Frequently Asked Questions: A Homeowner's Guide To Replacement Windows

 
Question: What affects the price of a window? Aren’t they all pretty much the same?

Answer: There factors that impact the window the most are the material that makes up the frame, the type of the design of the frames, and the quantity of material all impact the cost of a window. Generally speaking, aluminum are the least expensive windows, then vinyl, and fiberglass will cost more to create. Some people still want wood frames, and those vary a lot in price, but I generally discourage wooden frames because of the maintenance required. In addition to the type of material used for the frames, other things that impact the price are the number of glass panels (dual pane or triple pane), the Low-E coatings, the type of insulating gas inside the glass panels, and the warranty.  The type of gas that fills between the glass panels also has an impact on the price: Argon is less expensive, while Krypton has a better thermal performance, but is a little more expensive. 

​Question: What do you need to know in order to give me an accurate estimate for windows?

Answer: It usually takes me just a few minutes to measure your windows and calculate the price. Of course, I’ll need to know which type of window you prefer.  My quote will include all installation and old window removal cost, and what options you would like on your new windows.

Question: I’ve seen ads for windows at $189 each… Do you sell windows that are just $189?

Answer: No, and the people that advertise the windows for $189 each don’t really charge that either. My opinion is that it is deceptive advertising; it makes the phone ring, and then once they see you in person, they have to fess up and tell you – there are extra charges for this, for that, and pretty soon, you find that the windows are the same price or even more expensive than other brands. My recommendation: don’t fall for their tactics.

Question: What, apart from the price, makes the difference between a good or a bad deal when buying windows, siding, or doors?
The best indicator of the quality of a home improvement product is the warranty. If you read the fine points of a warranty, you realize that the vast majority of them are written by attorneys to protect the MANUFACTURER and NOT THE CONSUMER.  A lot of things get hidden and obscured.  We make recommendations based on products with manufacturer’s warranties that are clear, accessible, and spelled out so that you know exactly what the warranty covers. The best warranties are clear and concise.
 
Q: If you do come to my house for an appointment, how long will the appointment take?

Answer: That mostly depends on you—how many questions you have and how many questions you have about windows. Generally speaking, we’re in and out in a little over an hour. We’d be happy to stay as long or short as necessary. Or you can just call us on the phone. It’s up to you.

Q: What types of payment methods are offered?

Answer: Jim Olivier Home Improvement accepts the following:  Cash, Check, Major Credit Cards and we also offer financing.

Question: How do Vinyl Windows compare with windows made from other materials, such as wood and aluminum?

Answer: Long-lasting beauty, low maintenance and excellent thermal efficiency ratings give vinyl windows a winning edge over other types of replacement windows. The performance and longevity of vinyl windows compare very favorably to those of other building materials, and vinyl often costs less to produce.  Vinyl windows and doors are rapidly capturing a major market share as more builders and homeowners learn about vinyl’s outstanding value and economy.

Question: How durable are vinyl windows?

Answer: Vinyl windows are very durable.   There are tens of millions of vinyl windows installed in homes and commercial buildings across the country and around the world.  In the United States some vinyl windows have been installed as long as 25 years and are still working well.  Many designs of today have superior wind load ratings to wood and aluminum.

Question: Will vinyl windows melt in the hot sun?

Answer: No.  Vinyl windows perform well in desert climates of the Southwestern United States where daytime temperatures can reach 125° F (and above) and surfaces in direct sun can be heated above 165°F (the temperature at which vinyl begins to soften.)  It’s the multi-chambered design of vinyl products that ensures they will handle even those excessive levels of heat.   Vinyl is an excellent insulator.  It does not conduct heat readily like aluminum and the hollow chambers in a vinyl frame reduce conduction even further so while the outside surface of a vinyl window or door frame may get quite hot in direct sun, the interior walls will experience limited heat build-up.

Question: What kind of maintenance do vinyl windows require?

Answer: Vinyl windows are virtually maintenance free, requiring no finishing upon installation and no periodic painting or sealing like wood or aluminum windows.  They also cannot rot, rust, pit, or corrode like wood or aluminum products.   They are unaffected by moisture, salt air, pollution and airborne chemicals.  If they ever require cleaning, simply wiping with a wet cloth is sufficient to return them to their “factory finish” condition.

Question: How does an insulated glass unit incorporating Low E/Gas filled glass, improve the quality and efficiency of windows and doors?

Answer:

A) Helping keep the heat in and the cold out during winter.

B) Helping keep the heat out and the cold in during summer.

C) Improving the performance of the U and R values of your new windows and doors.

D) Reducing condensation.
 
Question: What is Low E/Argon filled glass and how does it work?

Answer: Low E (Emissivity) Glass is glass with a transparent metallic oxide coating applied onto or into a glass surface.  The coating allows short-wave energy to pass through but reflects long-wave infrared energy, improving the U-Value.  In short, it basically reflects heat back to its source. 
Argon Gas is an odorless, colorless, tasteless, non-toxic gas that is six times denser than air.  It is used to replace air between the glass panes to reduce temperature transfer.
Question: What are R-values and U-values?
 
Answer: R-value is the amount of heat transferred through a material.  The lower U-value, the greater slower the rate of heat flow and the better the insulating quality.

Question: What causes condensation on windows?

Answer: Condensation, or “sweating,“ is a natural occurrence on all windows and is caused by excess humidity, or invisible water vapor, present in the air.  When this water vapor comes in contact with a surface which is at a cooler temperature, the vapor turns to visible droplets of moisture.
Our insulating glass units provide superior energy efficiency to reduce the potential for internal condensation.  However, there is no such thing as condensation-free window in high humidity conditions.  Louisiana is incredibly humid, and controlling the amount of moisture in your home is the most effective action you can take to avoid condensation.
 
Question: How long does it take for a typical installation?

Answer: Replacement windows will be ready for installation 2 to 4 weeks after they are ordered.  I tell my customers to allow approximately 1 hour from start to finish to install a window, however, we will contact you when the windows are ready for installation and let you know the actual time.