Tag Archive for: Vinyl Replacement Windows and Doors

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One of the things that many homeowners have discovered in recent years is that replacing windows is not as easy as it used to be.  There was a time when there were very few choices when it came to replacement windows; today just the opposite seems to be true.  Now it feels that there are almost too many choices!  It is enough to confuse even the most experienced homeowner.

One of the top choices that will be offered to a homeowner when it comes to replacement windows is the vinyl window.  How good are vinyl windows?  How long do they last?  Are they a good choice as a replacement window?  What are vinyl window pros and cons?

The answers to these questions depend on several factors.  If the home is more than 100 years old and sided in mwood then vinyl may not be a good choice, simply from an aesthetic viewpoint.  But if the home is more modern in appearance, then vinyl may be an excellent choice.

For one thing, vinyl-framed windows are probably the most economical window on the market.  They are also relatively light-weight and easy to install.  Because they are quick and easy to install, the cost of installing vinyl windows is usually low compared to other alternatives.

The primary drawback to vinyl is that many people do not care for its appearance, but from an aesthetic standpoint, modern vinyl windows have been greatly improved over windows made just a few years ago. Today’s vinyl-framed windows can be patterned in virtually any wood grain and pre-colored to pass as most common framing woods, even from only a few feet away.

Because vinyl comes pre-colored, with coloring that is actually a part of the vinyl itself, vinyl windows need no npainting. And because the color lasts for years, they require virtually no maintenance. Both of these factors can be big pluses for many homeowners.

Vinyl is also a good insulator, though not quite as good as wood.  Still, given the cost difference between wood-framed and vinyl-framed windows, the slight difference in insulating properties may not amount to very much.

The other thing homeowners must bear in mind is that not all vinyl windows are created equal.  Some are better than others and it can be difficult for the novice to tell the difference.  That’s one reason it is strongly recommended that homeowners consult with a window professional like United Home Experts before making any final decisions.

One window you might want to consider is Simonton.  Simonton is a well-respected name in the vinyl window obusiness, and Simonton windows come in virtually every style of window imaginable and in a wide range of colors and textures, including interior wood grain finishes.  Simonton windows are double-paned, with argon gas between the sheets of glass for added insulation.  Simonton windows use the most modern low E-glass for the best thermal insulating properties in the business.  Not only that, Simonton windows are simply breathtaking and add instant value to just about any home.

The bottom line is that there are a lot of vinyl window pros and cons, but for many people the benefits far outweigh the negatives.  Buying vinyl windows from today’s vast selection of makes and models can feel a little like walking through a mine field. Homeowners embarking on any window project can consult with the dedicated window experts at United Home Experts for free estimates and excellent advice.

To schedule your free estimate, give us a call at 508-881-8555.

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The town of Wayland was supposedly named after Doctor Francis Wayland, the president of Brown University.  This was back in the 1830s.  Since then, Wayland has grown to be one of the wealthier towns in all of Massachusetts, with a median household income of over $120,000.

It is not just the relative wealth of the town which accounts for so much pride in the history of this entire area, especially Wayland itself.  Homeowners here are looking for ways to keep their homes looking good as well as historically accurate.

One way to do that is through the choice of replacement windows.  After all, windows help to define not just the marvin-double-hung-window-19-459x540-resized-600way a home looks, but the way an entire neighborhood presents itself.  That means choosing the right type of windows to go with a particular home.

Today homeowners have more window choices than ever before – and it can be extremely confusing.  Every manufacturer is screaming that their product is the best on the market.  So how does a homeowner choose when it comes time for window replacement in Wayland?

For one thing, homeowners in this part of the country overwhelmingly want either fiberglass windows or wood framed windows.  The best company for both fiberglass and wood windows is Marvin, one of the top window manufacturers in the world.

For window replacement in Wayland, homeowners demand a contractor who knows all local codes and permits.  After all, no homeowner wants to discover after it is too late that a contractor failed to file the proper permit.

Windows, perhaps more than any other part of a home, can be a source of lost energy – and lost energy translates andersenexterior-04-075-resized-600in lost dollars in higher heating and cooling bills.  Installing the right windows, with the highest possible Energy Star rating, is extremely important to local homeowners.

It is also important to use a window contractor who is part of the local community.  A contractor needs roots in the area and needs to genuinely care about the quality of work performed.

United Home Experts is the only local contractor who meets all of the criteria demanded by Wayland homeowners.  UHE has been putting windows in Wayland homes for more years than anyone cares to remember and they know every local code and building permit requirement by heart.

UHE recommends Marvin fiberglass windows or wood frame windows and a few other window brands.  Marvinmarvin-double-hung-window-11-635x540-resized-600 is the recognized leader in the manufacture of windows.  Marvin fiberglass windows are textured and colored to look virtually identical to wood.  Their fiberglass windows are light weight, quick, and have one of the highest Energy Star ratings in the business.  Marvin wood frame windows have that classic look and feel to them and they are as “green” as it is possible to get.  Homeowners who choose either Marvin fiberglass windows or Marvin wood frame windows never need to worry about the quality of their choice.

Keep in mind, too, that many lesser contractors hire their window installers as day workers off of some parking lot – but the professional installers who work for United Home Experts have been well trained and work for the company full-time.  Homeowners never need to worry about the quality or the qualifications of the expert installers at UHE.

Price is always a concern, and many homeowners assume that because they are choosing the very best window contractor in Wayland that they are choosing the most expensive.  Not necessarily.  Keep in mind that UHE is one of the largest installers of windows in all of the Northeast which means they purchase their windows in bulk at deeply discounted prices.  They pass their lower costs on to their customers, keeping their prices in line with many lesser contractors.  So give the friendly and knowledgeable folks at UHE a call today and find out for yourself just how affordable replacement windows in Wayland can be. For more information about our replacement window services, visit our main windows page!

Take a look at this well done video from our friends at Weathertight in Wisconsin. It explains their process of installing replacement windows and also discusses things to consider when deciding if replacement windows are right for your home.

The decision to replace windows on a home is one of the biggest investments a homeowner will make. You may think that your windows are good enough or can get you by a few more years. Take a few moments to watch this short video on why you may want to replace your decent looking older windows.

Winter home blog photoWhether you are a new homeowner, thinking of buying a home in Keswick Ontario or anywhere else, or have been in your home for years, you should know the 3 most important tips about getting your home ready for winter.  As the temperatures start to fall, your home will require maintenance to keep it in A-1 shape through the winter.

There is only one state in the United States where the temperatures have never dipped below zero. Hawaii.  In Canada, all of the Provinces will dip below zero.

Ontario Home Inspection Services Keswick Ontario recommends these 3 tips:

1) Get the Fireplace and Chimney Ready

  • Cap or screen the top of the chimney to keep out vermin and birds.
  • Have your chimney cleaned and inspected.
  • Store firewood in a dry place away from the exterior of your home.
  • Ensure the fireplace damper opens and closes.
  • Check the mortar between bricks and tuck-point, if necessary or call a professional bricklayer to assist.

2) Inspect the Exterior, Doors, and Windows

  • Inspect the exterior for crevice cracks and exposed entry points around pipes and seal them.
  • Use weatherstripping around doors to prevent cold air from entering the home and caulk all windows.
  • Replace cracked glass in windows and, if you end up replacing the entire window, prime and paint exposed wood.
  • If your home has a basement, consider protecting its window wells by covering them with plastic shields.
  • Replace any summer screens with glass replacements from storage. If you have storm windows, install them.

3) Inspect Roof, Gutters & Downspouts

  • If your weather temperatures fall below 32 degrees in the winter, adding extra insulation to the attic will prevent warm air from creeping to your roof and causing ice dams.
  • Check flashing around the chimney and along the roof edges to ensure water cannot enter the home.  Caulk if necessary.
  • Replace worn roof shingles or tiles.  Hire a roofing specialist if necessary.
  • Clean out the gutters and use a hose to spray water down the downspouts to clear away debris.
  • Install leaf guards on the gutters or extensions on the downspouts to direct water away from the home.

Ontario Home Inspection Services recommends this additional article on winterizing your home in Ontario.