Click on any of the questions below to obtain valuable information and insight based on our experience.

If you do not find the answer to your question, or would like to obtain more information, contact one of our friendly and helpful staff.

• What are various windows made of and what will work best for me?
• Is there any difference in how windows are made?
• Can I replace my old windows with different styles and types?
• Aren’t all window manufacturers essentially the same?
• What about strength, protection and noise reduction?
• Do vinyl windows require a lot of maintenance?
• I have read about different test results on windows. How should this impact my buying decision?
• What is more important in saving energy, the frame or the glass?
• What energy-saving options should I know about?
• What is the Energy Star Program?
• Will vinyl windows be a good investment?
• Aren’t all window warranties practically the same?

What are various windows made of and what will work best for me?

Basically there are three types of materials used. Aluminum windows, with their easily scratched painted surfaces, conduct both heat and cold, so they’re very poor insulators. Wood windows, which require constant painting and caulking, can absorb moisture, making them difficult to open and close. They can even rot. Solid vinyl windows, however, never need painting and won’t show scratches, because the color goes throughout the material. This is why vinyl windows are quickly becoming the most popular choice for both new construction and replacement applications.

In addition, you should certainly consider custom-sized windows for the very simple reason that they’ll fit better. Stock-sized windows require extensive carpentry work both inside and outside your house. That can be very costly and inconvenient. Custom-sized windows, on the other hand, are manufactured to fit your existing window opening. You get the style and options you want while maintaining your glass area.

Is there any difference in how windows are made?

There are two basic types of construction: Mechanically fastened windows are screwed together at the corners. And welded windows, becoming more and more popular, that use a chemical or heat process for joining. Window manufacturers produce mechanically fastened and welded windows. Mechanically fastened windows feature a unique overlap corner design for extra strength, while our welded versions utilize state-of-the-art heat welding equipment. Beware of windows with mitered corners screwed together or chemically welded corners, as they probably won’t perform as well for you.

Can I replace my old windows with different styles and types?

Certainly. You may want to consult an independent design specialist to find the type of window that best complements your home’s natural design. No matter what style or combination of styles you choose, there is a window product that can be custom-manufactured for you.

Aren’t all window manufacturers essentially the same?

Not at all. Many companies buy their parts and glass from various outside sources. Superior companies extrude most of their own parts from the raw vinyl (PVC) resin ourselves.

You should also know that although a lot of manufacturers claim their windows are American-made, many in fact may be imported from Canada and other foreign countries. Look for a window that is manufactured right here in the U.S.A.

What about strength, protection and noise reduction?

You should look for a window that offers both superior strength and energy efficiency. Computer-controlled manufacturing processes ensure a perfectly square window sash and main-frame with superior strength. And for exceptional energy efficiency, a full interlock at the meeting rail helps protect your home against the elements, or unwanted intrusions. In addition, insulating glass unit traps dry air, creating an exceptional comfort barrier.

Moreover, homeowners with better grade vinyl windows say there’s a noticeable reduction in the amount of noise that enters their homes. A full interlock system at the point where upper and lower sashes meet helps stop air infiltration while providing an additional barrier against unwanted intrusions.

Do vinyl windows require a lot of maintenance?

With frames and sashes made of vinyl, you can say goodbye to painting and caulking. Vinyl windows won’t stick, and you don’t have to remove storm windows in order to clean them. In fact, you can do it all from inside your home. An occasional wipe with a damp cloth will keep your windows looking like new for years to come.

I have read about different test results on windows. How should this impact my buying decision?

Be careful when looking at extremely specific results since many of them do not really indicate how well the window will work for you. Some apply to just certain parts of the window, like the frame and its R-value, and do not give an overall picture. Pick a vinyl window that is tested in nationally-certified labs as well as the manufacturer’s own modern test facility. Pick vinyl windows that are engineered to provide the optimum in energy savings and are rated by the National Fenestration Rating Council.

What is more important in saving energy, the frame or the glass?

Since 70% of a window is glass, real heating and cooling savings come from what is known as “improved glass performance,” not a high R-value on the frame. Better vinyl window companies use the latest technology, known as a high performance warm edge spacer system. This spacer system helps to improve the performance and the longevity of the insulated glass unit. This should be consider a standard feature when selecting a window.

What energy-saving options should I know about?

You should give careful consideration a window manufacturer’s insulated glass options. Generally they feature LoE2 glass and argon gas. LoE2 glass is an excellent barrier against ultraviolet rays which fade carpet, furniture, draperies, and even woodwork. Argon gas is colorless, odorless, nonflammable, nontoxic, and above all, a safe, inert gas that is heavier than air.

Not only does argon gas help to increase the energy efficiency of a window, but helps to make your home quieter as well. When vinyl windows are equipped with the an insulated glass package, they automatically meet or exceed the energy-saving requirements for all three climate zones set forth by the Energy Star Window program. Some vinyl windows include a foam spacer that provides even further energy efficiency as an option.

What is the Energy Star Program?

The Energy Star Program was created by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy to help consumers in the recognition of energy-efficient products. This program also promotes the environmental and economic benefits of these products through the Energy Star label and other program activities.

Will vinyl windows be a good investment?

Yes, for a variety of reasons. First, you may realize savings on your heating and cooling bills. Second, they’re virtually maintenance-free, which eliminates painting costs. And finally, the some manufacturers offer a transferable warranty. A strong warranty may easily add to the resale value of your home.

Aren’t all window warranties practically the same?

Not really. There are as many warranties as there are window manufacturers. Some brand name factory warranties cover just the sash and frame. The rest is left up to the local fabricator who may or may not cover it. Your warranty is only as good as the company behind it. Pick a company, where your unit is warranted from the extrusion and parts to the glass and construction by a lifetime limited warranty and with transferability provisions, if available.

Click on any of the questions below to obtain valuable information and insight based on our experience.

If you do not find the answer to your question, or would like to obtain more information, contact one of our friendly and helpful staff.

• How does vinyl siding compare with other siding materials?
• What can be done to improve the appearance and durability of my home’s exterior?
• Isn’t it just less costly to repaint my home?
• Are there any other materials better than vinyl?
• How does the cost of siding compare to the added resale value it provides?
• What exterior design options do I have with vinyl siding?
• What accessories and trim options are available?
• My home is partially brick and partially wood siding. Can I still use vinyl siding?
• Is vinyl siding really as durable as everyone says?
• How do I choose a reputable contractor?
• If painting isn’t required, how do I maintain my vinyl siding?
• Is one season better than another to have my new siding installed?

How does vinyl siding compare with other siding materials?

In a way, it’s almost no contest. When compared to wood, brick, stone, stucco, and metal sidings on the basis of initial cost, maintenance costs, appearance, durability and value, vinyl siding is clearly superior.

There is a broad range of vinyl siding products so you can choose one that’s easily affordable. Whichever you choose, you can expect the highest quality and lasting beauty. Vinyl siding never needs painting or staining. It doesn’t chip, peel, dent or rot so you can forget costly repairs. Just rinse occasionally with a garden hose.

In addition, vinyl siding is often backed by a strong warranty so make sure you ask. And because vinyl siding is the preferred siding for more and more homeowners, it retains most of its’ installed cost. Moreover, premium vinyl siding provides all the beauty of expensive wood sidings with your choice of smooth or grained surfaces; rich, low-gloss colors; and a variety of classic siding profiles.

What can be done to improve the appearance and durability of my home’s exterior?

Maybe you’re tired of dealing with peeling paint and rotting clapboards? And you wonder, “Will another coat of paint really hide the weather-worn condition of my wood siding? And even if it can, is it worht the cost?”

Or maybe you’re thinking about replacing warped hardboard siding…or getting rid of dated asphalt or asbestos siding… or eliminating dented metal siding…or giving a fresh, contemporary look to masonry walls.

Then now’s the time to switch to the easy-care beauty of premium vinyl siding. A wide choice of styles, colors, and trim options makes it simple to create the look you want for your home - whether it’s a contemporary colonial or a 120-year old farmhouse.

New siding will rejuvenate an older home, give it a completely new look and significantly reduce costs for home upkeep and maintenance. For 50 years, vinyl siding companies have been helping millions of Americans create homes that match their dreams and fit their budgets. And with a full range of trim, soffit and accessory options available in a host of different decorator colors, virtually any look can be achieved to improve the appearance and durability of your home’s exterior.

Isn’t it just less costly to repaint my home?

If you plan to move within the next three years, the answer is probably “yes”. But if you plan to stay in your home longer than that, the calculations begin to heavily favor vinyl siding.

Of course, if you home has special problems - for example, warped clapboards that have to be replaced or lead-based paint that has to be scraped and sanded off - the cost of painting can become truly staggering.

According to Remodeling magazine (October 1996), investing in new siding can prove to be an excellent choice in terms of payback. In the West, a homeowner can rcoup 65% of the cost of siding in terms of resale value added to the home. In the East, the payback is 76%. In the South, it’s 84%. And in the Midwest, the cost recouped is 69%.

Compare the ongoing costs of painting every three to five years to one-time investment in new vinyl siding. For most homeowners the conclusion is obvious - vinyl siding is by far the better long-term value.

Are there any other materials better than vinyl?

Not when it comes to siding. Vinyl siding’s outstanding features and benefits have made it the most popular siding material in America today. And because vinyl is the preferred siding for more and more homeowners, it retains most of its installed cost (click here for more details). It;s the material of choice on new luxury homes… and the first choice for remodeling projects large and small.

Leading siding manufacturers offer a broad range of vinyl siding products so you can choose one that’s easily affordable. Plus, vinyl siding never needs painting or staining. It doesn;t chio, peel, dent, or rot so you can forget costly repairs. To maintain a like-new appearance, just rinse occasionally with a garden hose.

And most vinyl siding offers flexible design options that make it ideal for contemporary homes…and for stately century-old Victorians. You can choose from smooth r grained surfaces; rich, low-gloss colors; a wide variety of classic siding porfiles - plus low-maintenance trim porducts and accesory options that add to both the beauty and value of your home.

What’s more, superior vinyl siding products are backed by a strong lifetime limited warranty, so you can count on getting all the quality you paid for.

How does the cost of siding compare to the added resale value it provides?

In terms of adding resale value to your home, vinyl siding is one of the best investments you can make. In its annual survey of project cost versus added value Remodeling magazine said that “the highest payback comes from projects that give an older home the same features that have become standard in new homes.”

Exterior improvements such as the installation of vinyl siding also make a home on more attractive on the market. According to a real estate agent interviewed by Remodeling “Things like new siding and new windows will not add dollar for dollar value… (but) they will cause the house to sell quicker for more money.”

Another point to keep in mind: if, like many homeowners, you add insulation to an older home at the same time you’re having vinyl siding installed, you add even greater value to the market appeal of your home.

What exterior design options do I have with vinyl siding?

Vinyl siding is one of the most versatile exterior design products you can work with. Most manufacturers offer many different vinyl siding lines. That broad selection lets you choose among a wide variety of design options including horizontal and vertical siding; traditional clapboard and authentically detailed “shaped” sidings; wide and narrow panel exposures; smooth, subtle and deep wood grain textures; plus a wide assortment of traditional and contemporary colors.

Not sure what “exact look” you want? Just check out the many styles that are available right here on our web site. Or for more information on using vinyl siding to create a beautiful, affordable, easy-care home, call a local siding contractor who sells and installs vinyl siding and window products. Ask for ideas and suggestions that can help you plan your special remodeling project.

What accessories and trim options are available?

When you design the exterior of your home, you should think about more than just siding. You will need trim for windows and doors, and at inside and outside corners. You also may need soffit to finish the underside of the eaves, or for a porch ceiling or entry overhang.

With most siding jobs, treating a finishing touch that sets your home apart is easy. Because most companies offer a complete range of easy-care accessory and trim options. Standard trim lets you merge siding and trim pieces to create a balanced, uniform, look. Other decorative accessories provide the premium looked off handcrafted beauty. These trim products give you an exceptional way to add special elegant at windows, doors, corners and other key accent areas.

Most siding manufacturers even offer easy-care replacement windows and shutters. Check to see if the vinyl siding company offers you a variety of trim and accessory options.

My home is partially brick and partially wood siding. Can I still use vinyl siding?

Sure. Vinyl siding is extremely versatile and can be used with just about any exterior building material-brick, cinder block, even natural logs and field stones.

If you have special installation concerns, such as running vinyl siding along a natural stone chimney, for example-talk to your contractor. He’s probably handled a similar installation in the past. If he hasn’t, he always can get detailed installation instructions from the manufacturer’s technical specialist.

As a homeowner, that’s important. Because it means you’re working with a professional team, a qualified contractor with a knowledgeable, experienced technical support group behind him.

Is vinyl siding really as durable as everyone says?

Absolutely. The correct technical name for the material used in vinyl siding is polyvinyl chloride. It’s a strong, durable, proven material that has earned a solid reputation for its beauty and permanence. It’s used in automotive applications, medical devices, defense weapons, appliances, floor coverings, and of course, home construction.

It’s ideal as an exterior material because vinyl siding doesn’t rot, crack, dent, or wrap. Plus it never peels or blisters. And because the color goes completely through premium vinyl siding products, it never has to be scraped, sanded, or painted.

How do I choose a reputable contractor?

First and foremost, make an informed decision. Require references and look at previous work. Word of mouth recommendations from neighbors or friends who have recently resided their homes are an excellent start. You may also want to ask about liability insurance, customer satisfaction policies, and professional credentials.

The relationship you have with your contractor is extremely important. Choose someone who skills you trust, someone qualified to perform the task required, and someone you can work with comfortably.

If painting isn’t required, how do I maintain my vinyl siding?

It’s simple. There really is no maintenance, just occasional cleaning.

Ordinarily, the cleaning action of the rainfall will be adequate to wash your vinyl siding. However, vinyl siding and soffit should be washed periodically by hosing with a garden hose and clear water, particularly in those areas not exposed directly to rain. If you desire to do a more thorough cleaning, or were high soil collection conditions occur, use a soft bristled, long-handled washing brush. It attaches to your garden hose and makes washing your siding easier.

Do not rub vigorously. This may create glossy areas over the vinyl siding finish. For hard-to-remove dirt, such as soot and grime found in industrial areas, wipe the siding down with a solution this recommended by the manufacturer. If you wash the entire house, start at the bottom in work up to the top, as less streaking will result. It is important that immediately following all washing operations, the entire surface be thoroughly rinsed with fresh water from a garden hose.

Is one season better than another to have my new siding installed?

Not really. You can have your vinyl siding installed in any season, as your schedule and budget allow. But keep in mind that some contractors or more available during the off-season. Regardless of when you have your new siding installed, you’ll enjoy the immediate benefits of improved appearance, as well as the long-term benefits of durability and easy maintenance.

Click on any of the questions below to obtain valuable information and insight based on our experience.

If you do not find the answer to your question, or would like to obtain more information, contact one of our friendly and helpful staff.

• Is the Contractor Licensed, Insured and Bonded?
• Is the Contractor in Good Business Standing?
• Can they really do the construction project for the cost that they say they can?
• Does the Contractor actually know the construction crew working your job?
• Does the construction crew do timely work so the job is completed quickly?
• How about the quality of the building materials the contractor is using?
• How about the customer service during and after the sale?
• Does the company understand the importance of Customer Satisfaction?
• Does the salesperson in front of you understand the construction process and getting the work done?

Is the Contractor Licensed, Bonded and Insured?

Not all contractors need to be licensed, bonded or insured. Make sure your contractor is. Licensing means they have passed state testing standards to be a contractor. Insured means they have liability insurance to cover unforeseen accidents that may happen while working on your home (ie. fire etc.) $1 million is usually recommended. Bonded means that in case the contractor is unable to finish a job or they go out of business, there is a recovery fund that a homeowner may pursue reimbursement from the state.

Is the Contractor in Good Business Standing?

It’s sad but true, some contractors are just not very good and have complaints filed against them. Call the Minnesota Better Business Bureau at 651-669-1111 or visit their web site at http://www.mnd.bbb.org and search by company name to see if any claims have been filed. The Minnesota Secretary of State’s office in St. Paul is another excellent source of information at (651) 296-2803 or visit their website at http://www.sos.state.mn.us

Can they really do the construction project for the cost that they say they can?

Yes, but get that in writing from your contractor before you start work. Additional charges can occur if there is damage found after the job has started such as rotten wood or water damage. Construction companies usually will not pay for this type of damage, these costs are the responsibility of the homeowner. Your contractor and you should review those items and come to agreement on additional charges before the additional work is started. That way there are no unpleasant costs tacked on at the end of the project.

Does the Contractor actually know the construction crew working your job?

It’s common in the construction industry to use subcontractors and there is nothing wrong with that…if they’re good. Make sure the contractor has personally interviewed, supervised and approved the caliber of the workforce that will be working on your home. Have they demonstrated quality workmanship on other homes? Find a company that uses fewer, but more experienced and qualified subcontractors so you can be assured to get the same high quality finished product on your home as they claim on others. Usually two guys and a pickup isn’t the type of company that you want to work on your home. Will they be available to do service calls?

Does the construction crew do timely work so the job is completed quickly?

Everyone wants a quality job, but it should also be done quickly to minimize the disruption in your life. Siding crews need to have at least a 3-4 person crew. If not, they will have a hard time completing any job in about one week. Roofing crews should have 4 – 6 people. To remove shingles and replace them in 1-2 days is a must to keep the time short and your home dry from the unpredictable weather. Replacement windows usually take 1 person about a day for an 8 window job.

How about the quality of the building materials the contractor is using?

There are over 4,000 manufacturers that supply building materials to the construction industry. For your home, demand only name brand products. Select shingles that have a minimum 25 year warranty, vinyl siding should be at least .044 mm thick and made from fade resistant material. Vinyl windows should be manufactured by a top quality manufacturer with decades of window experience.

How about the customer service during and after the sale?

Sometimes there are small items that may go un-noticed during the final inspection. Make sure the contractor will return calls in a timely manner and makes in-progress inspection visits during the work on your home and resolves issues during the warranty period.

Does the company understand the importance of Customer Satisfaction?

Everyone talks about customer satisfaction, but few have a clue what that really means. Ask your contractor if they cover your landscaping and shrubs during the construction project. Demand that they pick up nails and other debris at the end of the project. Lastly, does the contractor include an inspection check list. An agreed-to list provided by the contractor at the start of the project to be reviewed and signed by you at the end of the job.

Does the salesperson in front of you understand the construction process and getting the work done?

Question the sales persons knowledge about the company offerings, how he plans to optimize your construction process and get the work done quickly and satisfactorily. Does the person have experience at evaluating homes for remodeling. Have they followed a project from start to completion. Generally it’s not a good idea to settle for someone doing this as a summer job. They have little stake in your long-term satisfaction and have no authority with the company they are representing. Pick a company with successful restorations in the area or even your neighborhood.