As you begin your search for the right contractor, it is important that you know how to choose the right one. When making your final decision it is in your best interest to review the tips below.

Insurance- Home Owner’s Insurance; make sure that your home owners insurance is adequate. Some policies may need to be altered for home improvements.

Contractor’s Insurance- Always make sure that the contractor you choose has Worker’s Compensation and Liability Insurance. A homeowner may be held responsible for accidents that occur on site if the contractor does not have enough insurance.

Experience- Make sure that your contractor is experienced in the job you are looking to have done. An experienced contractor does not necessarily mean he is experience in replacement windows.

References- An good contractor should have references available. You may also want to consider checking with the Better Business Bureau or your local Contractors Associations.

Accurate Pricing- An estimate is different from a contract. Be sure you know in detail the exact pricing of the job before work begins so later down the road you will not be surprised by the cost of the job.

No Such Thing as a Silly Question- Fire away at will any questions you may have for your contractor. It is better to find out now than later.

Communication- Make sure that your contractor understands exactly what you want done.

Homeowner’s Rights- All contractors, according to the Federal Law must let you know in writing that you may notify them in writing if you are going to cancel the job within 3 business days of the contract date.

Payments and Financing- Your contractor may provide you with payment and financial options. You also have the option to seek other plans that may be more suitable for you.

Written Contract- All contractors should provide you with a contract in writing which details all the work you expect them to perform. This should include any work that you expect after the job is completed such as trash removal and area clean up.

How can I get more information?

Request our Free No Obligation Quote

Posted by tmadej | Filed Under Charlotte, Cheasapeake, Cleveland, Columbia, Jefferson, Mobile, Raleigh, Uncategorized, Winston-Salem | Leave a Comment

Common Window Terms

January 7, 2009

Here are some basic replacement window concepts you might want to consider when researching windows.

Balance System – This is the mechanism in a window that provides force to the bottom half of the window so it is easy to move it up and down. Older windows have a weight on a line that is hidden in the cavity of the adjacent wall. Modern systems use either constant force spiral springs or very small block and tackle arrangements.

Desiccant – Is a drying agent that is placed inside the panes of glass in a double or triple pane window, (IGU) to absorb any moisture that may get between the glass panes.
To read more on desiccant

Foam Filled – Window frames are generally hollow in nature. This is because they need to be a certain size in order to be thick enough to go from the outside of the wall to and beyond the inside of the wall. If the window frame was a solid mass it would make the window very heavy, and it would have worse insulating properties than if it was hollow with air. There are windows however that are sold, and touted, as having greater insulating properties because the frames are filled with foam.

Heat Gain – The amount of heat gained from both direct sunlight and absorbed heat. On many windows there is an effort to reduce heat gain, particularly from sun light.

Insulation – When old windows are removed and new ones installed generally there will be areas that will have voids that will need to be insulated. This is especially true if the windows were of the outdated variety that had counter weights in the walls. That cavity should be insulated.

Lead Paint – All paints manufactured prior to 1978 had lead as one of the ingredients. It was found that the lead in paints posed a safety hazard to the inhabitants of a dwelling as the paint aged, cracked, peeled and became accessible to ingestion particularly with children. The opening and closing of window sashes, covered with lead paint would created a fine dust that posed a particular threat.

Low-E – This is a metallic coating used to reflect heat (energy) back to its source. It is applied as a thin coat on the panes of glass.

Replacement Windows – This is a catch all phrase for a product that is designed to be used when old windows are removed from a building or house, and a new window unit is installed.

Roll Form Aluminum – There are two types of aluminum used in window manufacturing; roll formed and extruded. Roll form tends to be thinner in nature and is finished prior to the bending process in manufacturing.

Sash – This the term for the part that holds the window, for example in a double hung window there is a top window (sash) and a bottom.

Triple Pane – Most replacement windows today are double paned windows which means there are two independent sections of glass kept apart at approximately 5/8 of an inch. When you have a triple pane window, that means there are three sections of glass.

Wrapped - Is the application and process of bending custom painted aluminum to fit around the outside sills and casing. This is a feature that you should inquire about and not just assume it is part of the installation.

Posted by tmadej | Filed Under Charlotte, Cheasapeake, Cleveland, Columbia, Energy, Installations, Mobile, Raleigh, Uncategorized, Windows, Winston-Salem | Leave a Comment

The NFRC Label - What do those numbers mean?

December 8, 2008

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) energy performance label can help you determine how well a product will perform the functions of helping to cool your building in the summer, warm your building in the winter, keep out wind, and resist condensation. By using the information contained on the label, consumers can reliably compare one product with another, and make informed decisions about the windows, doors, and skylights they buy.

NFRC adopted a new energy performance label in 2005. It lists the manufacturer, describes the product, provides a source for additional information, and includes ratings for one or more energy performance characteristics.

NOTE: All energy performance values on the label represent the rating of windows/doors as whole systems (glazing and frame).

The information contained on the label is also available in the NFRC’s online directory.

U-Factor

U-factor measures how well a product prevents heat from escaping. The rate of heat loss is indicated in terms of the U-factor (U-value) of a window assembly. U-Factor ratings generally fall between 0.20 and 1.20. The insulating value is indicated by the R-value which is the inverse of the U-value. The lower the U-value, the greater a window’s resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating value.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures how well a product blocks heat caused by sunlight. The SHGC is the fraction of incident solar radiation admitted through a window (both directly transmitted and absorbed) and subsequently released inward. SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The lower a window’s solar heat gain coefficient, the less solar heat it transmits in the house.

Visible Transmittance

Visible Transmittance (VT) measures how much light comes through a product. The visible transmittance is an optical property that indicates the amount of visible light transmitted. VT is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The higher the VT, the more light is transmitted.

Air Leakage*

Air Leakage (AL) is indicated by an air leakage rating expressed as the equivalent cubic feet of air passing through a square foot of window area (cfm/sq ft). Heat loss and gain occur by infiltration through cracks in the window assembly. The lower the AL, the less air will pass through cracks in the window assembly.

Condensation Resistance*

Condensation Resistance (CR) measures the ability of a product to resist the formation of condensation on the interior surface of that product. The higher the CR rating, the better that product is at resisting condensation formation. While this rating cannot predict condensation, it can provide a credible method of comparing the potential of various products for condensation formation. CR is expressed as a number between 0 and 100.

* This rating is optional and manufacturers can choose not to include it.

Posted by tmadej | Filed Under Charlotte, Cheasapeake, Cleveland, Columbia, Energy, Jefferson, Mobile, Raleigh, Uncategorized, Winston-Salem | Leave a Comment

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). Why is it important?

December 8, 2008

The SHGC is the fraction of incident solar radiation admitted through a window, both admitted through a window, both directly transmitted, and absorbed and subsequently released inward. SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The lower a window’s solar heat gain coefficient, the less solar heat it transmits.

Northern Climate: To reduce heating, select the highest SHGC you can find (usually 0.30-0.60 for the U-factor ranges required in colder climates) so that winter solar gains can offset a portion of the heating energy need. If cooling is a significant concern, select windows with a SHGC less than 0.55. Use RESFEN to understand trade-offs.

North/Central Climate: If you have significant air conditioning costs or summer overheating problems, look for SHGC values of 0.40 or less. If you have moderate air conditioning requirements, select windows with a SHGC of 0.55 or less. While windows with lower SHGC values reduce summer cooling and overheating, they also reduce free winter solar heat gain. Use a computer program such as RESFEN to understand heating and cooling trade-offs.

South/Central Climate: If you have moderate air conditioning requirements, select windows with a SHGC of 0.55 or less. While windows with lower SHGC values reduce summer cooling and overheating, they also reduce free winter solar heat gain. Use a computer program such as RESFEN to understand heating and cooling trade-offs.

Southern Climate: A low SHGC is the most important window property in warm climates. Select windows with a SHGC less than 0.40.

Posted by tmadej | Filed Under Charlotte, Cheasapeake, Cleveland, Columbia, Energy, Jefferson, Raleigh, Uncategorized, Winston-Salem | Leave a Comment

What is U-Factor?

December 8, 2008

The U-factor measures how well a product prevents heat from escaping. The rate of heat loss is indicated in terms of the U-factor of a window assembly. U-factor ratings generally fall between 0.20 and 1.20.

In the United States, the U-factor is usually expressed in Btu/h ft² F. The metric equivalent unit is W/m² K.

The insulating value is indicated by the R-value, which is the inverse of the U-factor. The lower the U-factor, the greater a window’s resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating value. The U-factor is included in the energy performance rating (label) offered by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC).

Posted by tmadej | Filed Under Charlotte, Cheasapeake, Cleveland, Columbia, Energy, Jefferson, Mobile, Raleigh, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Mobile Window Customer Cashes In on Premier Referral Program

November 26, 2008

Satisfying customers is just one goal for Premier Window employees. From our initial contact through the installation process, we strive to provide a professional and satisfying experience for the customer. Our best form of advertising is a referral from a previous customer. To that end, Premier has developed a “Referral Reward” program to thank the person referring us. When a satisfied customer refers us to a friend or neighbor, we send them $50. Additional referrals are a awarded $100 for each referral. With enough referrals, a customer can pay for their own window project.

The following is an email received from a customer serviced by our Mobile, Alabama Premier store:

“I am extremely pleased with the windows and quality of work by your technician doing the installation. That is why I have told many others about your service. I did know about the referral program. This is my third referral. I will continue to refer, not just for the fee but for the quality and self satisfaction.” –Mr. J.Mosley

We thank Mr. Mosley for his business and the new customers he’s sent us.

Posted by tmadej | Filed Under Installations, Jefferson, Mobile, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Premier Window Store expands to Columbia

October 17, 2008

Premier Window Inc. announces that its Charlotte, NC store has expanded services south to include Columbia, SC. Premier of Charlotte has tested advertising and sales in the Columbia market and determined its products, services and prices are well received. The map shows the new coverage area for the Charlotte store. Plans are underway to open a new store location in the Columbia metro area. Premier has sold windows and doors in Charlotte for over twelve years and has expanded offerings to include siding and gutters. Aggressive pricing and strong customer service has made Premier an excellent option for homeowners looking for quality, energy-efficiency and price.

Posted by tmadej | Filed Under Charlotte, Installations, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Consumer Reports says “Look for AWDI Certification”

October 7, 2008

Consumer reports magazine, in their October, 2007 issue, reviewed replacement window installations as a consumer issue. As part of the review they endorsed the American Window and Door Institute (AWDI) as a legitimate governing body over the window installation business.

As consumers continue to look for ways to enhance the appearance and value of their homes, plus capture the valuable energy savings associated with energy-efficient window and door products, proper installation is key to a properly completed project.

Replacement Window companies that are consumer-focused and concerned that you get the best possible product have undergone the training and certification processes outlined by ADWI. Premier Window, Inc installers are AWDI certified, thereby providing you “peace of mind guaratee. Call your local Premier Window store for a free project consultation.

Posted by tmadej | Filed Under Charlotte, Cleveland, Jefferson, Mobile, Raleigh, Uncategorized, Winston-Salem | Leave a Comment

Premier Window shows at Charlotte Home Show

October 1, 2008

Charlotte, NC. October 1, 2008. Premier Window will present it’s window and siding products at the upcoming American Consumer Show being held at the Metrolina Expo Center in Charlotte, NC.

The ACS Home Show is an event designed for homeowners in all stages of remodeling, landscaping and decorating their homes. Each event includes hundreds of exhibits with merchandise, sample interior and exterior vignettes, and product demonstrations. With a combination of new products and expert advice from the pros, the Home Show inspires homeowners with countless ideas on enhancing their home’s comfort and functionality, as well as its aesthetic appeal and overall value.

The ACS home show will be held October 10-12.

Posted by tmadej | Filed Under Charlotte, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

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