When shopping for replacement windows for your home, do you notice who makes your windows?
Sure, you probably know some of the big names, like Marvin, Renewal by Andersen, and Pella. But when working with a local remodeling company, do you know who makes their windows?
As a trusted San Antonio window replacement company since 1989, Southwest Exteriors has helped thousands of homeowners improve their homes with high-quality, energy-efficient replacement windows.
One of our most important values as a company is transparency. We never want to have a question go unanswered or have you feel like you are in the dark about your project.
Even if you don’t work with us, we’re here to help guide you through your window replacement journey, and one of the most common questions you need to ask a company is, “Who makes your windows?”
This article will outline the importance of knowing who makes your windows, questions to ask a potential contractor about the windows they offer, and how to choose the right replacement windows for you.
Why Is It Important To Know Who Makes Your Windows
Of all things home remodeling, we know that replacement windows aren’t always the most fun project to take on. Think about it - wouldn’t you rather renovate your kitchen or bathroom instead of replacing your windows?
While this may be how you feel, it does not mean you should neglect the details of your window replacement project.
When vetting multiple companies you may work with, it’s important to ask who manufactures the windows they install, and here are a few reasons why.
#1. It establishes trust between you and the company
Trust in a home remodeling company is crucial to the success of your project. Just like in any relationship, without trust, you have nothing.
If you ask a company, “Who manufactures your windows?” the answer should be simple. Either they manufacture their windows in-house, or they have a partnership with one or multiple window manufacturers they buy their windows from.
For example, Southwest Exteriors does not manufacture our own windows. We install windows from Marvin, ProVia, Anlin, Vistamark, and Don Young.
When asking this question, you will see if the contractor knows the answer like the back of their hand.
If they squirm, hesitate to answer, or simply say, “I don’t know,” this is not a good sign.
#2. You can learn more about the windows that would be in your home
One of the biggest benefits of asking who makes your windows is your ability to learn more about them.
While the company should be able to answer all of your questions and provide you with valuable information about the windows, doing your own research is important, both before and after a consultation.
Doing research prior to your appointment is important. Then, you can learn more about which window brands you are most interested in and which will meet your needs best. This will help you choose the right company that offers the right windows for you.
After your consultation, research is equally as important. A window replacement is no small investment, so you want to make a well-informed decision.
Remember, when working with any home remodeling company, knowledge is power. The more you know, the better you will understand how qualified a company is.
#3. You will have confidence in the company you work with and the windows you choose
After doing your research on potential replacement windows and knowing what windows a company offers, you can make the best decision for your project.
Choosing the right company to work with is one of the most crucial assets to a successful window replacement.
Once you understand the windows they offer, the values of their company, and how they treat their clients, you will have the confidence to choose the best contractor that will meet your needs and provide you with a high-quality window replacement project.
5 Questions To Ask About Who Makes Your Replacement Windows
After understanding the importance of knowing who makes your potential replacement windows, you want to know what questions to ask a contractor to better understand your windows.
Here are five questions to ask during a consultation to ensure you find the right replacement windows that will meet your needs.
1. Who makes your windows?
This question is what this article is all about. One of the first questions you want to ask (if they haven’t already told you) is who makes or manufactures their windows.
The window replacement company and window manufacturer are two separate entities. While the company may seem like it makes its own windows, asking to clarify is important to better understand the quality of windows they offer.
2. What are the windows made of?
If not already explained, one of the most important questions to ask is what the windows are made of.
Are they made of vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum, or wood? What is the quality of the material? What features do they offer?
Understanding what the windows are made of and the quality of the material allows you to better choose the right replacement windows that will meet your needs and hold up in your home.
3. Who makes the glass of these windows?
Along with knowing what the windows are made of, knowing who manufactures the glass is equally, if not more, important.
Cardinal Glass is the highest quality window glass available, and most high-quality window manufacturers use Cardinal Glass in their windows. This glass offers superior energy-efficient properties and durability to ensure your home is protected.
Because the glass makes up 97% of the entire window, knowing the quality of the glass and who makes it allows you to better choose the right window for you.
4. What are the energy ratings of your windows?
After understanding who makes the glass in your windows, ask the company what the specific energy ratings of the windows are.
Looking at the U-Factor, solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), infrared percentage, and UV percentage allows you to see how energy efficient the windows are and how well they will protect your home from excessive heat and harmful solar rays.
5. What is the manufacturer’s warranty on the windows?
Finally, asking the contractor what the window manufacturer’s warranty is is essential to understanding if the windows will meet your needs.
While the window replacement company may advertise a lifetime warranty, the window manufacturer may only offer a 30-year warranty on the frame and a 10-year warranty on the glass.
Now, we understand reading through warranty documents can be complicated and so not fun. However, asking the right questions and knowing what to identify in the warranty will help you avoid making the wrong decision on your windows and choose the right ones.
Choosing The Right Replacement Windows For You
Now that you know the importance of knowing who makes your windows and the right questions to ask a contractor about the windows, you are well-prepared to find the right company and replacement windows for you.
Understanding who manufacturers the windows you are interested in is important to better build trust with the contractor, learn more about the specifics of the windows and have confidence when choosing your replacement windows.
When talking with multiple companies for your project, research and asking questions are your best defense mechanism.
Knowing the right questions to ask ensures you can properly vet a potential contractor and confidently choose the right one that offers the right windows for you and can promise a successful outcome.
Aside from asking who manufactures your windows, what are some other questions to ask a potential window replacement contractor?
Check out this article that outlines six questions to ask a contractor during a consultation to ensure you find a trustworthy company to work with and get the window replacement you deserve.