Often so many disappointed people learn too late that the savings they were told they would enjoy with replacement windows only lasted until the weather turned cold. The very reason people replace their windows, the drafts and cold, remains after the new units are install. Poor quality installation doesn’t account for all the reasons the replacement windows fail.
Let us start at the beginning. Most people consider replacing old windows for many reasons; worn, doesn’t close/open well, drafty, broken, rotted, etc.
Step 1: Call someone. Funny how we look for someone who may have had work similar to what we want done. Other than if they liked the person do they really have the knowledge to evaluate the services or products they contracted for? Do you even trust their opinion on anything? Unfortunately, I have had to deal with families who were take advantage of by the really nice guys, who were the typical smooth talkers.
So what now? Instead of calling, visit the person. Look at the windows themselves. How tight do they fit, are all exterior seams caulk. Is the unit drafty, can you see any area which may allow air to seep through? Ask the trust person you are interviewing if they actually got the savings they were sold on.
Step 2: Research! I know, HOW BORING, but no one cares about your finances as much as you. Over whelming reports, each containing information giving the pros and cons of each type of window material available allows you an opportunity to start making a decision on the benefits and pitfalls of each.
Now before you start wondering why you even started thinking of replacing your windows. Allow me to share a little of what I have learned over the last 30 years of working in the construction industry.