Shopping for replacement windows or doors can be a big investment, and it's smart to make an educated decision. Scroll down to see our best tips and expertise to help, or use the search field if you're looking for a specific topic.
Published: Sept. 11, 2023
In the world of high-end windows, it can be hard to come up with an apples-to-apples comparison across the different manufacturers. According to experts here at DunRite Windows & Doors, who installs thousands of windows across the Phoenix Metro area every year, two of our most popular products are the Andersen® Windows 100 Series, and Pella’s® Impervia® series.
So how do they compare? Let’s take a look.
Published: Aug. 4, 2023
Updated: Aug. 9, 2023
Published: Sept. 12, 2019
Published: June 20, 2023
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.
Updated: Aug. 7, 2023
Published: Nov. 19, 2020
There are two different programs that might apply, depending on certain criteria: the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and the Residential Clean Energy Credit.
Published: April 3, 2023
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.
Published: Feb. 6, 2023
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.
Published: Oct. 10, 2022
Just in case you missed it, here’s DunRite Windows & Doors Owner Sal Sucato, joining Rosie & Romey Romero on the Rosie On The House podcast. Give it a listen, or jump down to the transcript below, then let us know what you think!
Updated: Sept. 19, 2023
Published: Sept. 7, 2022
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.
Published: Aug. 4, 2022
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.
Published: July 7, 2022
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.
Here’s why.
Published: June 28, 2022
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.
Both are NOT something we’d recommend.
Published: June 9, 2022
Published: May 23, 2023
Updated: June 22, 2023
Published: May 16, 2022
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.
Published: May 2, 2022
Published: April 4, 2022
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.
Published: March 28, 2022
At DunRite, we’re committed to providing you with the quality and knowledge to back up your investment, so here’s what you need to know.
Published: March 24, 2022
It’s hard to beat the look of a front entry door that has a full panel of glass. With their sleek, eye-catching designs and upscale finishes, a glass front door can create a dramatic entrance for your guests, and impactful curb appeal for future buyers.
To address the question of burglary, we turned to crime statistics and compiled some of the often-misunderstood features of full-panel glass front doors. Exploring these details demystify common misperceptions.
Published: Feb. 6, 2023
But did you know there are a few things that should be done to prepare windows for summer, too?
Published: Feb. 6, 2023
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.
Published: Feb. 6, 2023
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.
Updated: Sept. 27, 2023
Published: Feb. 22, 2022
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.
Updated: Aug. 7, 2023
Published: Feb. 14, 2022
Regardless, it’s smart to avoid hidden costs in replacement windows by leveraging a few smart shopping tactics and asking the right questions.
Here are a few to consider.
Published: Feb. 6, 2022
Published: Dec. 20, 2021
Updated: June 9, 2023
Published: Dec. 6, 2021
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.
Published: Nov. 4, 2021
(It’s actually sealant, not caulking – more on that below.)
Published: Oct. 27, 2021
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:
Published: Oct. 15, 2021
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.
Published: Oct. 4, 2021
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.
Published: Sept. 27, 2021
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.
Let’s dive into a little more detail.
Published: Sept. 14, 2021
So how often should you replace your windows? Here are a few specific signs that it may be time:
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.
Published: Aug. 15, 2021
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.
Published: July 5, 2021
If you’re a homeowner thinking about patio options to open up back of the house, and looking to invest in something more expansive than French doors or sliders, there’s a growing trend that just might be the perfect solution: glass pivot doors.
Updated: June 10, 2022
Published: June 28, 2021
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.
Published: June 18, 2021
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.
Published: June 14, 2021
Published: June 2, 2021
What is a double glazed window?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.
Published: May 25, 2021
If it’s time to replace the front door of your home and you’re debating whether to choose a fiberglass vs. steel door, a steel door may be the most affordable choice—but fiberglass doors tend to be far more popular. It’s also the material we recommend most to homeowners with a budget of $4,000 or less. (For bigger budgets, we tend to recommend aluminum-clad wood doors.)
Let’s talk about why.
Published: April 6, 2021
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.
Published: Jan. 14, 2021
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.
Published: Dec. 17, 2020
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.
Published: Nov. 3, 2020
Andersen® windows are a high-end brand of windows and doors made in the USA with a strong reputation and large marketing budget, so most homeowners are familiar with them. It’s not uncommon for DunRite to provide quotes to homeowners who ask for them by name. Perhaps they’ve heard good things from other homeowners, or they’ve been impressed with what they’ve seen online.
If that’s you, and you’re wondering where to buy Andersen windows, there are three primary ways to make your purchase: from dealers (like us) who sell and install Andersen product, from a Renewal by Andersen showroom, or at a home improvement store.
Updated: June 10, 2022
Published: Oct. 22, 2020
Ahhhhh, Arizona. There’s no better place to bring the outdoors in, right? Big sliding glass doors and multifold doors that create a moving glass wall are beautiful options to open up the patio, creating a seamless flow from the inside of your home to the backyard.
They take full advantage of balmy weather and lovely views, and add a stunning design element to a home.
Let’s talk about which moving wall system DunRite prefers, and why we feel it’s your best option.
Published: Sept. 3, 2020
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?
Published: July 16, 2020
Published: June 16, 2020
Updated Nov. 29, 2022
Published: Jan. 29, 2020
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.
Published: Jan. 21, 2020
Updated: Sept. 19, 2023
Published: Dec. 11, 2019
Is it about who signs the checkbook? Sexism? High-pressure sales tactics? Nope, none of these things.
Updated: Aug. 10, 2023
Published: Dec. 2, 2019
Updated: Aug. 14, 2023
Published: Nov. 12, 2019
Updated: Aug. 14, 2023
Published: Oct. 17, 2019
