World class vinyl windows that are certified on the west coast


Hi, this is JC, 35 years in the home improvement window industry(currently the General Manager of Northwest Home Improvement Co.-one of the largest window replacement companies in Washington State), here to provide some useful help for consumers looking to purchase replacement vinyl windows. My goal is to help educate people so they do not fall prey to some common window scammers and get products that do what the salesman/saleswoman promised. Unfortunately, unscrupulous people still exist in this world.

New windows are great when they do what is promised. A little research and wariness on your part will go a long way to protect yourself so you get an installation and product your will be proud to own.

Our motto is, "The people make the company - the company does not make the people."

After looking at the rest, come to the best in the Northwest: Northwest Home Improvement Co. serving Washington State.


 


THE FIVE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE BUYING REPLACEMENT VINYL WINDOWS

   1. COMPARE WINDOW RATINGS!  

All windows are rated for performance. The NFRC label measures the "U-Value" of a window. The lower the number, the better the window performs. While an Energy Star Rating for windows in the west is .35, a number lower than that is preferred. Once upon a time, window manufacturers rated their own windows and the U-values they claimed were greatly exaggerated in many cases. Because the practice was wide spread, independent rating became a necessity to bring accurate U-value claims to the public. Today, there are still companies making claims that are not backed up by independent posted NFRC Labels!

   2. MAKE SURE WINDOWS ARE CERTIFIED  


All windows are required to be rated by an independent rating service such as the NFRC and AAMA to file for things like energy tax credits. If a window does not display the NFRC "U-Value" rating, one should be very suspect of the window company's claims. If a window does not display the gold AAMA sticker it has not been certified. These stickers MUST BE DISPLAYED ON THE WINDOWS AT THE TIME OF INSTALLATION. The Gold AAMA label is there to prove that the window has been tested for structural integrity. If the gold sticker isn't on the window, one may well assume the window has not passed stringent testing.

   3. MAKE SURE WINDOWS ARE REPLACEMENT WINDOWS  

Most windows are not designed to be replacement windows, they are in fact designed for new construction applications. Specialty window manufacturers make windows with approximately 2 3/4 inch frames designed to replace old, thin aluminum frames, and work well with homes constructed with 2"x 4" Framing. When you try to install a 3 1/4" or larger framed window into an opening that was designed for an aluminum framed window, the window protrudes way out from the outer wall and, if it isn't supported by a wood trim, will likely lead to premature window failure.

   4. CHECK OUT THE WARRANTY   

Many window companies have lots of exclusions. The old saying is, "The big print giveth, and the small print taketh away!" There are warranty exclusions for weather, being within 2 miles of salt water, cleaning glass with ammonia based cleaners (eg: Windex), etc. Before spending your hard-earned money, read the warranties.

   5. CHECK OUT THE COMPANY   

When purchasing replacement windows, do some research on the company chosen to install them. One of the best and most common searches is to check with the Better Business Bureau in your area. If the installation company has a web site they should have a direct link to the BBB on their site for you to research them. If you want to check further on a company, resources like Angie's List are great - unfortunately, they require a fee for their services. If you still haven't researched the company enough, you can go to sites like RipOffReport.com to see if complaints have been filed.

 

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