Replacement Windows; Main Questions Answered

  SO, why replace my existing windows, Other than some obvious seal failures (they are steamed up or foggy between the panes of glass)?

 My name is Jim Cox, and I've been involved in the vinyl replacement window and home improvement business since 1993. Boasting over 30 years of experience, my replacement window crew is highly respected by both window suppliers and former customers. After returning to Ohio from Austin, Texas, I decided to leverage my past experience along with my marketing and teaching skills. This website is designed for those seeking comprehensive information about vinyl replacement windows, practical advice on replacement window options, and ways to save money. The following are answers to the "why replacement window" questions. For further clarification, I've included some video links to assist you in your decision-making process and to explain what's involved should you decide to proceed with with your home improvement project

1.  Energy efficiency is one of the main reasons owners consider investing in replacement windows. Window technology has evolved significantly over the years. Changes have occurred in window frames, the number of chambers, types of glass coatings, spacers, distance between panes, style offers, and even the type of reinforcement.

2. Convenience of cleaning (should you wish to) of older type windows.

3.Appearance. New windows usually add to your homes' “curb appeal” and freshens up the look of older dated windows.

4. Home Value. New windows will enhance your property's value, especially if you're considering selling in the near future. This is due to the aforementioned factors, as well as the notion that window replacement is a point a prospective new owner will consider while negotiating your price.

“How much do window?s cost?” Let's first look into the question, "What Goes Into a Window" ?  An educational 2-minute read.

This is a tough question and demands a bit of an involved answer. It’s like asking what does a new car cost? There’s a bit of a spread in the possible answers. 

Let’s look at the factors that go into a window price. First, style or type. Windows come in a variety of styles and operations in the residential market; The most prevalent is the Double Hung window where 2 sashes are stacked vertically and move up and down. There is a version called a Single hung where only the bottom sash operates and the top one is fixed. These are generally in new construction homes, condos, and apartments and usually cost a little less than the double hung. Next in popularity is the Slider. This is a window that has 2 or three sashes and operate horizontally or sideways. These are popular because they tend to be a little less expensive when filling larger openings. For example, when an opening has a width of 60 inches, this opening will take two double hung windows due to the maximum width of a double hung generally being 52”. However, this opening could be filled with a single 2 lite slider versus two double hungs, thus saving money. Other window options include a 3 lite slider where there is a fixed center picture window flanked by 2 operable sashes sliding toward the middle. These can be ordered in 1/3-1/3-1/3 or ¼ - ½ - ¼ configurations depending entirely on customer taste. There are Casement windows, the crank out kind, Awning styles that crank out from the bottom, Picture windows, Hopper windows, mostly for basements, and Bay and Bow windows. These all have to do with type of operation, cost, appearance, and efficiency. I can hear the questions now… efficiency? Efficiency primary relates to potential air intrusion and thermodynamics of the glass. Addressing air infiltration first, the picture window is the most efficient window made. There are no moving parts and it doesn’t open, thus no air intrusion. Next would be the casement, awning, and hopper, since these are basically picture windows that fit directly into a frame. Next, the double hung, and finally, the least efficient is the slider. This is primarily due to the manner of movement and manner of getting the window out of the frame. I’d be happy to discuss this directly should anyone have more questions.

The frame and sash material may be vinyl, wood, fiberglass, or aluminum, each with strengths and weaknesses. Primarily, I’m going to stick with vinyl replacements since they may have the strongest bang for the buck for residential usage and make up the bulk of the home window replacement market. We utilize some of the world’s largest vinyl extruders in the world. 

The frame should have multiple chambers for both energy preservation, strength, and rigidity. Energy is one of the main reasons people replace older windows. Many people feel that replacement windows simply save on heating bills. That’s only half the savings. Effective windows save on whatever you’re spending your money on in your home, whether heating or cooling. Higher energy efficient windows slow down energy transfer from inside to outside and visa versa.

Your new windows should have an effective interlock system between sashes and adequate latch and keeper strength. The interlock is simply channels on each sash that fit together and tighten the gap between the sash frames when the windows close. There should also be a negative or outside tilting sill to direct water and snow away from the home    

Next comes glass packages. There are double pane, and triple pane windows. There are coatings called Low-E (stands for Low emissivity). Low-E is a coating, normally silver oxide, that’s applied to the inner surface(s) of the glass to aid in both conserving energy as well as lessening the effects of UV on carpet, draperies, and furnishings. These come in some older type products called hard-coat Low-E and the newer soft-coat Low-E products. For more info- https://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-low-e-glass.htm#   There may be as many as 3 layers on one pane of glass! Some glass packages may even have 3 panes or called a triple pane in a single sash should extreme heat or cold be an issue as well as helping lower sound levels for homes around airport landing and takeoff corridors. There is optional gas that can be added in the space between the panes such as Argon, which replaces normal air and slows the heat to cold transfer from outside to inside or visa versa. An issue normally skipped over in most inexpensive windows offered is actually the dead air space between the panes. Our window is offered with a ¾ inch space. Some less expensive windows may be as little as 3/8” to ½” inch. This small space does allow for higher energy transfer from outside to inside but much over ¾” we find there to be less and less effectiveness.

The spacer, the material that separates the 2, or perhaps 3, panes of glass, is another feature that may be glossed over from the cheaper window companies. An inexpensive rectangular aluminum spacer has been around for several decades since the advent of double pane windows and is prevalent in older, inexpensive windows. While it does separate the 2 panes, it also conducts a lot of energy from outside to inside. 15 to 20 years ago an innovation came along called “ a Warm-Edge Intercept”. This is a one piece, “U-shaped” spacer that separates the panes of glass by eliminating the inside cross section making the rectangle into the U shape. This omitted that point of contact between the glass panes and lessened the heat/cold transfer. Currently, much of the market depends of this type of spacer. We generally use this type as a discount option. *See Price grid for comparison. We currently utilize the newest tech SuperSpacer for our general quotes. This spacer is a polyfoam spacer that has very little energy conduction properties and is standard in our triple pane products.

Options in the glass package also offers tempered glass for areas around entry doors, stairways, and water (bathrooms, shower/baths, and toilets). This is like safety glass which breaks into small bits if broken instead of very sharp shards. For privacy, there is also optional obscure glass.

Finally, the installation team is the last piece of the pricing question. The team I personally use didn’t just start doing this because roofing had slowed down or, a couple guys worked with a window install company for the summer or learned from their uncle and thought they could make more money on their own. The crew I use has been at this for over 30 yrs and both customers and window suppliers love their work. They measure for exact production of each window, pick them up, remove old windows, install the new ones, trim out exteriors where needed, and smoothly finish the install on each window. They clean up the area, and remove the old windows and associated debris from the client’s property, all done usually in one day for an average home. *We can usually complete a 15 window job in a day.

REALLY... How much do windows usually cost?

We've arrived at the cost question. I'll speak generally since every project can vary subtly in unforeseen ways. Currently, a white double-hung window can be priced between $700 (low side) to $3,000+ per window (high side). You might ask, "What kind of answer is this?" Let me clarify. Some companies price their window low to attract customers, expecting their salesperson to upsell and explain what the advertised price didn't include. This could range from screens, Low-E, old window disposal, certain types of trimming, to prices for windows above a certain size, and other items that customers would expect to be included but the company must charge for to reach a realistic price.

On the other end, some companies quote extravagant prices, ranging from $2000 to $5000 per window! Why? They need "room" to offer discounts, such as 50% off, 2-for-1, or even 3-for-1 deals, providing various reasons for discounts and then "calling their manager".

In reality, a quality white double-hung window can be installed within the range of $750*-$1200. This range still provides a starting point for color, premium glass packages, and some style and size flexibility.

Instead of pushing prospective customers into an appointment “just to get a price range”, I'll discuss that here and now. If you see the value in the following ballpark price ranges, (especially if you’ve received some Extremely High proposals from the big advertisers), don't hesitate to email or call me to arrange a visit or phone call to address any questions or concerns. I'll be more than happy to provide clarification and address any issues.

First, review the "how to measure" section to get us started. Windows are measured in "United Inches" (U.I.), which is simply the sum of the width and height. For instance, a window that is 32" wide and 66" tall would be 98 U.I. Generally, prices are initially set for units measuring 101 U.I. or less. Beyond that, the cost incrementally increases for every U.I. over the base. This "ballpark" figure may be a bit shocking for those who haven't shopped for windows before. For those who have sit through a "presentation" for a couple hours and then presented with a $40,000 bid for 12 windows. I get it. Feel free to email or call me with any questions or clarifications. Our prices include ordering, installation, removal of old windows, and lifetime warranty, so there's nothing left to be surprise about.

Being in this business for over 30 years, I've seen and heard about every story imaginable, some horrific ones at that. One issue that has come up I'll address right now. Should damage show itself during installation, we will take pictures, share them with you, and discuss the remedy. I DO NOT make money on unforeseen damage. I add only the cost of materials and the additional labor for the repair... period.

I look forward to being of service. Currently, our window replacement crew can service areas within about an hour drive of Cincinnati, Ohio. That distance lessens for construction projects such as room additions, sunrooms, and home renovations due to expected time on the project. *Window replacement projects are generally completed in ONE DAY. A renovation may take as long as several months depending on the complexity of the job.