Windows

A Guide to the Anatomy of a Replacement Window

So you purchased your first house and while the redecorating has been fun, replacing those outdated windows is a little more than you bargained for. You don’t want to overspend, but you don’t want to cut corners either. It’s important to weigh your options carefully.

SO MANY CHOICES

There are a wealth of options out there and an equal number of considerations to go with them. Do you want energy-efficient windows? What type of materials are heat and weather-resistant? And what about style? While you want your new windows to be aesthetically pleasing, you likely also have certain criteria in mind, such as choosing a replacement window type that’s easier to clean or how much fresh air will circulate when you open them.

WHAT TO AVOID

While considering your options, it’s equally important to know what to avoid when choosing an installer. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:

• Not Considering Future Maintenance – It is important that whoever installs your energy-efficient windows understands and explains the specific maintenance requirements involved. Remember this is a major investment, one that should last for many years.
• Not Making Security a Priority – It is easy to get lost in all of your options and overlook one of the key functions of your new windows, keeping you and your loved ones safe from intruders. Make sure that your installer explains all of your security options, such as impact-resistant glass and secure locking systems.
• Not Checking References – A professional, experienced, reputable installation company will always have satisfied customers who are more than happy to give them a good review. At Double J Siding and Windows, we have formed lifetime relationships with our customers, and we are in good standing with the Better Business Bureau and the Texas Panhandle Builders Association.

IT ALL STARTS WITH THE FRAME

Much like our skeleton supports our bodies, the anatomy of a replacement window begins with its frame. Your choice of frame should be guided by the experience of a professional installer who is familiar with the local climate and can make the appropriate recommendations.

• Vinyl – This frame is a practical choice as it is both cost effective and energy efficient. Tight construction prevents air leakage, and the use of insulated glass makes this a good choice for the needs of the West Texas homeowner.
• Wood – Traditional wood frames still offer the best insulation, and some homeowners find them more attractive, but it is important to note that they do require more upkeep.
• Aluminum – While strong, secure, and long-lasting, they are not as effective against heat transfer and loss as their vinyl counterparts. They are also more expensive than vinyl.

THE GLASS

The professionals at Double J Siding and Windows use double-paned, argon-filled glass, protecting your home’s interior from UV rays. They are also energy-efficient windows, keeping the heat of the summer sun at bay and preventing heat loss during the colder months.

We use Wincore windows and offer custom shapes and sizes to fit just about any unique situation. Our experienced installers will offer you recommendations to fit the scope of your structural needs and style of your home.

Call the professionals at Double J Siding and Windows in Amarillo TX, to boost your home’s curb appeal and make your windows last for years to come.

New Windows Are Eventually Necessary

There are a lot of reasons to explore replacement windows. They affect curb appeal, which increases property value. Additionally, they last much longer if installed properly. Many windows often come with an associated warranty, because of ever-changing housing trends, new style options become available all the time. If you’re considering the installation of replacement windows somewhere on your property, there are options worth exploring:

• The Role Of Style

• Color, Size, And Involved Panes

• Materials Associated With Frames

• Avoiding Common Replacement Mistakes

The Role Of Style

Style and decor preference should help guide you in choosing replacement windows, but there are limitations to consider. Exterior coloration may differ from interior coloration. Some styles require bright colors, and this will most likely have something to do with the overall decor of your home. If you’re in a brick-style home, some styles will be more complimentary than others.

In 2021, balcony-style windows are popular, but the cost of that sort of window replacement solution could be a bit high. Part of your style choice will have to do with things like budget, and what sort of options fit your home or neighborhood. Here’s a link with some modern trends to explore.

Recent trends include bamboo shades around windows designed for restrooms, sleek professional veneers for offices, long and narrow stairway window design, corner options, and many more.

Color, Size, And Involved Panes

When you’re in the market for replacement windows, associated coloration will be a big concern. If you’ve got a red brick house and the cheapest windows you can find have green frames, that might not have a very pleasing appeal. While most windows have colorless panes, some don’t. There are also stained glass options to consider – which can actually occasionally be a good style move, depending on your preferences.

Regardless of what you decide on color, the size of your new windows has to fit into the frame you already have installed in the house. The replacement process may involve the removal of siding on your home, and that could be a little intensive.

While there may be a certain amount of variance in size that you can play with, generally, the more you change, the longer the job will take, the more complicated it will be, and the more expensive it will become. So if you switch things up here, be prepared for a more involved process.

Panes are also important. Windows with multiple panes tend to maintain environmental stability in a home and be sturdier. Cheaper windows may not be double-paned and could be very easy to break. Cheap windows become brittle and frail after a long time; it’s usually best to go with qualitative options.

Materials Associated With Frames

The framing of replacement windows may differ. Some frames have more temperature conductivity than others. There are situations where panes can simply be replaced, but if you’ve got to put in a new frame, as mentioned earlier, that may well involve the siding which rests over it on the exterior of your house. That can get complicated fast; so know whether you’re just replacing windows, or the whole frame has to go.

Avoiding Common Window Replacement Mistakes

Asking questions is exceptionally wise here. If you don’t ask about installation, you won’t know if frames need replacing, or just the windows. So definitely, ask about details of installation; professionals may well need to come out and look at what you’re replacing to determine just what’s necessary.

Sometimes you want to go with replacement windows of the same type, sometimes you’re missing a trick if you do that. Technology keeps marching on, and the way glass is treated can impact how sunlight comes into the home, and how cost-effectively you can control that.

So buying based on the cheapest options isn’t always the wisest move. Often you spend less in the short run but pay more in the long run because you either have to replace the windows again, or they have a notable impact on the property’s internal environment.

Getting More Potential Value When Replacing Your Windows

Window replacement through Double J Siding & Windows in Amarillo Texas involves a process that helps homeowners avoid common replacement mistakes, assures framing is done in a way that’s structurally integral, and helps you choose sizes, colors, or frames that best reflect your property. Contact us to learn more about replacing your windows, and how to do so in the most profitable way over the long term.

You finally got your new replacement windows installed! And the last thing you want is for your brand new windows to wear out before their time, to look less than their best, to fail to live up to their full energy-saving potential or to spring a leak.

Read on to find out the most important tips for maintaining and cleaning your replacement windows so you will get the most out of them for their full lifespan!

1. Be Familiar With Your Replacement Windows – Use Them Properly

You’d be surprised how many times someone who has just installed new windows in their home has failed to operate them properly. This can shorten the lifespan of the window, and potentially damage it and cause other problems.

Be sure to talk to your window installation experts and have them demonstrate the exact way to open, shut, lock, unlock, etc. your new windows. Every brand and style of windows seem to be a little different these days, so it’s nothing to be embarrassed about to ask for a demo.

Be sure everyone in the family knows how to operate the windows optimally. And you can always check online for a demo video later on if you need to as well.

2. Periodically Lubricate Your New Windows For Optimal Performance

Occasionally, you should lubricate your new replacement windows so they will move as needed with the greatest of ease. You chose your window type carefully and you want them to do all they should without rubbing, lagging, or getting temporarily stuck.

Find out which type of window lubrication is best to use with your new windows. Ask your installation expert, the manufacturer, or a knowledgeable person at a hardware store to find out.

Always thoroughly clean window hardware and remove dirt/debris before lubricating. You only need a little lubricant typically, and you normally use silicone and NOT a petroleum-based product.

3. Take Time To Clean Out The Window Track – It Makes A Big Difference!

Aside from lubrication and proper use, you need to keep the tracks clean for your new windows to work optimally.

When dirt and debris build up in the tracks, performance suffers, extra stress is put on the window, and the window may not last as long as it could with a little maintenance.

You can use a vacuum tool to remove dirt from the tracks easily. You can also buy a special tool called a “track brush” to get at dirt hidden deep down in the groove. A damp cloth and a paper towel should finish the job.

4. Clean Window Glass & Frames Frequently For Best Long-term Results

Keeping your windows clean will make them look better and help them last longer. Both interior and exterior glass should be cleaned as well as interior and exterior frames. It’s ok to clean the exterior less frequently but it’s good to attend to it at least 2 or 3 times a year.

Avoid using harsh cleaning products on your new windows – it can hurt vinyl frames, for example, or even glass panes. Warm, soapy water will do. Or you can use window-safe, less harsh cleaning products.

Be sure to wipe away any excess water or residue at the edges of the glass or elsewhere on the window before finishing up. Leaving moisture on the windows could cause problems with the seals or with wood frames, for example. And be careful if you use metal scrapers on your glass – and NEVER power wash your windows!

To learn more about proper window maintenance or to order your new replacement windows (with installation services), contact Double J Siding & Windows in Amarillo, Texas, today!

With winter behind us now, it’s time for Texans to start thinking about storm season. Spring in Texas means blustery weather for many, and you may need to prepare your home’s exterior to weather the storm.

Installing new house windows clearly ranks among the top improvements homeowners can make ahead of the coming inclement weather. Wind and water damage are far too great a risk with old, barely functioning windows.

Here are 5 key points to keep in mind that will help you choose replacement windows for your home.

1. Choose A Strong Frame Material

Not all windows are created equal. Some have strong, durable frames while others, well, do not. Work with a local contractor who is familiar with the best window frame materials out there so you can pick his brain for the best advice!

Vinyl can be strong, depending on the brand, and it certainly resists damage from water and from insects. It is also very low maintenance and usually quite affordable. Additionally, quality vinyl frames come in a great variety of colors, making it easy to fit them into any home’s exterior ambiance.

Wood frames are classic and give that warm, inviting look. If well-built, they can last for decades. But they may require occasional repainting or sanding.

Metal frames cost a bit more but are especially robust and durable. This is a great option for resisting storm damage to your windows in the years to come. Even hail damage is unlikely to occur with steel frames.

2. Select A Glass Type For Your Windows

Not only do you want tempered glass, and if possible, UV-blocking glass, but you also need to think about how many panes of glass each window will be built of.

Double-paned windows are standard. They consist of two sheets of window glass with air space between them. Triple-paned glass house windows increase the insulation and sound-filtering effects of multi-paned windows even more.

Finally, you may want to consider getting replacement windows filled with argon or krypton gas since this can increase the energy-efficiency level yet further.

3. Look For Low-e Glazed House Windows

While speaking of window glass, let us mention one more thing – Low-E windows.

Low-e glazing puts a super-thin layer over your window glass that helps regulate temperatures inside your home. In the summertime, Low-e coatings bounce back a lot of the sun’s heat, while in the wintertime, they still let welcome sunlight find its way in.

This is a key feature that gives you an added edge when it comes to saving money on your monthly power bill!

4. Select A Style For Your House Windows

Double-hung windows are great when you want to be able to open and easily clean the window from the inside of the house. Picture windows can have a stunning effect on your home’s curb appeal. Diamond grids can add that extra touch.

There are dozens of unique house window stylesto choose from, so take the time to examine them all. And don’t be afraid to ask a contractor about customized shapes and sizes!

5. Choose The Right Window Installation Company

Finally, you should also consider the installation of your replacement windows. It’s very convenient to hire a single company to take the old windows out and put the new ones in – plus assist you with the selection and acquisition of your new windows.

Look for a local contractor with a strong reputation and with deep experience in installing all manner of house windows.

Thinking about using part of your tax refund on new windows? Need new windows after wind or storm damage? Or just want to give your home a “facelift?” Contact Double J Siding & Windows in Amarillo, Texas, to get started on upgrading your home’s windows!

Winterproofing your old windows and doors – and your whole home, maybe the immediate action you need to take. But on the other hand, winter can be a great time to order new replacement windows and doors, and you need to think more long term about the future of your home’s energy efficiency and decor. Why not start the new year right with brand new replacement windows and/or doors that look great, work perfect, and last for decades to come?

But before you get started, you first need to exercise a little pre-planning and practical preparation – here are 5 key steps to follow:

Investigate Current Window Condition

The first step is to take account of the current condition of your windows and doors. Are there any air leaks? Are the frames warped or rotting out? What about energy efficiency – do you have products with the Energy Star mark of approval?

Once you conclude that your windows are outdated or in poor condition and need to be replaced, the next step is to start catching a vision and formulating a plan.

Get Creative With Replacement Windows / Doors

You may want to get your creative juices flowing and think outside the box – something beyond just a straight-forward switch-out. Perhaps, you may want to put a bay window in where a picture window is now to let in maximum light.

Or, you may want to install a crank-out window in place of a double-hung window since both are usually the same size. Sliding windows/doors, modernistic “geometric” windows, automated screens, built-in blinds, classic shutters, customized windows shapes and sizes, and custom-built entry and storm doors are all among the many possibilities!

Take Time To Budget For Your Project

To many, crunching some numbers and budgeting for upcoming windows and door replacement projects can be as fun as taking measurements and envisioning a new ambiance. But even if math “is not your thing,” it’s a necessary step.

Make out several possible plans and get some quotes on the necessary products and services. Compare quotes and make adjustments until you find the perfect way to combine affordability with a result you will be totally satisfied with.

Choose A Reputable, Local Contractor

The next step is to decide on which contractor you will hire to take out your old windows/doors and install the replacements. Check out examples of contractors’ past work, read reviews by real past customers, do some research online, and find out who is favored by the BBB.

There is a lot more to consider than just comparing quotes when choosing an installation company – so don’t neglect to “do your homework!”

Schedule & Prep The Work Area

Before replacement windows or a new door can be placed, the work area will need to be cleared of furniture, curtains, blinds, pictures (that might fall due to vibrations nearby), and any household clutter.

Also, order as early as possible if you are getting custom-built windows – but note that wait times are usually much shorter during the winter months. Planning and scheduling ahead will make the project go quicker and smoother on installation day.

For more information on getting ready for new replacement windows or new doors or a free no-obligation quote, contact the experts at Double J Siding & Windows in Amarillo, TX, today!

As the cold season deepens, the need for well insulated – and at the same time fully functional, house windows and doors becomes more and more obvious.
If you have old, outdated windows/doors that may be in poor condition, replacement may be the wisest option. But in many other instances, you simply need to get organized and implement some winterizing strategies on your current windows and doors.
Here are 7 ways to winter-proof your windows and doors this winter so you can stay warm and keep energy efficiency high at the same time!

1. Install Weatherstripping & Sweeps

Maybe you’ve noticed some drafts, or perhaps, you’ve discovered a problem with your house windows and doors after a professional energy audit. One of the first things to do to correct the problem and start saving money is to install weatherstripping on all of your doors.
You should also install a wood sweep on your most frequently used doors – ones that can be painted to match the door’s style and color.

2. Use Foam Insulation

If your door or window is slightly warped or imperfect, you can cover up the look and block drafts by putting on sticky-back foam insulation tape.
You simply cut the foam to size and press it on in the relevant areas. You can choose between softer and more rigid forms of foam. Be sure the product can be customized to fit the dimensions of your doors and windows.

3. Touch Up Exterior Caulking

In many cases, exterior beads of caulk around windows crack or shrink over the years, which allows drafts and/or leaks. Get a matching color and a caulking gun and go to work! You only need to recaulk areas where the bead has been damaged or is badly stained.

4. Use A “Door Snake”

Instead of having to use a towel or your clothes to block the bottom of doors for rooms you are heating this winter, why not buy a helpful little “door snake” to do the job? This weighted fabric tube is perfect for keeping cold air out and heated air in!

5. Invest In “Thermal Curtains”

Heavy, dark-colored curtains made of fabric with a high heat-absorption rate are called “thermal curtains.” For the winter at least, you can change out the curtains to thermal ones. You can open the curtains during the sunniest part of the day and close them the rest of the time for the most efficient overall effect.

6. Apply Window Film

If you have single-paned glass windows or if you have window air leaks, the immediate solution might be to apply interior window film. This may not be a permanent way to winterize your home, but it will do until you can fix the air leaks or replace the windows.

7. Have New Windows / Doors Installed

It may be time to winterize by purchasing new house windows and/or doors before it gets too cold. Especially if none of the other strategies are working – but even just to modernize and upgrade at the same time as winterproofing, calling an installation expert may be the best course to take.
For more helpful advice on winterproofing your home this cold season or to get a free, no-obligation quote on new house windows and doors, contact Double J Siding & Windows in Amarillo, Texas, today!

Maybe you are in the middle of a home renovation project (or thinking about starting one soon.) Perhaps, you are already planning on having new siding installed on your house. Or, it may be simply that you’ve noticed some problems with your old windows lately and are wondering if it’s time to replace them.

Windows are a critical component of every building, standing as they do at the interface of the outdoors and indoors. They typically last from 20 to 40 years, depending on their quality, type, and location – but eventually, they need to be replaced. Here are the top 5 signs that it may be time.

1. Visible Damage And/or Leaks

One sign it may be time for new windows is obvious, visible damage. Windows can chip, crack, permanently stain, rot (if wood windows), and leak.

You may have noticed such damage to some or all of your windows and realize it would be almost impossible to fix it short of full replacement. And, in fact, it could cost almost as much to repair as to replace windows that are very badly damaged.

2. Drafts & Poor Energy Efficiency

Another sign you need better windows is when you always seem to feel a draft in the house and never seem able to get warm enough when the heat is on or cool enough when the AC is running.

This is directly connected, of course, to abnormal spikes in your electric and/or natural gas bill. And newer, more energy-efficient makes and models of windows can save you money month after month.

3. Opening And Closing Your Windows Is Difficult

Windows that are too tough to open/close become a problem instead of a solution. You want fresh air in your home, but not the rain. You want to be able to securely lock up your windows at night or when away without a struggle. Full functionality and ease of use is a must.

Also, if your windows “drop” suddenly down instead of sliding up/down normally, that’s a sign replacement is the answer. You shouldn’t have to worry about dropping windows and shattering glass or use a stick to prop them open.

4. The Noise Keeps Getting Through

Many modern windows are able to reduce noise levels greatly, but if your windows are poorly sealed or use badly outdated glass, just about all of the outside noise may be getting through.

Noise-reducing, dual-insulated-glass windows can quiet things down fast! Talk to a pro about finding the “quietest” window on the market.

5. Your Home is Lacking Curb Appeal

Sharp-looking windows can greatly boost a home’s overall curb appeal. They can highlight your siding color and can be a big selling point if you are planning on listing your home soon.

If, however, the window paint is faded and the style is all too outdated, your windows may have become an eyesore instead. Replacing them with elegant, “snappy” new windows installed by an experienced contractor may be the answer!

If you are considering having new windows installed on your home or commercial property, do not hesitate to contact Double J Siding & Windows in Amarillo, Texas, today! We can give you a free consultation and a free, no-obligation quote.