Use This Checklist To Be Certain You Are Getting a Quality Replacement Window Installation

The day your replacement windows are installed is a very exciting day. You have shopped for the right window, you have selected the best window installer, and you have waited for your new replacement windows to arrive. Do not get too comfortable though, you still need to insure that the installation is done properly so you realize the full potential of your replacement windows. Use the checklist below to make sure your windows are installed cleanly and correctly.

1. Window is installed level - Reading a level is pretty simple. Have the installer place the level on the sill of the window. In the middle of the level is a small clear tube with two lines drawn around it. Inside the tube is a bubble moving back and forth. If the window is level the bubble will sit in between the two lines on the tube.

2. Window is installed square - To determine if a window is square in the opening you will measure the distance from corner to corner across the diagonals of the window frame. The measurements for each diagonal should be the same.

3. Window is installed plumb - When a window is plumb that means that it is installed in the opening straight up and down, not leaning in or out. Checking a window for plumb is similar to checking if it is level. Place the level on the side jamb of the window so that the level is on the interior side of the window frame. The level should be running up and down on the frame of the window. Instead of reading the center bubble, this time you will look for the bubble that will be located at one end of the level. It is designed to work when the level is straight up and down. Just like checking for level, the bubble should sit in between the two lines on the tube.

4. Sealant is evenly applied on the exterior - Sealant around a replacement window is the barrier that keeps the water out. Verify that there is plenty of sealant applied around all sides of the window. Check to see that there are no holes in the caulk. The sealant should be evenly applied around all sides. Areas with less sealant could dry and crack over time creating a water infiltration problem.

5. Broken glass is removed from exterior - Sometimes when the old window is being removed, the glass breaks. Most installers will make sure to pick up the large shards of glass, but sometimes the tiny pieces get left behind. Check the outside of each window and make sure the small pieces have been vacuumed up. This will insure a person or your pet doesn't get a small piece of glass in their foot.

6. Windows operate properly - Open and close every window to be sure the operating mechanisms are working properly. Practice closing and locking the window to insure it closes easily and that you are able to operate the locks. If the windows have a tilt wash feature for cleaning you should open and tilt every window to make sure they work. If there are any other moving parts on the windows make sure you test their operation prior to the installers leaving.

7. Interior cavity around window is insulated properly - Depending upon how your windows are installed, you may have a gap between the new replacement window frame and the existing wall. To insure proper insulation around the window, this gap should be filled before the trim is applied. This can be done with a low expansion insulating foam or backer rod (a foam strip that can be pushed into the cavity to fill the space) being put into the opening. This will prevent air from coming in around the window and lowering the efficiency of your home.

8. Interior trim is even and corners are tight - One of the last things to be installed on a replacement window is the interior trim. This will surround the window to cover any gaps between the wall and the window and will provide a neat, finished look to the window. You should make sure that all of the trim is evenly applied around the window, making sure it is not waving or has gaps along the trim. Also check to make sure all of the corners are tight miters with no gaps at the corners.

9. Walls around windows show no damage - Make sure there is no cracking on the exterior facade (stucco, brick stone etc.). The interior sheet rock should also be free from any visible cracks or pieces missing. Check every window and point out any damage that you find to give the installer a chance to fix them before they leave the job site. If it can not be repaired by the installer, get a guarantee in writing that the installer will make arrangements to have the damage repaired.

10. All project debris is picked up and removed from job site - This may seem like a no brainer, but you should walk around your house when the job is complete and be certain that all the old window frames, glass, and other debris has been picked up and removed. If it is not in the replacement window contract to remove the garbage, have the installation crew consolidate the trash by your driveway to make hauling it away easier.

Justin M. Howe
The Window Replacement Experts
http://www.window-replacement-experts.com
11765 West Ave. #127
San Antonio, TX 78216
Your San Antonio Window and Door Experts

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

How to Make Acrylic & Glass Block Window Installations Easier & Improve Quality at the Same Time

"I'm really scared to do this glass block window installation" a customer recently said. "Don't you have a way to make it easier, lighter, and maybe even cut down the mess for my window project?" Fortunately the answer is yes - it's by using vinyl or aluminum framed windows built with acrylic and glass blocks. In this article you'll learn the following:

1. Why framed windows systems can make your project easier

2. What products and sizes are available

3. What rooms a vinyl framed window system will work best in

4. Where to use both glass windows vs. acrylic block windows systems

5. Cool and unique projects ideas.

1) Why framed windows systems can make your life easier

Let's face it mortared block window installations are messy. Getting the right mortar mix is not easy, and there is always the concern of the pre-fabricated window assembly breaking just as you go to set it into the opening. Framed window systems take much of the guess-work, weight, and worries away.

Framed windows are pre-assembled with silicone joints between the blocks (getting rid of the need to mix mortar) and are usually made with 2" thick glass or acrylic units (reducing the weight by as much 1/3 to ? vs. traditional block units made of 3" and 4" thick block). With integral nailing fins the windows are installed like standard vinyl windows (they are nailed into the opening for new construction or built without the fins for a replacement window application) without the mess usually associated with a mortared glass window. Since the windows are siliconed together inside a vinyl frame they can be shipped nationwide and have been used in states with varied weather patterns - from Florida to Minnesota to California to Maine.

2) What product and size options are available?

Factory assembled framed block windows systems can be made of with vinyl or aluminum frames using either glass or acrylic blocks inside the windows. Glass block sizes used most often are 8" x 8" x 2" (for the reduced weight), 6" x 6" x 3", and 8" x 8" x 4" in a wide variety of patterns and colors. Acrylic block sizes used most frequently are 8" x 8", 6" x 6" and occasionally 9" x 9" and are usually 1 ?" to 2" thick. Frame colors can vary with white and almond being the most common.

3) What rooms should you use a vinyl framed window system

The main reasons to choose a block window system are where you want privacy, a cool clean look, style, and privacy all wrapped in one window solution. Since these windows meet tempered window standards they are stronger and harder to break than standard glass windows which make them safe to use in bathroom and other higher risk areas of a home or business.

Acrylic or glass block windows are being used in bathrooms as either transom windows above tub surrounds or above soaking and Jacuzzi tubs on the side of the home for privacy. Kitchen and den backsplashes are becoming a more popular application to get natural light underneath cabinetry. These windows are being used in stairwells in commercial buildings and for churches who want light, security, and color with their windows (a church in New Mexico is looking to put in green, purple, red, and orange colored glass blocks into one framed window assembly). Sidelites around front doors and closets are using block windows to get security and light without compromising privacy. For most basement windows considering using block windows without frames - it is usually better to mortar these windows into their masonry and poured wall foundations than to have a vinyl frame around the windows.

4) Where to use glass and acrylic framed window systems

There is much debate over whether glass or acrylic is better for your window projects. The simple answer is they both have their place and that is why both materials are successful in the market. Here is a quick look at where it's best to use each product.

Advantages and Where to Use Framed Glass Block Windows

- Where you want the strength & durability of a real glass window for scratch resistance and quality - If you want to incorporate a wide variety of colors into your windows

- Where you are concerned about what cleaning products may be used on the windows

- (acrylic blocks can have problems if abrasive cleaning agents are used on the block's surface)

- If you like a slimmer frame around your window Advantages and Where to Use Framed Acrylic Block Windows

- If you want a fully operable single hung, casement, awning, or slider window (acrylic windows can be provided with cranks and fully operable window sashes). In addition acrylic windows can be used in arch top, hexagon, octagon, or round top window designs.

- If you need an energy star or Low E rated window.

- If you want a lighter window for ease of installation.

- If you need a custom fit block size for a replacement window application.

5) Cool and Unique Project Ideas

Here are some different ideas to consider with your block windows:

- A step down almond colored vinyl framed glass block window was used above a soaking tub in a home builder's Parade Home in Columbus Ohio.

- A therapist in New Orleans Louisiana is planning to use a slider acrylic block window in a waiting room inside of an existing glass block wall for privacy and to keep the all block look.

- A home being remodeled in Dallas Texas is considering installing a framed window with a block art mural with an ocean scene applied directly on the glass (this decorative art mural uses glass frit which is baked directly into the glass making it a permanent part of the glass).

- A church in Arkansas is looking to put a Ruby Red colored cross inside a framed window. With framed glass and acrylic block windows and a vast selection of styles, patterns, colors, sizes and designs

- projects have never been easier, cooler, and neater to do!

Mike Foti is President of Columbus Glass Block, Cleveland Glass Block, Mid America Glass Block Cincinnati, Dayton, Akron & Eastern Glass Block New York & New Jersey - nationwide suppliers of acrylic block windows and also vinyl framed glass block window manufacturers including patterned and color glass blocks.
For nationwide questions and orders call 877-668-5888

acrylic block window
acrylic block windows

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.