Do you have peeling or cracking window frames? Is your window glass fogging up? Is there condensation on the glass? Are the Window Frames Sweating or do you have Mildew growing on the casings? You can’t get the bedroom windows to open up all the way for a breeze on those hot summer nights. In the Cold Winter Months … Are there drafts are leaking in around the Living-room Window chilling you to the bone. You KNOW that you need to replace your OLD WINDOWS but…  Who should you choose and what kind of window is right for YOUR HOME?

At HOMETOWN EXTERIOR DESIGNS, our windows do a lot more than just look great!

Whether you are looking for a basic budget window or you are interested in the latest in a high technology window HOMETOWN EXTERIOR DESIGNS has the answer for your home. With over 30 years of experience in the window industry, our staff is prepared to assist you in finding just the right answers to your window needs and determining what kind of window is right for you. Our product lines are able to fit almost any application regardless of the era or style of your home. We specialize in window retrofitting applications on homes anywhere from 1896 restorations all the way through window upgrades on homes less than 10 years old. All of our windows come with Transferable Lifetime Warranties, High Efficiency Insulated Glass Systems, and industry certified installations. This insures that you will receive the highest quality product and service available in the industry today.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT INSULATED WINDOWS

What is R-Value?

R-Value measures the resistance to heat flow of a wall or window.  (or how well the window insulates you from the outside elements).  The higher the R-Value numbers the better it works 

The U-Factor measures the heat being conducted through a window or wall.  The lower the U-Factor number is the better the windows resistance to heat flowing to the outside and the better your insulation is. The lower the U-Factor is the better it works.

 Both R-Value and U-Factor should be listed on each individual insulated window, as the actual number can vary depending on the configuration, size and style of window.  To get the highest level of efficiency, the glass units should be constructed using double strength UV protected glass, a warm edge spacer system and the unit should be gas filled. Our design consultant will be happy to explain how each of these components works.

Some of our competitors will make claims of as much as 40% to 50% reductions in heating and cooling costs. Although, in some cases these number might be realistic, in the real world the amount that you can reduce heating and cooling costs will depend on a number of factors. Including, what kind of windows are we replacing? (old wood single pane, old aluminum single pane, aluminum windows with insulated glass, or even older vinyl windows with insulated glass). Your starting point will make a big difference on the actual savings you will see. The other big factor is, how do you use your heating and air-conditioning. Some people are very frugal while others keep their home very warm in the winter and very cool in the summer. Some people keep their windows and doors shut almost always while others have windows and doors open a lot. New high Effiency windows WILL help you reduce heating and cooling costs, but how much really depends on you!

VINYL?  WOOD?  FIBERGLASS?     WHAT KIND OF WINDOW IS BEST?

In today’s window market the most commonly used window material is Poly-Vinyl-Chloride (otherwise know as PVC or Vinyl). It as a very rugged and durable material that minimizes thermal transfer through the frame. Vinyl has a nice clean appearance and is extremely easy to maintain. In your better quality vinyl windows (all vinyl windows are not the same) the use of Impact Modifiers  and UV Inhibitors make their life expectancy virtually for the life of the house. Typically, vinyl windows are available only in white or almond. However, a few manufacturers do offer a colored exterior frame at a price premium. These are a painted finish that is very durable and offers a decent warranty on the finish. Any of the Vinyl Window Options provide a very LOW MAINTENANCE situation for your home.

Wood-Clad windows are typically Fiberglass or Vinyl Windows with a wood veneer applied to the Interior of the sash giving a stainable or paintable interior.

Full wood sashes are available and either of these options can restore the original old world charm to historical homes or lend the same old world beauty to newer homes. Keep in mind however, any of the wood window options DO require regular maintenance and upkeep, the lack of which us usually the reason that so many old wood windows are in such horrible condition.

Fiberglass windows combine a traditional wood frame profile and appearance with the strength, stability, and low maintenance of fiberglass. These windows can stand the harsh winters of the Portland, Vancouver, and surrounding areas in Oregon and SW Washington while providing all the beauty of a wood window. Fiberglass windows can be ordered in several pre-finished colors or can be ordered unfinished so they can be painted by the homeowner to the colors of choice.

Our windows come in many different styles including Garden windows, Bay and Bow windows, single hung and double hung, picture, and standard sliders as well as a full line of Patio Doors, Garden Doors and French Doors.

Our window quality meets or exceeds the offerings for all of our competitors. Unlike some of our OVERPRICED, HIGH PRESURE COMPETETORS, we are able to  provide a comparable or better window at a fraction of the cost. By choosing HOMETOWN EXTERIOR DESIGNS as your window installation contractor,  you can trust you are getting absolutely the best quality and service for a fair price.

To help you choose what kind of window, configuration, and designs would look best on your home, we provide a “FREE” IN-HOME DIGITAL DESIGN SERVICE. At your request we will send one of our design professionals to meet with you at your home and discuss the possibilities for YOUR home. We then photograph the area of your home that you are considering upgrading and will then show you YOUR HOME with the upgrades and changes (before and after photos) so you can make the final decision on styles, configuration, and design before paying a dime or starting the window installation process. This allows you be very confident and in control so that you are making the right decision for your home.

INSTALLATION OF YOUR NEW WINDOWS

The quality of the installation of your new windows is every bit as important as the quality of your new windows. Even if you have chosen a top quality product, if the window installation is done poorly or improperly it can cause problems with air-leakage or water infiltration that can eventually cause damage to you home. Or if the window installation crew is careless or sloppy you could end up with a job that is less than professional looking.

At HOMETOWN EXTERIOR DESIGNS, our window installation crews have many years of experience in window retrofitting installations and have been trained and certified in all aspects of flashings, sealants, and proper installation methods for replacement window installation.

When our window installation crew arrives at your home they will do a walk through inspection of your home with you to discuss any specific concerns or needs that you may have. They will also talk with you about anything that may require special attention or care while the job is underway. We take great care in making sure your home and property is protected during the window installation process. We expect all of our crews to leave the work areas in your home broom-clean, neat and tidy when they are done.

All windows are installed within all manufacturers guidelines. Flashed, caulked and sealed to specifications. The crew will then remove all of the labels, wash the windows and leave them ready for their life in your home.

When the your window installation is complete, the crew will do a final walk-through with you (the customer). We provide a final QUALITY Inspection punch-list with critical items and many other things that you might not have thought about looking for. This insures that you are completely satisfied with your new window installation before the crew leaves your job.

LIFETIME WARRANTY

All of our windows come with a full Lifetime Warranty directly from the manufacturer. Additionally, HOMETOWN EXTERIOR DESIGNS provides an extended workmanship warranty that gives you peace of mind for as long as you own your home.