Author: shane

The Traditional Window-Buying Process — and How You Can Avoid It

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

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The Traditional Window-Buying Process — and How You Can Avoid It

Installing replacement windows can be an excellent way to improve your home’s curb appeal while increasing its comfort and efficiency. But for far too long, buying replacement windows has meant sitting through long sales presentations and dealing with pushy salespeople who seem like they will never leave. At Zen Windows, we offer a better way.

How Windows Are Normally Sold

When you request a quote from a traditional replacement window company, it is far more involved than just taking measurements and selecting window styles. They will often schedule an in-home consultation and insist that all decision-makers be present because it is more than just a quote — it is an extended sales presentation.

The process will typically include an introduction that may last 15 to 30 minutes, followed by taking measurements of your existing windows, during which all their flaws will be pointed out. This is designed to show how badly you need new windows, and it may take 30 minutes to an hour to go through all of them. A demonstration will follow, often with somewhat misleading claims about the efficiency of their windows and how advanced their low-E glass is compared to the competition, even though there are only four major manufacturers of low-E coatings in the country, all with similar specifications and performance. After about 90 minutes of convincing you why you should buy their windows, they will start negotiating prices.

The sales team is not there to give you a quote; they are there to sell you windows. They will start with a high quote, and they will often have three or four lower quotes ready if you balk at the first or the second. The negotiations may take up to an hour or longer, depending on how quickly you decide to buy. Once you have committed to a quote, they will conclude their presentation with a short wrap-up.

The entire consultation may take up to four or five hours, during which you will be subjected to high-pressure sales tactics at every turn. And because these are trained salespeople who know more about closing deals than they do about the windows they sell, there is a good chance you will go ahead with the purchase, if only to encourage them to leave.

The Zen Windows Difference

At Zen Windows, we take a different approach to selling windows. We offer fast, accurate quotes online or by phone, simply by answering a few easy questions about your windows. Once you have your quote, there is no obligation to buy, and we will not hound you with high-pressure sales tactics or pushy salespeople. We will answer any questions you may have and provide you with the facts about our windows’ efficiency, performance, and features.

Our products speak for themselves, with high-quality materials and designs, dozens of available styles and options, and a lifetime materials and labor warranty on every window we sell. We offer excellent financing options to make the buying process easy, with no down payment required and no payments due until you are completely satisfied with the installation.

We take pride in our products and workmanship, and with our no-hassle, no-pressure sales process, you can make an educated choice without the stress and hassle of dealing with sales personnel. We offer everything from double-hung windows, casement windows, and slider windows to bay windows, bow windows, and more, with three distinct product series so that you can choose the best balance of price and performance for your needs.

Are you ready to enjoy the benefits that quality replacement windows have to offer? Call us today or contact us online to request a free, no-obligation window replacement quote from your nearest Zen Windows dealer!

Choose a Window to Match Your Home’s Style

Posted on April 3, 2023 by - Trends & Design

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Choose a Window to Match Your Home’s Style

Replacing outdated windows is an excellent way to improve your home’s energy efficiency and appearance. Choosing the most appropriate window style is an important first step in the window replacement process. If you’re ready to replace your existing windows or are designing a new home, keep these useful tips in mind when making your choices.

Functional Considerations When Choosing Window Styles

Different windows provide different benefits. As you choose your new replacement windows, think about each one you’re replacing and what purpose the new one will serve, even if it’s just from an aesthetic point of view. For instance, slider windows beautifully complement ranch-style homes but look out of place on the front of a Victorian. If you live in a rainy area, hopper windows are probably not a good idea. Start by asking yourself these five questions:

  1. Which direction does my home face?
  2. Do I want to replace the existing windows with new ones that are the same size?
  3. Will I be adding more windows than I currently have?
  4. Do I want any custom-sized windows?
  5. Do I need all the new windows to provide ventilation, or will there also be some fixed models like picture and bow windows?

Keep in mind that aesthetically, windows make both an exterior and interior impact.

  • While you have a lot more creative freedom with rear-facing windows, those on the front of your house should improve its curb appeal and make the house look welcoming.
  • Interior-wise, think about what you wish each window to do. People often want plenty of natural light and airflow in the kitchen. However, in family rooms and dens with big-screen monitors, you might want to consider how much glare there will be.

Lastly, to ensure you get maximum energy efficiency from your new windows, keep your home’s orientation to the sun and wind in mind. For example, placing ventilating or operable windows in areas where the wind blows most can help keep your home cooler and save you on air-conditioning costs. In rooms that get a lot of sun, low-E windows block up to 75% of UV rays, protecting furniture, carpets, and artwork from fading. Low-Es can also reduce energy loss by 30% to 50%.

Choosing Replacement Windows That Complement Your Home’s Architecture

While there are no hard and fast rules about which windows go best with different architectural styles, there’s no denying some look better than others. The choice is always yours!

Here’s a brief guide to choosing windows for common home architectural styles.

  • With their steep roofs and side gables, Cape Cod homes traditionally sport multi-pane, double-hung windows with shutters. Casement windows are another great choice. Accent windows might include sidelights and transoms.
  • Craftsman bungalows feature deep porches, mixed material facades, and shallow-pitched roofs. Vertically proportioned double-hung and casement windows, typically placed on either side of a fireplace, are popular choices for bungalows. Picture, dormer, and transom windows are appealing accent window styles.
  • Two-story homes such as Georgian Federals generally have two or more chimneys, medium pitched roofs, and multi-panel front doors. Upper-floor windows in these homes tend to be shorter and narrower than those on the ground level. Double-hung windows with Colonial grids are the window of choice, with half-circle transoms, oval windows, and quarter-circle windows on either side of the chimney commonly seen.
  • Industrial modern houses have simple asymmetrical forms, flat roofs, and varied-material facades. Casement and picture windows tend to emphasize the glass over sashes and grids. And while accent windows aren’t generally used with this architectural style, custom shapes often are.
  • Arched entries, asymmetrical window compositions, and steeply pitched roofs define Tudor homes. Diamond and Colonial pattern grids are used with casement, bay, and double-hung windows. Transom and smaller casement windows are attractive accent window styles.

Zen Windows: Always the Right Choice

With three product lines to choose from and various options and features available, Zen Windows’ precision-built, energy-efficient, and affordable replacement windows offer versatility, durability, and reliability few other windows can match. You’re sure to find one or more versions that match your home’s architecture and your personal style.

Find your nearest location and start a conversation with our team today!

The Truth About the “Glass Demo”

Posted on April 3, 2023 by - The Window Industry

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The Truth About the “Glass Demo”

Anyone installing replacement windows will naturally want the best product for the money, and in the case of windows, this often means the most energy-efficient product. Homeowners want to save money on their long-term energy costs, and low-E glass is one of the ways to do it. That is why the “glass demo” is such a common sales tool for replacement window companies, but it can also be somewhat misleading.

What Is Low-E Glass?

Low-E glass is glass that has been specially coated to block heat-carrying UV radiation. Four manufacturers in the United States make low-E coatings, and the products tend to be quite similar in performance and effectiveness.

What Is a Glass Demo?

In the glass demo, a salesperson will aim a heat lamp at several samples of glass, such as single-pane glass, insulated glass, the competitor’s low-E glass, and their low-E glass. The temperature will be measured on the opposite side, showing how effective each sample is at blocking heat transmission.

Why Is it Misleading?

Most low-E glass performs quite similarly, but the darker the glass is, the more heat and light it will block. During the glass demo, the salesman’s sample is often a darker glass, which will block more heat, but it would compromise the view if it were installed in an actual home. In the demo, however, it does make the product look more effective than competing products.

Low-E glass is designed primarily to block solar radiation from entering your home. This means that it keeps excess heat out in the summer, making your home easier and less costly to cool. In southern climates, this is ideal, as cooling is often more of a concern than heating. Installing low-E coatings on southern- and western-facing windows in these areas can significantly reduce cooling costs. The ability of a low-E coating to block the sun’s radiation is described by its solar heat gain coefficient or SHGC. This number represents the fraction of solar radiation that a coating lets into the home, on a scale from 0 to 1. For greater protection from the sun’s rays, choose a low-E coating with a lower SHGC or as close to zero as possible.

While low-E coatings are great for blocking summer sun, they do very little to stop heat from escaping your home in the winter. In fact, low-E coatings can make it harder to absorb heat from the sun in colder climates, a process called passive solar heating. To balance the performance of your home between the heating and cooling seasons, it is important to choose the right mix of low-E coatings and insulated glass for each area of your home. That way, you can block the summer sun as much as possible while taking advantage of passive solar heating during the winter in cooler climates.

How To Avoid a Glass Demo

At Zen Windows, we strive to offer our customers the best advice possible for their homes and the climate they live in. We feature no high-pressure sales tactics, and we will not make you endure lengthy and potentially misleading presentations about our low-E glass. That’s right — no in-home sales pitch and no pushy salespeople.

We offer a free, no-obligation quote online or over the phone, and we are here to answer any questions you may have about our replacement windows. With our quality products, simple financing options, and lifetime warranty, we make it easy to choose Zen Windows for all your replacement window needs.

Call us today or contact us online to learn which low-E coatings and products are best for your home. Request your free window replacement quote today!

The Latest Patio Door Trends

Posted on April 3, 2023 by - Trends & Design

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The Latest Patio Door Trends

Sliding glass patio doors are a home staple throughout the country. They’re not only a great use of space; they also offer attractive views to the outdoors and look good on homes of all sizes. If there’s a downside, it’s that the basic version most people have in their homes can be a little, shall we say, boring.

If you’re in the market for new or replacement patio doors, you have more options available than you might imagine. You have a seemingly endless variety of patio door options and configurations to choose from, including multi-panel versions, French-style, and updated sliding models with improved energy efficiency.

Here’s a look at some of today’s most popular patio doors, one or more of which is sure to highlight your home’s architectural style.

French-Style Patio Doors

Stylish and functional, French doors are second only to sliding glass doors for people installing new patio doors. Though they’re often seen used in traditional-style homes, they can enhance any home’s architecture. They don’t take up much more space than standard sliding doors and usually make for a less extensive patio door replacement project.

Double-hinged French doors also give you more leeway when it comes to configuring your new patio doors. You can choose models that:

  • Swing in to preserve deck or patio space
  • Swing out to save interior space
  • Have narrower doors, a great option for tighter spaces

You also have different functionality options. For instance, you can choose to have both doors open or, like traditional sliding glass doors, have one panel fixed and the other operable.

Three-Panel and Four-Panel Sliding Glass Doors

You might be surprised at the difference an extra glass panel or two can make to your patio door. Two-panel sliding glass doors have long been the standard, as they take up the least amount of space. But upgrading to a three- or four-panel sliding glass door comes with its own advantages.

  • Adding just one panel increases the natural light that flows into the room by 50%. Like two-panel doors, a three-panel sliding patio door has one panel that slides open and closed, while the other two remain fixed.
  • Four-panel sliding glass doors create an even wide opening, with the two middle panels operable and the two outer panels fixed. Four-panel doors are a great choice for families who love to entertain in the backyard.

Express Your Unique Patio Door Style

If you’re planning to install new patio doors or replace existing ones, your choices are limited only by your imagination! Which style patio door is “right” for your home is entirely up to your unique style sense and what works best with your home’s design and layout.

Zen Windows offers a beautiful range of replacement patio doors designed to enhance your home’s appearance, safety, and security. To learn more or get a quick online quote, contact us today.

10 Neat Facts About Windows You Might Not Know

Posted on April 3, 2023 by - Window Education

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10 Neat Facts About Windows You Might Not Know

They let natural light into our homes, allow us to enjoy the outdoor views, and keep the house cross-ventilated. Windows are a fundamental part of our lives, but we so often hardly notice them — that is, until we need to clean them or one gets broken! We thought it’d be fun to do a little research and learn more about the history of these essential home elements.

We never suspected windows could be so fascinating!

The History of Windows

The first use of glass windows dates back to 100 A.D. and is typically credited to the Romans. Before then, different civilizations used cloth, paper, animal hides, or even thin marble slices as window coverings. It wasn’t long before glass for windows became the norm, with the process continually evolving into what we’re familiar with today. It wasn’t until the 1800s, though, that double glazing came into use when the Scottish wanted to combat their perpetually harsh winters. The version in use today dates to around 1940.

Fun Facts About Windows

Ready for some more fun and handy facts about windows? Here we go.

  1. The English word “window” is derived from the Old Norse word “vindauga,” a combination of wind and eye. It was first recorded in the early 13th century and described as a roof hole. The Old English version of window literally translates to eye-hole or eye-door.
  2. There was a window tax in England until 1851. Homes with fewer than 10 windows were exempt from the tax. When people started boarding up their windows to avoid the tax, it was repealed. In Amsterdam, homeowners were taxed based on the number and size of their front windows.
  3. A window’s R-value reflects its resistance to heat flow; the higher the R-value, the more efficient the window.
  4. Windows make up about 15% of the average home’s wall space! That might not sound like a lot, but it starts to add up when you consider how much energy you lose through poorly insulated windows.
  5. England’s Buckingham Palace has 760 windows in 775 rooms. The U.S. White House has 147 windows in 132 rooms. The tallest building in the world, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, has over 34,000 windows!
  6. Stained glass windows get their unique colors from added metallic salts incorporated into the glass.
  7. When glass breaks, the cracks move at 3,000 miles per hour. That’s five times faster than the average airplane! Shatterproof glass in windows gives your home an extra level of security.
  8. Glass is a sustainable material that can be endlessly recycled without losing its purity or quality.
  9. When you Google “windows,” the top results are for Microsoft’s Windows operating system. Be sure to type in “Zen Windows” to get all the information you need!
  10. Windows have a long life, but most experts agree you should replace them after about 20 years or so. Failing window signs include draftiness and interior condensation buildup.

Your 4-Step Guide to Buying New Windows

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

zen windows

Your 4-Step Guide to Buying New Windows

Have you noticed hazy windowpanes caused by interior or exterior window condensation? Perhaps you start feeling drafts even when the window is closed, or you find it difficult to open, close, or lock your windows.

Choosing replacement windows is no easy task, and many homeowners don’t know where to begin. It’s important to recognize the warning signs that will determine if you need replacement windows, understand the different window types, and learn the benefits of installing new windows.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how to buy new windows since the decision is based on several factors like the functionality, variety of window styles and options, and personal tastes and preferences. Other considerations to keep in mind before purchasing new windows are window measurements, the correct fit, and the installation, which are also crucial elements to ensuring your new windows will last the life of your home.

To simplify the buying process, Zen Windows has listed four easy steps to help you get started.

Step 1: 5 Warning Signs You Need New Windows

It’s vital to pinpoint whether your windows need replacing and time to start your new window renovation project. The top five warning signs to replace your windows are:

  1. Drafts. Drafty windows can significantly affect the overall temperature of your home, causing your heating and cooling system to work harder to keep up with the fluctuating temperature. Drafty windows also result in high energy bills. New energy-efficient replacement windows are designed to help prevent air from transferring in and out of your home.
  2. Noise intrusion. Can you tell when your neighbor’s car is coming down the street? If you hear a lot of outside noise, your windows are not providing enough protection from the sounds of the outdoors. It could be that they were poorly constructed, installed, or sealed incorrectly. Our vinyl windows feature single-, double-, or triple-pane glass, which helps decrease outdoor noise and increase soundproofing.
  3. Difficult operation. If your windows require a bit of force and pressure to open, do not close properly, or you are having difficulty locking them, this can affect the safety of your home. Your windows should open and close effortlessly ― if they don’t, it’s time to replace them.
  4. Deteriorating frames. If your window frames are chipped, soft to the touch, or sagging, this could indicate rot and water infiltration. If you start noticing signs of decay in your window frames, this is a serious need of an upgrade.
  5. Condensation buildup. If you see built-up moisture damage around your wooden window frames, this can cause serious decay down the road, causing severe safety issues. You may also notice that your windows are frosting between the glass layers ― this may mean that you have faulty seals that allow moisture between the glass panes.

Step 2: Understand the Different Window Types

The types of windows available vary significantly, with each design serving a specific purpose within the home. Selecting the right type of window for your home will be heavily based on understanding your personal preference, your budget, and the window’s functionality within your home.

Some of the most common types of windows available are:

  • Double-hung windows
  • Awning windows
  • Bay windows
  • Bow windows
  • Garden windows
  • Casement windows
  • Sliding windows
  • Picture windows
  • Special shape windows

Windows are a functional upgrade. Whether you are trying to improve your home’s curb appeal or save on your energy bills, a new window renovation project is a great investment to reap a great return.

Step 3: Grasp the Benefits from New Window Replacement

If you choose window replacement as your next major home renovation, there are significant benefits you’ll reap:

  1. Curb appeal. Appearances matter to you and potential home buyers. With new windows, your property will have a fresh look from the exterior while keeping its charm.
  2. Security. The more secure your windows are, the better protected you, your family, and your home are. Newer windows with low-E coatings, heavy-duty locks, and tilt-in sashes, for example, are features that will make your windows and home more efficient and secure.
  3. Energy efficiency. Replacement windows will allow your HVAC system to work less while lowering your bills at the same time.
  4. Increased home value. If you’re planning on renting or selling your home soon, swapping out old windows for new ones will undoubtedly increase the market value of your home.

Step 4: Why Choose Zen Windows?

Choosing a replacement window company you can trust is a crucial next step in the new window buying process. Why choose Zen Windows? The Zen Windows Experience makes it easy to replace your windows because of our:

  • Zero-hassle, stress-free process
  • Simple and accurate quotes
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  • Lifetime warranties/double warranty included
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  • No-money-down guarantee
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  • Flexible financing options
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  • Expert window installers
  • Decades of experience

If this is the kind of stress-free, no-hassle experience you want when buying new replacement windows, get in touch with us today or request your free quote online.

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