Bringing Natural Light Into Your Home with Window Replacement in Redmond

The right window installation team can make all the difference in the quality and workmanship of your window replacement project. If you’re looking for Redmond, Washington, window replacement, read up on top considerations and ways to find the best contractor near you.

We offer a guide to questions you should ask a contractor, types of window replacements you can get and recommended manufacturers based on your needs.

Types of Window Replacement in Redmond

Before you get too deep into your window replacement project, you should learn more about the types of windows available to you and the existing type of windows you have in your home. This will guide you in working with your window contractor to select the best replacement options for your home. 

Here are some of the types of windows you might have in your home.

• Casement: these windows hinge at the side and open outward. You might know them as crank windows because they often open using a handle that cranks.
• Double-hung: one of the most common types of windows within residential buildings is double-hung, which includes two operable sashes. The sashes slide up and down for ease of cleaning and use. These windows are often easier to clean than single hung and provide the greatest ventilation for your home.
• Single-hung: in contrast to double-hung, single-hung windows have one operable sash. These are not as commonly installed in homes now, which means that newer homes likely have double-hung windows since those are far more popular.
• Garden: if you enjoy growing flowers or herbs inside your home, you’ll enjoy having a garden window, which offers a ledge for placing these plants. It offers some dimension to your living space since it is a window that protrudes from your home to offer a ledge for your plants. It can also offer greater light inside and visibility to the outside of your home, which can be nice if you have pets or children you want to keep an eye on while they play in the backyard. These windows are most often installed in the kitchen, but you might find them in other areas of your home as well.
• Picture: these large fixed-pane windows offer excellent views of the outside of your home without any obstructions. They allow you to take in the outdoor scenery without being outside. You’ll find these in a variety of styles to meet your needs. You can even get window tinting to make them more energy-efficient and avoid warmer areas in your home or sun fading since picture windows often have a great deal of glass to them.

Tips to Find a Good Window Replacement Contractor Near Redmond

Wondering the benefits of hiring the right window contractor? Here’s a look at some reasons to be especially picky during this process.

1. Expertise to take on your project no matter the age, style or unique characteristics of your home, which gives you peace of mind knowing your project is in good hands.
2. Modern tools and installation methods to get the longest life out of your windows and provide the greatest energy efficiency for your home.
3. Greater time efficiency for you and less back-and-forth with the contractor to work through pricing, materials, scheduling and more.
4. Cost-benefit analysis based on various window styles and manufacturers to help you balance a budget with curb appeal and indoor comfort.
5. Window and installation warranties you can rely on to get the most out of your investment.

Now that you know the importance of finding the best window installation team, let’s review how to find the best window replacement company to ensure the success of your home project.

• Review the kinds of installation the company offers
• Ask about how many years of experience in window installation their team members have
• Look into whether the company has a showroom you can visit to get a feel for various window styles and types
• Request a free window replacement quote and pay attention to how responsive the company is during the process
• Check the company’s online reviews and overall quality score to see its strengths and weaknesses
• Can you get in touch with references to learn more about the company and hear first-hand experiences of working with them
• Does the team take time to hear your expectations and goals with the window replacement project?
• What is the quality of the window manufacturers the company recommends?
• Does the company offer rebates or specials that help make the windows more affordable?
• What kinds of warranties does the company offer?
• Do you feel pressured into booking the company now or are you given flexible options to book the service when you’re ready?

How Often Should You Replace Your Windows?

If you’ve maintained your windows properly, they should last 15-20 years when installed correctly. Homeowners often want to know how often should you replace your windows, and there are a few clear indicators of when it’s time to replace windows no matter how old they are.

• Damage, warping or breaks
• Glass that fogs
• Lack of energy efficiency, which you might notice because of drafts near your windows
• Leaky windows
• Signs of decay around the window frame

What Do All The Letters and Acronyms Mean on My Windows?

As you shop for replacement windows, you’ll likely see a host of acronyms on the window descriptions. These tell you more about the quality and grade of the window, which will indicate whether the window will be good for your home or building long term. But if you’ve never purchased windows before, all those letters can feel overwhelming. So here’s a guide to what to look for when purchasing replacement windows with descriptions of these different acronyms.

• STC: this stands for sound transmission class. Double-paned windows will have an STC of 28-35. The thicker the window glass or airspace, the greater the soundproofing you’ll get from the window.
• VT: visible transmittance tells you how much light will come through your new windows. You’ll see this as a scale of 0-1 meaning be ready for decimal points. Adding window tints will lower the visible transmittance while also providing greater energy efficiency.
• AL: air leakage tells you how much air will pass through your windows based on the cubic feet area of the window. This includes heat loss and gain but won’t take into account cracks or poor window installation.
• CR: condensation resistance tells you how resistant the window is to condensation. The better the resistance, the greater enjoyment you’ll get from your windows.
• U-factor: windows generally have a U-factor of .3 to 1.2. The lower the U-factor the better insulation and heat resistance you’ll experience. This means that your home will stay warmer during the winter and cooler in the summer.
• SHGC: solar heat gain helps you determine how efficient the window is at blocking solar heat despite allowing sunlight to stream into your home. Look for low SHGC ratings to avoid overheating during the summer months, though Washington-area homes don’t have to worry as much about this factor.

Other Areas Where We Offer Services

2FL Windows, Siding and Roofing offers services throughout the Seattle area and Spokane, Washington. Some of our premier locations for window replacement include:

• Bellevue
• Everett
• Kent
• Olympia
• Tacoma
• Auburn
• Renton

Not sure whether we service your area? Reach out to us for more information and we’ll let you know if we have a team in your area. We’d be honored to quote your next window replacement project and tell you more about our patented window installation method called the Rain Jacket Flashing System.

Further Reading:

• Make Your Neighbors Jealous with These Nu-Ray Metal Colors
• Hate Cleaning Windows? These Are the Replacement Windows for Your Home
• This Roof Color Can Increase Your Home’s Value