The Advantages of Hiring a Window Contractor

Quality window installation depends upon finding a quality window contractor. Finding the window style is usually the first step for window installation. A window contractor can walk you through the trade-offs between single-hung or double-hung windows, casement or horizontal sliding windows. You may only be looking for replacement windows, where your window opening will dictate the style, but changing the style may not cost as much as you think, and it's good to hear from an expert before you make up your mind. Even replacement window installation requires expertise to ensure your windows will provide you with the performance and longevity the manufacturer promises.

Window Manufacturers
One of the most difficult decisions for homeowners can be choosing a window brand. Small window manufacturers tend to provide specialty and customized glass for a small niche of window installations, but there are still close to a dozen major window manufacturers and knowing which one is right for you can be a crap shoot. A window contractor is a good source of general information about these manufacturers and may even be able to get a deal from one or more of them.

Energy-Efficient Windows
One of the most common reasons to replace existing windows is to increase the energy-efficiency performance of your windows. For poor performing windows, as much as 90% of your heat loss can occur through your windows. Double or triple insulated windows will greatly increase the insulating value of your windows. The highest performing windows can even approach the insulation performance of the walls that surround them. Reflective glass windows will deflect much of the sun's rays, making them perform well, not just in the winter, but in the summer, too.

Most of the heat loss occurs through the glass but an energy-efficient window frame shouldn't be overlooked. Wood frames are great for energy-efficiency but are also expensive and require maintenance. Aluminum is inexpensive and durable but has a poorer insulation rating. Vinyl is a good compromise but can crack in extreme temperatures.

R-factors are the measure of a material's insulating performance. U-factors refer to the total window unit's insulating performance. The U-factor is the reciprocal of the R-factor, which means you should look for window installations that have a high R-factor and a low U-factor.

Hiring a Window Contractor
Window contracting is open to would-be scammers. Because window installation and repair is a common home improvement project, it's not uncommon for a dishonest person to blow through town, line up a bunch of quick customers, make promises, falsify supply orders, take your money, and take off. At the very least, check to make sure your window contractor is licensed. This is your first line of defense, but you should also check references and talk to multiple contractors. Never hire someone who comes to your door and solicits a window installation to be completed that day.