A special thanks to everyone who came out to the Home Show this weekend at the Richmond Raceway Complex. We had a number of guests come by and ask us about what makes Skyline’s windows different from the competition. Our answer, we simple have better products at better prices. We don’t spend a ton of money on advertising; we don’t take on debt; and we carry over 8 window brands. Meaning we have the flexibility to offer you the best price for replacement windows in Richmond without needing to factor in expenses for things that frankly, don’t make our windows any better for you.
Any good sales man will tell you that there window is different and a in a tier of their own! But there are a lot of “different” windows out there, how do you know what kind of window is right for you? The best advice that we can offer: Don’t just listen to salesmen! Yea, we said it. Listen to what they say and then do some checking on your own!
Here is a great resource for finding the best kind of windows for your geographic location:
http://www.efficientwindows.org/selection.cfm
On this page you can select your closest city, for us it would be Richmond! Then look at what experts say you should look for in a window. Look at different options for single, double, and triple pain glass and the typical energy savings that can be expected with those upgrades.
If you want to go a step futher you’ll notice by the typical energy savings you are given a “U”-Factor. This is really the key issue and how most windows are rated for energy efficiency. So when a salesman presents their unique window listen to them, but check their story. Get the U-factor from them and compare it to other companies, then compare the costs and you should be a big step closer to making a smart investment in replacement windows! Remember to give us a call! We believe we have the most energy efficient windows for the best price. It’s been our stand for a number of years now and have yet to be proven wrong!
Not ready to put in those new high energy efficient windows yet? We know that sometimes replacing your windows may not be your highest priority, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t care about energy efficiency and lowering your bills. So here are a few changes that you can make today to improve your energy savings during these cold winter months.
1. Open the blinds.
When you’re out of the house, you likely have the thermostat set to a low temperature. It may be uncomfortable to be in the house during the day with your regular low setting, so the sun’s natural heat will help your home comfortable and minimize how often the heat kicks on during the dayAlso don’t forget to open the blinds in your office or wherever you’re working, even if it doesn’t get direct sunlight. The natural daylighting is great for working and you won’t have to turn on any overhead lights or desk lamps. If you’re not lucky enough to have a window at the office, take advantage of being home and sit near one!
2. Check for drafts.
Particularly if you live in an older home you might be suffering from cold drafts that will sneak around your window and doors. These drafts can dramatically affect the temperature inside your house. If you find a place with a strong draft try to cover it up with a towel or curtains.
3. Clothes off unused rooms.
If you have a room that never gets used, you may be paying to heat that room when you don’t need to! This may be an unused guest bedroom, a hobby room, or storage room. If those rooms stay open or the vents in those rooms stay open then you are still paying to heat that room. If you close the vents by sliding them shut and close off the room by shutting the door this can help save the amount of heating that needs to be done to keep you and your family comfortable.
We’ve always believed that its important to educate our customers on the importance of knowing the differences between windows. But for a long time this has meant pointing individuals to other 3rd party websites for validation. But no more!
Skyline is happy to announce the opening of it’s new Replacement Windows Learning Center, located here. This is an expanding number of pages where we will pull together outside resources to help you get a clear unbais idea of what is important when it comes to replacement windows. We will rigorously be backing up our claims with credible outside sources. So that when you are ready to look for replacement windows you will know how to find the best deal.
Does a BBB ranking help protect the consumer? To some degree it does. The BBB collects, monitors, and seeks to resolve complaints. The BBB does not collect good reports, nor does it monitor the financial stability of companies.
Another national retailer with a local office, Clear Choice Windows of Richmond, has gone out of business. Many companies are volume based, making it necessary for them to maintain a high amount of sales to survive. Volume based companies usually advertise low cost products, appealing to consumers. If they are unable to maintain a high amount of sales financial troubles emerge and the company collapses.
Consumers find themselves with product that has no warranty. Difficulties arise to even find the necessary components to repair their products are common.
How does the consumer find protection from getting caught in this undesirable situation? Here are some necessary precautions to take when looking for a solid contracting firm.
1. Make sure the business has been in business locally at least 10-15 years. Has ownership changed, if so, why?
2. Have the business provide you with a lot of references. Are they consistent in the quality of workmanship and customer care throughout the years?
3. Don’t give a large deposit, even if the firm says that is customary, it doesn’t have to be your custom.
4. Gain financial information of the company you are dealing with. A Dunn & Bradstreet Financial Report is a great resource to inform the consumer about the financial health of the company.
All of us love to save money. We also want to have the confidence that what we are buying will do its job for years to come. Contracting companies play a large part in giving you that peace of mind. Never rush into a purchase decision, take your time, you will be glad you did.
You can use the energy performance ratings of windows and doors to tell you their potential for gaining and losing heat.
Heat Gain and Loss
Windows and doors can gain and lose heat in the following ways:
- Direct conduction through the glass or glazing, frame, and/or door
- The radiation of heat into a house typically from the sun
- Air leakage through and around them
These properties can be measured and rated according to the following energy performance characteristics:
The rate at which a window, door, or skylight conducts non-solar heat flow. It’s usually expressed in units of Btu/hr-ft2-ºF. For windows and doors, a U-factor may refer to just the glass or glazing alone. But National Fenestration Rating Council U-factor ratings represent the entire window performance, including frame and spacer material. (go to www.nfrc.org) The lower the U-factor, the more energy-efficient the window or door. Highly insulated windows with a U factor of .20 are the best of energy efficient windows available. Windows with a U factor of .20 reduces average heat loss by 30% to 40% compared to a window with a U factor of .30.
- Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC)
Solar radiation admitted through a window or door directly and subsequently released as heat inside a home. The lower the SHGC, the less solar heat it transmits and the greater its shading ability. A product with a high SHGC rating is more effective at collecting solar heat gain during the winter. A product with a low SHGC rating is more effective at reducing cooling loads during the summer by blocking heat gained from the sun. Therefore, what SHGC you need for a window or door should be determined by such factors as your climate, orientation, and external shading.
The rate of air infiltration around a window or door is measured by the specific pressure difference across it. It’s expressed in units of cubic feet per minute per square foot of frame area (cfm/ft2). A product with a low air leakage rating is tighter than one with a high air leakage rating.
Who Can You Trust ?
It is a question we hear many times from consumers. And it is a very important question to have answered before a purchasing decision is made. Here are a few helpful suggestions to help you navigate your way as you make home improvements:
1) Check with the Better Business Bureau or other accrediting company
2) Make sure the company has been in business at least 10 years. Most companies go out of business within the first 10 years
3) Get at least 100 references to allow you to choose a few to contact. If any company cannot provide references (names & phone #’s) stay away from them !
4) Get 3rd party verification about the quality of the product you are interested in. There is a wealth of information available on the internet. Go to nfrc.org to see actual test results on windows. Another great site http://www.replacement-windows.com/windowbb/index.php if you have window questions to ask.
Time is precious, and if you’re like me you just want answers. So when looking for replacement windows here are a few quick answers that everyone should know:
Typical costs:
Expect to pay in the $300 – $600 range per window, over that is TOO HIGH!
Prices often vary by quanitity and the price per window often falls with the quanitity. This cost can go up if there is rotten wood around the windows that needs to be replaced. Or if you are looking for replacement windows with high energy efficiency or a lot of extra features.
Don’t be fooled by companies offering a “$150 window”. Sure they may be able to get you a window for that price, but you get what you pay for. Most companies that advertise $150 replacement windows use a bait and switch tactic to lure customers in and then tack on additional costs like an upcharge for low E glass, an upcharge for capping the exterior wood, and an upcharge for even hauling the old windows away! Be sure to know what you are paying for!
What Should be Included?
A typical window installation will include:
- Removing the old windows from the house
- Install the new ones, square and secure properly, insulate around perimeter
- Cap exterior(also known as wrapping)
- Clean up, Dispose of old windows and trash
A good question to ask any company you are considering to hire to replace you windows is whether they use sub-contractors. A sub-contractor is basically a hired hand who works for a business often to preform the actual physical labor of a job. Some sub-contractors do a great job, but some not so much because sub-contractors by definition get paid for how much they get done. They get paid when the work is done. So a sub-contractor will make the same amount of money if they throw your new windows into your house in a couple hours as they would if they were to spend all day making sure the job is done right.
What to Look for in a Company?
A company will tell you what you want to hear. We have the best prices, we do the best job, and so on. So when evaluating a company to do work for you, it is always a good idea to look at 3rd party indicators. A few big ones to consider:
- The Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org)
- Customer References
- Bonded and Insured credentials
- Other Review Websites (ex. www.angieslist.com)
If customer references are given, it can be a good idea to ask for a phone number and speak with that individual directly. This can give great, unbias insight into a company and is a good way to make sure that their opinion has not changed after the have already paid the company.
So if you are reading this here then we hope you will consider Skyline Windows for your replacement needs. We believe that we offer better products, and better prices than our competitors in the Richmond area, but you don’t have to take our word for it. We have a GREAT record with the Better Business Bureau. We offer thousands of references some ranging from a year to two decades ago. We go above and beyond most companies in our installation, making sure our windows are both structurally and comsmetically appealing. Unlike some companies we wash and clean around your newly installed windows to have them looking their best. And yet, even with unmatched quality and experience, because we are a only a window installation company we have the freedom to choose from a number of window manufacturers to help you find the perfect window for your home at the price that you can afford.
Thank you for your interest, and please, let us know if there is anything else we can help you with.
Skyline Windows of Richmond, VA announced the launch of their new Website today. The site contains a number of great interactive features including:
• Window Design Features
• Company Blog
• Photo Gallery
• Online Estimate system
Please visit the site for yourself. We appreciate your feedback www.skylinerichmond.com