What Do You Need to Know Before Replacing Windows?

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You may already realize that replacement windows can dramatically improve the look and feel of your Dallas, TX home. But windows are a big investment and you need to know all of the details about the project before you follow through with it. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are thinking of replacing windows.

  1. Comfort and beauty are at the top of the list of reasons for replacing windows

If your home is 15 years old or older and you are putting up with uncomfortable drafts, water leaks, noise from outside, or old faded windows, your home is a good candidate for new windows. If you want to improve your comfort inside and the curb appeal of your home, this is an investment worth looking into. Window replacements are one of the most satisfying home improvements you can make. You’ll see and feel the difference right away.

  1. You get added resale value

You may not get all of your money from the window investment back when you sell your home, but you will get up to 80% back. And if you aren’t planning on selling your house right away, you can easily recoup the rest of the money in energy bill savings.

  1. You’ll cut back on maintenance

There are a lot of benefits of vinyl windows, but one major advantage is the lack of maintenance. You’ll keep the weather out, raise energy efficiency, and never have to do a thing to the windows. They won’t have to be painted, scraped, or stained and they won’t ever warp, rot, or rust. They’ll work well for you for many years without you doing a thing to help them!

  1. It doesn’t require a fortune to get results

Windows are an investment, of course, but you can find windows to accommodate a wide range of budgets. Another one of the benefits of vinyl windows is that you can fit them into smaller budgets without a problem. There are also financing options to consider in order to get those windows in place so you can enjoy the benefits they bring.

  1. There might be other incentives

When you get an Energy Star rated window, you qualify for energy efficient tax breaks and other incentives. When you get energy-related monetary breaks, it can help offset the initials costs you have to pay.

Now that you know more about replacement windows Dallas, TX and the benefits of vinyl windows in general, are you ready to make the switch? Call Southwest Door & Window at 214-341-2212 and let’s talk windows! We can go over your home goals and help you choose the right product to help you meet those goals. You’re also welcome to visit our showroom at 10255 Miller Rd Dallas, TX 75238 and see some of our window products in person. It’s our goal to find the perfect windows for each individual homeowner. We won’t stop until you’re happy with the choice!

Pet Proofing with Home Renovations

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If you have a pet, or are thinking of getting a pet, there might be certain home renovations that you will want to consider for your Dallas, TX home. If you are going to do renovations anyway, it is good to keep your current or future pet in mind so everyone in the family is as comfortable as possible. Here are some things to consider as you move through renovations.

Flooring

When you are thinking about getting a pet, you need to consider that option as you install new flooring. Dogs have toenails and many cats have claws. So hardwood flooring that is easily marred and scratched is not ideal. You might also want to avoid new carpet because there could be accidents at first. Instead, consider something hardy like laminate floors or ceramic tiles to create a long lasting beauty in your home that is also pet friendly.

Door Options

If you are installing new doors onto your home, consider something pet friendly like a sliding door. You can easily open and close the door to allow your pet to take a potty break without letting in too much hot air. You might also want to have a pet door so your pet can get in and out on their own. Or, consider a pet proof screen door so you can let in the fresh air on nice days without allowing bugs through and without having your pet charge through the door and get injured.

Replacement Windows

Of course, you aren’t going to put in replacement windows just because you have or are getting a pet, but they are a great idea for any family in Dallas, TX. Replacement windows will keep everyone (including your pet) more comfortable because of their energy efficiency. They also will lower energy bills so you have more money for pet food and obedience training on a monthly basis. Replacement windows can also cut back on the dangerous UV rays that can damage items in your home. When you get replacement windows, you will also want to think about window treatments that will be good for your family and your pet. Any family with children or pets will want to avoid long curtains or blinds that have long cords attached. Perhaps consider shutters or something motorized to enhance safety.

There are plenty of home renovations you can do, but when you have a pet in the family or are about to get one, you have to keep them in mind as well. When replacement windows are on your to-do list, contact Southwest Door & Window at 214-341-2212 and let’s talk through the details. We’d be happy to set up a free consultation with you and we can even show you around our showroom so you can see the options in person at 10255 Miller Rd Dallas, TX 75238. We want to put the best replacement windows on your home and we’ll help you meet your energy efficiency goals.

Beat the Texas Heat with Energy Efficiency

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When you live in Dallas, TX, you know all about being hot. Even in the fall and sometimes during the winter, you can break a sweat. But the summers are especially miserable. No matter what time of year you’re enduring, you can still feel the summer sun beating down on you. The good news is, there are things you can do to beat that Texas heat. The major task is to make your home more energy efficient. How do you do that? There are a number of ways.

Home Energy Audit

The first thing you might want to do is get a home energy audit from a professional. They will inspect your home and tell you how it compares to energy efficiency levels in every matter. They will also make recommendations for exact steps you can take to make the house more energy efficient. These estimates are free and can help you figure out where you will get the best return on your investments, and where you can make the biggest difference.

Consider Age

Once you have an energy audit, you will want to think about the age of your home and the items inside it. If your house is ten years old or older, there are certain items, like your air conditioner, that might be reaching the end of their efficiency life span. Some things, like insulation, last a lifetime, but appliances will need to be replaced at some point.

New Windows

You might also consider when is it time for new windows? If your windows are on the old side and don’t have good insulation, you can do yourself a huge favor in the energy efficiency department by replacing them. Keeping outside air out and inside air in will help your home become more much comfortable and energy efficient. You will have a nice, fresh look for your house too. If energy efficiency is your goal, don’t be surprised if the home energy audit professional recommends new windows for your Dallas, TX house.

Plant Trees

In order to continue down the path to energy efficiency, it is a good idea to plant trees around your house that will shade your window areas and your home in general. The direct sunlight warms your home and causes the air conditioner to run more. Shade will help cut back on those effects.

Close Blinds

No matter what windows you have, closing your blinds to avoid direct sunlight can cut back on the heat of the day as well. It will keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Getting the right blinds is key to the process, but anything will give you at least a little insulation.

If your energy audit shows that you need new windows, you will be doing a great service to the energy efficient windows Dallas, TX of your home by working with Southwest Door & Window at 214-341-2212. Stop by and see our window products in our showroom at 10255 Miller Rd Dallas, TX 75238.

Home Renovations for the Empty Nest

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If you are sending the last child off to college, you officially have an empty nest on your hands. Before you get too sad about the situation, think about the possibilities. Now is the time to focus on you and what you’ve always wanted to do to your home! You may not be ready to turn their old bedroom into a gym or hobby room, but there are some things you can do to your Frisco, TX home now that you have more time and money on your hands. Here are a few things to consider.

Master Bath

When you have an empty nest, it’s time to put the focus back on what makes you happy within your home. You might automatically gravitate toward the master bathroom. You can increase your home value by making changes in that room and, more importantly, you can increase your relaxation zone. Consider a spa tub, a beautiful back splash, or marble accent walls. You might even think about luxuries like heated floors. You can do whatever you can afford and whatever your imagination can dream up!

Home Gym

While you might not be ready to turn your child’s room into a gym, you have to admit, there are less games, videos, and other items lying around the basement. You might be able to create a home gym out of the corner of the space or in another area where you have more room than before. Pick up a set of hand weights to start and perhaps some new workout DVDs. If you like to run, consider a treadmill. If you like to go easier on your knees, think about an elliptical machine. You won’t have to venture out in order to get your workout in.

New Colors

When you are going through a life-changing event, such as having your last child leave home, it might be time for an aesthetic change as well. Something as simple and inexpensive as a few new colors on the wall can brighten your outlook. Paint the kitchen a cheery color and add an accent wall in the living room. It’s a fun process that can mark the change in your life.

Replacement Windows

One of the biggest, most home-changing things you can consider at this stage in your life is replacement windows. Replacement windows will change the appearance of your home inside and out and they will also allow you greater levels of energy efficiency. You can start to save money monthly and put it towards that cruise you’ve always wanted to take instead. Replacement windows are a great addition to the home windows Frisco, TX because they add comfort as well. They even raise the value of your home so when you want to sell, you’ll get the money you invested back.

If replacement windows are your project of choice, it’s time to call Southwest Door & Window at 214-341-2212. You are welcome to stop by our showroom and see what we have to offer in person at 10255 Miller Rd Dallas, TX 75238.

Vinyl Windows Are the Bomb!

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“That’s the bomb!” Isn’t that what all the kids say? When something is “the bomb” it’s simply the coolest thing ever, right? Hopefully, we are translating the term correctly! Seeing as we are in the window profession, we have a fitting way to use that phrase. Vinyl windows are the bomb! Assuming we understand the translation, we have many reasons for thinking that. Here are just a few ways in which vinyl windows are true “the bomb!”

Vinyl Windows Come in a Variety of Styles

When vinyl windows first came out in the 1970s, they were an economical alternative to other materials, but they only came in white. Today, they are more popular than ever and that means manufacturers are paying more attention to style. You can get vinyl windows in a wide variety of colors and styles. It’s the bomb to be able to get a color and style to match your house!

Vinyl Windows are Cost Effective

Vinyl windows are the cheapest replacement windows on the market. That’s all there is to it! While you get great windows in other materials, vinyl windows cost less, but they aren’t “cheap” in any way. They have quality materials that give you energy efficiency and all of the other benefits you can enjoy. But you don’t have to pay a huge, top-dollar price in order to get those benefits. Vinyl windows save you money on upfront costs…that’s the bomb!

Vinyl Windows are Energy Efficient

Isn’t it “the bomb” to save energy every time you run your air conditioning in Frisco, TX? Who wants to pay for a bunch of cold air they don’t even get to use? No one! And vinyl windows can prevent that from happening. These windows are highly energy efficient and keep your air conditioning inside where it belongs. On those hot, humid Texas days, you don’t have to worry about how the inside of your house will feel. No humid drafts! No air leaks! No high energy bills! All thanks to your vinyl windows.

Vinyl Windows Pay You Back

When you buy vinyl windows Frisco, TX, you have to make an investment. There’s no way around it. But close your eyes and imagine a set of windows handing you cash. That’s basically what vinyl windows will do! They save you money on your energy bills, first. Then, when you sell your home later, you can ask for a higher price for it because of the vinyl windows you installed. Windows handing you money…if that’s not the bomb, we don’t know what is!

So, are you ready to discover how much of “the bomb” vinyl windows really are? The professionals at Southwest Door & Window are waiting to hear from you! Give us a call at 214-341-2212. We’ll answer your questions about vinyl windows today. Just don’t ask us to translate any more teen speak! You can also visit our showroom at 10255 Miller Rd Dallas, TX 75238. Take a look at our vinyl windows yourself!

What Windows Are Best?

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If you are thinking about getting new windows for your home in Frisco, TX, it is an important investment. The right windows are out there! All you have to do is find them. There are a lot of different options to think through. In order to find the best windows, you will need to ask yourself a variety of questions. Here are just a few to start you down the right path.

How Much Maintenance Do You Want?

If you don’t mind getting out the paintbrush every year and painting or staining your windows, you might be okay with wood for the material. If you’d rather the to-do list, you may be better off with vinyl windows. Vinyl windows require no maintenance, other than a quick wipe down to remove dirt from time to time. You don’t have to worry about them warping or rotting because you ignore them, and you don’t have to take time out of your busy life to spend on more home maintenance projects.

What Look Do You Want?

If you absolutely love the appearance and warmth of natural wood, there might not be a better solution for you outside of wood windows. If you’re okay with an alternative with lots of different color options, vinyl windows could be a good fit. Keep in mind that vinyl windows used to come in white and that was it. They have become so popular over the years, however, that today they come in a variety of colors and styles, so no matter what look you want you can find the right color to match.

How Much Efficiency Do You Want?

Chances are when you are replacing your windows, you would like a highly energy-efficient option for your home. There are many things you can do to ensure efficiency. Windows come with double-pane glass as a standard these days. But if you want further efficiency, you could add a pane and upgrade to triple-pane glass. The material also plays a part in the efficiency of your new windows. While wood and vinyl are both insulating materials that provide good efficiency, vinyl will continue to provide those insulating properties as the years go by, whereas wood will only continue its effects if you maintain it properly.

No matter what material you are leaning toward, replacing your windows with something new and improved can do a lot for your home. Not only will the house look better both inside and out, but you will have better energy efficient windows Frisco, TX, lower bills, and a number of other benefits. Start looking into the options today! Contact Southwest Door & Window at 214-341-2212. You can ask any questions you have about windows in general, or specific materials or styles. You can also stop by and browse the options in person at our showroom. We’re located at 10255 Miller Rd Dallas, TX 75238 and our professionals are willing to talk through the different choices you will have to make as part of the process.

Replacement Windows to the Soul of Your House

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Have you ever heard the phrase, “your eyes are the windows to your soul?” Do you believe it? Can a person see into your soul just by looking into your eyes? Maybe they can’t actually see inside you through your eyes, but what they can do is form opinions about you based on what they see. They might think you are kind because of the look you have in your eyes. They might think you are giving or caring or any number of other things. But that doesn’t mean those things are necessarily true about you. What about your windows? Replacement windows are the windows to the soul of your house! How? Find out!

Replacement Windows Show Style

When you have replacement windows installed in your home, you are changing the overall look and style of the exterior of your home. When people see those new windows with their fresh look, they will automatically assume the interior of your house follows suit. You could have no style whatsoever in your home, but the replacement windows from the outside will make people think your house looks just as good inside. That’s never a bad thing for you!

Replacement Windows Showcase Intelligence

When those walking by your Plano, TX home see replacement windows on your house, they know you have made a smart step towards energy efficiency. Replacement windows simply save energy. Window technology has come a long way in recent years. Whether you buy windows for efficiency or not, you’re getting an upgrade with replacement windows. When you pay attention to efficiency, you can get even more. As people inspect your home, they will see the replacement windows and they will think your house is smart, inside and out. They may assume there will be energy-efficient upgrades inside as well, which makes your house look ever better to them.

Replacement Windows Show Care

It is important for you to care for your home. Those looking at it from the outside will assume you are on the inside if you have replacement windows installed. Replacement windows show you are paying attention to the state of your home. You notice when something isn’t working right and you do something about it.

While replacement windows can’t tell a person how many bedrooms you have, whether or not you painted the cabinets white, or if all of the appliances work properly, they can certainly give those looking at your house information and assumptions about the home in general. If you want to make the best first impression you can, replacement windows are a good option for you.

Contact Southwest Door & Window today at 214-341-2212 to talk about Plano, TX replacement windows. We will answer your questions and set you up with a free consultation to get into details. You can also stop by our showroom and look at the replacement windows we have available. We’re located at 10255 Miller Rd Dallas, TX 75238 and we’re ready to help with your replacement window project!

The Best for your Family

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There’s nothing you wouldn’t do for your family. You want nothing but the best for them. That includes products you put into your home. When it comes to an air conditioner, you want a unit that will cool your home efficiently so your family doesn’t have to deal with the Plano, TX heat inside your house. When you buy clothing, you want items that will fit your kids and stay with them a bit as they grow, but also show their personal style. Every time you make a choice for your family, it can have an effect on the overall happiness and comfort they enjoy. So when it comes time to buy replacement windows for your home, you want nothing but the best there as well. And that’s why you want to choose vinyl windows. There are many reasons why vinyl windows are the best choice for your home. Here are just a few.

They Don’t Require Maintenance

Is there anyone who ever said, gee, I wish I had more chores? Of course not! No one wants to add to their workload around the house. There are enough must-do things on the list already. So when it comes to new windows, vinyl windows are the perfect option. Vinyl windows don’t add any maintenance to your home. In fact, all you have to do is wipe them down on occasion to keep them looking nice.  You don’t have to paint them, scrape them, stain them, or anything else. They’ll maintain their color and energy efficiency with no help at all.

They Are Energy Efficient

Whenever you have to do a large scale project on your home, you want to think about energy efficiency. There’s no use in going the wrong direction there! And vinyl windows will definitely take you in the right direction. Vinyl windows are made from PVC materials, which can expand with the heat in Plano, TX in order to fit your window opening with perfection at all times. You don’t have to worry about gaps and cracks when you choose vinyl!

They Save You Money

Vinyl windows are also at the top of any family’s list because of their money saving properties. You have to start saving for college someday, right? No time like the present! Vinyl windows will save you money on your energy bills because of their efficiency. You can start a college fund with those savings or just pay yourself back for the initial investment.

You want nothing but the best for your family and if you need new windows for your Plano, TX home, the best choice is vinyl windows! As you look through the styles and options on vinyl windows, feel free to give the professionals at Southwest Door & Window a call at 214-341-2212. We can help you work through the details to get the right products for your home. You can also stop by our showroom and take a look at options at 10255 Miller Rd Dallas, TX 75238.

What’s Between the Windows?

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plano replacement windows

When it comes time to replace your windows, you may quickly realize just how many options there are on the market today. Your old windows might only have single-pane glass. That type of glass is highly inefficient. Today’s windows come with at least double-pane glass and sometimes even triple-pane glass. You may not think too much about that at first, but as you do more research, you will learn there are things that can go between those panes! What are they and what are the benefits for your Plano, TX home?

Even ‘just air’ is better
Single-pane glass offers you one thin layer of glass between your home and the sweltering Texas heat. When you think about it, that’s not very much. No wonder your home always feels hot and humid on the worst days! If you get double-pane glass, even with just air between the panes, you still get an extra layer of protection against the heat. But there are other things that can go between the glass that is even better.

Argon gas cuts down on expenses
Argon gas is one of the most popular items to put between panes of glass, and it can have a huge impact on heating and cooling costs. Argon gas is colorless and odorless, but it is denser than air, so it is a more efficient insulator than just air.

Krypton gas is a great thermal barrier
Krypton gas is even more dense and thick than argon gas so it is an even better barrier. But it is more expensive and many homeowners don’t want the extra expense. Both argon and krypton gases are naturally occurring and non-reactive.

When it comes time to choose something to put between the window panes for your new windows, take a look at the energy ratings. Are the windows Energy Star rated? Because these products are often twice (if not more!) as efficient as other windows. When windows are rated with the Energy Star label, they are thermally efficient and can also cut back on the UV damage your home receives from the hot Texas sun.

Low-E coatings enhance efficiency
Some windows not only have gas between the panes, but also a low-e coating on the glass. These coatings can block 90% of the ultraviolet rays that hit your windows. That means they provide more comfort to the interior of your home because the heat simply doesn’t get through. You don’t have to worry about fading furniture and flooring and can let in natural light without letting in heat.

So what should you choose for your home window in Plano, TX? The options are all yours, but the professionals at Southwest Door & Window are here to help! We’ll answer any questions so you can make informed decisions on what’s best for your home and family. Give us a call today and set up a free consultation at 214-341-2212. You can also stop by our showroom and browse the options at 10255 Miller Rd Dallas, TX 75238.

Why Replacement Windows Add Value to Irving, TX Homes

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office irving replacement windows

Savvy homeowners know they need to consider the return on their investment any time they decide to move forward with a home improvement project. They want the project to make the home look better and perhaps operate in a more efficient manner. But they also want to complete projects that will bring value to their home so their investment comes back to them. While you may be considering replacement windows for your home in Irving, TX, you want to know if you will increase your home’s value before you take the leap. The answer is YES! And here’s why.

Value Increase #1: Actual Monetary Value
One of the easiest ways to see that replacement windows will increase the value of your home is in the actual property value. If you spend thousands on replacement windows, the good news is, your home will rise in value thousands as well. You can get up to 80% of your initial investment back when you sell the home. You can also select windows that capture more natural light, block UV rays, and add safety elements. All of these features add even more value to your property and when you sell, potential buyers will see those benefits and be willing to pay more to have them.

Value Increase #2: Lower Utility Bills
While you are waiting for the right time to sell your home, you can enjoy the various benefits replacement windows bring to your family. One great benefit is their energy efficiency. Replacement windows include new technology today that raises your energy efficiency and lowers you utility bills. Though you will put money into the project up front, you will automatically see savings start to roll in on a monthly basis. Those amounts really add up in the long run.

Value Increase #3: Overall Comfort
There are a number of ways that Replacement windows Irving, TX can add to the comfort of your home. First, because they are more energy efficient, you can keep an even temperature in your house without any trouble. Second, they are safer than older windows so you feel more secure. And third, they add to the aesthetic appeal, which makes you more comfortable any time you invite people into your home.

If you now realize just how valuable replacement windows can be for your Irving, TX home, it’s time to call Southwest Door & Window at 214-341-2212. We have a variety of window options to show you so you can choose the right materials and features for your specific needs. Stop by and see us today and look through some of the options on our showroom floor! We’re located at 10255 Miller Rd Dallas, TX 75238, and we’re happy to offer you a free consultation to go over more benefits and options. We’ve been in business for decades and have installed thousands of windows. We’re ready, willing, and able to help you with your replacement window project as soon as you’re ready to take the leap!