Going to a Spring Home Show? Ask These 7 Questions About Windows
It’s home show season. Homeowners are gearing up to remodel their homes from the inside out. Whether you’re looking to overhaul your kitchen or finally upgrade that old and outdated siding, local home shows offer tons of benefits to homeowners.
Home shows are also a way to give home improvement companies a test drive on their products. While homeowners traditionally call in the office for questions or to schedule a home estimate, this is your chance to get a demo on the spot and ask all your burning questions.
As you approach the potentially dozens of replacement window companies at local home shows, be sure to ask the following questions.
Question #1: How do Your Windows Save Energy?
It’s easy enough to ask window companies if their products save energy. They will almost always say yes. However, it’s another thing to specifically ask how the windows save energy.
Energy efficient replacement windows have specific characteristics. Look for replacement windows that contain argon or krypton gas between the panes of glass. This gas is odorless and invisible, but it is a key element to maximizing energy efficiency.
Triple pane windows are amongst the most efficient windows on the market. This is especially the case when they are combined with krypton gas and low-e glazing. The combination of these characteristics are the driving force behind saving energy.
Question #2: Do You Provide Free Estimates?
Free estimates are typically standard in the replacement window industry. However, some companies still may try to charge a fee for getting an estimate. If the company is charging you for a quote on replacement windows, pick another company.
Question #3: Do You Offer Window Installation?
While replacement window companies can give you access to high quality windows, this is only one piece of the puzzle. Window installation can dramatically impact the performance of window products.
For example, if the window is improperly installed, this may result in drafts. This impacts the window’s air infiltration capabilities, which easily allows energy to escape.
This is why it’s important that your replacement windows are not only high quality, but professionally installed. Make this a priority as you interview replacement window company at the home show this year.
Question #4: How do Your Windows Open and Operate?
Many window companies will bring demo products to the home show. This is a good opportunity to see how the windows will function once installed in your home. You can also learn how to clean the windows, operate the sash, and any other hidden tips that might not be obvious to homeowners.
This can also help you decide on the right window style for your home. For example, you may have your heart set on casement windows. However, once you play around the demo at the home show, you might find out otherwise.
Good replacement window companies can help you determine the best window style for your home. Take your time to use the demos and ask plenty of questions about operation.
Question #5: What Material Do You Use for the Window Frames?
Window frame material is a major consideration. The material will impact price as well as maintenance. Knowing your options for window frame materials can help save a lot of time and money.
The most popular window material is vinyl. Vinyl is durable, affordable, and aesthetically flexible. There are often a variety of colors to choose from, which adds character to the window and increases curb appeal.
Be forewarned that all vinyl is not equal. Some window companies use cheap vinyl that may cost less, but is flimsy compared to premium vinyl. High quality vinyl will not rot, warp, chip, or peel. It will last for decades and continuously battle against the elements.
Some companies may also offer traditional wood frames. These are a classic choice, but the downside is that they require a lot of upkeep. They are also 25%-30% more expensive than vinyl replacement windows.
Question #6: Do You Offer Custom Window Styles?
Perhaps you live in a historic home with uniquely-shaped windows. These windows might not fit the standard shape for double hung or even picture windows. If this is the case, you’ll need to work with a window company that can make specialty shaped windows for the home.
Regardless of the shape of your new windows, new window products should always be custom made for your home. Avoid installing mass-produced replacement windows. These windows won’t give the best fit for the window opening, which opens the possibility of drafts.
Question #7: Why Should I Choose You?
This is a question that might stump some replacement window companies. However, their answer gives you a glimpse into a company’s values and what you can expect as you work with them.
For example, Universal Windows Direct prides itself in offering high quality replacement windows at affordable prices. We don’t push our products as the cheapest, but we can say that our windows are engineered for both beauty and performance.
Not to mention, we have countless happy customers and we happily give away home makeovers. You also can’t forget about the free windows that customers won in July, right after the Cleveland Indians won 15 consecutive games.
Once you hear from our satisfied customers, explore our premium products, and learn about our pricing, it’s no wonder why so many homeowners choose Universal Windows Direct.
You can find us at the local home shows this year with a two-story display, and we’ll be holding our VIP event before the show begins.
We hope that these questions help you find the right windows for your home this home show season. Contact us any time with any questions or to schedule a free quote.