Is It Time For New

Atlanta Replacement Windows

One of the questions that we get asked most often is when is the best time to buy new Atlanta replacement windows?  It’s a great question and the answer may surprise you.  Most people assume that because of the cooler temperatures in the fall and the winter that many people would be looking at purchasing from an Atlanta area window contractor during those times of the year.  The reality is that now up through the end of Feburary is a great time to buy and install those new home windows.

Atlanta Replacement Windows Or A New Bike

Think about it like this…what are you really thinking more about this time of year, finding an Atlanta window dealer to put in new windows, or what you’re going to get the kids for Christmas.   Guess what, most Atlanta area homeowners are thinking the same thing.  If the cost of your new Atlanta replacement windows are a major concern for you, this is the perfect time to buy.

You see our installers work only for us, that way we control the quality of their work.  A quick search for Atlanta replacement windows reviews on Google would give you an idea of the type of work our people perform, based on what our customers say.  Certainly a big part of this has to do with the training they receive, and the individual pride they take in their jobs.  We believe this is a critical component in our customers having the desired “Davis Window and Door experience.”

When It Comes To Buying Atlanta Replacement

Windows, Timing Is Everything

Typically, though, these window installers are paid by the job.  What that means is, if they don’t work their families don’t eat.  In that scenario, they may be forced to find work elsewhere.  Not only do we value our employee family, but we also have a business motive in keeping them busy.  Because of the thorough training that we have given our employees, finding and training new ones costs us dearly, and in more ways than just financial.

We work really hard to keep our production slots filled this time of year, and recognizing the financial portions of that cost we spoke of incentivizes us to become a little more aggressive in keeping those production spaces full.  The way we look at it, it’s worth it to help keep our window installers happy because they’ll keep our customers happy.

So if it’s time to get rid of those old, drafty, unsightly windows in your home, give us a call.  Now’s the best time of all to install new Atlanta replacement windows.

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Need A Bargain

Atlanta Replacement Window

When it comes to purchasing new Atlanta replacement windows for your home is your presupposition “anything is better that what I have?”  Be honest.  Don’t feel bad; as we have mentioned in previous posts, this is a prevalent, albeit fairly jeopardous, way of thinking.  After all, you’ve been living with those drafty, energy inefficient home windows for a while now right?  Today we’re going to deal with a topic that has literally fed the “bargain basement” (at least from an ADVERTISED standpoint) window dealer market in the Atlanta area.  The topic is “low e.”

“Our product has low e and is only $172, there’s has low e and it’s __________ (any higher price).  Which one are you going to buy?”   Many of our competitors have asked that question over and over again.  As a matter of fact, you may have already heard it.  And, on the surface, it’s a pretty easy answer, right?  If my spouse sends me to get a bag of sugar on the way home, and doesn’t specify a brand, I’m probably going to choose based on one thing; price.  I know I’m not planning on putting sugar on my new Atlanta replacement windows, but it’s because I, personally, look at sugar as a commodity, and the purchase of commodities are typically driven by price.

Sugar And Atlanta Replacement Windows

The difference in low e and sugar is immense, and I’m obviously not just talking usage or physical characteristics, but “commoditizing” low e can lead to a colossal waste of money, no matter what the cost of your new Atlanta replacement windows.  In many cases, the low e product on many of the so-called “economical” vinyl windows will block no more than 5-7% more of the heat and cold transfer than the current glass that you already have.  Is that the type of energy savings that you are going to invest your money in?

The major differences lie in how the idea of what low e is supposed to do has evolved; not only with time, but also as window glass manufacturers have created more climate specific products.  The original idea with low e was more about reducing absorption of heat.  For example, light concrete or asphalt doesn’t get as hot in the summer as dark.  Over the last few years, a small group of glass manufacturers have been looking at low e in a whole new “light,” especially in more of the southern climates like here in the Atlanta area.

This Comes Only In The Best

Atlanta Replacement Windows

If you go out in the summer in short sleeves and your arm gets warm in direct sunlight you have experienced “radiant” heating.  It’s all about heat that “radiates” from a source, most often the sun (but also your home’s furnace).  The most effective way to handle radiant heat is not just to slow absorption, but to reflect it back at its source.  Think about going into a mall parking lot in the summertime and seeing a lot of vehicles with something folded out in the windshield.  Almost always these “shields” have a reflective look.  If you’ve ever used one of these you know that your vehicle will not get nearly as hot on the inside as without one.  That’s because the shield is reflecting the radiant heat back towards its source.  Today’s best Atlanta replacement windows use low e products that reflect up to 99% of the sun’s heat back.  Think you’ll save some money, in both the summer and the winter?

Want to know more?  Check out some of our Atlanta replacement window reviews on Google, Kudzu, Angie’s List and BBB, and see what some of our customers say about the amazing change in not only their energy bills, but also their comfort levels after installing our climate specific, low e reflecting Atlanta replacement windows.

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Debunking The

“Any Atlanta Replacement Window

Is Better Than What I Have”

Myth

In a previous post, we mentioned a mindset that basically says that if you install any new Atlanta replacement window, you are better off.  We used frame insulation as a prime example of how wrong this assumption can be.  Statistics clearly show, from a R value standpoint, the wood window that you are replacing is more energy efficient than a non-insulated Atlanta vinyl replacement window.  Today, we’ll look at another area  where this anything is better than what I have mentality is not only incorrect, but can truly cost you.

It is almost natural to assume that if you buy any new Atlanta replacement window, insure that is installed correctly, and the gap around the exterior of the window is caulked properly, you’ll  have an airtight window.  Unfortunately this is where one of the dirtiest little secrets when it comes to manufacturing a vinyl replacment window comes in; that is the air leakage rate.  There are many parts of the manufacturing process that can affect how well your new home windows handle air, and this is a major area where a manufacturer can save money.

Air Leakage And New

Atlanta Replacement Windows

So, when an Atlanta replacement window dealer comes to show you their product, how do you know what constitutes a truly efficient window from an air leakage standpoint?  Interestingly, a staple of most window salesperson’s presentation repertoire is showing you how their sashes interlock where they meet.  They often will place a dollar bill in before they close the two parts together and ask you to try to pull it out and when you can’t they tell you that proves how airtight their window is.  Makes some sense, right?

The reality is that most often an interlocking sash proves just the opposite.  Take that same window and with the window locked and use the lift rail to try and move the sashes.  Almost always Atlanta replacement windows with interlocking sashes will have some movement of the sashes, which the salesperson will typically try to explain away by saying that vinyl has to be able to expand and contract.  The truth is that the manufacturing tolerances are much larger than needed for an airtight window.  The interlocking sash really becomes the only thing that keeps more air from leaking into and out of your home.  According to the Department of Energy, if there is a gap around any of the sashes as small as 1/16″(which is easy to find with even the smallest movement of the sashes), it is the equivalent of taking a brick out of the side of your home.   Count the number of windows in your home and you can begin to really see the importance of this.

The Best Way To Determine The Differences

In Atlanta Replacement Windows

Maybe the best, and easiest way to know is to ask the salesperson to show you the NFRC sticker for the Atlanta replacement window product they are demonstrating to you.  This sticker, required to be on your windows at the time of install, includes several performance numbers, but the one you are looking for is the fourth one, the Air Leakage rate.  Without getting too technical, if published, this number will either be .1,.2, or .3, the lower the better.  As a point of reference, the .3 is the maximum allowable in new home construction in most markets today.  But did you catch it?  “If published”…  This is the one performance number that the NFRC allows each manufacturer to decide whether or not to publish.  The  question that you have to ask yourself is what would be the only reason a manufacturer would choose not to publish that number?  The big news is that only fewer than a handful of Atlanta replacement window products have that number on the sticker.

So how is this germane to our “Anything is better than I what I have.” conversation?  Look at it this way, if you had a tire with three holes in it and you plugged two of them, what would you have?  That’s right, a FLAT TIRE!  Atlanta window dealers can argue all day long who has the best frame or best glass, but if they don’t show that number, or do and it’s too high, you are setting yourself up for a flat tire, no matter what your new Atlanta replacement windows cost.

Next time, we’ll look at the most exploited feature of a home window that you need to be aware of if you think that any Atlanta replacement window is better than what you already have.

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Is It Important Who Installs My

Atlanta Replacement Windows

This is our last installment into our investigation of the common myths causing some people to hesitate in replacing their old, outdated windows with new Atlanta replacement windows.  Previously, we reviewed how replacing your windows need not be an invasive, messy prospect.  Professional window installers take great care to insure your home does not become a construction zone, disrupting the day-to-day activities of your life.  Replacing your windows with an attractive, quality new window can be an easy, non-invasive process.

This post will explore a final common fallacy:

Atlanta Replacement Windows Myth Number 4:  Any company is sufficient to install my replacement windows.

 
The Importance of Choosing a Competent Window Installation Company in Atlanta

There are numerous window installation companies in Atlanta.  Unfortunately many Atlanta window dealers send out sales personnel who are uneducated about the process of window installation.  When meeting with the sales representative, don’t be afraid to ask specific questions until you are satisfied that the company is able to provide the service and quality care you deserve.  Incorrect installation can create a host of problems for you and your family for years.  Choosing a professional, competent Atlanta window installation company is critical toward insuring your home is protected against the damage an improperly installed window could cause.  One simple way to evaluate whether or not the installer is a true professional is to examine the quality of product they are willing to install.  

Anyone can start up a window installation company in the Atlanta area.  Believing any company will do a high-quality job is a dangerous assumption.  Companies advertising replacement window products for $300 or less often use sub-contractors to cut costs.  While most contractors have a basic, working knowledge of building and window installation, they may lack the expertise that comes from working with one specific product and receiving training about how to properly install the product.  Great care must be taken so your Atlanta replacement windows are a pleasing addition to your home.  The installer must remove the old window and prepare the frame for your new product.  The window must be level, sashes must operate smoothly and the area around the window needs to be insulated against air leaks.  Insuring every facet of the home window installation process is precise will insure your new windows not only look great, but will be functional and energy efficient.

Research Atlanta Dealers Thoroughly Prior to Purchasing Your New Energy Efficient Windows

 

Atlanta homeowners must wade through many options before determining the best company and product to replace their windows.  Remember the four myths when thinking about protecting and beautifying your home with replacement windows.  1.  Be sure to thoroughly research products and services prior to investing in new replacement windows.  2.  Be sure to check the U factor and the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient.  3.  Be sure to check the air leakage rate listed on the sticker attached to the product.  4.  Be sure the dealer has a professional installation team specially trained to install the specific brand of window you choose for your Atlanta replacement windows.

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