3 minute read
Ask The Expert
ASK THE WINDOW EXPERT
SI PHOENIX ANSWERS YOUR WINDOW QUESTIONS Q. Is window and door replacement a we’ve “remodeled their home with your project. Some folks choose to good investment? new windows and doors.” Many homes tackle their worst windows first and do A. Heat, dust, and an outdated look are we see have resort-style backyards or the project in stages. the three most consistent reasons why amazing Arizona territorial views. We homeowners replace their windows. can help enhance those stunning views We then will have one of our Lead It’s funny - almost without exception, with better window and door styles, Installers come out and re-measure for we go into homes that have sunscreens, changing frame colors, and even enlarg- accuracy to within 1/8 of an inch. Your drapes, blinds, shades or shutters ing openings. windows will then be ordered and be installed as heat prevention measures. I delivered to us typically within 30 days. get it, the windows heat up your home Q. How do I know which frame Next, the installation will be scheduled, too much! Not only is window and door material is best for my home? and our in-house crews will arrive for replacement a good investment, it’s A. Most windows that were installed installation day. We typically are able to the most important home improvement in new homes over the last 40 years install about five windows per day and GREG JOHNSON you can do! The technology available in Arizona have aluminum frames. most projects take less than three days. WITH SI PHOENIX in non-conductive frames and Low-E Aluminum, as a material, is a conducglass can cut over 90 percent of that tor which means it actually helps heat The second our installation trucks pull heat coming in. Your cave dwelling flow into your home. The first step to away from your home, you will al- irritating road noise from nearby busy days are over! eliminating the heat from your windows ready be amazed at the visual change to streets. In June, July, and August when is getting rid of the aluminum. your home. Listen closely - aluminum the heat is pounding on your home day Not only will you save on your cool- frames also conduct noise. Your home after day, your window coverings will ing costs, new windows and doors will With that in mind, there are three basic will be much quieter, especially that air be up, and you will still be enjoying the extend the life of your air conditioner non-conductive frame materials for conditioner rumbling continually or that magnificent views of Arizona! as it certainly won’t have to work as you to choose from; vinyl, vinyl/wood hard. New home builders usually fiber composite or fiberglass. Both vinyl leaned towards really cheap solutions and vinyl/wood fiber composite are when it came to windows and doors, thermoplastics. Thermoplastics have and you’ve no doubt felt the lack of the property of softening when heated. efficiency. This is hyper-intensified with high sun exposure and glass pressure weight There is also the whole other side to usually associated with larger windows. new windows - the aesthetic appeal. It’s not a matter of if, but when plasticWe’ve had many homeowners that said based frames will eventually sag, warp, and discolor. Fiberglass is a thermoset. When it is heated or cured, it permanently becomes hard and rigid. Fiberglass is 8x stronger than vinyl and 3.5x stronger than vinyl/wood fiber composites. It’s really simple…fiberglass is engineered to take heat much better than plastic.
Q. What can I expect to happen during the window and door replacement process?
A. The initial consultation is very similar to going to a doctor’s appointment. We’ll ask you some questions on the symptoms that your home is having. We will then examine your current windows and determine if they need to be replaced. We then will give you recommendations on window styles, frame color, glass options, and the scope of
