5 Questions to Ask When Replacing Windows

Windows play an integral role in your home’s overall utility costs, comfort level, and appeal. If your windows are low quality, you could be throwing money out the window (and if you’re not sure, here are 7 signs you need to replace your windows). Like most large home improvement projects, replacing your windows is a big investment, so it’s important who you choose to do this project. During the research phase, you may be inclined to focus solely on comparing the numbers on the price tag. But what are you really paying for? If you’re considering replacing your windows and have begun to research your options, here are five questions you should be asking:

1. What type of material is the window made of? 

When you think of replacement windows, you may think of vinyl—and why not? It seems to be ubiquitous. But have you researched other options?  The material your windows are made of will impact the efficiency, strength and durability, maintenance, and even your choice of colors and styles. So, how does each replacement-window material make a difference?  

Material matters.

Our exclusive Fibrex® composite material is a revolutionary window-frame option that offers the strength and stability of wood and the low-maintenance features of vinyl, while also reducing the thermal transfer found on other popular materials such as aluminum.

Pick a performance metric—efficiency, strength and durability, maintenance, beauty—whichever factor is most important to you (and we hope they all are), Fibrex® material can make a difference in every instance. Have you heard about our 20-year durability test? It’s a must-see video if you’re considering replacing your windows.

2. Is installation included, and if so, how experienced are the installers?

During the replacement window research phase, most people consider things like style, color choices, frame materials, hardware options, and price…but there’s often one major component homeowner’s overlook: installation. While the installation of a replacement window is one of the most important factors in the entire process, it’s often the last thing on a homeowner’s mind. A sloppy installation can lead to cracked joints, loss of heated or cooled air, exposure to the elements and pests, and water infiltration, which can lead to serious damage to the windows and structure of your home. Installers must be prepared for a number of situations that may occur, such as different types of building constructions, variations in wall materials and thickness, and unforeseen structural damage.

A great window is only as good as the installer behind it.

We’ve long understood that a quality experience is in the details. All of the care, pride, professionalism, and craftsmanship we put into our products would mean little without the very best installation.

That’s why we include professional installation as a key part of our window-replacement process. Our Certified Master Installer program takes “professional” to the next level by placing your windows and patio doors in the hands of skilled installers.

Our Certified Master Installers are required to demonstrate their knowledge of construction materials, building codes, and installation methods to obtain their credentials, and are highly suited to handle the windows built just for you.

3.What can you expect the window replacement process to look like?

For most homeowners, window replacement isn’t a project they’ve done before. And it can get confusing, especially when there are a number of parties involved. Window replacement is a large investment, and it can be daunting if the project is filled with conflicting information, numerous steps, and multiple points of contact throughout the job. That’s why it’s important to ask the company to explain the process to you in detail so you and your family know what to expect throughout the entire project.

A seamless process from start to finish.

At Renewal by Andersen, we’re different from the other companies out there. We’re a full-service window and patio door replacement company, meaning we own the entire process from start to finish. From initial design consult to custom manufacturing; from installation and service to warranty coverage…it’s all Renewal by Andersen. It’s important that when researching replacement windows, you find a company that gives you the peace of mind that comes from knowing there is one-company accountability and a single point of contact for decades to come.¹

4. What happens if you need assistance with your windows down the road?

The promises you hear when you replace your windows are only as good as the company that stands behind them. When researching replacement windows, make sure the company you choose has a warranty included with their product—and that you understand the terms of that warranty. It’s also important to ask about your access to the customer service team in case you find that your new patio door needs adjusting, you’ve forgotten how to operate a particular piece of hardware, or maybe, down the road, your casement window doesn’t crank as smoothly as it once did.

A 100-year tradition of quality and care, and a robust limited warranty.

Renewal by Andersen is backed by a century’s worth of window-making knowledge and expertise, and it’s safe to say, we’re not going anywhere. When we say one-company accountability, we mean accountability at all stages of the process. Our robust limited warranty covers the glass, the frame and hardware, AND the installation. It’s one of the most robust warranties you’ll find on any window or door, and it’s non-prorated and fully-transferable.

What do we mean by fully-transferable? It means that should you sell your home, not only will you have the added value of the Andersen name, you will also have the value of a limited warranty that can carry to the next homeowner—an important feature for many buyers.

5. Will you need to replace your windows again soon because of the quality or lack of efficiency?

Let’s look down the road. Where do you see your windows in 5 years? 10 years? 20 years? You want your replacement windows to be as energy efficient, maintenance-free, and high quality as possible, right? These are all significant factors to look for when researching replacement windows.

Long-term savings.

Every day we replace windows that are less than 10 years old. Unlike those products, our low-maintenance windows are designed, crafted, and warranted to stand the test of time (again, you need to see this 20 year durability study).^[1]

And poor performing windows are an energy drain—and a money drain. Our replacement windows will help you save money on your energy bill. Our High-Performance™ Low-E4® SmartSun™glass is the most energy-efficient glass option we have ever offered. It’s 70% more energy efficient in the summer and 49% more energy efficient in the winter as compared to ordinary dual pane glass.^[2]

If you plan to sell your home, your prospective buyers will be as pleased as you are about your window’s warranty, beauty, durability, and energy efficiency!

The best window and patio door projects are the ones featuring design options that fit YOUR home, YOUR timeline, and YOUR bottom line. Schedule a free consultation with one of our design consultants to kick off your home-improvement project.