Why Window Replacement Is Best Left to The Pros

Why Window Replacement Is Best Left to The Pros

Part 1

Do I Need to Hire Experts

to replace My Window?

Why Window Replacement Is Best Left to The Pros

Windows reach a point where simple repairs will no longer be enough to restore them. Perhaps it was a recent storm, a random flying object, or just old age, but there will always come a time that your home’s windows have to be replaced.

You may be tempted to roll up your sleeves, shell out some cash, and head to the nearest window supplier and replace your old window on the coming weekend, but this may not be the best option, especially if you want to get the most out of your new window.

“I’ll do it myself to cut down costs!”

That statement is one of the most common things you’ll hear from homeowners. It’s true that hiring an expert to install re-placement windows costs more because of labor or service fees, but saving doesn’t always have to mean not spending.

Part 1 - Do I Need to Hire Experts to Replace My Window?

Why Window Replacement Is Best Left to The Pros

A common mistake of many DIY homeowners is assume that all the costs associated with window replacement stats and ends with installation. This is why later on they find themselves having to shell out hundreds and hundreds of dollars trying to “remedy” issues that pop up every now and then because of poor installation. If only they hired a contractor in the first place, they wouldn’t have to deal with all that hassle.

DIY projects do help cut down costs, SOMETIMES... Most successful DIY projects (those that don’t en-counter problems later on) are performed by either someone who already has on-the-job experience or someone that got free help from a friend or rela-tive that actually works on windows.

Sure, anyone can search for “correct” instructions online, but even following instructions to the letter isn’t as easy as it sounds, so DIY novices are bound to mess up something along the way. In most cas-es, you’re better off having your windows replaced by a contractor with the right tools and knowledge to actually get the job done.

Part 1 - Do I Need to Hire Experts to Replace My Window?

Why Window Replacement Is Best Left to The Pros

Part 2

Important thingsin

Windowreplacement

Why Window Replacement Is Best Left to The Pros

Many people have a wrong idea about win-dow replacement (and replacement windows themselves), but here are a few things to clear.

When some window com-panies say they’ll do “win-dow replacement,” they may not replace the entire window system; they’re could only be referring to the window sash and the glass panel. That means the window frames are not replaced. They may make a few repairs to the window frame, but they won’t replace it. If they did, that would count as an entirely new window installation instead of a replacement. Since most people assume that replacement includes a new frame and windowpane, some manufacturers label complete window sets as replacement windows (technically it’s still a new window installation).

Furthermore, replacing the windows isn’t just a matter of taking out the old panes and bolting in the replacement parts. Window contractors also have to consider a few things before installing the new sash and panel, so

an average window replacement can take at least 3 hours to finish. For example, they have to check the state of the window frame to make sure it’s still strong enough to accommodate the replacement window. Otherwise, the replacement window might have some issues in the future, making the whole project pointless.

Part 2 - Important Things in Window Replacement

Why Window Replacement Is Best Left to The Pros

How a replacement window is installed can also affect its performance. For example, a dou-ble glass panel has better insulating properties compared to single glass options when shut, but if there were a small gap around the edg-es, warm or cold air would still be able to pass through it, rendering it pointless to replace it. A window contractor has the means to make sure the panel will form an airtight seal around the frame to keep things well insulated.

How the windows open or close can be affected by even the smallest miscalculations. Unlike window contractors, many people who attempt DIY window replacements do not have the right tools, so they end up installing mis-aligned windows. Not only will the new replace-ment window be harder to open and close, but the misaligned part can cause the panel to scratch against the frame, peeling paint or protective coat-ing in the process.

With the advances in window frames that make them more en-ergy efficient and easier to maintain, a complete installation is probably the best thing to do, if your win-dows are older models.

Part 2 - Important Things in Window Replacement

Why Window Replacement Is Best Left to The Pros

Part 3

Looking Foran Expert

Why Window Replacement Is Best Left to The Pros

Finding a contractor is easy, but making sure that the contractor will deliver as promised is an entirely different story. With so many “ex-pert” window specialists offering their services, it can be difficult to tell the good ones apart from the rest. Here are a few tips on looking for an expert window replacement contractor.

Certification is one of the most reliable indi-cators of a contractor’s way of doing business. A certification by the local regulatory board serves as proof that a contractor meets the quality of workmanship considered satisfactory by customers. Some or-ganizations also award certain contractors for consistently providing good customer service. You’ll generally want contractors with those kinds of awards.

To maintain the quality of their products, some window manufacturers only allow certain con-tractors to offer their products. This means these contractors are the only ones qualified to install their products properly. If you’re planning to have your old window replaced by a specific product, see if there are authorized or exclusive dealers of that particular brand in your area.

Part 3 - Looking For An Expert

Why Window Replacement Is Best Left to The Pros

While you may find it a bit tedious, looking for contractors that ask many questions is actually a good thing. The more questions they ask, the more details you can provide about the project. This minimizes the chances of the contractor replacing your window with a different product, and helps them prepare the necessary materials in advance.

Don’t prioritize choices based on price alone. Re-member that the less you pay them, the fewer op-tions they’ll have available when working on your window. Contractors willing to offer low prices may be using cheaper, substandard materials or rush their work so they don’t have to put too much effort into it. On the other hand, there’s no reason to spend too much on window replacement if you can get an entirely new window for the same price, so don’t just go for the contractor offering the highest rates. Compare prices online and look for contractors that offer their services for some-thing closer to the average rates in your location.

While it may seem like the more expensive option, hiring an expert to replace your window may actu-ally help you save more in the long run. The precise workmanship of an experienced professional will make sure your new window will last for a long time.

Part 3 - Looking For An Expert

Why Window Replacement Is Best Left to The Pros

DIAl ONE WINDOWS23052-F lake Forest Drive laguna Hills,

California 92653

(631) 247-9597www.dialonewindows.com