Why replace your windows or doors?
There are a number of reasons to replace your windows. Sometimes it's obvious and sometimes it's not.
Warping: When windows and doors begin to warp or bend they can become difficult to operate and can leak air and water into your home. Water trapped in the walls may not be visible until there is damage to the sheet rock or sill. Check below and around your windows and doors for stains and soft spots in the sheet rock - sure signs of water damage.
Poor Installation: Old single pane windows are inefficient, often making rooms uncomfortable and increases the expense of both heating and cooling your home. In addition, condensation forms on the inside of windows with low insulation. This condensation is often the cause of mold and dry rot that not only damages your home but can also effect your family's health.
Aesthetics: Windows and doors should add value, character and comfort to your home. If windows and doors aren't being used because they are in poor condition, you're not getting all that you should out of your home. Don't be afraid to change things up a bit, changing window styles or sizes is not as difficult as you may believe.
When you do decide it's time for new windows or doors, invest some time in pre-planning, an often overlooked stage that will dramatically increase your satisfaction with the final product.
Choosing the right windows or doors
There are hundreds of door and window manufactures ranging in price, quality, options and materials. Deciding which of these qualities are most important to you is a big part of your decision. Below is some information to help you in your search for new windows and doors.
Materials: Window frames are constructed from several materials including vinyl, wood and aluminum. Products utilizing a combination of these materials are referred to as Vinyl clad or Aluminum Clad. Vinyl Windows: are more energy efficient than aluminum or wood windows and therefore are the most common windows for today's retrofits and new construction. Vinyl windows range greatly in quality and cost. The best vinyl windows will have insulated frames with a high R-Factor*. Vinyl's greatest disadvantage is that it can not be painted and generally only available in a few colors. Companies generally offer white, sand, and brown. Wood grain is also available but usually for interiors only. Wood Windows: More expensive than vinyl windows, wood windows and doors are used generally to achieve a certain look within a home. Most wood windows and doors are also produced with a vinyl or aluminum clad on the exterior. These products allow for a stained or painted interior with the protection of an aluminum or vinyl exterior. Shapes, sizes and types of windows are often limited with quality wood products. Aluminum Windows: This is what most people are replacing. Aluminum framed windows are the least efficient material (have the lowest R-Factor*). Condensation on the inside of windows and on windowsills is the common result of a lack of insulation in aluminum windows. If price is your only concern, these will be your least expensive option. * R-Factor or R-Value is used as the standard of measurement of insulation ratings for things such as walls, doors and windows. A higher R-Factor means better energy efficiency and lower heating and cooling expenses.
Options for Vinyl Windows
Colors: 
White | 
Tan | 
Medium
Oak | 
Dark
Oak | |
Parts of a Vinyl Window Welded Corners
for superior strength and performance |  | Sash Limit Locks
allows partial opening for ventilation & security |  | Heavy Duty Sash Lock
for added security |  | Extruded Lift Rail | | Intercept Glass | | Over & Under Interlock
prevents air infiltration | | | Tru-position Balance System | |
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