A: So, generally when the team is installing the windows, when they extract the old window and put the new one in, we use a slow expanding spray foam fill. It’s called polyurethane foam fill and they use it to insert around the edges of the frame. It takes about 45 minutes to fully expand and what that does is double insulate the window so that way no air or water leakage is coming through the house.
If your eyes are the “windows to your soul,” then windows are the “eyes to your home.” So, if your eyes can express emotion and identity, your windows also express the character of your home. In fact, when you get new windows installed in San Antonio, they can even express your personality and style.
It’s no different than how you decorate your home—it’s an extension of your style, which gives your home its character. Aside from that, new windows tend to give a home a nice “mini-makeover” of the exterior and adds curb appeal.
With so many homeowners trying to make the best of the Texas heat, getting new windows installed in San Antonio makes fiscal sense too. If you still have the windows your home came with, chances are that they are “builder’s windows.” That’s a nice way of saying cheap windows that are single pane and horribly inefficient.
That factor alone is often responsible for over 75% of energy loss in a home, resulting in sky-high utility bills. So if you’ve pulled the trigger on energy-efficient replacement windows you’re on the right track. However, you may be a bit apprehensive about installation day and that’s normal.
But, we’re here to put you at ease and let you know what to expect with new window installation.
Getting New Windows Installed In San Antonio
When you make a significant investment in your home such as replacement windows from Window Source, you have certain expectations. Rightfully so, you should have expectations for great service, and a quality product that we are known for.
Our installation process is a no-mess, no shortcut process with the utmost professionalism and efficiency. However, you do want to take a proactive approach and prepare your home to make the installation as smooth as possible.
What You Can Do
We will work within any environment within reason. However, some homes can have obstacles that significantly slow down the process. You can mitigate these obstacles with some simple preparation on your part.
For example, if your home has hedges or bushes near your windows, just make sure they’re sheared back a bit. In fact, many customers even cover their hedges with drop cloths to protect them and other landscapes. When you get new windows installed in San Antonio, a clear work area is crucial to a safe and timely install. Don’t worry you’ll have plenty of time from when you order your windows to the installation day.
Other areas of your home may need preparation beforehand as well. If you have any window planters you’ll want to remove them and store them in your garage. You can put them back on later once the new windows have been installed. Inside the home, furniture and anything else situated near the windows will need to be moved about two feet. This gives installers room to maneuver and place the new windows.
These two may seem obvious, but make sure you remove all window treatments such as drapes, curtains, and miniblinds. Also, turn off your security system as installers will otherwise trip sensors going in and out of the house.
If you have small children or pets in your home, it’s best to contain them away from the installer’s work area. No matter how careful our team is, having a small pet or child get underfoot can cause a serious accident. At the very least, it can slow the install down considerably.
Sometimes, window installation can get loud at times. This should be an important consideration if you work from home. It might be better to schedule the day off if possible.
What To Expect On Installation Day
Before the installation begins, our installers will go over the process and requirements for a successful installation. They’ll do a walk thru with you of your property to make sure the job is completed as discussed and to your expectations. Make sure you allow enough time in your day to go through this with the lead installer. It is a critical part of the installation process.
Installation, barring any abnormal circumstances, should not take longer than a single day. In fact, if you’ve prepped your home well, the installation will go even quicker. On average though, we allow for about an hour of labor per window on single-story homes. Bear in mind, we have a team of installers working on your home at once. So, that doesn’t mean if you have 12 windows that it’s going to take 12 hours. Multiple windows are installed at the same time. However, two-story homes, take a bit longer as we have to transport windows up ladders and old ones down.
When having new windows installed in San Antonio, our installers will replace any exterior trim removed. We have to remove the existing trim to put the new window in. We also replace your window sill as well as install, seal, and secure the new frame. Naturally, old windows, hardware, and any trash are removed from the job site.
The final step is another walk-thru with the lead installer who will make sure to get your approval on the job. They will also demonstrate the features of your new windows, and that they operate properly as designed. Any questions you have will also be answered before departing.
Caring For Your Newly Installed Windows
Now that your new windows are installed and making your home look fresh and updated, you want to keep them looking good. Proper care of your new windows is crucial to lifelong satisfaction. Yes, they have a no-hassle lifetime warranty, but failing to maintain them can reduce performance.
Since our windows are low maintenance and made from extremely durable vinyl, most care relates to cleaning. Follow these simple guidelines to keep your windows clean and looking beautiful for decades.
Cleaning The Frame
The interior frames of your new windows are simple to clean and maintain. If you get a small build-up of dirt that dirties the frame, all you need is a bit of dish soap and water. Most dish soap is concentrated so it’s best to just add a drop to a bucket of water. Avoid any abrasives like AJAX, or acidic solutions as they can damage the finish.
Keeping The Glass Clean
No matter what kind of glass you’ve chosen for your windows, be it standard Low-E glass or specialty—you want to keep it clean. Having clean glass ensures maximum visibility and well, dirty windows just look disgusting.
Here’s a few tips to help you keep the glass crystal clear both when they’re a year old or 20 years old. With proper cleaning techniques your glass will look amazing forever:
- Clean the glass — For the exterior windows, a solution of warm water with a few drops of dish soap is all you need. Use a soft microfiber brush or a pressure washer for maximum effectiveness. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a microfiber towel, squeegee, or use a spotless rinse solution available on Amazon. For the interior, we like Sprayway® glass cleaner and a microfiber towel.
- Dry the glass—Simply dry the windows with another dry microfiber towel. Keep several on hand if they get damp. You can buy bundles of microfiber towels at Walmart for just a few bucks. Other options include using a squeegee, or newsprint.
- Be Careful— Take note that some cleaners that are petroleum-based or contain caustic substances can etch the glass. As well, razor blades, scouring pads, and using the pressure water on too high of a setting can damage the windows. With pressure washing, use just enough pressure to adequately cover the windows with water.
- Clean the Window Screens—The method for cleaning your screens depends on the style of window you purchase. Generally, though you want to remove the screens first and use dish soap and a very soft brush. Gently scrub the dirt off the screens and rinse thoroughly and allow to dry before re-installing them.
Do You Want New Windows Installed In San Antonio?
If you want to add value to your home, increase energy efficiency, and boost curb appeal, our windows deliver on all three goals. At The Window Source of San Antonio, we love wowing our clients when they see the exterior of their homes.
Contact us today and take advantage of our current specials on windows for San Antonio homes of all sizes.
