Window Replacement Contractor

4 Qualities to Look for in a Window Replacement Contractor

Now that you’ve chosen a potential window replacement contractor, it’s time to drill down and have a real conversation about their products, processes, and procedures. The answers that they give will tell you a lot. 

1. Quality Materials

Who has time to research all the window options available? You’re already busy vetting your window replacement contractor.

A quality window replacement contractor should be ready and willing to walk you through all the sizing options, frame materials, glass panes, opening methods, and locking systems. They should also explain how products differ and help you find the solutions that are right for you based on your unique needs, wants, and budget.

2. Exceptional Customer Service

From the first contact to the final installation, a good window replacement contractor should have a driving need to put the customer’s needs first. 

At Greenawalt Roofing, we can review all the options and styles to help you make the best choice for your home!

3. Transparency

Part of exceptional customer service is open and honest communication, from getting an accurate quote and sticking to timelines to returning all of your phone calls. If something goes wrong, a reputable contractor should be up front with you, and be willing to discuss all of your options with you.

4. Solid Warranties

Greenawalt Roofing recommends and installs MI windows which are manufactured in the United States and backed by a Limited Lifetime Customer Assurance Warranty.

Ready to talk about new windows?

If it’s time to replace your windows, contact Greenawalt Roofing today. We are happy to come out to your home to take a look at your existing windows and offer recommendations — while offering the customer service, product knowledge, and project customization that you need. Simply visit us online or call (717) 898-6000.

Take Your Home Exterior Up a Notch

If you noticed your home looking worn out or if you’re ready to make your house stand out in the neighborhood, there are several ways that you can take your home’s exterior curb appeal to the next level. The improvements that you make to your home’s exterior are more than cosmetic. They will also raise the value of your home while making your house the best looking one in the area.

Check out these smart home exterior upgrades that also look great:

Roofing

If you want to make a dramatic change to the look of your home, replacing your roof shingles is a fantastic way to give your house an upgrade. Whether you choose traditional asphalt shingles or choose some of the innovative new roofing products that are on the market right now, changing the color of your roof will make your house look new. If you have noticed that your shingles have dark green algae streaks or if you have seen a few that are curling or coming lose it’s the perfect time to give your home a style upgrade with new shingles.

Siding

Another way to give your home’s curb appeal a boost is to put new siding on your home. While your roof protects your home from the elements, the exterior walls also play a key role in shielding your home and typically do so through the use of siding. The number of siding choices and materials have advanced beyond just aluminum siding with a growing variety of affordable vinyl and polymer siding options for every house. Because of the many types and wide variety of colors and styles, siding plays a key role in the aesthetic appeal of your home.

Doors/Windows

Windows and doors are an important part of your home. Their job is to let in outside light, provide access to the outdoors and protect your home from the elements. They affect the aesthetic appearance and curb appeal of your home. A bold entry featuring a distinctive exterior door paired with a unique window style can be used to make a bold impact.

These improvements are a great way to invest in your home. But, none of them are very DIY friendly. Call the experienced professionals at Greenawalt Roofing at 717-898-6000 to schedule a free estimate for upgrades and improvements that will boost the value of your home as well as the curb appeal.

Window Renovation

All through winter, you may have felt the drafts creeping in along your window frames, noticed condensation gathering inside the glass, or experienced surging energy bills as your heat escaped with every cold snap. Spring is the perfect time to finally start that window renovation you’ve been putting off.

What are the signs you need a window renovation/replacement?

First look for visible damages, such as worn weather stripping or faulty latches, which only necessitates a repair, not a full replacement. But if you see peeling paint, warping, rotting, water-damaged wood, or foggy condensation, you’ll likely need to invest in a full window replacement.

Next, be aware of the not-so-visible signs. Maybe you’ve felt a draft near a closed window or notice that the outside noises can be strongly heard inside. Similarly, if you struggle to open or close your windows, it could be a sign that age and moisture have damaged the windows to the point that they are no longer operable and should be replaced.

Finally, if your energy bills are high year-round, now is the time for a window renovation using energy efficient windows installed by a professional. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25% to 30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. 

Replacing existing windows can potentially result in significant energy savings. Keep in mind, however, that windows are only one part of the equation. Other factors like your roof, siding, and doors play a role in energy efficiency and savings, too!

Your Window Options

Materials: Window frames can be made from several different types of materials, all offering different benefits.  

• Aluminum: Lightweight, durable, & easy to create custom shapes

• Wood: Good insulator & great aesthetics

• Vinyl: Low maintenance, durable, good insulator, & the most affordable window option

• Composite: Reuse sawdust (“green” factor); can be painted and/or made to look like wood

• Hybrid: Combine the best of different products

• Glass: There are four basic types of treated window panes on the market: Single, double, triple, or quad glazed. These terms refer to the number of panes encased in the frame.

In addition, glazing and coatings are applied to keep heat out in the summertime and in during the winter months. These materials also block ultraviolet rays, reducing the effect of direct light on upholstery and other items in the home. More glazing generally means more energy efficiency.

The three types of coatings often used to treat the window panes are low-emissivity (low-e), reflective and spectrally sensitive.

Style: There are a lot more options out there, but here are the five most common window types.

• Double Hung: Most popular option. It consists of two sashes that move up and down, allowing for half of the window to be open at a time.

• Casement: Another popular option, casement windows are hinged vertically to open and close like a door. These are often operated with a crank or handle.

• Awning: Similar to casement windows, but are hinged horizontally. When opened, they resemble an awning shape.

• Sliding: These windows slide to open, moving on top and bottom tracks. They open on one half and have a vertical meeting rail.

• Bow and Bay: Generally larger, these windows are built to project outward from an outside wall. The windows “bow” out forming a “bay” in the room.

Match the Look & Feel of Your Home

Just as every home has a unique architectural design, so should your windows. It’s important to choose new windows that stay true to your home’s distinct style.

For example, if you have a Colonial or Victorian style home, you might consider opting for double-hung windows. A California Rancher style home would be unthinkable without sliding glass windows, and a casement style window can be found in almost all period revival home styles.

 Benefits of New Windows

There are many benefits of a window renovation project, from the seemingly mundane (new windows are easier to clean) to the more esoteric (improving the appearance and comfort of your home).

Then, there’s the fact that new windows have the potential to save you money in terms of energy efficiency, and even increase the value of your home when you decide to sell. New windows can also block harmful UV rays, which damage carpet and furniture, saving you on those replacement costs as well.

Finally, there’s the fact that new windows also improve security and safety since old, faulty windows can make it easier for criminals to gain entry into your home.

Is it time to replace your windows? 

If your windows are drafty, foggy, damaged, or do not function properly anymore, consider new replacement windows! Call Greenawalt Roofing at 717-898-6000 to schedule your free estimate today!

Damage to Windows

When the weather changes, windows can get stress cracks. Stress cracks can occur with drastic changes in outside temperature. These can also occur when the inside of your house has a large temperature difference from the outside.

You may also notice that some windows in your home have fog or condensation between the glass. This means that the seal is broken and moisture is getting between the panes. A broken seal on a window will remove almost any energy efficiency features from the window. The solution for this issue is to replace the whole window unit.

These days vinyl windows can be customized to anything you want. The outside part of the vinyl can be customized to match the color of your home. The outside can also be capped in any accent color. Your grid pattern can also be custom created, giving the exact feel that you want. Windows should only be installed by someone who is experienced in window installations. Otherwise you could end up with the same problems with your windows that you had before, or worse.

At Greenawalt Roofing, we can review all the options and styles to help you make the best choice for your home. We recommend and install MI windows which are manufactured in the United States and backed by a Limited Lifetime Customer Assurance Warranty.