Home Replacement Windows / Dallas Blog

Choosing a Replacement Window Company

Unfortunately, the Window Replacement industry is one that is not known for its ethics. Today, I am the owner of Adams - Home Replacement Windows but in my 10 years as a window installer I had the opportunity to work for most of the companies that we now consider competition. As a window installer, it was my job to measure each window correctly for ordering, install each window correctly and make sure that each customer was happy upon completion.

My grandfather raised 7 kids by hanging siding and installing windows. My uncles all raised their children installing windows. I had grown up in the industry. I knew that I was good at this job and I took great pride in it. However, it became obvious that some customers could not be made happy. Of course, replacement windows are expensive... every job should be an A+ because every customer should get what they paid for. So, I began to wonder - what did these unreasonably picky customers pay for? I began to ask to see their contract and after browsing it I quickly understood their discontent.

Unfortunately, the replacement window industry is filled with shady window companies and sketchy window salespeople. Joe Salesman might sell you a window for $400 and sell an identical window to your neighbor for $1,200. He might demand that your husband (or wife) also be present during his lengthy sales presentation so that he can pressure you both for a signature. He might offer you a "Today Only" deal or claim that yours will be a "show home". I'll bet that this sketchy salesperson will also give you "20% off" if you are a teacher or city worker - and $1000 off if you let them put a sign in your yard. My advice is to avoid these companies - They are slick, convincing, high pressure, fast paced and they are giving the window industry a terrible reputation.

Take your time and get estimates. If you're worried that their "Today Only" deal might be too good to pass up - get it in writing and Adams - Home Replacement Windows will match it AND give you time to think about it. Don't be bullied by a salesman who needs a signature TONIGHT or pressured by one that calls every day. Ask questions, learn about windows and be confident that what you're buying is what you want. Because all of those "unreasonably picky customers" had one thing in common - They were all angry at themselves for allowing a company to pressure them into a bad deal.

Why Replace My Windows?

The average Dallas area homeowner can realize fantastic savings on energy bills by replacement of old, leaky windows with new, energy-efficient vinyl ones. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that the average Dallas household spends 40% of its energy costs on heating and cooling.

Find replacement window products carrying the Department of Energy - Energy Star seal of approval. Think "Low E", Argon Gas Fillers and Super Spacers. Look for a low U value and in Dallas a low SHGC rating is essential - 0.30 (for either) is great. Old windows often have U values over 1.0. Energy-efficient vinyl replacement windows can reduce heating and cooling costs up to 15%, depending on climate, insulation and shading, sun angle, and so on.

Also, older homes usually contain Lead paint. Because painted sashes tend to rub against painted frames, windows are the most common source of lead dust in the home. It has been well documented that even tiny amounts of lead dust can cause serious health issues. Professional Lead remediation is available, but complete window replacement might be a more affordable option.

At the very least - old metal or wood windows demand a lot of time and effort to maintain. Be careful that this maintenance doesn't "nickel and dime" you beyond the expense of vinyl replacement windows that could have been paying for themselves.

Aluminum Windows vs. Vinyl Windows

Recently, we at Adams - Home Replacement Windows /Dallas have been talking to some potential customers who have mentioned our "pro-aluminum" competition. Of course we understand that we still have some "old school" window competition around Dallas who have exclusive deals with metal window manufacturers. Heck, even we still sell Aluminum Windows on occasion. But to argue that these windows are in any way superior to vinyl windows is just irresponsible of any window company who plans to still be in business in 10 years.

Folks, the windows that you currently have are probably metal. And how old are they? 15 - 20 years old? Simply walk over to your existing windows and examine their condition. Aluminum windows fade, currode, conduct heat/cold, conduct sound, they often "rattle" and the seals never last very long. They become hard to open and sometimes difficult to keep open (SLAM).

Every summer day the sun heats your existing windows to extraordinary temperatures, melting the silicone seals. That evening those seals re-congeal when the temperature drops. Repeat day after day... month after month. This cycle is one of the reasons that your windows are so drafty. Also, because Aluminum conducts so well - when the exterior gets hot/cold the interior also gets hot/cold. The temperature simply radiates through the room as if it were a space heater or A/C vent.

Vinyl Windows on the other hand, are terrible conductors of heat/cold. Vinyl doesnt get nearly as hot during the day and the seals stay in tact throughout the summer. Vinyl doesn't corrode like Aluminum and they tend to "flex" with the movement of Dallas homes, allowing them to smoothly open and stay open throughout the lifetime of the home.

Aluminum windows can be painted. That is the only edge that they have on Vinyl. But any painted windows must be re-painted. Vinyl is virtually maintenance free.

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