Installation

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.

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!

Noise Control and Your Home

We all want our homes to provide shelter from the storm—literally, and figuratively. We seek refuge from the world inside our houses; we retreat to our homes to unwind from the stress of everyday life. In short, we are all just seeking a small, quiet space where we can spend time with our families, collect our thoughts, and relax. When outside noises become intrusive inside the home, that quiet space disappears, leaving us with a reduced ability to disconnect from the outer world.

Why Choose RWD: What to look for in a remodeler

How do you know what to look for when it’s time to choose a remodeler? There are a lot of factors to consider, not the least of which is the fact that you are entrusting your home to someone who will be making major, permanent changes. How do you know when you have found “the one”?

Window Replacement Checklist

When considering a major renovation, it can help to organize your thoughts, expectations, needs, and budget. Creating itemized checklists for each step in the process will help you plan your finances and timelines, and will also help you manage your expectations as the project progresses. The first thing to consider when thinking about a window replacement is: Do I need to replace my windows?

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.

Installation and Lead Certification

Home renovation projects increase sharply during spring and summer months, the result of both good weather and increased home sales. If you are thinking about a window replacement project, you are probably running across information about lead certification requirements implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) back in 2008. Federal law dictates lead-safe work practices and accreditation are required for renovation firms, to ensure that building contractors follow lead-safe procedures when operating in homes built before 1978. As of April 22, 2010, federal laws require:• Renovation firms must be certified under EPA’s Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule;

Before and After

A picture is worth a thousand words, isn’t it? This week’s blog is dedicated to the idea that seeing is believing, and the best way for us to show you what we do is to literally show you what we do.

Savings Opportunity at Texas Home & Garden Show

We hope everyone has purchased their tickets for this week’s 26th annual Houston Home & Garden Show at Reliant Center! The show will be held February 10-12, 2012, and provides you with the opportunity to visit with vendors who are offering expertise, products, services, and ideas to homeowners on just about any kind of home improvement and/or lifestyle project you can imagine! Renaissance Windows and Doors will be there—vendor booth #623—and we have decided to offer our friends who attend the Houston Home & Garden Show an incredible opportunity for savings.

Brand Spotlight: Infinity by Marvin

Infinity by Marvin is a line of fiberglass replacement windows and doors, designed for homeowners who are looking for a low-maintenance, high-efficiency replacement for their current windows and doors. Infinity by Marvin windows maintain the traditional look of wood with revolutionary design, engineering, and manufacturing.

JELD WEN Wood Tilt & Turn Windows

We’ve talked about JELD WEN doors on our blog in the past, so you already know how much we love their amazing products. Their fiberglass doors are truly works of art, with the look and feel of solid wood, right down to knots and cracks that give each one an individual character. Today we want to talk to you about JELD WEN windows; specifically, their incredible “Tilt and turn” windows, a custom window package that offers form, function, and versatility for homeowners looking for something special.

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.

Fall Savings Specials at Renaissance Windows and Doors

If you have been thinking about a window replacement project the time to buy is now! At Renaissance Windows and Doors we have some truly incredible money-saving opportunities for our customers coming up!

Certificate of Completion

From start to finish, Renaissance Windows and Doors makes every client—and their home—a priority. We start by answering your questions when you stop in to our showroom, and every step of the way after that. At Renaissance we understand that your house is more than a house; it’s your home, your safe haven, the center of your family life. In addition to bringing you top-quality products like Infinity by Marvin and Hurd, we also promise you the installation advantage of having those products installed by our professional installation team rather than contract workers hired “by the job.” This installation advantage works to your advantage in several ways: our installers are employees which means we have vetted them and they are insured; all installers are certified for lead paint removal; installers follow step-by-step guidelines for product installation which ensures quality work and protects you via our installation warranty.

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.

Installation Materials: Infinity Installation Warranty Comparison

We’ve talked about what makes the Renaissance Windows and Doors installation special in previous blogs: the difference professional installation makes; product warranties and our own installation warranty program; details and testimonials from customers on our professional installation team. Choosing the right products for your home is half the battle, but proper installation is the other half. At Renaissance Windows and Doors we are committed to a positive client experience, from product selection to installation to performance. To that end we know it is important for you to understand the details behind what makes us different from other installers, and what benefits we can offer you to get the most for your money. That’s why we have put together the Infinity Installation Warranty Comparison, so you can see a side-by-side comparison on what we offer compared to other installers, as well as the benefits. This warranty comparison is good when you purchase products from our line of Infinity Windows and Doors.

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.

Peace of Mind Maintenance Plan

Product warranties are only half the story at Renaissance Windows and Doors. All of the manufacturers we carry offer product warranties that cover their windows and doors:

The Renaissance Difference: Installation Advantage

Your path to new windows and doors starts on our showroom floor; once you’ve selected the product that is right for you, the next step is the installation process. When you choose Renaissance Windows and Doors for your home project, you are choosing excellence, including a professional installation by a master installer on our staff. We don’t use contract labor for installation, which means that you benefit from experience when our installers are on the job.

Quality in Details

Martin Van Buren once said, “It’s easier to do a job right than to explain why you didn’t.” We happen to agree, which is why quality in details is so important to us. When you make a selection from our wide range of high-quality windows and doors it’s up to us to convert that selection—via installation—into an investment in your home. We don’t just want you to love our products; we want you to love the final outcome: beautifully designed and installed windows and doors that add beauty and value to your home. The quality of the things you don’t see—like shims and caulking—should enhance the quality of those that you do, the windows and doors themselves.Rot-proof and non-rot shims

Check for the EPA Lead-Safe Certification and Keep Your Family Safe

In 2008, the EPA finalized the Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule (LRRP) to ensure building contractors follow Lead-Safe procedures when working on homes built prior to 1978.  This requires contractors to become trained and certified to practice lead-safe operations by the EPA.

The Deadline Approaches!

Last week we informed you of the upcoming deadline to qualify for Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency, what qualifies, and what it means to you. This week, we’re letting you know that in order to have your windows and doors installed before the December 31 deadline, you’ll need to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. 

Superior Installation Products Mean Your Windows Will Last a Lifetime

Last week, we told you about our exceptional installers, and promised to expound on the some of the products they use to make sure your new windows will perform as promised. Everyone at Renaissance Windows & Doors prides themselves on using only the highest quality products when installing your replacement windows and doors. It is the combination of these products and our expert installers that will make your windows the best performing on the market.

Bragging Rights: Our Master Installers

 “Your installers did a very nice job, cleaned up beautifully after themselves, were on time and did all the work exactly as agreed.” At Renaissance Windows & Doors, we constantly get positive feedback about our installers. The few testimonials we’ve put on the website don’t even begin to do them justice. So, for the next five months, we are going to feature a different member of our installation staff in their own blog post. Look for our first one in a few weeks! Before you meet them individually, however, we wanted to tell you why they and our installation process are unique.

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.

Should You Replace Your Own Windows?

This one is simple: No. Unless you are a professional, you will likely have a number of problems you never imagined when trying to replace your own windows. Though home improvement shows make it look easy to save money by doing it yourself, window replacement is one area where you should not try to cut corners.Reasons to Hire a Professional to Replace Your Windows: Not all windows are available in the local hardware store. While they do carry windows for new construction, replacement windows need to be special ordered through the manufacturer. Though all your windows may look the same, they may vary fractionally in size. If you don’t measure the openings precisely, you will have problems with the installation. Forming the exterior cladding requires specialized tools and experience in working with the aluminum. A professional can easily match the color of the windows and aluminum and make sure it provides a tight seal against the elements. If your windows are not plumb and square, they will not function properly. Professional installers have the tools and experience to make sure your replacement windows are plumb and square even if the originals were not. Once the old windows are removed, you may notice rot or damage. This is typically caused by improper installation. Professionals can fix the damage and properly install the new window so you don’t have to worry about rot in the future. In addition, professional installation of replacement windows can improve your home’s energy efficiency. When your replacement windows are installed properly, they will provide the maximum seal against the weather, reducing heat or cold from entering your home, and lowering your energy bills. Hiring a professional to replace your windows can ultimately save you time, money and hassle, unless you hire the wrong one. Make sure to do your homework when hiring someone to work in your home. Here are a few questions to ask when hiring a professional installer: