What You Need To Know

Knowing what questions to ask about energy-efficient windows will save you a lot of time and money.  Having the correct information up front gives you the opportunity to know the best window questions to ask your window installer. Such as, the type of vinyl replacement windows that perform the best in your area.  Make the right decision to invest in energy efficient replacement windows the first time, and you won’t have to reinvest in energy efficient windows again. Make the wrong decision and you will be back in the market for replacement windows again in just a few years.

Jay’s Siding & Windows will help you with the questions to ask and the things to look for. These tips will make shopping for replacement windows easy and will help you in selecting a proven, high-quality, energy-efficient window, professionally installed and backed by a solid warranty. It will give you the opportunity to compare apples to apples, so you know what all the replacement window companies are really promising.  Here are some of the things you should evaluate when shopping for replacement windows, and remember all manufacturers will not honor the warranty unless the replacement windows are installed correctly.

Before you start to look for replacement window companies you need to put a plan together for the following:

How many companies do you want to evaluate?

Then how much time are you willing to commit to each company?

Do you have a budget established and a time frame for the replacement windows?

Are you interested in replacing all the windows or just some of the windows?

What are the best times for you to evaluate the companies, mornings, afternoons, evenings or weekends?

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How long is the sales presentation really going to take?

Most of the marketing windows companies take anywhere from 1-5 hours. You should be able to get all the required information in 30 minutes to an hour.

Is the window company a general contractor or a specialty contractor?

A general contractor is allowed by state law to conduct more than one specialty.  A specialty contractor is only licensed to do one thing. Most construction jobs, even windows will require more than one function.

Does the window company do only residential remodel?

You want a company that only does residential remodel, not new construction, apartments, or condominiums. General contractor who does nothing but residential home improvements will be a “Master craftsman” , have all the correct tools, and be a lot neater in your home.  This is all about learned behaviors.

What is the reputation of the window company?

50 % of construction companies are out of business within one year, and 25 % by the fifth year. Companies in business longer than that show financial stability. 

Are they an Accredited BBB business with an excellent rating?

The BBB has accredited businesses and listings of businesses in Washington State.  An accredited business means that the company has paid a membership fee to the BBB and subscribes to their business principles and practices.  Companies that are not accredited usually don’t follow BBB guidelines.

Are they members of either NARI or master builders association?

The national association of the remodeling industry also requires membership and has strict principles and practices guidelines for companies.

Do they have a place of business?

They should have an office address, warehouse space, 800 number, office phones, fax lines, websites, cell phone numbers.  This shows they are professionals and are committed to their industry. It also makes it easy for you to talk to them anytime you have a question.  The process should always be an easy one.

Are their trucks displayed with their company information, websites, and telephone numbers?

If their trucks are easily identified with logos and website and phone numbers in graphic lettering and not magnetic signs, they are planning to be around for a long time.

How professional is their website?

If they are planning a future in this industry they better have a nice website.  It should be easy to get any and all information so you can feel comfortable inviting them into your home.

Do they have employees or sub contractors?

Most companies hire subcontractors not employees because the window company does not have to have any equipment expense and carry any insurance and a minimal amount of liability.  You want employees of the window company.  They will take more time to do the window installation and you will not have any liability because the window company has to carry special employee insurance.  This is risk free for you.

Have they shown you all there proper licensing and insurance papers?

You should have access to all the proper licensing, bonding, and insurance information right from the beginning.  This way you know they are operating legally.  We have all heard of the horror stories of unlicensed contractors and window companies.

Do they have city licenses where your home is?

Every city home improvement work is done in requires a city license.

What about permits, if required?

Not all residential installations require a permit, but some do.  Ask the company to get all required permits, licenses and have them put it in writing. Then if an inspector shows up and they don’t have a permit, you won’t get fined the contractor will.

Can they show you a written process policy to cover installation, clean up and how they handle service issues?

They should be able to go over in detail with you the processes and expectations of the company.  This sets the standard for a team effort on their part and yours so there are no false expectations or sudden surprises.

What is their payment policy?

You need to know what the payment expectations are.  The down payment requirements, the final payment and when each is due.

Do they have referrals you can call, or  jobsites to visit for replacement windows?

There should be telephone numbers and addresses of referrals on how the installations went, what they were happy with and would they do business with the window company again?

Do they have written policies for all installations?

Installation is very important because if the window company doesn’t have a specific policy for installation, then how do you know the window installer and the crew are even certified to do the window companies installation.  Do you want them practicing on your home.  Make sure they are members of Installation Masters.  This is a national testing of window installation practices that experienced window installers can only go through.  No rookies.

Who will be the key window installer and crew that will be in charge of your job?

They should be able to tell you who the installer is and the crew and a small history on them.  Are they new or have they been with the company for awhile.

Do they have a policy for employee background checks?

All employees should go through background checks.

What are their warranties?

You want a lifetime transferable warranty from the manufacturer.  Some manufacturers require a fee to transfer, find one that doesn’t.  You also need a long labor warranty.  Look for a glass breakage warranty and a screen warranty.

Do they have a written dry rot policy and how are you covered for surprises?

If they run into some dry rot when they remove your old windows, do they fix it or stop the job and tell you to find someone to fix it and they will come back. 

Do their windows qualify for rebates and the energy tax credits?

You need windows that qualify for energy rebates and for the tax credits.  This means the latest Low emissivity glass in either an insulated glass replacement window or triple pane replacement window, with argon gas or krypton gas, and a non metallic glass spacer system, such as super spacer.

Do their windows carry the NFRC certification label, and the AAMA gold label?

All the quality window replacement manufacturers have both labels.  This assures you they have past the highest tests on windows.  You don’t have to go through a 3 hour presentation on these points.

Do they require you to make a decision the first visit?

You should not feel uncomfortable or pressured into signing anything.  Trust your instincts.  There are a lot of high pressure companies who will offer so called discounts to get you to sign the same evening.  If they are competitively priced in the market, they are not going to care if you get another bid.  If they know another company has better value than them then they are going to apply the pressure with so called discounts to pressure you into signing.  Don’t do it.  I know you want to be nice but they do not deserve your hospitality.  Show them the door!

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ENERGY-EFFICIENT MATERIALS

Wood is good, but vinyl as they say is final. When replacing old wood or aluminum windows it is easy to see why vinyl window products are a better value. Wood is prone to swelling and rotting, it will also require painting or staining to maintain its appeal. Wood clad windows may just hide problems. Aluminum will oxidize, and is either hot or cold to the touch depending on the season (not to mention the potential condensation problem). Vinyl windows are an ideal value choice when they meet the federal energy tax guidelines; are AAMA and NFRC labeled; have fusion welded corners; and made with reinforced uPVC.

WINDOW FRAME

Your replacement windows should be custom made to fit the window opening. You should not have to alter your openings to fit the windows.  Make sure the frames are fully reinforced. Make sure the window contractor guarantees in writing, the windows will not sag. Look for multi-chambered, fusion welded frames.

WINDOW SASH

The sash is the part of the window that holds the glass. The frame surrounds the sashes must also be multi-chambered, fusion welded, and reinforced. If windows are not reinforced the sashes can and will distort over time, resulting in a leaky, poorly locking window. Quality windows use structural reinforcement in the sash to provide added strength. Reinforcement is a must. These key features offer superior structural strength against bowing, warping and sagging.

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ENERGY-EFFICIENT GLASS

Insulated glass is a must. The more energy efficient the glass, the more comfortable you will be, and the more you will save on your reduced gas, electric, and oil bills. Quality energy efficient vinyl window replacements can offer you center of glass R-Values up to R 10.0 and reduce outside noise by up to 30% while blocking most of the suns harmful UV rays, virtually eliminating fading damage to your homes contents.  You will also be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.   If you live in a high wind zone, or security is an issue, look for impact-resistant glass for peace of mind.

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INSTALLATION

Installation is a HUGE problem in the home improvement industry because of the lack of experience and education.  Most companies are marketing companies looking for sub contractors to install the window replacements

they sell because they don’t want to carry any liability.  The sub contractor only cares about getting in and out as fast as possible to get paid.  No wonder windows leak!  Do not accept a “caulk and walk” installation from a window company. Make sure the window contractor you choose provides you with a superior installation system which will include top-of-the-line installation materials such as long life exterior caulking (50-75 year), not painters caulking. Installed vinyl windows will leave the openings practically maintenance free. Make sure the installation crew is factory trained and fully insured and have gone through installation masters training and certification.  This certification card shows they are installations professional installers.

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WARRANTY

A warranty is only as good as the product on which it is placed, and only as good as the company providing it. Insist on reading a copy of the warranty. It shouldn’t be complicated.  All you want to know is if something goes wrong can, and will the window company or window manufacturer take care of it, and how long will it take.  Make sure the window installation is covered for the full-term of the warranty. Find out who would actually be performing the service work if necessary and what the process is.  Would the service person be from the window dealer or the window manufacturer? Make sure you get a glass breakage warranty and a screen warranty as well.  That way you are getting a lifetime warranty.  Not a what if warranty.  The warranty should be non-prorated on both the parts and labor for as long as you own your home. Accept no verbal promises! If you don’t get it in writing, then you will likely not get it at all. What is the value of a lifetime warranty if it isn’t in writing.

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Jays Siding & Windows process is simple.  We spend about one half hour with you on the first visit and measure your windows, give you this information sheet and then within 3-5 business days send you an another packet with all the information to answer these questions and links to key sites and some references for you to call to see how they liked doing business with us and of course the price for your project.  From there we will contact you in about another week to give you time to absorb the information and do a professional follow up. When it is the right time for you it is the right time for us.

Should you have any questions or need more information please call us at any of the listed numbers.

Office @ 425-656-8010;   Fax @ 425-656-8011; Cell @ 206-330-6968

Email @ sales@jayswindows.com;   Website@ www.jayswindows.com