If you are considering replacing windows in your home, you have a number of options to consider. Unlike buying an appliance or computer where you can shop online to compare brands and prices, window installation is a different animal and there are a number of factors that determine the final outcome.
Your window installation project decision should encompass three main areas: product, installation and service/warranty.
Product
While you can get replacement windows in wood, fiberglass or aluminum, what is most commonly used is vinyl frames, due to its durability and ease of maintenance.
Most windows manufactured for residences are now dual pane with an energy coating to keep out heat and provide some ultraviolet (UV) protection. While they look the same, there is a big difference in quality, from the thickness of the glass and the type of spacer used to keep the two panes separated to the quality of the vinyl and the hardware used. Better brands include Argon gas as an insulator and NEAT glass on the exterior pane to make cleaning easier.
Hawaii is tough on building materials with the high amount of UV light and salt. Many brands manufactured in the mainland do not account for this and can become inoperative after a few years. You need stainless steel hardware, particularly on windows like awning or casements where the hardware is exposed to the elements.
Installation
Buying windows at a bigbox store or from some dealers requires purchasing the windows up front and having a subcontractor install them. You will generally find the most complaints with this system, as there is no one person taking responsibility for both the product and the installation. You want a licensed contractor working on your home to ensure you have the legal protection you need, as well as the licensing board, should you have a dispute or problem. Did you know that an uninsured worker who gets injured on your property could sue you for injuries sustained?
The type of fasteners and quality of caulking varies widely. Diamond Head windows offers a lifetime warranty on the installation should your windows or doors ever leak or need repair.
Service/warranty
Once your windows are installed, what happens if five years later they leak or become inoperative? Most warranties that are lifetime coverage have clauses in the fine print that limit coverage to two years if the windows are installed in Hawaii or are within several miles of the ocean. Many don’t cover labor, so if your window dealer goes out of business, so does your warranty coverage.
Diamond Head Windows carries most brands of windows available in Hawaii as well as brands where the company has exclusive distribution. It has the most comprehensive warranty on the island, including screens, hardware, glass breakage and installation for the life of your home. The company does not use subcontractors.
The company provides a free in-home consultation to inspect your home and provides the best windows to meet your needs and budget. Diamond Head Windows has payment plans that include zero percent interest and payment plans as low as $89 a month. The company believes that educating you on what is available and the differences between brands and companies allows you to make the best decision for your home. Call 419-7500 today for your consultation.
DIAMOND HEAD WINDOWS
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