Looking Behind the Curtain of Replacement Window Installations

Posted on April 9, 2018 by admin

If you’ve never gotten new windows before, the process can be a bit overwhelming. When you live in Dallas, TX, there are no shortages when it comes to options. Any replacement windows you can imagine, you can have. And if you’ve never looked into windows before, you might find the options to be more than you can handle. There are so many choices to make! Then once you make them, you have to go through the installation as well. To have peace about the process as a whole, let’s look behind the curtain, so to speak.

Get Comfortable with the Steps

The absolute last thing you should feel when it comes to picking out windows and having them installed is intimidation. When you work with the right company, such as Southwest Door & Window, the professionals will understand that you don’t have a lot of experience with new windows in Dallas, TX. We do have experience and are dedicated to explaining absolutely everything you want to know so there are no surprises. It’s hard not to be anxious about something so big, but we will work to be efficient and courteous every step of the way so you are comfortable at all times.

Learn About Typical Installations

No two homes are alike and no two window installation jobs are identical either. But you might want to know what typical installations are like so you know what to expect. You will have an in-home consultation first where we will take measurements and listen to your style needs and energy efficiency concerns, among other things. This is just as important as the installation because we need to get the right product for your home first! The consultant can also fill you in on what the installation will entail.

Making the Process Seamless

There are plenty of things you can do to help the installation process along as much as possible. You should remove pictures from the walls, for example, and move furniture away from the windows. Clear a path from the door to the windows and make sure the installers have access to power. Keep your pets confined somewhere safe and get kids out of the house for the day. You can also ask your installers what else they need to make sure everything is covered.

When you work with Southwest Door & Window, you are working with a top-notch company that knows just what to do in every situation. We understand that this isn’t something you do every day, but you should know that windows are something we do deal with on a daily basis. We know what we’re doing and we hope that you feel you can trust our expertise. Give us a call at 214-341-2212 and let’s talk about whether or not the time is right for you to get new windows. You can also stop by and see us at 10255 Miller Rd Dallas, TX 75238.

Transitioning to Spring

Posted on April 2, 2018 by admin

Frisco, TX doesn’t usually have a harsh winter, but it’s still different in the spring than it is over the winter. When the spring arrives, you want to be able to reflect the difference in the season within your home. Bring spring into your home to feel the freshness of the season throughout the house! Here are a few things you can do to bring your home into the season and enjoy the freshness of spring inside and out.

Transition 1: Change Inside Decorations

During the winter, you might have holiday items out and even darker accessories that bring out the winter season. But in the spring, you want bright colors that bring in that element of this new time of year. Consider getting different throw pillows that accent light and vibrant colors. Bring fresh flowers into the home and change the wreath on the door to accentuate pastels.

Transition 2: Plant Outside

If you want the exterior of your house to look better than ever before this spring, use outside planters or freshen up the landscaping with fresh seasonal flowers. You can put window boxes underneath your windows to allow the scents to waft into your home. The act of planting will help you usher in the season and give you a brightness you didn’t have over the winter months.

Transition 3: Switch the Closets and Purge

If you have winter-like clothing down where you can reach it, it’s time to put it away and get out the spring stuff. While you are at it, get rid of things you don’t wear and other items around your house that you don’t use. Spring is a great time to purge and get rid of items so you can feel lighter all the way around.

Transition 4: Consider Home Improvements

Spring is a great time of the year to work on your home, no matter what it needs. If you want to paint the inside or outside, it’s a good temperature to do that. If you want to renovate something, spring oftens puts some fire under your seat to get going on those things. It’s also the perfect time of the year to consider replacement windows. Replacement windows give you protection from the upcoming rains along with nearly endless options. You get energy efficiency before the hot summer months kick in as well. There’s nothing like staying cool in the summer when you live in Frisco, TX.

If you are ready for spring in every way you can imagine, it’s time to get ready for summer with replacement windows in Frisco, TX. Contact Southwest Door & Window by calling 214-341-2212 to go over options for replacement windows. Let your windows do the hard work when summer approaches and give your HVAC system and your energy bills a break! Stop by and let’s go over the details in person. We’re located at 10255 Miller Rd Dallas, TX 75238 and we want to hear about your specific situation so we can find the right match for replacement windows.

Improving a Home’s Value with Vinyl Windows

Posted on March 26, 2018 by admin

If you own a home, you’re familiar with home improvement projects. There are endless things you can do to your home to improve and maintain it over the years. There are so many reasons why you want to continue to invest in your property. Whether you want curb appeal, modern conveniences, functionality, or raised value, you want your home to stay as nice as possible. Whenever you are planning a project in Frisco, TX, you likely want to think about the return on your investment. You don’t want to waste money you could spend elsewhere and see a return!

Replacing the windows in your home with new, vinyl windows is one of the best remodeling projects you can take on in order to see a return on your investment. The cost of vinyl windows and the cost of labor to have professionals install them is a serious investment. But it’s money you will see again in the increase of your home’s value. It’s not wasted in any way, shape, or form.

Vinyl windows make a big impact in the overall value of your property! Updating windows is an investment that ranks near the top of the list when it comes to improving a home and seeing the money again in the future. You get 75-80% of your invested money back when you sell the home! The closest second is a deck addition at 73% and a new roof at 75%. There are few projects that see a 100% return on the investment, but windows are pretty close. Plus, we’re just talking about the money you get back when you sell the home for a higher price. Your home value rises! We aren’t even getting into the fact that you will start saving money on your utility bills immediately. You can easily make up that other 20% over the years!

However, choosing just any vinyl windows won’t increase your home value automatically. You need to be careful about the choices you make to have the biggest impact on value. You need to pay attention to style. You don’t want to put brand new, modern looking windows into a Victorian era house. You have to choose something that matches the home’s style and is aesthetically pleasing. You also want to pay attention to efficiency. At the very least, get windows with Energy Star labels, but keep in mind that even windows under that label vary, and some are better than others.

When you take care in choosing vinyl windows in Frisco, TX, your home can come out the other side of the project with a much higher value attached to it. New windows are great for your comfort now, your bills tomorrow, and your pocketbook in the future when you sell. Contact Southwest Door & Window at 214-341-2212 to ask more questions about how vinyl windows can impact a home’s value. We’re happy to help! Visit us at 10255 Miller Rd Dallas, TX 75238.

New Windows and New Energy Bills

Posted on March 19, 2018 by admin

Your home in Frisco, TX is probably your biggest investment. You need to consider a lot of things when you are looking to update certain features in the home. If your home has become drafty and the windows look outdated and act inefficiently, it might be time to take on the project of installing new windows. You know they will benefit your home in a number of ways, but you might be surprised by just how much.

When homeowners think about new windows, they know they’ll get additional curb appeal and lower maintenance. They’ll also get windows that no longer stick and are easy to open and close. But will they really save money? Some people aren’t so sure. But today, let us reassure you that one of the best things you can do for your heating and cooling costs is purchase new windows!

How Replacement Windows Help You Save

There are many different things that go into replacement windows and not every window is the same. You have to pay attention to the products you choose and make sure you get the quality technology you want for your windows. You’ll want to look for double or triple-pane glass, low-e coatings, argon gas fillings, and durable weather seals. These features will help you keep your home comfortable in even the worst temperatures. When you reduce the heat loss from the windows, your HVAC system takes a break and doesn’t run all the time, fighting to get to that ideal temperature where you have your thermostat set.

The less your heating and cooling systems runs, the less energy you use and the less you have to pay on your bills. You could even save as much as 25-30% on your utility bills, which adds up really fast over the course of a year. And lower energy bills aren’t the only way you save money. With the right products, you might get Energy Star tax credits that can get you money back on the home improvement project.

It’s never a bad thing to save money and there are plenty of things you can do to accomplish those goals. But if you are able to save while you upgrade your home and enhance its value, why not go in that direction? You have plenty to gain from high-quality, energy efficient new windows in Frisco, TX! And the professionals at Southwest Door & Window can help every step of the way! Give us a call at 214-341-2212 and we’ll go over the energy efficiency of any product that interests you. We can also set up a free consultation; we can address your specific needs and concerns. Stop by and see us in our showroom and take a look at the windows we offer! We’re located at 10255 Miller Rd Dallas, TX 75238 and we’re more than happy to show you around and point out different ratings and other beneficial elements. Let’s work together to make your home more efficient than ever before!

Is R Value Important on Replacement Windows?

Posted on March 15, 2018 by admin

Yes! End of story! Over the last decade, homeowners have been more concerned with energy efficiency than ever before. With the rising utility costs, they want to find a way to efficiently heat and cool their homes without paying an arm and a leg every month. While there are a number of ways to improve a home’s efficiency, if you need replacement windows in Plano, TX, there aren’t many things you can do that will give you a bigger return on your investment.

However, just because you know you want new replacement windows doesn’t mean the process is completely simple. Once you start looking around, you’ll see that there are a variety of terms that relate to replacement windows. You’ll see the Energy Star certifications, U-values, Solar Heat Gain Coefficients and, of course, R-values. All of the information is important, but it can get rather overwhelming if you don’t’ know what it all means. When in doubt, start by looking at the R-value and go from there.

At Southwest Door & Window, we’ll do whatever it takes to help you with the flood of information that comes your way when you are looking for replacement windows. First, let us help you understand R-value and what it means for your home.

Replacement Windows and R-value

Efficiency is measured within windows in several ways. R-value refers to the resistance to heat that can flow through a window. Heat naturally moves from warm areas to cooler areas. So when it’s cold outside in the winter, the heat in your house is going to try to get out. The R-value on your windows plays a huge role in the efficiency of your house. Inefficient windows will cause your heating system to work harder in the winter, which will give you higher bills. On the R-value, the greater the number on the rating, the better the window is at keeping your home energy efficient. Replacement windows that have an R-value of 5, for example, are 50% more efficient than a window with a rating of 3.2.

Consider R-value and Win

When it comes to replacement windows, you have a lot to consider, but when you get a good R-value, your house will win big. You can count on reduced energy consumption, lower bills, consistent temperatures, enhanced comfort, and a higher resale value on your home. Your replacement windows are a true investment, and when they have a good R-value on them, that investment is one that pays off both now and in the future!

While you still may not understand all of the lingo that goes into buying replacement windows, the professionals at Southwest Door & Window do, and we’re here to help you wade your way through it all. Give us a call at 214-341-2212 with questions about R-value or anything else related to replacement windows in Plano, TX . You can also stop and see us in our showroom at 10255 Miller Rd Dallas, TX 75238. Let’s find the best replacement windows for your home!

Vinyl Windows are Not Meant to be Broken

Posted on March 5, 2018 by admin

Everything breaks down and tears apart after a certain length of time. But there are materials that are so strong that they simply were not meant to be broken. Think about the fact that limestone and marble buildings that were created centuries ago are still standing today. While vinyl windows may not last centuries, they are not meant to be broken, either. Take a look at some of these items to give you peace of mind about putting vinyl windows into your home in Plano, TX.

Vinyl Windows are made from PVC

What’s PVC? Well, it’s the same material that many homes use in their pipes. Can you believe that vinyl windows have PVC in them? That’s great news! Think about all of the things your pipes go through on a daily basis. They have water rushing through them constantly, they hold up against time and hard use. That’s just what your vinyl windows will do for you. You don’t have to worry about water damage because water just doesn’t bother vinyl. You don’t have to worry about dents, warping, rotting, fading, or anything else that other window materials bring. Vinyl windows are made to last and are not meant to be broken!

Vinyl Windows Last and Last

You can also count on your vinyl windows lasting a long time. Why is that? Because they are highly strong and made of durable materials! Vinyl windows last, in part, because they take little to no maintenance. Even if you ignore them, they’ll work hard for you. That’s the exact opposite of wood windows. When you have wood windows, you have to take great care of them or they will start to fade away and fail. They won’t be energy efficient any longer and you’ll have to replace them. But vinyl windows take virtually no care and they still hold up well against any of the elements they endure.

Vinyl Windows Aren’t Expensive

One of the greatest pieces of news about vinyl windows for most homeowners is that they aren’t that expensive, especially compared to other materials. It’s amazing to see how much of a difference you can have in your home at such a low cost. It’s almost hard to believe that you get something that lasts so well for such a cheap price. But it’s reality! Sometimes, things aren’t too good to be true! At least not when it comes to vinyl windows! You get the strength and durability you need without the cost you can’t afford.

If you are interested in vinyl windows in Plano, TX, the professionals at Southwest Door & Window are here to help. Just give us a call at 214-341-2212 and we’ll answer your questions over the phone or set up a free consultation for you. You can also stop by and see us at 10255 Miller Rd Dallas, TX 75238 to take a look at some of the options we offer. Vinyl windows are great, but there are different qualities. We’ll help you find the best option for your home!

Buy Windows Alone or Hire Professionals?

Posted on February 26, 2018 by admin

Replacing old windows with vinyl windows can be one of the best investments you can make for your home. The new vinyl windows can improve the look of your Irving, TX home, reduce your heating and cooling, and bring a lot of other benefits to the table. But installing new windows can cost quite a bit of money. In order to save as much as you can, you might think you should buy and even install the windows yourself. But neither is recommended and here’s why.

Problems With Buying Windows On Your Own

The biggest draw to buying vinyl windows alone is that you can save money. And while that’s true up front, it brings more problems later. You remove the window distributor from the costs, but the savings are outweighed by other items such as:

Buying the wrong size

You aren’t a window professional. And even if you measure with care, you could make a mistake. If you buy the wrong size window, you’re stuck with it!

Variety limitations

When you go to big box stores, you don’t get nearly as many options as you would from a professional company. The options may not be the best in quality, either. And they are never going to be as well made as professional grade vinyl windows.

Improper installation

Even if you do things around your house all the time, your inexperience with vinyl windows can show up really fast. You could end up with inefficient, leaky windows that could drive your bills through the roof. If you allow leaks, water can get in as well, causing more damage than a professional installation would have cost in the first place.

Void the warranties

Many window companies require professional installation for the warranty to remain valid for the duration of the term. If you install the windows yourself and something goes wrong, the warranty is out the door.

Choosing a Professional

In the end, it’s in your best interest to work with a professional from start to finish. Not only can they help point you in the right direction when it comes to vinyl windows, but they can install them for you and guarantee their work. You don’t have to worry about anything going wrong because even if it does, they’ll take care of the issue for you. Sure it costs a bit more, but you get a lot more out of it as well. And you’ll save more money with quality windows and a quality installation in the long run.

When you’re ready to hire professionals, look no further than to the experts at Southwest Door & Window. Give us a call for a free consultation at 214-341-2212 and we’ll answer any questions you have. You can also visit our showroom to see some vinyl windows in Irving, TX yourself at 10255 Miller Rd Dallas, TX 75238. We want you to get nothing but the best and that’s why you need to come to us!

Trends in Replacement Windows

Posted on February 19, 2018 by admin

Isn’t it all about being trendy in today’s society? Okay, maybe not everything is about trends, but when you undertake a large home improvement project, you want whatever you do to your home to be in line with what everyone likes. That way, your home will look good and if you sell it any time soon, it’ll go faster and at a higher price. But trends come and go and when it comes to replacement windows, you aren’t going to be replacing them soon for a second time, right? So you want to know what trends are around for now and what’s here to stay. The professionals in Irving, TX at Southwest Door & Window have some suggestions for you to keep your replacement windows on trend today and well into the future.

Install Big Windows

One of the major trends in replacement windows that is here to stay is to replace your old windows with bigger windows. Large windows bring in more natural light so you don’t have to use as many artificial lights in your home. That can save you money on your bills up front and can bring extra beauty into your home. If you have a nice view, the larger the windows, the better. Windows are always a better feature for aesthetics than a wall. Large windows give you a chance to incorporate the outdoors into your home with ease.

Go Colorful

There are a lot of options when it comes to window colors and not all of them are white and off white. In the past, when you got vinyl windows, you’d get a small variety of colors. Now, the options are endless. Homeowners are finding that it’s much more trendy to pick a certain color over just plain white. If you want to accentuate the color of your home, just go a shade darker or lighter with your replacement windows. Or you can hit the contrast button and get windows that stand out and frame your windows with beauty.

Energy Efficiency is Key

Everyone is going green today and with good reason. The environment needs our help! This window trend isn’t going anywhere at all…ever. You want energy efficiency when it comes to your windows. It’s that simple. So when you are looking at replacement windows , it’s not only trendy, but also smart to go with the most energy efficient options you can find and afford.

If you have questions about other window trends, the professionals at Southwest Door & Window are here to help with more suggestions and advice. We’ve seen a lot of replacement windows Irving, TX come and go over the years, and we know what trends are here to stay. Call us at 214-341-2212 for a free consultation or to ask about replacement windows of any kind. You can also come by and see us at 10255 Miller Rd Dallas, TX 75238 to browse the windows we have to offer in our showroom. We’re happy to help you stay on trend well into the future!

Are bigger windows better?

Which color glass is best for windows?

There are a lot of options when it comes to window colors and not all of them are white and off-white. In the past, when you got vinyl windows, you’d get a small variety of colors. Now, the options are endless. Homeowners are finding that it’s much more trendy to pick a certain color over just plain white.

What makes a window energy efficient?

You want energy efficiency when it comes to your windows. It’s that simple. So when you are looking at replacement windows, it’s not only trendy but also smart to go with the most energy-efficient options you can find and afford.

Traditional Windows for Your Home

Posted on February 12, 2018 by admin

There are many different styles of windows, and when you live in Plano, TX, you can find just about anything you want. When looking for windows for your home, you want to find something that fits in with your existing style. Traditional windows are common and are found all over the country. But the traditional style includes many different designs, some of which are American in origin and others of which were inspired by European influences. Here are a few of the traditional styles to think about for your home.

Cottage Style Windows

Cottage style windows are common across the country, but are most prominent in the east. In Texas, cottage style homes are usually in the form of bungalows and emphasize simplicity and functionality. There are many craftsman elements in cottage style windows including bay windows, window shutters, arch top doors, and arch windows. These traditional facades stand out on any street.

Victorian Style Windows

Victorian sounds like an old architectural style, but it is really very modern as well. It became popular in the middle 1800s and includes a lot of decorative ornamentation. Prior to the industrial revolution, these ornaments were hard to produce. Now, however, design elements are easy and affordable. Victorian homes are on the rise and you will see bay windows, wrought iron brackets, and lots of curves.

Classical Style Windows

Classical styles were inspired by the Romans and Greeks and they are rare in the US, but you will see them in churches and government buildings in Texas and other areas. Windows were not common in Greece or Rome, but today, classical buildings have single or double hung windows with divided grilles to give an age-old appearance.

Neoclassical Style Windows

This style is inspired by classical elements and more residential. You will see a lot of different styles throughout the country and they vary from region to region. They incorporate symmetry, aesthetics, and columns. You’ll usually see single and double hung windows with an arch at the top.

Find the Right Windows

There are many different new windows in Plano, TX, that are considered traditional today and they work well in a variety of homes. If you are unsure as to what will fit into your home the best, it’s in your best interest to talk to a professional who has seen it all in Plano, TX! Contact Southwest Door & Window at 214-341-2212 for a free consultation. You can tell us all about your home’s style and we’ll make a recommendation based on what more homeowners enjoy with that style. We can also come to your home and take a look in person to give you more details and ideas. Or, you’re welcome to stop by our showroom at 10255 Miller Rd Dallas, TX 75238 and look at windows yourself. It helps to see them in person over just looking at pictures in magazines. Let’s figure out what works best for your home’s style and get to work on the project together!

Best Places for Awning Windows

Posted on February 5, 2018 by admin

When you are looking into new windows for your home in Irving, TX, you don’t have to go with exactly the same style, material, or color you have now. It’s actually a great time to make some changes and get the windows you’ve always wanted to have. Whether you use the same basic layout or add or subtract windows in certain areas, this is a great time to do it. If you currently don’t have any awning windows in your home, you may want to consider including them in one or more locations. They are versatile, provide ventilation, and give your home accentuated style. Here are a few places you could put them.

In the Bathroom

Awning windows naturally ventilate the bathroom without giving away your privacy if you place them right. You could put them up high above a tub so no one could really see in. With easy hand cranks, you can ventilate the room and give it natural lighting without worrying about privacy.

In the Kitchen

Awning windows are popular and smart options for any kitchen, especially above the sink. When you have to lean over the countertop, it’s easier to open an awning window with a crank. You get the quick, easy ventilation you want, and you always have natural lighting available as well.

As Accent Pieces

Awning windows also work well above other doors and windows. You could place them above fixed windows so you still have the option to open the area up a bit or you can put them over doors for natural lighting. They give a room more versatility and act as a stylish accent piece as well.

On Their Own

Awning windows can also be placed just about anywhere you please alone. Many awning windows are small in size, but they can be larger and offer a traditional appearance as well. They are attractive as stand alone windows and give you versatility that other styles can’t.

If you are interested in new windows Irving, TX, of any kind, the professionals at Southwest Door & Window are here to help. We’ve been the area’s source for windows and doors for decades, and we want to ensure that your home gets just what it needs, whether that ends up being awning windows or another type. You can call us for a free consultation at 214-341-2212 and we’ll offer you the professional advice you need to make informed decisions. We understand that your home offers more than curb appeal outside and more than comfort inside. You rely on your windows and doors to make your home warm and inviting, but also to keep you safe and your energy bills low. We specialize in getting homeowners what they need in terms of new windows and even doors. Stop by and see our showroom to take a look at the options we have to offer. We’re located at 10255 Miller Rd Dallas, TX 75238 and we’re happy to help you in any way we can.