Top 5 Most Common Window Questions

When it comes to picking the best windows for your home, energy-efficient replacement vinyl windows are hard to beat. Before you start pulling out your credit card, you may have a couple of questions you want to ask. In our 30+ years of business, we’ve helped answer hundreds of questions, with many of our customers asking the same ones. To help you out, we decided to make a list of our top 5 most common window questions!

1. How much do replacement windows cost?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The cost of your replacement window depends on a few factors. Here are some of the following:

• Size
• Vinyl quality (recycled or virgin)
• Manufacturer
• Experience
• Style
• Colors
• Glass package
• Warranty
• Location & access
• Wood replacement
• Amount of windows

Typically, replacement windows range from $350 to $1,200 per window. This number does not include bay windows, bow windows, specialty glass, and specialty colors. If you want a more clear-cut answer, you can schedule a free, no-obligation quote from us, where we will help come up with a more precise number.

2. How to install a replacement window?

Precise window measurement is the key to proper installation. If it doesn’t fit correctly, it will leak, won’t close, and will void the warranty. You want to make sure that you get a custom measurement exact to each window, so there is no damage or gaps. Part of the installation process involves removing the window carefully without damaging the existing stucco or drywall. The installer then needs to dispose of the old windows legally. Once the old windows are gone, the opening needs to be cleaned with a shop vacuum, removing old debris and caulking and replacing any damaged wood or rotted areas. The installer then carefully balances the window and installs it with special drywall screws that go into the existing framing. The outside of the window receives factory sealant and silicone. The inside of the window gets insulation foam to fill any gaps and is finished with vinyl custom trim or casing.

3. What are the best replacement windows?

Anlin replacement vinyl window system has the highest rating on Yelp compared to any other California window company. They’re made in Southern California and specifically designed for the local desert and coastal weather. Andersen windows, Pella windows, Milgard windows, and Ply Gem windows can’t quite compare to Anlin windows. Their ratings are much lower, and the manufacturer’s customer service is not quite as sufficient after the job is complete. There are over 500 major window manufacturing companies, and no other manufacturers have a 5-star rating!

4. What’s the best frame material for replacement windows?

There are many different types of frames that go around replacement windows. Aluminum frames are the cheapest, but they conduct the most energy and use technology from the 1950s. Wood frames are an excellent insulator but are typically very expensive, have a single pane, and are incredibly high maintenance. Aluminum-clad window frames are made from aluminum on the outside and wood on the inside. For these frames, there is a metal conductor on the outside, and the wood only serves as a laminate. They’re quite expensive and do not come in retrofit options. One of the newer components for window frames is fiberglass, which requires a lot of maintenance, is costly, and continually needs to be painted or stained. Virgin vinyl is the longest-lasting material, with the lowest amount of maintenance, and available in multiple colors.

5. How to measure for replacement windows?

If you want to measure replacement windows yourself, you will mostly be doing the measuring from the inside of your home. You start by measuring the interior portion of the existing window frame and ensuring the window is square. You then order the new window 1/4 of an inch smaller than the existing one. This measurement is critical. If it’s too big, the window won’t fit, and you’ll have to break the stucco. If it’s too small, you’ll have gaps in the window frame, resulting in leaks. You want to get the measurements exact so that you can remove the old window and slip in the new window without doing any damage.

Family Home Improvements

We hope we were able to answer your most common window questions today. Replacement windows are a great addition to any home, and we understand that you may have a couple of questions before making your decision. We’re here to help! If you have any more questions about replacement windows or anything else, feel free to give us a call at (562) 464-0684 or contact us on our website.