Need new windows? Learn about the different types of replacement windows that are available, how they impact performance and cost, and which one might be right for you.
Are Andersen 100 windows good? Dive into our 2023 review covering Andersen 100 Series windows’ durability, energy efficiency, and value. Get the insider info from a team that’s installed thousands of windows and doors all over Arizona. We know how this brand stands up to wear and tear. Read on to learn more!
During an in-home sales appointment for replacement windows with DunRite Windows & Doors, homeowners generally fall into two categories: they either prefer to make a decision that trusts their own intuition, or they extensively research information before the appointment. They want to know ALL the details and come into the appointment self-informed, having a good idea what they want.
We do our best to satisfy both, and the spectrum in between, by providing enough information for the homeowner to make an informed decision they are comfortable with.
We’re confident in our pricing and reputation, and avoid any kind of high-pressure sales tactics. We hope that comes across in the appointment, and we’ll treat you like we would want to be treated.
If you make a purchase of energy efficient windows or doors from DunRite in 2023, you may be eligible to claim a credit on your taxes that’s worth thousands of dollars—up to 30% of the cost.
There are two different programs that might apply, depending on certain criteria: the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and the Residential Clean Energy Credit.
Most people assume water leaks only happen with old windows, or when there’s some sort of product defect or installation mistake, but that’s not always the case. It can be a maintenance issue, which is one of the most common reasons a window starts to leak, or caused by something above the window. This can create a drainage point at the window, but the window isn’t the cause of the leak.
According to the experts at DunRite Windows & Doors, the location of the leak often identifies what’s happening.
While it’s true that quality and brand will heavily impact how many years you’ll get out of new replacement windows or a new exterior door, it’s not the only factor to consider. Installation makes a difference, too. If done improperly, it can dramatically shorten your new windows’ lifespan.
Installed correctly, a window (or door) is supported on all sides by the opening that surrounds it. This gives it structural integrity, according to DunRite Windows & Doors Owner Sal Sucato. It needs relatively equal pressure on all sides from an opening), and a strong foundation underneath that can bear its weight.
Wondering if solar screens can save as much energy as new windows? It’s a common idea for homeowners who aren’t quite sure they’re ready to invest in window replacements to consider solar screens. But can they save as much energy as new windows? Are sun screens a good alternative to new windows?
The term “custom windows” is often misunderstood by homeowners. It can refer to a window that’s a one-of-a-kind design, made for a specific home. Perhaps it’s a unique material, includes stained glass by a local artist, or is handmade by a local craftsman instead of a window manufacturer… That’s a custom window in the truest sense of the word, right? But “custom window” can also refer to the most common type of window: one that’s made to fit specific measurements provided by the installer.
It’s manufactured to fit the dimensions of a specific house.
Most window and door companies operate this way, and it’s the only way they order product. Nothing is off-the-shelf.
Are you thinking of installing new windows? Then it might be time to dust off your measuring tape and put your skills to the test! You’ll need to know how to measure for replacement windows if you’re planning to purchase and install them yourself, or if you’re comparing DIY pricing to those from window and door companies.
However, if you plan on outsourcing the job to professionals, measurements are unnecessary. Don’t waste time doing it, unless it’s a virtual appointment and they specifically request measurements. Allowing them to handle measurements ensures they’re responsible for any mistakes, not you, and they’ll take measurements multiple times throughout the estimate and installation process.
DunRite Windows & Doors will happily measure and order the correct windows for a flawless install every time, if you’re interested in a price quote. However, here’s a quick tutorial if it’s something you prefer to do yourself.
Touted everywhere as the most energy efficient window option available, triple-pane windows can seem like an ideal choice to most homeowners. After all, there are two pockets of argon gas to insulate, instead of the single pocket on a double-pane window. Wouldn’t that help reduce a home’s energy bills?
But here’s the thing. In some climates, they can really save money—but they just aren’t something we recommend for homes in the Phoenix area. Flagstaff? Maybe, but not Phoenix.
There’s a reason you don’t see too many aluminum windows being installed around the Valley of the Sun these days… What was innovative in 1912 is no longer the leader 100 years later.
There are more energy efficient options available, and with the exception of one Milgard product that we sell, most aluminum products are outdated or in the process of being phased out. Based on DunRite’s 20+ years of experience? They’re the least desirable option for Phoenix area homeowners, right alongside entry-level vinyl windows, which can warp and melt.
As one of the most recognizable windows brands on the market today, some wonder, “Are Andersen Windows worth it?” Twenty-year window industry veteran and DunRite Windows & Doors Owner Sal Sucato thinks so…with one caveat.
Global warming. Water shortages. An ever-growing number of 110+ degree days every summer. It’s never been more important to be a savvy consumer who considers the impact on our environment when shopping. And windows are one area where your choice makes a difference.
And to add an extra note of delight to the shopping experience, it can be a GREAT opportunity to lower your heating and cooling bills. What’s good for the planet can be good for you, too.
So, how do you buy energy-efficient windows and make sure you get the best quality at the best price? These five areas make the biggest impact.
Summary: Yes, you can replace just one window in your home. Call a handyman, though, since window and door companies typically have minimum purchase requirements and don’t do repair. If it’s just glass needing replacement, call a glass repair company.
So how do you compare vinyl windows? If you aren’t in the window business, it can be hard to tell the difference between a good-quality vinyl window, and one that will warp and break down in a short amount of time.
Vinyl is now the leading material for window replacement options—and for good reason! They’re often very durable, long-lasting and incredibly budget-friendly.
However, the quality and lifespan can vary drastically from one manufacturer to another.
Window and door companies have the advantage of seeing how they last over time, which product lines or features tend to result in warranty claims, which ones have quality issues related to how they are manufactured or that show up during the installation process, and other areas of insider knowledge.
It’s easy to think about the typical ways we prepare for the summer heat in Arizona such as making sure the sprinklers and drip systems are adjusted to water the landscaping more often. Weather-stripping anywhere daylight peeks through around a door. Clearing out the garage to make room for the cars, so they don’t sit in the beating sun. Cleaning the BBQ. Perhaps stocking up on refreshments before the summer’s first pool party.
But did you know there are a few things that should be done to prepare windows for summer, too?
Does home insurance cover window replacement? Let’s explore the topic.
During a severe monsoon storm – complete with howling wind and torrential rain – you hear a sound no homeowner wants to hear: glass shattering into a million pieces. When the rain and wind die down, you assess the damage and discover the citrus tree in your yard fell directly into your kitchen window, breaking the panes and damaging the window frame.
Or perhaps you’ve had the situation everyone dreads: a house fire.
You tell yourself that home insurance will cover the cost of the window damage. After all, that’s what homeowner’s insurance is for, right?
The short answer to “does home insurance cover window replacements?” is this: it’s complicated. If it’s related to weather, fire, an accident or vandalism, insurance will probably cover the cost of replacement windows for your home.
The decision to purchase new windows is a major one. Oftentimes, it’s driven by necessity – “Honey, do you feel this chilly draft?”– but the need could also arise if you see damage to the window structure, your windows were installed before Y2K, you have single pane glass, or you are planning to sell your home in a few years and want to increase resale value or give it an edge in the marketplace.
When you ask yourself, “Should I buy new double pane windows for my home?”, the answer should be a resounding yes in several specific situations.
You’ve decided to take the plunge and signed the contract from DunRite, but how much work will it take to prepare for your home window replacement?
Good news — it really doesn’t take much! Our installation crews can do most of it, if needed. When they arrive, they’ll remove drapes, shutters, blinds, or any other window treatments you might have installed, move furniture away from the windows, and lay plastic sheeting down to protect your floors.
You’ve finally made the decision; it’s time to replace the windows that have bothered you for so long. Or perhaps it’s an upgrade to make your home more energy-efficient, create a new look, or include them as part of a larger home renovation project.
Regardless, it’s smart to avoid hidden costs in replacement windows by leveraging a few smart shopping tactics and asking the right questions.
Vinyl windows have become the most popular replacement window product for a reason: they’re budget-friendly, they can last 30+ years if you chose a high-quality brand, and they’re available in an attractive range of colors and upgrades. If you’re curious about how vinyl windows are made, here’s a glimpse inside the factories.
How to replace a window may not be as simple as many homeowners assume. It varies based on the type of wall opening, materials used on the walls, and more. Plus, it’s important to order the right type of window for the type of installation being done; they’re not all the same.
On a new home under construction, the window installation process is different than when replacement windows are installed. The types of windows are often different, too.
When a home is built, the original windows have a nail fin—a mounting flange with nail holes that is set back from the edges of the window frame and nailed to the exposed studs to secure the window to the opening. (Refer to the bottom left quadrant in the below image.)
It’s sealed to the framing of the home and tied into the flashing, then the nail fin is covered with whatever stucco, siding or other material is used on the home’s exterior walls.
Is it smart to caulk windows? Ensuring windows are properly sealed against drafts and leaks is important. Every window frame should have caulking on the inside and outside of the window frame where it touches the wall of the home.
(It’s actually sealant, not caulking – more on that below.)
Let’s showcase one of our high-end window manufacturers today! A family-owned business, Pella is headquartered in Pella, Iowa and has more than 17 manufacturing facilities around the United States—including Arizona.
We love that they are 100% made in America, and you might be surprised how many locations they have! Pella products are made in:
While some people might use the term “window replacement” interchangeably with “glass replacement,” they aren’t the same thing… and each is handled by a completely different type of company with its own specialty training and equipment.
While window condensation between the panes of glass isn’t normal and can indicate a broken seal or other product issues, windows fogging up on the inside or outside of a home are pretty common.
It’s nothing to worry about.
It just means warm, moist air on the inside of a room touched a cold surface, such as warm living room air heated by the toasty blast of a heater reaching window glass chilled from a cold day outside. Moisture in the air deposits itself on any surface with a colder temperature.
Just kidding! Well, kind of… Vinyl windows typically should not be painted once they’re installed. In our experience, it rarely turns out well, but today we’re tapping a local painting professional for their opinion, too, along with a few of our window product manufacturers.
Your windows are an important part of your home, providing natural light, ventilation, and insulation. But over time, windows wear out and become less effective. They might even shift as the house settles around them.
So how often should you replace your windows? Here are a few specific signs that it may be time:
Your windows are old.
You have single-pane aluminum windows.
Your windows are drafty.
Your windows are difficult to open and close.
Your windows are damaged.
Your windows are not energy efficient.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to contact a window replacement professional to get an estimate.
Let’s explore how often you should replace windows in a bit more detail.
While our long, hot summers have some homeowners wondering if vinyl windows are a smart choice for Arizona homes, they’re one of the most popular choices that we install at DunRite Windows & Doors – a Rosie-Certified Partner.
It’s not uncommon for some windows to have a green tint to the glass, with homeowners asking about the color after installation. Is it a defect? A film or coating? We approached several manufacturers to get their take on why it was more noticeable on some windows than others.
When you’re debating which brand of replacement window to purchase, or wondering if you should step up in budget, comparing the window warranty between different products can be a smart way to decide… especially if it’s your retirement home or a residence you intend to keep long-term.
We’re only halfway through 2021, but we have some noteworthy items from our high-end window and door manufacturers to share with you. Both Pella Windows and Andersen Windows have news to share.
Often mistaken for window films, tints and coatings, window glazing simply refers to the pane(s) of glass installed in a window frame (or wall opening).
It’s not a treatment done to the glass, it’s the glass itself.
Are you a fan of Pella® Windows & Doors? One of the most common questions asked about this brand is specific to DIYers: Does Home Depot sell Pella? Let’s tackle it.
Home Depot does not sell Pella windows—they sell the Andersen® windows brand, a competitor in the high-end windows niche. However, you can find Pella products at Lowe’s.
Wondering how to replace single pane windows with double pane? Having a windows and doors company replace them for you, or managing your own DIY installation of windows purchased from a home improvement store are the two most common solutions. Here’s our insight on both.
One of the hottest new trends in home replacement windows are black window frames. They can give a sophisticated, modern look to a home, regardless of its style.
But can we order black vinyl windows, which historically have only been available in white, almond or clay colors? And do black vinyl windows cost more?
We did a quick interview this morning with Sal Sucato, owner of DunRite Windows & Doors to get the scoop, and here’s what he had to say.
Wondering where to buy new windows for your home? Here’s the scoop on home improvement store windows, showrooms, franchises, dealers and more.
It’s helpful to start with the basics. Do you need to replace a broken pane of glass or perhaps just one or two windows that are having issues, or is it time to replace all of the windows in your home?
Long stretches of 100+ degree weather, and constant sun beating down on a home can be tough on windows. Is vinyl a mistake? Can I use vinyl windows in Arizona without having heat-related issues that impact performance or longevity? Some homeowners have concerns about vinyl as a budget-friendly option.
When the neighbor’s barking dog sounds like it’s standing next to your bed, windows are hard to open or close, dust on the furniture is a constant battle and you can feel warmth of the summer sun when you touch a window pane inside the house, it’s time for new window for your home…and there are a few energy efficient window upgrades that are worth every penny!
Home improvements can be a significant investment, and it’s smart to do a bit of due diligence before deciding who to trust with your project. If you’re thinking 2023 will be the year to buy replacement windows for your home, we’ve put our top five tips together to help you with the process.
Are Pella Windows worth the cost? Many homeowners looking for high-end windows are loyal to the Pella brand, and stick with it for any window and door purchase. They wouldn’t go with any other brand. Perhaps their home has older Pella windows that have lasted for decades with zero issues or they’ve had a positive installation experience in the past, or a friend recommended Pella as a trusted, reputable brand.
If you’re getting quotes for new home windows, it’s common for the contractor to request—or even require—that both spouses participate in the appointment. DunRite does this.
Is it about who signs the checkbook? Sexism? High-pressure sales tactics? Nope, none of these things.
Let’s demystify window warranties. Get all the answers here for everything you need to know, including quick overviews of specific window brands available for installation at DunRite Windows & Doors. Ready to learn more? Read on!
Wondering if Renewal by Andersen windows are just a rebranded version of regular Andersen windows? Find out the difference between both and learn why you should invest in high-end, high quality windows.
It’s not uncommon for some windows to have a green tint to the glass, with homeowners asking about the color after installation. Is it a defect? A film or coating? We approached several manufacturers to get their take on why it was more noticeable on some windows than others.
What is a double glazed window?
