How to Buy New Windows
Beware of Franchise Company New Windows that Leak
This week an unusual event happened to me concerning new windows. It had to do with a visit I made to a nice lady in northwest Austin. She lived alone and had window issues so she asked for a bid to replace all seven of them. When I arrived at her home, I was surprised to find seven very new looking vinyl windows. It turned out they’d just been installed by a franchise window company with a “one-price-fits-all” scheme. However, within a year six of the new windows started to leak. Mrs. D was beside herself about what to do. She needed to come and go but was very uncomfortable about leaving home for fear of leaks if it rained. So, Mrs. D was staying home to avoid water damage. The uncertainty and unease this was causing her was palpable in her voice.
Mrs. D had new windows installed that leaked
Should buying new windows be like this?
New Window Service & Replacement Can’t Beat Poor Manufacturing
Mrs. D’s franchise window company sent servicepeople to her home several times. Eventually, they completely replaced one of the windows, but never fixed all the leaks. After inspecting her windows, I suspected that they suffered from internal flaws that occurred during manufacturing. They never properly drained and thus held water causing them to leak into her home whenever it rained.
Why is it Difficult to Compare New Window Brands?
Since new window brands often look alike it can be difficult to do side by side comparisons when purchasing. For this reason we really do understand why people might equate similar looking products as equal. However, the reality is that you generally get what you pay for when buying new windows. That’s why cheap, inexpensive new windows are rarely well-built, high quality products. We see this all the time! This phenomena even extends to poorly-made new construction windows being sold as replacement-grade stock. Something that window companies and individuals in central Texas routinely do. Finally, as Mrs. D discovered paying the cheapest price when buying new windows can cost you dearly.
Know What You’re Getting When Buying New Windows
Know what you’re paying for when buying new windows!
The importance of understanding what you’re getting when buying new windows can’t be overstated. To illustrate this let me elaborate more on Mrs. D’s window issues. When visiting her I also detected that her windows had weak Low-E glass protection. This occured as I walked by bedroom windows and felt the sun’s heat. Not only did her new windows leak, but they were energy inefficient as well. The truth is, learning which new windows to buy requires work by the consumer. Mrs. D did not understand the implications of buying from a large, nationally franchised window company. Especially one that doesn’t even make their own windows! Instead, they buy from a manufacturer through a national contract. The windows are then resold to franchisees who install them using the cheapest labor available.
Do Your Homework So You can Ask the Right Questions
There are so many questions informed consumers should ask when buying new windows. However, with a little work they can more easily identify cheaply made windows that masquerade as good ones! It’s also worthwhile to check with friends, neighbors, the BBB, Angi, or any reliable resource you can find. As it turns out, Mrs. D’s window company has average ratings of “B” and “C” with many of the sources I checked online. Lastly, please keep in mind that high-quality windows with superior energy efficiency don’t have to cost a fortune!
It’s time to study when you’re buying new windows!
At Ringer Windows, We Focus on High-Quality Products
At Ringer Windows, we focus on high-quality new windows even with our builder-grade products. So, as a steward of the window industry it makes me feel ill to see what happened to Mrs. D. A window company took advantage of her and she’ll likely need to spend money buying new windows a second time. Thus, my message to anyone reading these blog posts is simple. There’s a lot more to buying new windows than the cheapest price. Please take the time to learn about and ask questions regarding the windows you’re considering for purchase. Inquire about thermal and structural ratings, certifications, glass thickness, and whether the windows have the most powerful Low-E glass. Also good to know is what kind of balance system they have and how they’re made. In addition, see and feel how the windows operate in an installed setting. If they don’t do well it’s a strong signal to move your search elsewhere. Finally, visit the manufacturing facility if possible and watch windows being made!
Are You Buying Windows to Replace New Windows?
If you’re buying windows to replace recently purchased ones please take time to learn about windows first. Regarding Mrs. D, I don’t know if she’ll purchase from us as she’s dealing with the other company at present. All I can hope is that you’ll do your homework and not let her story be yours!
Greg Ringer, Owner, Ringer Windows
Contact Us About Our High-Quality Vinyl Windows Today!
Submit a contact form or call 512-989-7000 today about our high-quality vinyl windows. We’ll visit with you and provide a FREE estimate! Ringer Windows is the local only window manufacturing company in central Texas. Our experts are ready to assist with your vinyl new construction or replacement window needs. Also, be sure to ask about our full-service window installation. You’re just a local phone call away with Ringer Windows!
