24/01/2014 09:52
How can you be sure you are utilizing the best company to take care of your window and door requirements? Ask specific questions about exactly how the installation will take place and what the composition of the materials are.
For someone with no experience in buying new home windows, words like “retrofit”, “new construction,” and “block frame” can seem like gibberish. Each window contractor will probably tell you their method of window installation is the best one and most cost efficient. The truth is each particular installation method serves a special purpose and is only the best option for a specific type of window project.
New construction is only the best one if the wall is being newly constructed along with the new home windows. If your wall is not being reconstructed and your contractor recommends a new construction window project, you can be sure that it serves a personal purpose rather than a customer-centered purpose. It could be that he has only standard sized windows that cannot be custom-fit for your home so he must make your home fit his windows.
Retrofit should only be used when there are requirements never to remove the original framing of the windows. Maybe a condominium complex wants to maintain the authenticity and integrity of the original construction of the building therefore they require all replacement windows to be fitted into the existing frames.
Block frame is the most proper type of installation if no resizing of window openings needs to be constructed, and there are no building codes requiring the old frames to stay. The reason you want to remove the old frames from the windows before installing the new ones inside of them is that the old frames are extremely energy inefficient. You are essentially buying energy efficient windows but which begin at 4 inches inside your window frame on each side. Imagine driving your car on a hot summer day with the air conditioning on full blast, but leaving all your windows open 4 inches. How energy efficient do you think you are being? That is the problem with installing retrofit windows in a building which does not require it.
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Visit www.cdwindows.com or call (800) 639-9463 to learn more about custom vinyl window projects we may help you with.
For A surprisingly honest bit of advice on choosing replacement windows, this 2 minute youtube video is a big help! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUAK3vOdmoo
