The Right Window and Door for Every Room in Your House
Questions & Answers
Kevin Barnes
Kevin Barnes has over 25 years of experience in the residential door and window industry and 14years with Designer Door & Window. Born and raised in Bonham, Texas, Kevin understands the unique challenges of our weather and environment. He works to educate homeowners on the proper window and/or door for each room of their home.
WHY ARE VINYL WINDOW FRAMES SO BIG AND BULKY?
The simple answer is that they don’t have to be. That model has been around since the introduction of the vinyl window. Over the years, technology has improved and it’s possible to make a lighter, less bulky window that features more glass and less frame. Few companies have invested in retooling their factories to manufacture these new windows though. But we believe in listening to what our customers want, and we’ve found a manufacturer who builds a structurally sound, narrower vinyl frame that provides more viewing glass.
HOW IMPORTANT IS IT THAT MY WINDOW AND DOOR COMPANY HAVE WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION INSURANCE?
Very important. In the state of Texas, it’s not the law to carry worker’s comp, and many don’t simply because the person selling you your windows isn’t the one installing them. They’re using subcontractors and many of the subcontractors don’t have workmen’s comp. We decided years ago not to work with subcontractors. All our installers are employees, and all are covered under our workmen’s compensation insurance. It’s vital for any homeowner to request proof of workmen’s compensation be sent to you – not from the seller or installer – but directly from their insurance company before any work begins.
ARE VINYL WINDOWS PAINTABLE?
If prepared properly, vinyl can be painted. However, I don’t recommend it since painting them voids the manufacturer’s warranty. Most companies have a pallet of paint colors to choose from. So, you’re better off ordering your windows and doors in the color you want to begin with. Manufacturers have access to a special paint that’s designed to handle the brutal Texas heat. If you repaint them yourself or have them repainted, the paint you buy may not hold up in our Texas heat.
WHY DO NEWER WINDOWS HAVE A BLUE OR GREEN TINT?
That slight tint is there because of energy code requirements. In order to meet those requirements, manufacturers must apply multiple layers of a Low-e coating. That green or blue tint is a result of all those layers on top of each other. If we’re going to meet a certain energy code and fulfill the energy requirements, the window is going have a green or blue tint. There’s just no way around it.
MY GLASS IS FOGGY. CAN I JUST REPLACE THE GLASS AND NOT THE WHOLE WINDOW?
If you still have the original windows that were installed when your home was built, they’re probably builder-grade windows. Builder-grade is the lowest quality materials available on the market. By the time your windows begin fogging, chances are they’re old enough that the builder-grade frame is failing as well. So, while you absolutely can replace just the glass, if you’re going to invest that much money in your windows, it’s wise to consider replacing the entire window unit.
