Windows | Dick's Rancho Glass

Window Replacement Mistakes to Avoid

September 3, 2019 by Dick's Rancho Glass

Sooner or later many homeowners have to deal with a window replacement project, so it’s best to be prepared. It’s important to get your window replacement done right the first time as mistakes made can be costly in the future. Even the highest rated premium quality windows cannot showcase their full performance if they’re not properly placed and installed. To help you through the process, here are some common mistakes you need to avoid when planning your window replacement project.

Installing Replacement Windows Yourself – There are many home improvement projects a handy homeowner can tackle, window replacement should not be one of them. DIY window installation is a bad idea. Windows require precision installation if you want them to be weathertight, operational, and long lasting. Mistakes during installation project can end up decreasing your home’s energy efficiency, and leave your home vulnerable to damaging leaks. It’s best to leave your window replacement to experienced professionals.

Focusing on Upfront Price Alone – Though the initial cost of a window replacement project is important, it’s a mistake to settle for cheap materials or inexperienced installation. Low quality or poorly installed windows will only end up costing a homeowner more over time. Consider the energy savings provided by the windows, the cost of maintaining them over the span of service, and more. Choosing high quality, expertly installed windows can save money because they work better, last longer, and require less maintenance.

Forgetting to Consider Intangible Effects – You can add up replacement costs and energy savings, but some factors don’t come with an assigned price tag. For example, the effect that new windows will have on your homes overall aesthetic and comfort level. New replacement windows can improve your homes look and curb-appeal. From a nice breeze to adding natural light, they can also greatly contribute to the comfort level of your home. Placing the wrong window type in a room can lead to issues later on. Be sure to place operable windows in areas that require ventilation, and larger glass windows in areas that could use more natural light or that overlook a great view.

Ignoring the Cost of Maintenance – Different window materials have different maintenance requirements. Materials like wood require significantly more care, cleaning, and repainting than a material like vinyl, which is designed to be low maintenance. Consider your lifestyle and ask yourself how much time you have to dedicate to keeping your windows in good shape, then weigh the pros and cons of each material choice factoring in the level of commitment each one requires after installation.

It’s likely you have limited knowledge of replacement windows. Let the professionals help! At Dick’s Rancho Glass we have decades of experience, and because window replacement is a significant investment, we hope you’ll ask as many questions as you like. We want homeowners to feel comfortable and not intimidated by foreign terminology, so we’ll educate you and answer your questions as best we can. We want your window replacement project experience to be as stress-free as possible.

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. ~

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

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…]

Window Replacement Mistakes to Avoid

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?

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