Even the highest quality of windows eventually experience problems and need to be replaced. Years of use can really wear your windows down and cause them to have structural and energy efficient problems. Do not lose out on more money because of high heating bills, check out these warning signs to see if you need to replace your windows.

Condensation

If you have double or triple-paned windows and you are noticing condensation inside the glass, then it may be time to replace your windows. Any sort of condensation in between the glass panels indicates that there is a seal failure. When a seal fails, moisture is able to enter the space between the panes of glass and as a result, air will condense on the glass. Once this happens, the insulated glass is no longer creating a barrier between the indoor and outdoor air.

Difficulty opening and shutting windows

If you are unable to open or close your windows properly, its time to get new windows. Dysfunctional windows leave your home vulnerable to a break in and reduces your homes level of insulation. This is also true for older double hung or single hung windows because they have an issue with balance. When the balance fails, windows can slam shut suddenly, creating a safety hazard.

You feel a draft indoors

Highly insulated windows will let in a little bit of air, but it should never be something that you can feel or notice. Over time windows tend to wear out and let more and more air in, so it’s important to fix the problem or else you will see an in your heating bill.

Replacing your home’s windows requires a major commitment that should be taken seriously. Replacing windows is a big investment, but if it is done properly it can help reduce energy and maintenance costs, while keeping your home comfortable and secure. However, the race to save energy and maintenance costs can cause you to fall into some pits along the way and make mistakes. When you are about to have your windows replace make sure to not make these common mistakes:

Buying Cheap

You may think that all windows are the same, but that is simply no true. You get what you pay for, so if you are looking to buy cheap. you are going to get a cheap product that may not be durable enough to meet your climate conditions. This could lead to a rise in your energy bills. However, be sure to not go to far in the opposite direction as well. Expensive windows might not be the right fit for your home either, which is why it is important to hire a knowledgeable window contractor who can assess your proper needs.

Not Hiring a Specialist

Lots of people like to do home projects themselves because they think it can save them money and they think they are capable of performing the project. It is important to not rely solely on what you know because it can cost you more money than it would to just hire a professional. Don’t let your pride get in the way of saving you hundreds of dollars. Hire a specialist who is experienced and can perform the job in a quick and efficient manner.

Selecting Non-Brand Names

Whichever type of window you decide to go with (vinyl, wood, etc.), it is important to pick one of the top, most well respected brand names on the market. If you end up having a problem and need to replace a piece or an entire window, you run the risk of the those parts not being available anymore. It’s important to talk to your window contractor and see what the best options are for you.

Avoid mistakes and make sure to call an experienced window contractor to make sure you are getting the job done properly, so you can start saving money on heating and energy costs now.

There are many reasons why homeowners may choose to replace their windows. Old windows, single pane windows, windows that won’t open or remain open, cracked glass, leaky frames, condensation issues, and rotted wood are a few of the many reasons why replacing windows is commonly needed.

Replacing windows is usually a grand investment for most homeowners. While window replacement is frequently done for resale value and safety, it is also a major plus for the level of energy efficiency. When you replace your windows, one of the biggest benefits you’ll start seeing right away is energy savings. The design and manufacturing processes of today’s vinyl windows make them more energy efficient than windows installed even ten years ago. New windows will save on cooling costs in the summer and heating costs in the winter. Replacement vinyl windows will typically perform much better than your old windows at blocking external forces. New windows should be able to withstand higher winds without being drafty, and have tight seals to keep out the rain.

Besides weather, new windows can also reduce the amount of outside noise entering your home. Older windows, especially those made of wood, are notoriously difficult to open whether it’s from years of layers of paint or from wood rot.

New windows can improve or even change the look of your home. Rotting frames and sills, peeling paint, cracked panes, and condensation between the glass all detract from the look of your home. You can replace your old windows with new windows in a similar style, shape, and color. Or you can choose to change the look of your home by changing window configurations, adding a window to an empty wall, choosing a different trim color, or opting for a different grid configuration.

Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air so a little fog on the lower corners of your windows now and then probably doesn’t bother you. By the time you’ve thought about it a second time it has usually gone away. But, what if you have condensation that blocks your whole window with fog or frost?  If you have this kind of condensation on your windows, you have good reasons to be concerned.

 

Heres a list of 7 ways to control the condensation:

1.) Install storm windows or replacement windows with double or triple glazing.

2.) Shut off furnace humidifier and any other humidifying devices in your home.

3.) Be sure that louvers in attic or basement crawl spaces are open and that they are large enough.

4.) Run kitchen or other ventilating fans longer and more often than has been your custom.

5.) Open fireplace damper to allow easier escape for moisture.

6.) Air out your house a few minutes each day. Air out kitchen, laundry and bathrooms during use or just following use.

7.) If troublesome condensation persists see your heating contractor about an outside air intake for your furnace; about venting of gas-burning heaters and appliances; or about installation of ventilating fans.

It’s important to trust the people working on your house! We’ve put together a list of questions to ask in order to make it easier for you to cover key topics that are important to helping you decide on which contractor to hire.

 

Here are some questions to ask when hiring a vinyl window installer for your next project:

-Were you satisfied with the completed work?

-Were there any unexpected costs? If so, what were they?

-Would you personally use this installer again?

-What one thing would you change about this window replacement experience if you could to make it easier on yourself?

-Can I visit your home to see the completed job?

-Did the installer and his workers show up on time?

-Did the installation crew keep the jobsite clean?

-Did the crew remove all trash in a timely manner?

-Would you recommend this installer to family members?

-Did the installation crew respect your home and your property?

For most homeowners, costs play a major role when making any major home-repair decision.  When it comes to windows and doors, vinyl is a superior, all-around excellent choice. Unlike wood, when buying vinyl replacement windows and doors they will never rot or require endless repainting. And unlike aluminum, vinyl replacement windows and doors will never pit or flake.

 

They help offer increased comfort and energy efficiency, provide headache-free operation and add value to your home. You can’t get much better than that! Here are a few advantages offered by Simonton Windows:

– Increased Comfort: Vinyl windows and doors offer excellent thermal performance for year-round comfort.

– Easy Operation: Our windows and doors open and close easily for maximum performance with minimum effort.

– Weatherability: The premium vinyl used in our windows and doors can stand up to extreme weather conditions year after year.

– Energy Efficiency: Vinyl is an effective insulator. Our vinyl profiles are specially designed to work with advanced glass packages for optimum energy efficiency.

– Low Maintenance: The color of the vinyl is integrated throughout, so the frames will never require painting, they resist pollution, salt, spray and dirt.

– Value: Not only do our vinyl windows and doors help to lower home utility bills, they also add value to your home!

Clearview Vinyl Windows offers a variety of vinyl window sizes and styles. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to replace your windows, or a contractor installing for a new build, we have the right windows for you!

 

Double Hung Windows: Our most popular series gives you a high quality, yet affordable window that is built for many years of enjoyable use. Plus, they’re energy efficient & easy to clean!

Single Hung Windows: Side by side window sashes open horizontally with one sash remaining stationary. Slider windows combine refreshing breezes with an attractive contemporary style.

Bay & Bow Window: A smooth sweeping curve from a bow window or an expanded view given by a bay window are exactly what you need if you’re looking for soothing daylight in your home.

Architectural Shape: Get creative and shape your wall of light to match your personal style and architecture design of your home. We are experts in engineering windows with vinyl profile bending.

Casement & Awning: Ideal for homeowners with goals of creating an old world appearance, while maintaining efficient energy design. Quality built with 1″ insulating glass with Edgetech Super Spacer.

Basement Windows: Our hopper style basement window opens from the top, and can remain open in any position.

Picture Windows: Frame the beautiful outdoors with an energy efficient picture window for a large and undistracted view – no sashes, screens or grids – just a gorgeous picture view.

 

With grid, color and custom shape options, you can find any window to suit your needs. Looking for something custom? Let us know, and we’ll make it just the way you need it!

When Water and frost builds on windows it’s condensation. Condensation happens when warm dry air comes in contact with cooler dry air, your windows can sweat or fog because of the difference in temperatures. If you are having trouble with window condensation then it could be because your home could be tightly closed. Today’s tightly closed modern home can be heated for less then the amount of heat it took to heat house years ago. Window Condensation also can result in the use of everyday modern appliances such as new dryers, and ovens. This article states the following reasoning as to what causes Window Condensation and how you can prevent the moisture build up on your home and windows.

What Causes Condensation?

Every now and then a little condensation on your windows may not effect you. What happens when the problem becomes excessive and the condensation is blocking the whole window? Many other problems can result with window condensation such as water running off into the woodwork surrounding the window. Sometimes in if the condensation is serious it could ruin wallpaper or plaster. If this is occurring in your home, it’s important to act upon it.

Don’t rush into blaming everyone on your window instillation or  the paint that surrounds it. The only thing to blame is Water Vapor and it is invisible. The only way to prevent this is to get rid of the excess water vapor. The most effective thing to do is equipped your window with good storm windows.

Reducing Condensation 

To reduce condensation in your home you first must understand how to control the humidity in your home. During the warm months your house collects moisture. During the first months of winter, condensation occurs from the heat of your home. A quick solution would be opening a window and the moist air will escape.

Other steps that can occur:

• Opening or cracking windows daily
• Install storm windows or replace windows with triple glazing
• running exhaust fans in the kitchen
• opening blinds
• turning off humidifiers
• using a dehumidifier
• adding waterproof protection

Reducing window Condensation is simple, when there is too much condensation it means that there is an increase in humidity in your home. Taking the necessary steps above to reduce the window condensation will help reduce it. Don’t act quick and have your windows replace, windows don’t cause condensation.

Like all windows, your vinyl windows will need to be cleaned a couple times a year. Maintaining proper care for your vinyl windows you will extend the life and most vinyl windows simply slide out of the frame making them easy to clean. It is important to use the right cleaners and what you may not know is that simple household cleaners will do the trick.

Dish Soap

You can clean your vinyl windows by simply mixing a small amount of dish soap with water. Use a soft cloth when cleaning the windows. While cleaning, apply the soap and water in a circular motion until all dirt and debris has been removed. Any abrasive materials could have a negative effect on the surface of glass and window frames.

Murphy’s Oil Soap

Mix 1 teaspoon of this Murphy’s oil soap with a gallon of water. As with dish soap, be sure to use a soft cloth and apply this mixture to the windows in smooth, circular patterns. Although these are intended to be helpful tips you should always follow the manufacturer’s directions on cleansers.

Bleach

You can use bleach to clean tough stains. Bleach should be used on your vinyl windows at a 4:1 ratio of water to bleach. Apply it as you would the detergent solution. Rinse the window with clear water.

Windex or Lysol

Water-based cleaners such as Windex or Lysol can be used to clean the interior of your vinyl windows. You should only spray a small amount onto the window and then remove the cleaner using a soft cloth.

Vinegar

If notice mold or mildew simply use vinegar to treat your windows. Apply a mixture of 30 percent vinegar to 70 percent water. This mixture will remove existing mold or mildew, and should help prevent from returning.

What NOT To Use

Aggressive organic solvents should not be used on your vinyl windows. These type of cleansers could affect the surface appearance of the vinyl. Examples of such cleansers are chlorine bleach, liquid grease remover, nail polish remover and furniture polish/cleansers.

Do not use mildly abrasive cleaners such as Ajax. Abrasive materials could have a negative effect on the surface of glass and window frames.

Proper maintenance of your vinyl windows is important to the longevity and function. The options listed above should cover just about any situation your windows would become exposed to. These options may not work for everything, like oil, paint and tar. For hard stains on your vinyl windows you should use Soft Scrub, Lestoil or Lysol. When using these products you should always follow the manufacturer’s directions on cleansers.

If you have any questions about the cleaning and maintenance of your vinyl windows just reach out to us and we will be glad to assist you.

Choosing Vinyl Window Styles

Choosing vinyl windows for your home can be quite the challenge. Luckily we are here to help. We provide Central New York with the finest custom vinyl windows available. There are many styles to choose from along with glass styles. New windows can enhance your homes appearance and increase your home’s efficiency.

First you must look at the architectural design of your home to find which windows will conform to its style and characteristics. While you can put different style windows where another still resides now, the operation of the window may be limited by its new location. 

Sliding Windows

Horizontal sliding windows are the most adaptable configuration. They provide a great look with two or more sashes that slide horizontally past each other within the frame. Sliding windows can be configured on practically any size wall making it the most popular style of window. Sliding windows satisfy bedroom egress requirements being easy to operate. Along with their aesthetic, safety, and ease of use characteristics, vinyl sliding windows are excellent for energy efficiency. They harbor great insulating capabilities.

Single Hung Window

Traditional in appearance single hung replacement windows are the most inexpensive way to replace wood windows. Fixed top sash and a vertically sliding bottom sash make for simple affective windows. Using no exterior or interior space to open, these windows can be utilized in a variety of configurations with minimal clearance issues.

Double Hung

Double hung windows are versatile utilizing two sashes which slide vertically past each other. For extra safety with children or pets, double hung windows allow for only the top sash to be open. Cleaning is made easy as sashes tilt inward for hard to reach window locations. Double hung are among the most energy efficient. With both sashes capable of sliding, these windows offer two areas of ventilation for your home.

Casement Windows

Casement windows provide the largest opening ventilation area relative to total window opening. Using a crank mechanism casement windows are hinged along the vertical edge and opening outwards from the opposite side. This style window offers unobstructed views with a contemporary style. Available in single or double sash. Casement windows offer a refined look to your home with both sashes on the same level.

Awning Windows

Hinged along the top horizontal edge, awning windows tilt from the bottom outward. Popular for contemporary, modern and craftsman homes, these windows offer great ventilation during poor weather. Ideal for garages and attics.

Bay Windows

Bay windows combine three windows and project outward creating more space within any room. Maximize your space and create scenic views with great style brightening your dining room, living room, or kitchen. Bay windows provide a look of luxury. For traditional or cottage style homes this style will transform your home with life. Combine casement, picture, single, or double hung windows for maximum ventilation.

Bow Windows

Bow windows are made up of four or more window units positioned at equal angles making a curve. These windows become a focal point and enhance the look of your home. This modern style window display creates scenic views and allows natural daylight to radiate throughout the room.

When deciding on window styles for your home, be mindful of ease of use, functionality, and operation. Vinyl windows will survive decades. Making the right window choice the first time is very important. Contact us for further assistance with new vinyl windows for your home. We will provide you with a free quote and pressure free professional opinion.