Saturday, July 21, 2007

THE BEST REPLACEMENT WINDOWS, HOW DO YOU RATE THEM?


I have been answering the same question over and over again on Home Improvement web-sites, which window is the best. Most window buyers have no idea how to rate a window company.


Rating windows is not as easy as saying one is better than the other one. Consider these things when rating windows:
Looks- which window looks the best to you the owner. Does the window look good viewed from both the inside and the outside?
Function- does the window meet your needs? Do you want the sashes to tilt in for easy cleaning?
Options- does the window company offer the options that you need? How about colors, windows are now sold in several different color both on the inside and the outside. Window screen are now available with several different options.
Maintenance- do you want a window that is easy to clean and does not require any painting or staining?
Warranty- how long is the warranty that they offer? Will the company be around to honor the warranty? Does the warranty cover labor? Is the warranty pro-rated? Do you have to buy replacement parts at an inflated price?
NFRC ratings- Do you care about how good the glass is? Do you understand the benefits of triple pane glass? Do you know the differences between the different spacers? Do you know about Argon gas or Kyrpton Gas?
Customer service- will the company handle your window issues in a timely manner. If one of your sashes (glass) breaks how long will it take to get you a new one.
You should check the BBB reports, and several of the other on-line complaint databases to get a feel for what people are saying about a company.


Please post your questions and I will try to assist you with your home improvement needs.