Author: shane

Which Patio Door Style Is Right for You?

Posted on April 3, 2023 by - Trends & Design

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Which Patio Door Style Is Right for You?

You Have Options, and the Choice Is Yours!

If it’s time to install new patio doors in your home — either for the first time as part of remodeling, or to replace your current outdated, worn-down, or inefficient patio doors — you’re going to quickly discover you have two major options to consider: Sliding glass patio doors and French-style patio doors.

Today, we’ll look closely at each style, what they are, the benefits and drawbacks of each, and when you might choose one over the other. By the time we’re done, you’ll have a complete picture of your options, and you’ll know the right style for your home!

Sliding Doors

Sliding glass patio doors are perhaps the most common patio door in North America. While you’re undoubtedly familiar, let’s cover the basics just in case.

Sliding glass doors are made of large panes of glass on a track, allowing one or more of the panels to slide aside so you can enter and exit.

You might also see the same type of construction, albeit at a different size, used for a bathtub or shower door or as a side-to-side sliding window.

Pros

  • Require very little room
  • Familiar, popular style
  • Slightly less expensive
  • Let in lots of light
  • Cheaper installation
  • Tight, reliable seals

Cons

  • Privacy concerns without blinds or curtains
  • Price can climb quickly with additional panels
  • Doesn’t always match the aesthetic of traditional homes

Sliding glass doors make sense when space is at a premium in your home, a tight seal is a high priority, and you want to have a vast, uninterrupted view of your patio and beyond.

French Doors

French-style doors are less common but still popular. Unlike sliding glass doors, French patio doors use hinges and open in or out like a normal door from hinges on the side.

Most commonly installed as double doors, French doors are, like sliding-glass doors, primarily made of glass. If you want something more ornate or dislike dealing with a sliding glass door track, French doors are an excellent option.

Pros

  • Versatile designs ranging from highly ornate to modern and functional
  • Open very wide for ventilation
  • Traditional aesthetic suitable for homes where sliding glass doors may not be appropriate
  • Less maintenance than sliding glass

Cons

  • Start more expensive
  • Gaps between panels can be security and air infiltration weak points without care
  • Require space to swing open
  • Less popular with buyers

French doors make sense if you’d love to have a huge source of ventilation (or for moving things in and out of your home), you want something more ornate than your average sliding glass door without investing in multiple panels, and you have the room for them the open freely.

Trust Zen Windows for Patio Door Installation

Sliding glass and French-style doors both make an excellent addition to your home, so you shouldn’t feel obligated to choose one or the other as a “correct” choice for your home. The best door or window upgrade will always be the one that satisfies you the most and helps you meet your goals.

No matter which style you choose, you can trust Zen Windows to install a high-quality patio door you can rely on to be functional, efficient, and beautiful for years to come.

Contact us online or call to learn more about the patio door options available from Zen Windows in your area!

8 Window Replacement Tips Every Homeowner Needs To Know

Posted on April 3, 2023 by - The Window Buying and Installation Process

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8 Window Replacement Tips Every Homeowner Needs To Know

Buying New Windows Can Be Simple if You Follow Our Tips

The windows in your home are essential for bringing in natural light while providing a great view, but if your windows are outdated and inefficient, it may be time to consider a window replacement.

Upgrading your windows can improve the comfort and efficiency of your home while updating its look, but the process can be complex. Here are some tips to help you avoid common pitfalls and make the window replacement process as easy as possible.

Skip the DIY Installation

Many big box stores offer replacement windows at an attractive price, but if you try to do the installation yourself, you may end up with a window that is inefficient, hard to open, or worse, improperly sealed, allowing for water damage and structural problems over time.

It takes skill and experience to install and finish a replacement window properly, and a professional installation offers the best long-term performance and efficiency.

Avoid Pushy Sales Tactics

Many replacement window providers are more interested in making a sale than providing a quality product. Avoid distributors that insist on lengthy, in-home demonstrations before they provide a quote, and don’t let them talk you into costly upgrades you don’t need.

Choose a Reputable Installer

Make sure your window provider and installer are both reputable companies. Check references when possible, as well as online reviews, Better Business Bureau ratings, and third-party reviews. Be sure the installer is fully licensed and insured for your protection.

Measure Carefully

The accuracy of your quote often depends on the quality of your window measurements. If you’re doing it yourself, take your time and measure each window in several places, vertically and horizontally. Keep track of each window by placing them on a drawing or map of your home. For the greatest accuracy, consider having a professional measure your windows.

Select the Best Windows and Features

Choose energy-efficient, durable, and low-maintenance windows. Vinyl or fiberglass windows are great choices, as they offer low-maintenance frames that will last far longer than wood with no warping, twisting, or cracking. Plus, they are more efficient, especially when paired with low-E or insulated, argon-filled glass.

Clean the Work Area

As installation day nears, make sure to clean the area around each of the windows that will be replaced. Move furniture to another room and store belongings in a safe location. Take down any window treatments such as drapes or blinds, and lay down paper or cardboard to protect vulnerable finished floors.

Discuss Installation Plans

Work with your contractor to plan the installation. Choosing a mutually acceptable day will make the process as smooth as possible, as well as agreeing on installation steps, installation order, entry points, travel paths, and other details like bathroom availability.

Check the Work

When the installation is complete, make sure your windows look and work properly and that everything meets your expectations. It is far easier to correct minor issues while the contractor is still there than to bring the contractor back later.

Quality Replacement Windows & Installation Services

When you want quality replacement windows at competitive prices with no pushy sales tactics, turn to our team at Zen Windows. We offer hassle-free, no-obligation window replacement quotes, and we feature a laid-back, no-pressure sales process.

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The quality of our windows speaks for itself, and we feature some of the best installers in the business. Plus, we make the process of buying your new replacement windows easy, with great financing options and zero down payments.

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Contact us online to find your local Zen Windows distributor or call today to request your free, no-obligation replacement window quote!

7 Questions To Ask Before You Buy Windows

Posted on April 3, 2023 by - The Window Buying and Installation Process

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7 Questions To Ask Before You Buy New Windows

Asking the Right Questions Now Prevents Hassles Later

Looking to buy new windows? Before you choose, you might want to ask your prospective contractor a few questions about their products, process, and people.

What Questions Should You Ask?

Knowing that you should ask questions before committing to buying windows from a company doesn’t help much if you don’t know the questions to ask. While this is hardly an exhaustive list of every question you might have for a contractor, it’s a good place to start, and it may help you think of a few questions of your own you might like to ask.  

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What warranties do you offer?

Warranties and guarantees are excellent indicators of the quality of a contractor. Any contractor confident in their work should offer good coverage of that work — after all, a good warranty looks good in their advertising and shouldn’t cost them any money if they’re doing good work.

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When is the first payment due?

You don’t want payment to be a surprise when you’re working with a window company, and you probably don’t want to be spending money well before any work is done on your project. The most confident companies will take payment upon completion because they’re not scraping by with cashflow issues (which could become getting-your-windows issues), and they’re confident in the work they’re going to do for you.

How many window styles do you offer?

A window company should be able to tackle nearly any style of window you might want, with the only limitation being the cost of truly custom designs. You don’t want to get funneled into whatever specialty the company has instead of getting what you truly desire — don’t settle for the same style throughout the home if you want a variety of interesting designs!

Are your energy-efficiency features standard on all windows?

Well-constructed modern windows are inherently more energy-efficient than their predecessors, but there’s no guarantee that you’re buying energy-efficient unless you dig into what you’re getting. Even if the answer from a company is “no,” they should at least be communicating clearly to you what sorts of energy features you can choose from and what you can expect from a given product or assembly.

What brands do you recommend or work with?

Most window companies work with particular brands, and if they understand the deeper details of the work, they’ll have strong recommendations ready when you ask for them. If they suggest the same thing for essentially every request, that’s a bad sign — if they have specific picks for your particular needs or preferences, that’s great.

Will you handle permitting issues?

Fighting through bureaucracy is a major source of stress on any upgrade to your home or property, which is why it’s a great relief when you can forget about all that and leave it to the professionals. At a minimum, you want to know if your planned project requires permits in your area and when or if you’ll need to take care of them — but you shouldn’t have to unless specific local regulations require your involvement.

What makes you different?

There are countless window companies out there and even more general-work contractors who will do windows if you ask. Perhaps the easiest way to understand what — if anything — a window company has to offer you is to ask what makes them different.

Ask Zen Windows These Questions and More

Now that you have a few questions in mind, you might want to direct them at Zen Windows and see what answers we can provide! We work hard to make buying windows and doors as painless for the consumer as possible, with a huge variety of styles and customization options, hassle-free quotes with no money down, and superior customer service from start to finish.

Ready to get started? Call or contact us online with these questions and more!

Why Are My Windows Hard To Open?

Posted on April 3, 2023 by - Window Education

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Why Are My Windows Hard To Open?

Opening a few windows during nice weather can create a great cross-breeze, getting rid of the stuffy, stale air in your home. But if your windows are stuck or hard to operate, the process can be frustrating.

Windows can become difficult to open over time due to dirt, debris, or mechanical issues. Here’s a breakdown of how to fix different types of windows, from sliding windows to casement windows, with simple DIY steps.

How to Fix Hard-to-Open Windows

For Sliding Windows

Sliding windows can be prone to collecting dirt and debris in the tracks, causing them to stick.

  1. Clean the Tracks:
    • Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to remove loose dirt from all sides of the window tracks.
    • Wipe the tracks with an all-purpose cleaner, paying attention to the bottom track where dirt tends to accumulate.
    • Slide the window back and forth to loosen any stubborn dirt.
  2. Lubricate the Tracks:
    • Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks, making sure to spread it evenly across the entire track.
    • Open and close the window a few times to ensure smooth operation.
  3. Check Rollers for Damage:
    • Inspect the rollers for wear or damage. If the rollers are stuck or damaged, they can make it hard to slide the window. Replace them if needed.

For Casement Windows

Casement windows, which open outward with a crank, can develop issues due to stiff hinges or mechanical failure in the operator.

  1. Clean and Lubricate the Hinges:
    • Open the window fully.
    • Wipe the hinges with a cloth to remove any dirt.
    • Apply a silicone-based spray to the hinges, and then open and close the window several times to work the lubricant into the mechanism.
  2. Inspect for Loose Screws or Misaligned Parts:
    • Check the screws on the hinges and the operator. If they are loose or misaligned, tighten or replace them to improve the window’s function.
  3. Replace the Window Operator (if needed):
    • If the window still doesn’t open smoothly after lubricating the hinges, the issue might be with the operator (the part connected to the crank that pushes the window open). In this case, replacing the operator may be necessary.

For Double-Hung and Single-Hung Windows

Double-hung and single-hung windows, which slide up and down, can develop issues from accumulated debris or misaligned springs.

  1. Clean the Tracks:
    • Vacuum up any loose dirt from the window tracks.
    • Use an all-purpose cleaner to scrub away grime, focusing on the vertical sides where debris tends to collect.
  2. Lubricate the Tracks:
    • Apply a silicone-based lubricant along the sides of the tracks.
    • Move the window up and down several times to ensure even distribution of the lubricant.
  3. Check Springs and Locks:
    • If the window still sticks, check the spring mechanism. If the spring is damaged, it may need to be replaced.
    • Ensure the lock mechanism is functioning properly. Lubricate the lock if it’s stiff.

For Awning or Hopper Windows

These windows open outward or downward, and the hinges or operator can become stiff over time.

  1. Clean and Lubricate the Hinges:
    • Open the window fully and wipe away any dirt or dust from the hinges.
    • Spray silicone-based lubricant on the hinges, wiping away any excess to prevent drips.
    • Open and close the window several times to allow the lubricant to distribute evenly.
  2. Inspect the Operator:
    • If the hinges are not the problem, check the operator. If the operator is stiff or broken, it may need to be replaced.

When To Consider a Window Replacement

Problems opening a window could also be a symptom of damage to the window itself. The springs or counterbalance may have failed, leaving the window hard to open or unable to stay in position while open. Such windows can make it hard to exit in a fire, or they can close abruptly, causing injuries, and should be replaced as soon as possible.

Warped, bent, or swollen, water-damaged frames and sashes could also cause the problem, which is especially common with wood or aluminum windows. Upgrading to a modern vinyl or fiberglass window can virtually eliminate warping or water damage problems while improving your comfort, cutting energy costs, and reducing maintenance requirements.

Turn to our team at Zen Windows when you need to replace your old, damaged, or difficult-to-operate widows. We offer high-quality, energy-efficient vinyl replacement windows and fiberglass replacement windows, both of which are durable, low-maintenance alternatives to wood or aluminum windows.

Your 3-Step Guide To Measuring Your Windows for Replacement

Posted on April 3, 2023 by - The Window Buying and Installation Process

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Your 3-Step Guide To Measuring Your Windows for Replacement

Step 1. Measure the Width

Start by measuring the width of your window opening. It’s important to measure at three points to ensure accuracy:

  • Top
  • Middle
  • Bottom

Measure from the inside of one jamb (the vertical parts forming the sides of the window frame) to the other. Be sure to write down the smallest measurement of the three to ensure a proper fit.

Step 2. Measure the Height

Similar to step one, measure the vertical height of the window at the same three points — top, middle, and bottom. Make sure to measure from the tallest point and, again, record the smallest result of these three measurements. A word on measurement discrepancies: One-quarter to one-half inch longer than the actual measurement is the rule of thumb. Never be short.

Step 3: Measure the Depth

To determine the depth of the window, measure between the outside and inside stops that extend in front of the window frame. You should measure this dimension a few times and note the shortest point. This measurement must be at least 3-1/4″.

Additional Advice on Measuring Windows:

  • Always measure width first, followed by height, to avoid confusion when placing your order.
  • Record the smallest measurement from your width and height calculations to ensure a precise fit.
  • If your window opening isn’t perfectly square (if the measurements differ diagonally), this can affect the installation. In such cases, consult with a professional for advice.

Final Thoughts on Window Measurements

We have provided you with these three simple steps and tips on measuring for new or replacement windows. If you’re still unsure of the accuracy of your measurements, ask your Zen Windows team for help.

Want to talk to your local Zen Windows team before you start measuring? Find your closest location or call.

Complete Guide to Window Materials

Posted on April 3, 2023 by - Window Education

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The Homeowner’s Complete Guide to Window Materials

We demand a lot from our home’s windows. They not only usher in fresh air and natural light but also help keep out the wet and cold. And we expect them to function well for decades. For centuries, windows were only made from wood. Today, consumers have many options to choose from, including aluminum, fiberglass, and vinyl.

Here’s a look at the differences between these four materials, along with the pros and cons of how they perform.

Wood Windows

Wood is a traditional material choice for windows. Attractive and durable, they offer excellent insulation. But they also require regular maintenance to keep them looking and performing their best.

Disadvantages to wood windows include:

  • Paint and stain touchups and weather barrier coatings are often needed to protect wood from warping and rotting due to natural elements exposure.
  • They’re also not the best choice for homes located near a coastline, as the salt air can cause pitting and staining.
  • Termites love wood windows, which makes it doubly important to keep up on maintenance.

Wood windows are also the most expensive option, but they don’t rust and can last a lifetime — as long as you’re willing and able to maintain them.

Aluminum Windows

When they hear “aluminum windows,” most people think back to the cheap, flimsy models of the 1960s to 1980s. Today’s aluminum windows are a lot stronger and can last a long time if properly maintained. They’re less expensive than wood but cost more compared to vinyl.

One of the top-selling points of aluminum windows is their low maintenance. A major downside is they’re not as energy-efficient as other windows, as aluminum conducts heat more than any other building material. That can be a problem if you live in an area that experiences freezing temperatures in the winter.

While aluminum isn’t prone to warping, it can eventually corrode, especially if installed in coastal area homes. Corrosion-resistant paint can lessen the risk of decay.

Fiberglass Windows

Lighter and stiffer than wood and as low-maintenance as vinyl, fiberglass replacement windows are unaffected by temperature fluctuations. They’re available in custom sizes, have durable UV-blocking coatings, and a wide color selection. Built to last, they come with similar options and offer similar energy efficiency ratings as most vinyl windows. However, fiberglass windows do typically carry a higher price tag than vinyl models. But if you don’t mind spending a bit more, fiberglass windows are a great choice.

Vinyl Windows

When you’re looking for attractive, durable, and low-maintenance replacement windows, you don’t need to search further than vinyl. Made from an incredibly strong plastic material called PVC, vinyl doesn’t rust, corrode, or separate.

Advantages of vinyl windows include:

  • They come in an abundance of sizes, styles, and exterior colors and can be manufactured to mimic a classic wood look.
  • Vinyl frame corners and sashes are airtight, which keeps your utility bills low and your home comfortable all year long.
  • They’re practically maintenance-free. You don’t need to touch them up with paint or stain, and you can easily clean them with just a little soap and water.

Vinyl windows also deliver the biggest bang for your buck. Properly installed, they’re designed to last and offer excellent energy efficiency, particularly if you choose our double-pane windows with high-performance low-E coatings.

Which Window Material Is Best for Your Home?

When choosing a replacement window material, it helps to make a list of which features matter most to you, always keeping in mind the level of upkeep and maintenance you’ll need to do.

All Zen Windows locations offer vinyl windows, and some offer fiberglass windows as well. We offer these materials because we believe they offer the best balance of form and function. We’d be happy to tell you more about these durable, efficient materials; contact your closest location to find out more! Our team is ready to answer any questions you might have about window materials and options.

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