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Debunking Hurricane Myths

The sun is shining and the flowers are blooming, but there is still one menacing cloud hanging over us. It’s called hurricane season. Hurricane season officially starts on June 1st and ends on November 30th. Take a look at the following myths regarding hurricanes and how you can better protect your family and home.

Hurricane Season is Upon Us

In just a few weeks, Hurricane Season will arrive in the Houston area. To make sure you’re not caught unaware, stop by the Renaissance Windows & Doors showroom to take a look at the following impact windows.

Keep Your Home Cool

Spring definitely brings beautiful weather, but it also brings what most Houstonians dread, the heat. When you’re sitting on the couch next to your windows, do you feel heat radiating from your windows? Does your dining room with large windows in it always feel like it’s 110°? Then it’s time to think about replacing your windows. Take a look at these options that can help you stay cool this spring and summer.

Hurd Introduces New Low-E 366 Neat with Preserve Glass Windows

All of us at Renaissance Windows and Doors are excited to introduce Hurd’s latest ultra-efficient glazing options, the new Low-E 366 Neat with Preserve glaze. Let’s take a look!

Impact Windows and Doors: Beyond Storm Protection

Last week we introduced you to the two brands of Impact Windows and Doors that we carry at Renaissance Windows & Doors: Hurd FeelSafe and Showcase® Custom Vinyl. Impact windows and doors are an excellent option for Gulf Coast residents, who know only too well the kind of damage that hurricanes—and other high-wind, heavy-rain, high-impact debris carrying storms—can cause to a home.

“Green” Products at Renaissance Windows & Doors

Manufacturers understand the importance of giving customers the environmentally-friendly products that consumers are looking for, as well as producing those products in environmentally-friendly ways. When you are looking for a company that does things in a “green” way you should be looking for products that are manufactured with environmental stewardship in mind, as well as products that will bring your home into a more environmentally-friendly balance. New doors and windows are a big part of making your home more energy efficient, saving you money by reducing energy use—that’s good for everyone.

Installation and Energy Efficiency

When we talk about energy efficiency and your home, we are often discussing energy efficient products, like our lines of replacement windows and doors from Hurd, JELD WEN, and Infinity by Marvin. This is an important conversation, as choosing the right products have an enormous impact on making your home as energy efficient as possible. Another important aspect that deserves consideration is the installation process. The only truly energy efficient window or door is one that is installed correctly by an installation professional.

Window Glass: Know Your Glazes

When it comes to window glass, there is more there than meets the eye. To many of us, windows are just glass, fixed into a frame, and installed into the walls of our home. They let us see out, let others see in (if we want), and help keep the air in our homes cool or warm, depending on the season. But is that all there is to a window? We don’t think so.

Texas Home & Garden Show Report

We had a wonderful time at the 26th annual Texas Home & Garden Show at Reliant Center, and the response to our special 33% discount offer for garden show attendees was terrific! We are looking forward to helping our clients replace their old doors and windows with new, more beautiful, more energy efficient replacements.

Windows: Wood Types and Materials

Many of our clients have questions about wood windows versus other window material types. There are pros and cons to any material you choose, so let’s start with a brief background of some of the pluses and minuses for each.

Energy Efficiency: Heating vs. Cooling

It was one long, hot summer here in Houston and we have all seen the effects of the high temperatures on our electric bills. Lately temperatures have been dropping into a more comfortable range—in fact, we have had some downright chilly mornings and evenings. It’s quite a roller coaster ride, but it’s also a reminder that our homes need to be energy efficient no matter what the temperatures outside are reading on the thermostat. Whether we are heating or cooling our homes, energy efficiency is important, and that’s where Renaissance Windows & Doors comes in. You will find all the information on energy efficiency you need on our website and you will find all the products you need to make your home more energy efficient when you visit our show room.

Low Maintenance Windows: Glass Makes the Difference

It truly is amazing the difference the right glass can make when choosing replacement windows. The glass has everything to do with light and heat control, as well as visibility. When you choose the right glass you are improving the energy efficiency of your home, protecting your home from the elements (heat, moisture, wind), protecting your furnishings from sun damage, regulating sound and light that enters your home, and providing a measure of privacy and safety for your home and your family. 

Your Windows, Your Furniture

There is a definite relationship between your windows and your furniture; in fact, the two are related in a couple of different ways. The first way is probably one you have thought about before in terms of your windows and your chairs, tables, and couches, in terms of where to place these pieces in a room to maximize comfort from the heat, light, and fresh air that travels through your windows.

Installation Process: Step by Step

At Renaissance Windows and Doors we like to say that we deliver world class products along with Old World craftsmanship. How do we do this? We start by offering you products from the top names in the business—like Infinity and Hurd—and we employ the best installers, professionals who take pride in their work because they believe in quality for its own sake.

Frequently Asked Questions

We encourage our clients to ask us questions: about our products, our installers, our warrantees and guarantees, about government lead paint requirements—about anything! We know that replacing your doors and windows can be as overwhelming as it is exciting, and we want you to feel confident and comfortable in choosing Renaissance Windows and Doors as your home renovation partner. We want to review a few Frequently Asked Questions with you here on the blog, and encourage you to contact us with any other questions you might have regarding window and door replacement.

Glazes and Glass: What’s the Difference?

When choosing replacement windows style is important, but substance is what matters. At Renaissance Windows and Doors we strive to deliver both by carrying top-of-the-line products, and by providing expert installers to install them in your home. When you factor in our Peace of Mind Maintenance program—which warranties windows and doors installed by Renaissance for two years from the date of original installation—you can be confident in our commitment to client satisfaction.

Hurd Goes Green

 Great windows and doors combine form and function and in today’s world part of the “function” means energy efficiency. When you visit the Hurd Windows and Doors website you are greeted with this statement: Perfection does not fly off an assembly line. For 90 years the Hurd company has been committed to hand-crafting doors and windows for your home, the idea being that hand-crafted windows and doors not only “fit better and look better, they also perform better.” Better performance means better energy efficiency, and Hurd Windows and Doors has been going green since before the phrase “going green” meant anything. So how is Hurd accomplishing this today? The same way they have since the beginning, 90 years ago: innovation, technology, and engineering.

The Beauty of Hurd Patio Doors

All too often, we’ve seen magnificent homes with patio doors that seem to have been an afterthought. Even more aesthetically disturbing are the historic homes whose patio doors look as though they were replaced in the 1970s or ‘80s by then modern aluminum sliding glass doors. While we have nothing against these doors, per se, we do think your home deserves a patio door which will enhance its over-all appearance. A simple change in the style of your patio door can elevate the look and feel of your entire home. With Hurd’s comprehensive line of patio doors, you’ll certainly find just the right one for your home.The first choice you’ll have to make for your new Hurd patio door is whether you want all-wood, aluminum clad wood, or vinyl. Though any of these options can work for any home, traditionally, historic home owners prefer to remain true to all-wood doors. Hurd’s line of all-wood patio doors is one of the most extensive on the market. Depending of the specific line, you can choose:

Understanding the Benefits of Single and Double-Hung Windows

When replacing your windows, at some point you will be asked whether you want single or double-hung. Your retailer will quickly be able to answer the question: what’s the difference? Single-hung windows have only one sash which opens and closes. Alternately, both the upper and lower sash of double-hung windows open and close. The question of which is best for you is a little more complex. Each has various disadvantages and benefits which must be understood before making your decision. Security: The glass is actually the main security component of your windows. The stronger the glass, the more secure your windows. That being said, locking mechanisms should be considered, as well. Since manufacturers have made window locks much more reliable over the years, single and double-hung windows are virtually  equal when it comes to security in that area. However, as double-hung windows have extra locking mechanisms, you have a greater chance of forgetting to close one, giving single-hung a slight advantage if you’re not careful.Cleaning: Double-hung windows clearly have the advantage when it comes to keeping your windows clean. Both sashes tilt inward for easy cleaning from the inside of your home. The operable sash of a single-hung window may tilt in for cleaning, but the fixed sash, obviously, will not. You will likely have to go outside and climb a ladder when you need to clean the outer areas of the fixed sash.Drafts: You should not experience unwanted drafts from properly installed replacement windows whether single or double-hung. However, the fixed panel of single-hung windows have almost no chance for air leakage over time. Though uncommon, because they have more moving parts, double-hung windows do have a greater chance of developing some air gaps.Ventilation: Again, this is where double-hung windows excel. Opening both the upper and lower sash allows for maximum air circulation; while opening just the upper sash permits ventilation without breezes disturbing your work. If you are planning on using your windows as an alternative to air conditioning, double-hung are the optimal choice. However, if you only open the windows a few times a year, single-hung windows may be sufficient.Cost: If cost is a major factor for you, single-hung windows are generally a little less expensive. They have fewer components and are easier to manufacture than double-hung windows, keeping costs down.As with every other consideration of your replacement windows, there is no right or wrong choice when it comes to single or double-hung. You’ll simply have to weigh all your options and make the decision that is right for you and your home.

How to Know When to Replace Your Doors

We’ve gone over when it’s time to replace your windows. It may be even easier to realize that than it is to know when it’s time to replace your doors. Many people believe doors do not need to be replaced unless you want a new look or they are obviously deformed. However, there are a number of reasons to replace your seemingly acceptable doors.They stick or they are too loose. If your doors expand and contract so noticeably that they stick or open too easily, they have probably been exposed to the elements for too long. They are also likely wood. While properly sealed wooden doors are decent in any climate, you might want to consider fiberglass or Ultrex for extreme climates.You have a draft. Whether you feel it or not, your doors could be letting air in or out of your home. If your electric bill is relatively high, you should check for a draft. A simple way to check is to light a flame near the door with the air off in your home. If the flame flickers, you should replace the drafty door.They are warped or deformed. This one is obvious. However, you should check the surrounding door jamb to make sure there is no wear or rot. If you find rot, it may extend into the surrounding home. You should seek professional help at once.Your home needs a facelift. Replacing your doors is one of the easiest ways to give your home a new look. Replacing your doors adds curb appeal and raises the resale value of your home far beyond their original cost.Whatever your reasons for replacing your doors, you will be satisfied once you do. Be sure to discuss energy star rated doors with your retailer. If you replace your doors before the end of the year, you may be eligible for up to a $1500 energy tax credit.

Hurricane Preparedness: The Truth About Taping Your Windows

As the anniversary of Hurricane Ike fast approaches, we started thinking about all the things we need to have on hand during a storm. Our list includes the usual suspects: water, extra batteries, canned food. However, one thing no one needs is tape for the windows. If the worst should occur, taping your windows will not protect you, your family or your belongings.

Receive a Tax Credit by Installing Energy Efficient Windows and Doors

Going green has it monetary advantages and you can benefit by upgrading your home with energy efficient windows and/or doors.  Summer season is upon us and with it brings the  stifling Houston weather, you know, when you cannot even think of staying indoors without the air conditioner set to as low temperature as possible!. Although, this poses a serious energy problem, because while the AC will make you feel comfortable; it will result in a sizeable electricity bill at the end of the month. What if there was a way in which you could reduce your electricity bill dramatically, and also get excellent tax breaks in the process? There is, indeed a way for you to accomplish just that. Simply install energy efficient windows in your home, and you will notice the difference from the very first month.

Energy Efficient Glass Options

The harsh summer is just around the corner. It is time to make sure that your home stays comfortable throughout the season. One way of ensuring that is to regulate the temperature inside your home properly. True, you can simply flick the switch of your air conditioner, but that will add a considerable amount to your electricity bills. Maybe it’s time to opt for an alternative option. How about installing some energy efficient glass windows and doors? Energy efficient glass windows and doors are essentially made of two layers of glass with a little gap between them. This gap, filled with air, acts as a bad conductor for heat. Thus when the layer of glass facing outside gets heated through exposure to sunlight, the inner layer facing the insides of the house stays cool. Thus you can run the AC with a higher temperature setting, thereby saving a considerable amount on electricity bills.