What is the best option for replacement windows & doors? I've been researching for over a year and cannot get clear/honest information. Hello - I hope my answer will help point you in the right direction. The reason you're having a hard time getting clear information is because there are hundreds of companies saying their window is the best. There are probably millions of different features you can choose to have for your windows and in price ranges from $169-$1200 (per double-hung window). I've been in the business for 15 years and have seen many different window products from many different dealers and manufacturers. This all comes down to: "what's important for you and your home?" If you want a strong warranty from a company who has a full-time service department to give you piece of mind and service your windows should needs be, or are you looking at only those companies who offer true wood interior windows that you can paint or stain to match the home decor? Whatever is your hot-button, then that's where you want to start.
I would recommend you first choose how you want your new windows to look. Wood-interior with vinyl clad is only offered by certain companies, while there is a vinyl woodgrain finish to give you similar results without the maintenance. If you're only looking for a white interior and don't want the maintenance, a fiberglass or vinyl window would be the best choice from what is offered in the market today (vinyl will be less expensive - not necessarily cheaper quality). If you are going to change out a window to a french door and a door to a window, then you WILL NEED to find a contractor with some carpentry experience. Some companies will tell you upfront that they do not handle those sorts of remodeling projects due to the complexity and time it would take to get it complete. Unfortunately, we won't be able to personally help you with your project as we work in the New England Area. and I'll be happy to let you know our prices for what we offer so you can compare and hopefully find a similar company to do the work for you near the Austin area.
Water coming in around windows & from above? What roofing or other issue is this? Get your roofer back out there. Course of shingles above the window need to be pulled, self sealing flashing, drip caps, and counter and step flashing are going to be required here. This is a flashing issue as the window connects to the mansard roof surface. Condensation and a leak are two different and very noticeably different (i.e. volume) things. Flashing and roofing on Mansards can be tricky but is sounds very much like a roofing issue.How much does it cost to replace an average bedroom window For a broken window (or leaking seal in multi-pane unit), for a standard roughly 2x3 foot window, can run from low of about $75-125 for single pane to more like $200-300 range for triple pane, depending on construction and any special ultraviolet or heat reflective coatings. If a removeable window unit, of course cheaper to remove it and take to replacement glass place then have them come out, measure glass size, order glass unit, then come back to install.
If taking in yourself, commonly they can do single-pane in an hour or two, but count on a week or so typically for sealed double or triple pane unit to come in, so you will have to seal the opening in the interim. That is an advantage of having them come out - they measure and determine type of unit on first visit and can seal with tape and plastic sheeting (if you have not already done that), then come back with new unit and install a week or two down the road - but you are not stuck with an opening in the wall for a long time.Does anyone install acrylic windows ? Much easier to scratch and typically not as good a finished quality as compared to glass. Benefits are the resistance to breakage as mentioned by LCD. Any glazing shop should be able to re-create that panel.Q: If I need to cut down my door, how much can I take off (top, bottom and sides)? A: We build our doors to order and suggest ordering a door at the exact size that's needed. If time is of the essence and you must alter a door in local inventory, you can cut a maximum of ½" from the top and 1½" from the bottom or 1" on doors with UltraBlock® technology.
Any more and you run the risk of impacting the structural integrity of the door. We do not suggest trimming the door in width other than for a bevel or minor prep work. For Fire-Rated doors, please contact customer service since this varies by the type of door. Q: Where can I get advice on what type of stain or paint to use when finishing my door? A: Every location is different (different weather, different exposure for a particular door) and every door is different (design, wood species, potential upgrades), it always makes sense to check with a local finishing expert. They will know the best products to use for the region. Fortunately, there are many good options available. Q: Where can I go to see a particular glass (texture or decorative) in-person? A: Simpson offers over 100 standard glass options with the ability to make any custom glass design a homeowner can dream of. And while it’s difficult for a retailer to have all options on display, Simpson Authorized Dealers carry full-size doors and a variety of smaller glass samples to represent many of the options.
To get a better idea of the doors on display in a showroom, view the Displaying Authorized Dealer listings by visiting Where to Buy. In addition, check out our "Glass Taste Test” web application, which allows homeowners to see what type of glass gives them both the look and privacy level they desire. "Glass Taste Test" gives homeowners the opportunity to select any door and apply any type of glass in a life-like setting. Q: Can I rush order a door? A: If the desired door is not in local inventory, the Simpson Authorized Dealer will place an order for the door. Upon receipt of an order, Simpson manufactures most doors in a 3-week lead-time (some custom doors can take longer). Add transit time and any prep work needed to arrive at the total turnaround time for the door. Q: What species is the most durable/weather resistant? A: Wood in general is a great insulator and can withstand just about anything Mother Nature sends its way as long as it is has protection. Protection in the form of a great finish and a building overhang.
For tough exposures, Simpson offers a variety of products that can withstand more than your typical door. The Nantucket® Collection includes doors made from wood species that have been evaluated and found to be especially weather-resistant: Douglas fir, Sapele Mahogany and Nootka Cypress. Q: How do I get pricing? A: You can get pricing from any Simpson Authorized Dealer. Simply contact a dealer with your design, size and other specifications directly or you can submit a “Get A Quote” request on any specific door through our online catalog. For help finding a dealer near you, go to our Where to Buy page. Q: How are Simpson doors made? A: Simpson doors are all wood. They are typically built in an engineered fashion, meaning each door component is made of multiple pieces of wood and then covered by veneer, resulting in a sturdier, straighter door. Door components can also be made of a single, solid piece of wood or in two-piece laminated construction upon request and subject to availability of material.