What Replacement Window Style Is Right For You?

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If you are making Frisco, TX replacement windows a priority as a home improvement project, you may have already chosen a material, but what styles interest you? There are plenty of options from casement and double hung to picture and bay windows. There are plenty of possibilities for every room in the house. It can be hard to decide, but when you ask yourself some of these questions, with any luck, the answers will make it clear.  

What Purpose Do You Have For The Windows? 

You may have a different answer for this based on the room of the house but ask yourself what purpose they need to serve. Perhaps home windows are a good source of light while others are for ventilation. You might use some primarily for the view while others are purely ornamental. Casement windows are great for ventilation while picture windows are ideal for light and views. Double hung work well for safety reasons and bow windows are beautiful and add more space to a room. Deciding the purpose for each window will help you figure out what style works best to suit that purpose.  

What Is Your Home’s Style? 

Take a look at the architectural style of your home. If you have a modern house, that’s different than something traditional. Picture windows fit in with many different window styles, but not always in every room. Double hung windows are common in traditional homes, but they can meet style needs in many different homes. Slider windows fit in well with contemporary options, but they aren’t the only choice, of course. You can customize your options and choose different colors both inside and out to compliment the home style.  

What Ventilation Needs Do You Have? 

There might be certain rooms of the house that don’t need ventilation and others that need more. If you need ventilation, then obviously a picture window alone won’t work well in that space. Casement and double hung windows are the best ventilators and you should plane them throughout your house accordingly to get fresh air into the space.  

How Much Privacy Do You Need? 

This question will help you determine style based on the room as well. In the bathroom, for example, privacy is key. You might want a smaller window or a window with beveled glass to give you privacy. Picture windows aren’t ideal for privacy since they are harder to cover up, but double hung and casement can work with the right coverings. 

These are just a few of the questions that can help you get to the bottom of which style of Frisco, TX replacement windows is right for your home. Keep in mind that you can actually choose many different styles for one house. You can mix and match as much as you want based on the individual room and its needs. That can make things easier, but also more complicated. Contact the experts at Southwest Door & Windows for help by calling (214) 341-2212 or visiting 10255 Miller Rd Dallas, TX 75238. 

Vinyl Replacement Window Perks

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If you’re ready to improve your home with Dallas, TX replacement windows, you are likely looking through the different materials and styles and trying to make some basic decisions upfront. Energy efficiency is important, and you want to keep your family safe as well. Going through all of the details can be overwhelming and the last thing you want is for the excitement of the project to turn into a nightmare. Vinyl windows are an excellent choice for any home so in order for you to feel good about that option, let’s go through some of the perks they bring along with them after installation.  

Perk 1: Non-Conductive 

Vinyl windows just plain make it harder for cold or warm air to filter through into your home, whether it’s hot outside or chilly. You don’t have to worry about those temperatures going through the vinyl materials because vinyl doesn’t transfer hot or cold into the home.  

Perk 2: Durability 

Vinyl windows are very strong, so they don’t bend or dent very easily. That makes them better than wood because water doesn’t affect them, so you don’t have to worry about warping or chipping. They are also virtually scratch free, so they’ll look great over the years without wear and tear of any kind.  

Perk 3: Low Maintenance 

Vinyl windows are so low maintenance it’s hard to believe. They keep their finish and you can clean them on occasion, but you never have to paint or stain them or worry about repairs to their frames.  

Perk 4: Long-Lasting 

Since vinyl windows maintain their beauty for many years, they are long-lasting as well. Not only do they look good for years, but they also hold up well against the Texas elements, so you don’t have to worry about their energy efficiency going backwards, either.  

Perk 5: Affordability 

Vinyl windows cost quite a bit less than other materials and they save you even more on energy bills. That makes them affordable both right away and also later on. Plus, with no maintenance required, you save even more in materials there.  

Perk 6: Appearance 

You can get the look you want inside and outside of your home with vinyl windows. You can get just about any color or you can get wood grain to make them look more like wood windows. Your home will look nice and new with the replacement windows in place.  

If you’d like to hear more about Dallas, TX replacement windows, vinyl in particular, contact the experts at Southwest Door & Windows by calling (214) 341-2212 with your questions. We’re here to help and we want to make sure you get the right replacement windows for your home. You can stop by and see examples in our showroom at 10255 Miller Rd Dallas, TX 75238. We can show you around and point out the differences between various replacement windows and even various vinyl options. We want efficiency for you, but we also want your home to look and feel as you want it to. 

Safeguarding Windows Against Water in Irving, TX

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Irving, TX windows are important to any home and if the windows start to fail for one reason or another, replacing them or repairing them can be a big expense. If you see that your old wood windows are being affected by the water that comes from the air or rains in the area, there are things you can do to protect them from further damage. Here are a few things to try in order to keep things in order:  

replacement windows in irving bedroom

Paint the Windows Regularly 

No wood windows will ever look nice forever if you ignore them. Painting the windows every year or two is the best way you can safeguard them against the rains and humidity in the air. Windows take a lot of heat from the sun and the elements and there’s no way wood will hold up against all of that with no attention. Stain, seal, and paint your windows regularly and make sure you scrape the old paint off first to get the best result.  

Watch the Caulk and Weather stripping 

Most wood windows have issues with water on the outside, but if you let them go long enough, some of them may also let water inside. That’s a problem no homeowner wants to have. If you start to see some water leaks, the first thing to check is the caulk and weather stripping outside. If it’s old and cracked, peel it off and start over for a tighter seal.  

Professional Inspections and Help 

You might not want to repaint your windows every year and if you do the job yourself and still see water damage, you might need help from others. Contact professional window experts for an assessment as to what else you can do to your windows to keep water damage from occurring. You know windows are built to last and if they were properly installed, you should be able to maintain them for many years.  

Get Vinyl Windows Installed 

If the water damage has started to take over, sometimes there’s no going back. Even if you maintain your windows well, eventually wood will allow the water to damage it to the point of no return. In those cases, you’re better off looking into vinyl windows as replacements. Vinyl doesn’t have anything against water and never has to be painted, either. You won’t have to worry about water damage any longer and you can forget the extra chores, too.  

If you are ready for advice on your old, wood windows…or if you’re simply ready to move forward with replacement windows in Irving, TX, contact the experts at Southwest Door & Window at (214) 341-2212. We will gladly give you a free consultation to take a look at your window situation and offer you our expert opinion. You might be able to fix up your windows or you may be better off with new windows. Either way, we’ll give you the information you need to make the right decision. You can also stop by and see us in our showroom at 10255 Miller Rd Dallas, TX 75238. 

Common Window Failures in Plano, TX

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Windows are an essential to any home. They not only bring in natural light, but they also improve ventilation and protect families against intruders and the elements. Windows in Plano, TX are also a huge part of keeping your house comfortable during the hot (and cold!) times of the year. As much as you’d like for it to be true, no windows last forever. Frames may warp or dent and glass could leak and shatter. These are some of the most common window failures you might face in Texas. 

windows in plano

Accidental Damage 

We’ve all seen the TV show where the kid throws the ball and breaks the neighbor’s window. Then it’s all about whether or not they will admit to what they did and pay for the damage or try to get away with it. That’s often a storyline because it actually happens in real life. And it’s not just the poor kid trying to pass the time. It might be a golfer on a nearby course, a bird flying at their reflection, or any number of other things. Damage happens and more often than not, it occurs because of an accident. Sometimes, you can get your glass repaired or a new pane of glass installed into the old frame. But you’re often better off replacing the window entirely to ensure its integrity. 

Improper Maintenance Issues 

There are certain things you know about maintenance and you do them regularly. You know you’re supposed to change the HVAC air filter every month and you know when your car needs an oil change. But do you take care of your windows too? Many homeowners let those chores fall by the wayside and if you have wood windows, that’s not going to get you very far. Windows that are ignored will eventually fail and that’s very common in Texas. 

Water Damage Problems 

Though Texas is hot most of the year, during the summer months, the humidity dominates the air as well. When the rain hits, it can go against everything your windows need as well. Windows that are made from vinyl materials do just fine in this weather, but wood windows have to be properly painted and sealed to hold up well. If they aren’t, the water damage starts and once it starts, there’s seldom a way to stop it. Frames then warp and rot and need replacement before the damage gets to the inside of the house.  

Simple Old Age 

No windows last forever and if your windows have been in place for decades, they likely need to be replaced. Getting new windows with all of the industry’s technology included will make a world of difference in any home.  

Are you seeing some of these damages in your Plano, TX windows? Contact the experts at Southwest Door & Window for help by calling (214) 341-2212. We’ll take a look at your situation and offer our advice. If that advice includes replacement windows, we can help with that as well. Stop by and see us at 10255 Miller Rd Dallas, TX 75238. 

Priceless Vinyl Window Maintenance Tips for Irving, TX Residents

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There’s no such thing as a vinyl window in Irving, TX that lasts forever—as much as residents and homeowners would like for that to be the case. Who really wants to buy replacement windows? There are plenty of other ways to spend money that are a lot more fun. However, with the right maintenance, it can feel like vinyl windows last forever. They’ll certainly last a lot longer…probably for as long as you own the home and then some! Use these maintenance tips to keep your vinyl windows in top shape for as long as possible.  

irving vinyl window

Inspect the Windows Regularly 

You may not be a window expert, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have what it takes to run some inspections. You know what your windows look like on a regular basis so you will be able to see if there are sudden changes. If you have a big storm, for example, check the windows over to make sure there isn’t any damage. Keep an eye on the caulking outside to see if it needs touch-ups. And watch for condensation between the panes. Smaller defects can often be addressed, but if you let things get too large and out of control, replacements will become necessary a lot sooner. 

Clean the Frames Along with the Glass 

You know your window’s glass needs to be cleaned. After all, you can see your children’s and pet’s prints all over the inside. The outside might have rain drops on it from the last storm. It’s obvious that the glass needs a cleaning, but what about the frames? Vinyl frames are hardy and sturdy and they don’t take much maintenance. But when you’re cleaning the glass, go ahead and wipe down the frames as well to keep them looking nice.  

Lubricate and Clean Tracks 

If your vinyl windows have tracks that help them open and close, you want them to operate smoothly over their lifetime. That means keeping those tracks clean and free of debris. That’s simple enough to do with a vacuum cleaner and attachment. You can also lubricate the track with silicone spray every now and then to keep things running smoothly. Avoid spraying the track and instead spray a cloth and wipe it on so you don’t get spray on the frame itself.  

Use these maintenance tips to keep your Irving, TX vinyl windows in good shape for as many years as possible. If you’d like more tips, of if you have specific questions, contact the experts at Southwest Door & Window by calling (214) 341-2212 for advice and a free consultation. Keep in mind that even if you maintain your windows well, there will come a day when you need new windows. When that day arrives, we hope you’ll visit our showroom at 10255 Miller Rd Dallas, TX 75238 to see the various vinyl windows we offer. With new innovations coming through the industry all the time, you’ll be surprised at the benefits new windows can bring to your home. 

Deciding Between Bow and Bay Replacement Windows in Irving, TX

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New windows are a lovely addition to any home, but putting in Irving, TX replacement windows that really stand out can be more of a challenge. Some homeowners fall in love with the idea of bow or bay windows in certain rooms of the house to give them more square footage inside and further architectural interest outside. While either are a great option, there are difference between the two that can help you decide which one is right for your home.  

office irving replacement windows

Bow Windows and Bay Windows 

Bay windows are three glass units arranged in an angular pattern. The middle window is often fixed while the two windows on either side often open and are situated at an angle. The window projects outside and work well as a unit. Bow windows, on the other hand, often include four or more taller windows that are arranged as a single unit. The windows can be operable or fixed and they curve and project outside. They work well in corners or flat walls.  

Advantages of Bow and Bay Windows 

While the windows have their basic differences, many of their advantages are the same. Both styles, for example, let in more natural light to make the inside of your home feel brighter, bigger, and more spacious. Sunlight can improve health and wellbeing and make any space feel more open and welcoming. Not only will the room feel more open, but it will actually be more open because both of these window styles add extra square footage to the home. Some homeowners use that for a window seat or extra storage while others enjoy having more room for a dining take and chairs or other items. The bay and bow replacement windows are very eye-catching and add curb appeal to any home that helps to set it apart from others. You can boost the value of your home with these options. 

 Disadvantages of Bow and Bay Windows 

As you might imagine, finding window coverings for these rounded windows can be more of a challenge. If you place the windows right, you might not need anything to cover them. But if you do want something to cover them on occasion, it’s harder to find the right fit. They also carry extra weight that you have to make sure your home can carry. Installing lighter windows that are strong and durable can help with this issue. 

 If you want help deciding between bay and bow Irving, TX replacement windows, call the professionals at Southwest Door & Window at 214 341-2212. We’re here to run down the rest of the pros and cons with you and talk about specific locations as well. Most homeowners put these windows in living rooms, dining rooms, and even bedrooms, but you can place them wherever you’d like to enjoy their unique beauty. If you want to see some samples and learn more about the differences between the two styles, visit us at 10255 Miller Rd Dallas, TX 75238. 

Replacement Windows In Plano, TX Before The Sale Takes Place

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Summer is a joyous time of the year and a lot more happens than baseball games in the field and bike rides at night. Summer is often a shifting time for families. It’s a great time to move locations because there’s more time and it’s between school sessions. If you are planning a move this summer, Plano, TX replacement windows are something you should consider for your home before you put the sign in the yard. Here are a few reasons why replacement windows are a good idea before the home goes up on the market.

 

Replacement Windows Add Curb Appeal

Replacement windows can attract more interest to your home because they make the house look fresh and new. Before you are going to get any offers, you have to get potential buyers through the front door. If your curb appeal is lacking (which could be due to old windows) no one is going to want to see the charm the interior of the home holds in the first place. Replacement windows can enhance that curb appeal and get more people through the front door.iron styles small

Replacement Windows Add Value

When you sell your home, chances are you’ll want to get the highest price for it possible so you can put more money in the new home you have lined up in another location for your family. There are plenty of home improvement projects that can raise the value of your home, but replacement windows will raise the value the most. You’ll get most of your investment back when you sell the Plano, TX home and you’ll likely sell it faster as well. 

Replacement Windows Increase Efficiency

Energy efficiency is important for any home during the hot summer in Texas. When you are going to sell your home, it’s even more important. First, you get to enjoy the energy savings and increased comfort in the home before you move. And second, homeowners looking at the house will recognize what they are getting and appreciate the home more. No one wants an inefficient house in Texas!

Replacement Windows Make Homes Turn-Key

Some people like fixer-uppers and that’s great. But there are many who want to simply move in and not have a lot of projects lined up. After all, moving is a huge project of its own! If you replace the windows first, your home is more appealing since the project is one less thing new owners have to do to the house once they move in.

Are you ready to get replacement windows in Plano, TX before you place your home on the market? Contact Southwest Door & Window today at 214-341-2212 and let’s get started on the project. We’ll help you get just what you need for your home, whether you’re selling now, this fall, or years in the future. Stop by and see us at 10255 Miller Rd Dallas, TX 75238 and we’ll show you the options in person. Replacement windows make a huge difference and we want to show you how!

Custom Shaped Window Options For Replacement Windows In Irving, TX

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Replacement windows in Irving, TX are going to be an investment no matter what you choose so it’s important to explore your options and get creative about the style before you make a final decision. Custom windows can create a focal point in any room while adding curb appeal to the home at the same time. Most of the windows you want for your home will be normal in shape and size. But there might be a few places where custom replacement windows will add value and pizzazz to the property.

What Are Custom-Shaped Replacement Windows?

Custom-shaped replacement windows are generally non-operational windows in a unique shape. They help tomaximize light and view while giving the home a unique style with a geometric shape. They are ideal in hard-to-reach places where you don’t want ventilation in the first place.

They also work well above doors and other windows or in hallways or stairwells.

Benefits Of Custom-Shaped Replacement Windows

Replacement windows with unique shapes can add character to any home in Irving, TX and accent the style you already have in existence. You are able to let in more natural light while extending your view. They give your house a one-of-a-kind appeal that makes it stand out from others nearby and across the city.

Configuration Options

If you are going to customize a window, there are limitless options when it comes to the shape you can choose, but there are some that are more popular than others. Geometric shapes, for example, are the most popular. You might want a circular window above a door or something long and narrow, like an oval. You can also get shapes like octagons, hexagons, or even stars.

Choosing Replacement Windows

When you look into replacement windows, you will have a lot of decisions to make. Most homeowners first choose a material to work with, like vinyl. Then, they often find an overall style that will work in each room of the house, though that style can vary. You can, for example, have casement windows on the main floor and double-hung on the second level. Homeowners will also have to choose a streamlined color to fit into the décor on the home. But don’t stop with those large decisions. Make sure the tiny details are in order as well and if your home calls for a custom-shaped replacement window, go for it. Now’s the time to get everything in place at once!

Are you ready for Irving, TX replacement windows for your home? The experts at Southwest Door & Window will help you with all of the decisions related to your new windows…both large and small! We’ll give you our professional opinion and advice on what you might want to do. We’ve seen a lot of different homes and we know what looks good! Give us a call at 214-341-2212 and set up an appointment with us. You can also take a look at some of the windows we offer in our showroom at 10255 Miller Rd Dallas, TX 75238.

Window Features to Watch For In A New Home Within Frisco, TX

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It’s exciting to buy a new home. You can’t wait to make the place your own after your family moves in! But there are a lot of things that go into buying a home and you want to be very careful about what you purchase. Some items are obvious. You can tell, for example, if the kitchen is rundown or if the bathroom needs an upgrade. But you will have to look more closely at other items to see if they are up to par, like the Frisco, TX windows, for example. Here are just a few features you will want to look for in windows when you are purchasing a new home.

1-Panes of Glass

The easiest thing to look at on any windows is the glass. That’s what most of the windows are anyway, right? And it’s simple to take a quick glance at the glass and tell if there is one pane of glass, two, or even three. If there’s three, you’re in luck. Those windows are the most energy efficient of all. If you’re looking at an older home, there might only be one pane of glass and that means the home isn’t likely very energy efficient. As the new homeowner, you would probably have to replace the windows relatively soon in order to get the energy savings you want.

2-Frame Material/Quality

You can also easily tell what type of material is on the frame by taking a look. IF you aren’t sure (because some are painted to look like wood when they really aren’t!) just ask the Dallas, TX realtor what the material is so you know one way or another. As you look at the frames, be sure to notice its shape and quality. Vinyl windows, for example, will likely look the same even if they are a few years old. Wood, however, will start to show wear if it’s not well cared for. There’s nothing wrong with having wood windows if they have been maintained. But if they are in poor shape, you’ll either have a lot of work to do, or you’ll be looking at a replacement project soon after you move in.

3-Opening And Closing

It’s true that potential buyers get into every nook and cranny of a home—and they should! Don’t be shy about testing things. Open those kitchen cabinets and look inside! Test the closet doors for squeaks! Open and close every window, too, if you want. This is a huge purchase! Opening and closing the windows can tell you a lot about them as well. It will show whether or not they work well and if they have any issues that may have been hidden has they stayed closed.

If you need more advice on what to look for in Dallas, TX replacement windows on a new, contact Southwest Door & Window at 214-341-2212. We’re here to help with your window questions! You can also stop by and see us at 10255 Miller Rd Dallas, TX 75238.

Comparing Replacement Window Costs For Homes In Dallas, TX

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There are so many options on the market when it comes to almost any product that it can be confusing to know what to buy. If you’re at the grocery store and you don’t mind generic brands, you may find yourself comparing generic costs to name brands to buy the cheapest option. That doesn’t always work with home improvement projects, but you still want to get the best deal you can get. How can you compare something like Dallas, TX replacement windows when it comes down to cost? Here are a few tips to help you get what you need at a price you can afford.

Tip 1: Compare Like Windows

Even if you don’t know exactly what you want yet, when you are looking at replacement window costs, you need to choose a certain window style and the same features when you compare. Don’t compare one double pane window to a different triple pane window and then choose based on cost. The windows aren’t the same to begin with! Take one window material, style, and feature options and compare that same window across the board to look at prices that are relatable.

Tip 2: Consider Options

There are a lot of options that go into replacement windows today. You used to purchase a window and dictate the color and that was that. Now, you have a say in everything from the number of panes to the hardware placed on the window. Consider the various options on the market and take a look at how much they increase the price on the replacement windows you are looking into. Some options are worth it, like low-e coating on the glass, in order to reduce energy bills even further. Other options, like top of the line, fancy hardware, may not be as worth it to you.

Tip 3: Think Long-Term

When you’re buying new windows, there are prices upfront, but you want to think about the long haul as well. There are going to be some windows that are cheaper and some that cost more. You need to think about more than what you are spending now and go into the future. What will the windows cost you then? Is one going to take more maintenance than another and cost you in repairs? Is one going to be less efficient than another and cost you on energy bills? Taking these things under your watchful eye will help you compare costs both now and into the coming years.

Are you ready to do some serious comparisons on replacement windows in Dallas, TX? Because we’re ready to help! Contact the professionals at Southwest Door & Windows by calling 214-341-2212 and we’ll lend you our knowledge and years of experience in the industry. We know just what you’re looking for in new windows when you give us your goals, challenges, and budget. We’ll help you find the right fit and we’ll be there to compare any windows you want to another one. Stop by and see us at 10255 Miller Rd Dallas, TX 75238!