Professional Installation
Why is professional installation so important? How does it affect your energy costs and the comfort and beauty of your home?
Let's tackle this by first addressing the idea of making your home more comfortable and saving money on energy bills; these two are somewhat related. Something that many people don't even think about is the fact that when your old window is removed, this "hole" that is created in your home needs to be properly re-sealed. Most window companies do a pretty good job of measuring the opening to get the right size for the new window. This is why for most situations, "off the shelf" windows won't do the job; they need to be custom made. The problem is that most homes have shifted and settled to some degree (especially with earthquakes in California), and many times that opening is out of square and no longer plumb. So inevitably, even with the best measurements, there will be some dead air space between the window frame and the size of the opening. This can perpetuate the problems you are trying to solve; this dead air space allows the air, wind, rain, sand, noise, etc., to get into the house by going around the window. Consequently, the outside elements keep you from being as comfortable as you should be in your home, and you don't save money on your energy bills.
The proper amount and type of insulation is critically important to get right. Most window companies use NO insulation at all, and most homeowners don't even know they should ask about it. Therefore, the problems go unsolved. After you ask, some companies will realize you know something about this and will agree to insulate; but do they know the right amount and proper type of insulation to use? They don't unless they are properly licensed. Make sure the contractor you hire is properly authorized to insulate your new windows by having a C-2 Insulation Contractor License. Too little insulation won't do the job, and too much can ruin your window. Just like hiring someone who has the window license, it doesn't cost more to have the properly licensed and trained person do the work. so why wouldn't you?
One more thing: When your new windows are installed, the finish work is critical. You want them to look good both from the outside and inside, right? Window installers need to be Finish Carpenters; the finish work will give your new windows the look you wanted all along. Make sure they guarantee there will be no damage to the interior plaster or drywall and no stucco chipping or damage when they are done. Insist they use custom cut and painted interior wood trim ( at no additional cost). This will add a quality look and finish that is far superior to the flat vinyl trim usually offered.
