

If you weren’t clear on the gird pattern when you placed the order you’ll be completely out of luck when the windows come in.  An ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure as my grandma used to say.

If you have any specialty options like oriel or cottage style, etched or leaded glass, reinforced frames, double strength glass, etc just be sure you have exactly what you want in writing on the order.

I’m sure you’ve caught the pattern by now.  The number 1 way to prevent a problem down the road is to make sure absolutely everything is clearly spelled out in writing.  We frequently see problems arise when a customer says “that’s not how I thought it would be”.   What’s the solution?  Don’t assume anything.  Spell it out and get it right.

If the windows come in right the rest of the project will be infinitely easier.  If you need to try to make windows work that aren’t quite right you’re going to be in for a much more difficult project.