Windows | Dick's Rancho Glass

Replacement Windows Can Help You Beat the Heat

July 8, 2019 by Dick's Rancho Glass

The hotter it gets, the more those drafty windows can cost you. When the summer sun shines down through your windows, and the hot air from outside finds its way inside, your air conditioning unit will have to work overtime to keep up. Replacing leaky, drafty, inefficient windows, with modern energy-efficient windows can add to your comfort level and wallet. Energy efficient windows are constructed using multiple components that will work together to help boost the insulating properties of a window.

Airtight Window Frames

In addition to making sure your new windows are the proper size and are properly installed for an airtight fit, one of the most important considerations you need to make is frame material. Two of the more energy efficient frame materials are vinyl and fiberglass. They do a particularly good job of reducing heat transfer and contributing to insulation value. Your ultimate decision on which of these to use may be based on aesthetics and cost. In making your selection, be sure to look for vinyl or fiberglass frames that have been specifically engineered for performance. For instance, both can be designed with chambers within the frame that enhance strength, noise reduction and insulation value.

Incorporating materials like vinyl or fiberglass into the frame of a window can elevate your rooms’ insulation level and allow for a consistent temperature throughout your home. Vinyl and fiberglass frames can be created with multiple air chambers for extra insulation pockets that help in reducing the transfer of heat and cold through the window. Reducing heat transfer with energy efficient window frames can help homeowners stay cool and comfortable on those hot summer days.

Multiple Glass Panes

Dual-pane designs use an air- or gas-filled space between two panes of glass. This insulates much better than a single pane. A spacer keeps a window’s dual glass panes the correct distance apart for optimal airflow between panes. Too much or too little airflow can affect the insulating glass efficiency. The design and material of the spacer also can make a big difference in the ability to handle expansion and contraction and thus reducing condensation.

For added energy efficiency dual pane windows can be gas filled. Window gas is several times denser than air and is injected in-between panes of window glass to slow the transfer of hot or cold air. Argon gas is often an option offered by top window manufacturers. It enhances thermal performance without getting in the way of the view. Krypton is another invisible gas that offers higher levels of thermal protection.

Heat-Resistant Low-E Glass Coating

Glass coating technology has helped create more energy efficient windows. Low-E glass coatings – Low-E means ‘low emissivity’ and describes glass that has a thin solar control coating to improve thermal performance. A thin coating is applied to one side of the glass inside the window to reflect energy and heat toward the outside in the summer and keep heat inside in the winter. In addition to reducing energy costs, glass coatings can also filter damaging ultraviolet light (UV) to help protect interior furnishings and fixtures from fading. Energy efficient replacement windows manufactured with low emissivity coating can significantly increase your homes thermal protection and decrease your summer cooling bill.

Interested in energy efficient Low-E windows but already have dual pane windows with clear glass? We can change the glass to Low-E to make them more efficient for you! *LowE2 = 2nd generation of Low Emissivity glass

Want to learn more about how energy efficient replacement windows can keep you cool in the summer? Call Dick’s Rancho Glass to schedule a consultation on our energy efficient, low maintenance, replacement windows. At Dick’s Rancho Glass we have many years of experience in window installation, and we are happy to serve homeowners throughout the Sacramento Area. To keep your home beautiful and energy efficient, we are proud to offer a large selection replacement windows, including high quality Milgard® windows. To begin exploring your replacement window options, check out our gallery, give us a call, click Dick’s Rancho Glass to contact us, or visit one of our two glass showrooms in the Sacramento region:

Dick’s Rancho Glass Sacramento at 2900 ROUTIER ROAD

Or call us at (916)363-6554
Dick’s Rancho Glass Fair Oaks at 5349 SAN JUAN AVE.

Or call us at (916)863-2500

~ At Dick’s Rancho Glass our versatility and pride of craftsmanship are keys to our success. Our excellent reputation has been built on the foundations of quality, reliability, and maintaining a dedicated staff. ~

Factors that Affect the Price of New Upgrade Windows

June 26, 2019 by Dick's Rancho Glass

There are several variables to consider when estimating the cost of new replacement windows, some may seem obvious like window size and different product lines and materials, others may not be; like installation method, energy efficiency, or warranties. While windows may look similar, construction differences not necessarily visible on the surface can make a big difference in the windows performance, durability and of course price. Here are some of the materials and construction considerations with the biggest impact on cost:

Window Frame Material

Not all window frame materials are created equal. Window frames come in different materials including wood, vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass, and composite. There are pros and cons for all types of frame materials. Generally speaking metal frames are used for commercial buildings and not often chosen for residential homes. Composite windows offer high performance, but are the most expensive option. Fiberglass, wood, and vinyl are the most common materials used in window frames for single family homes. Fiberglass window frames are strong and durable, but are often quite a bit more costly than the other options. While real wood windows can be beautiful, they tend to be pricey and high-maintenance over time. Vinyl is the most cost effective window frame material, but you’ll need to be sure to choose a reputable window contractor for purchase and installation.

Window Frame Insulation

Simply put, the better the insulation the more expensive the window. Most modern windows have hollow spaces through which air can travel. Less expensive windows are sold with no insulation. Mid-range and higher cost windows are filled with quality insulating materials.

Window Installation Process

Full-Frame window installation is the process of replacing the entire window. Everything comes out including the window, the sill, and the trim. This process is slower and there is often touch-up required after the job is finished.

Flush fin (also called Z-bar) replacement windows are commonly used in California and other markets with aluminum windows in stucco home exteriors. This method leaves the original aluminum window frame intact and provides very little opportunity for the stucco siding to be damaged.

Block frame or insert replacement windows, are typically found in markets where wood windows are in place, and the exterior is siding or brick. In most parts of the country, the block frame window is simply a new construction window frame with the nail fin removed. Your contractor will want to ensure that there’s been no damage to the studs and there is proper insulation and flashing before using this type of window.

Number of Window Panes

Windows for residential homes are generally single, double, or triple paned. Single paned perform windows perform poorly and are commonly found in houses that where built before the 1970s. Double paned windows greatly increased the performance of windows in terms of energy efficiency performance.

Triple paned windows (or triple glazing) adds a third layer of glass that improves insulating properties of the window.

Window Gasses

Window gas is several times denser than air and is injected in-between panes of window glass to slow the transfer of hot or cold air. Argon gas is often an option offered by top window manufacturers. It enhances thermal performance without getting in the way of the view. Krypton is another invisible gas that offers higher levels of thermal protection.

Window Coating

Glass coating technology has helped create more energy efficient windows. Low-E glass coatings – Low-E means ‘low emissivity’ and describes glass that has a solar control coating to improve thermal performance. A thin coating is applied to one side of the glass to reflect heat toward the outside in the summer and keep heat inside in the winter. In addition to reducing energy costs, glass coatings can reduce the fading of furniture and other fixtures in the home.

Although window replacement can be a big expense, not replacing those windows can carry a big price tag as well. Poor energy performance resulting in higher energy bills, or damage due to operational malfunctions in windows can cost you over-time. New replacement windows can also be an investment in your homes curb and comfort appeal.

At Dick’s Rancho Glass we have many years of experience in window installation, and we are happy to serve homeowners throughout the Sacramento Area. To keep your home beautiful and energy efficient, we are proud to offer a large selection replacement windows, including high quality Milgard® windows. To begin exploring your replacement window options, check out our gallery, give us a call, click here to contact us, or visit one of our two glass showrooms in the Sacramento region:

Dick’s Rancho Glass Sacramento at 2900 ROUTIER ROAD

Or call us at (916)363-6554
Dick’s Rancho Glass Fair Oaks at 5349 SAN JUAN AVE.

Or call us at (916)863-2500

Signs That Your House May Need New Windows

June 11, 2019 by Dick's Rancho Glass

Windows are an import part of your homes operating system. Windows, doors, insulation, along with heating and cooling units, all need to function together properly to keep your home comfortable, safe, and efficient. With home improvement projects being potentially time consuming and costly, it’s easy to try to put off something like window replacement until the last minute. So how do you know when it’s time to start planning to replace those old worn out windows?

Cracked window glass.

Cracks in your window glass pane will allow spots for air to leak in and out of your window. A large enough crack can also permit water to enter possibly creating damage to wood surfaces. Cracked windows are unsightly and ruin your homes curb appeal lowering its value.

Minimal Soundproofing or Just Plain Loud. [Read more…]

Have Your Window Seals Failed?

May 6, 2019 by Dick's Rancho Glass

In very old houses you may still find single paned windows, but the most common windows now used in homes are multi-paned sealed windows. Double and triple paned windows are made from two or three panes of glass held within an air-tight frame (in other words they are “sealed”). When the seals fail in these windows, they become less effective as weather barriers. But how do you know that these window seals have failed?

You can’t usually tell in the very beginning that a seal has started to fail. The window panes can compensate for seal failure a bit. But, eventually, you begin to see moisture or fogging in between the panes because the outside air is starting to leak in through the broken seal. Over time this will get progressively worse, and will be particularly noticeable when the weather is bad. If you try to wipe off foggy windows it may clear them off temporarily, but the fog will come back. The further the problem progresses the harder it will be to wipe away the condensation and the longer it will remain fogged. Eventually, dirt and mineral deposits will begin to build up under the condensation.

Another potential sign of window seal failure is distorted glass. [Read more…]

Spring Home Maintenance for a Cool Summer

April 22, 2019 by Dick's Rancho Glass

Spring showers are here which means summer heat is near. The sun shining through your windows is sure a welcome sight after winter months, but, the light maybe drawing attention to areas in need of a little spring care. Routine home maintenance can help save you from headaches and costly repairs that could be avoided. It can also help you to prepare and budget for any future repairs or upgrades your home may need. Spring is the perfect time to tend to those home maintenance items we’ve been putting off since the end of fall, undo winter’s damage to our home, and get ready for the long hot summer.

To help you get started we’ve created a list of four simple home maintenance tasks you can tackle this spring that will help you to keep cool this summer:

Inspect Windows and Doors

If you have an air conditioner, make sure all that comfy cool air stays inside (and the summer heat stays out) by getting rid of leaks and drafts. Winter weather can crack and harden caulk and other weather sealers. To thoroughly inspect doors and windows for air leaks, start by trying to rattle them, since movement means possible air leaks. If you can see daylight around a window or door frame, then the window or door leaks. You can usually seal these leaks by weather stripping or caulking them.

Caulking and weather stripping can be an easy to do weekend project. Use Caulk for stationary cracks, joints, or gaps less than one quarter inch wide. On objects that are moveable, such as doors and operable windows, weather stripping should be used. Sealing leaks is among the most cost-effective things you can do to conserve energy, increase comfort, prevent water damage, and reduce your air conditioning bill.

You may also want to consider replacing your old doors and windows with newer, high-performance ones. In a lot of older homes, while replacing windows can be an expensive option, many times it’s actually more cost effective to replace them because eventually they will pay for themselves through lowered heating and cooling costs. If factory-made doors or replacement windows are too over your budget, you can install low-cost plastic sheets over your existing windows to cut down on leaks and drafts.

Window Cleaning – Don’t Forget the Weep Holes

Welcome every beautiful ray of spring sunshine into your house by washing your window glass. Cleaning your windows is probably not on your favorite things to-do list but, when you throw your windows open for the first time in the spring you can probably tell it’s time. Your windows should be thoroughly cleaned at least once a year, and springtime is the perfect time to do it. Not only will this improve the lifespan and performance of your windows, but it’s a great way to maintain your homes curb appeal. You’ll be pleased with the transformation a good window cleaning can provide to make your home feel new again.

Now that you’ve added washing your windows to your spring maintenance list, don’t forget to clean out the weep holes and get rid of the dirt and debris that’s accumulated throughout the winter. Weep holes are the vented slots at the bottom of a window frame that allow exterior drainage. It’s normal for dirt to build up in these areas, so, make sure the openings are clear.

Check Window and Door Screens

Window and door screens are wonderful because they allow you to let in fresh air and sunlight into your home without inviting in annoying insects or other unwanted visitors. Screens allow you to cool your house the cheap way. In cooler parts of the summer you can reduce your electric bill by opening your windows at night and turning off the air conditioning. Without regular maintenance window screens can become dirty or damaged and will eventually need to be replaced. It’s always less expensive to clean and maintain your screens than it is to replace them, so save yourself some money and take the time to take care of those screens. To clean, gently scrub the screen on a flat surface with soapy water. Patch holes in screen if needed. Make sure screens are totally dry before placing them back into position.

Test Windows and Fresh Air

Open windows and doors when it’s nice out, let some fresh air in. Maybe you can even catch a cross breeze. In addition to testing the operational function of your windows, opening the windows is also an effective way to naturally aerate your home and may freshen up your indoor air quality. Take this opportunity to wipe down the interior of the window sills as they have likely collected dust, dirt, and mold over the winter months. Once you’ve cleaned any dirt so that the windows open and close easily, lubricate the tracks and rollers with a dry silicone spray. (You may have to do this more often if you live in a coastal area)

At Dick’s Rancho Glass we have many years of window installation experience and are happy to serve homeowners throughout the Sacramento Area. To keep your home beautiful and cool, we are proud to offer a large selection of high quality Milgard® windows. To begin exploring your replacement window options, check out our gallery, give us a call, click here to contact us, or visit one of our two glass showrooms in the Sacramento region.

Replacement Windows Can Help You Beat the Heat

Factors that Affect the Price of New Upgrade Windows

Signs That Your House May Need New Windows

Have Your Window Seals Failed?

Spring Home Maintenance for a Cool Summer

Map to Dick’s Rancho Glass

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