window installation

How much does a good window cost in in Dallas–Fort Worth Texas?

  One of the most common questions we get at ProTex Remodeling in Grand Prairie Texas is. How much does a good window cost? With all the window and glass choices out there in today’s marketplace. This a tough question to answer. A big thing is the effect that a quality installation and sealants have on the cost of a new window. Several replacement window companies deliver on both quality and performance. Great windows need to hold up to the extreme weather of north Texas. Today we will discuss choosing the right replacement window for your home. Plus, the total investment that’s involved in selelecting the right quality window for you.

With over 35 years in the replacement window business, and more than 20 years as an installer. I have seen the good and the bad when it comes to replacement window companies, window quality and window installation. There are several factors that determine the quality and price of your new windows. None more important than the quality of the installation. Even a cheap window, when installed correctly, can last for years before failing. Having installed over 50,000 windows and doors in my career. Here is what you should consider when choosing a replacement window and contractor.

What makes a Good Replacement Window Installation?

   The quality of your installation depends on several key factors. Let’s look at the most important steps to follow for a great window installation and why.

• Proper job site preparation. We always take the time to lay down slip proof runners in all high traffic areas of the home to protect your floors. Plus, movers grade padded drop cloths in front of all window openings. As well as painters’ plastic to cover all work site areas and electronics.
• Proper glass de-glazing. We de-glaze your glass with heat and a putty knife. Breaking the seal between the glass and window frame. Then remove your glass intact, whenever possible.
• Proper window extraction without damaging the interior or exterior of the home. Removing aluminum window frames takes expertise and patience. Depending on the windows install by the builder. Extraction can sometimes be a very difficult process requiring both expertise and patience.
• Proper window opening prep before installing the window. Preparing your window opening before installing the new window is imperative. You must remove old mortar and caulking. Plus, removal and replacement of rotted wood. Install OSI Quad spray foam between the brick and exterior sheathing. Especially above the window to re-direct water flow that may get behind the brick.
• Proper window placement. The new window must be set both level and plumb when possible. Sometimes the home is so far out of square that doing so will make the new window look like it’s installed crooked.
• Proper shim and screw placement. Always use composite shims to set the new window up over any imperfections in the brick. As well as, in the jambs, head and behind screw placement on large picture windows. Only use dual threaded, composite, exterior screws to install windows. Never use interior drywall screws to install a window.
• Install OSI Quad spray foam around the new window and in large gaps where necessary. This buts a second layer of protection around your new windows.
• Check the operation of all window components.
• Apply OSI Quad caulking to all exterior surfaces to ensure a water and airtight seal. Install paintable interior caulking between the window and sheetrock or trim molding.
• Clean all window and glass surfaces.
• Vacuum and sweep all flooring. Clean all the debris from the exterior landscape.  

What are the Most Important Features in Selecting a Replacement Window?

• Frame type is crucial in a new window. Windows come in a variety of materials. Vinyl, Wood, Fiberglass, Fibrex and Aluminum are the most popular. Each have benefits and value over the other.
• This is the most popular replacement window material. Vinyl windows represent over 70% of all windows sold in the world today. A quality vinyl should have a full 3 ¼” frame. Multi chambered construction for strength. Titanium Dioxide treated for durability and reinforced frame and sash for added security. The best vinyl windows have foam filled window frames and sashes available. Foam fill adds better thermal performance, also deadening sound.
• Fiberglass and Fibrex. Unlike vinyl, these materials are strong and do not need reinforcement for security. Plus, both are molded into various shapes. As well as, sanded and painted like real wood.
• Real wood windows stand the test of time in both function and elegance. Early wood windows were not user friendly. Also, they tended to become inoperable over time, due to many years of painting. Modern wood windows are factory finished and need minimal maintenance. Wood windows are best for full frame replacement down to the rough opening. The best wood windows have a maintenance free exterior cladding for lasting durability.
• Due to its light weight and durability, aluminum windows are best suited for commercial applications. Aluminum is a great conductor of heat and cold. The addition of a thermal break helps with conduction but does not solve the problem. Aluminum windows have the thinnest frame and maximize glass space.
• The single most important part of a replacement window is the glass. Various glass coatings differ in manufacturing. Low-E coatings reflect cut solar heat gain and filter UV light. The addition of Argon or Krypton slows down conduction and adds solar efficiency. Dual and Triple glazings are available, depending on the climate. All modern glass is Energy Star Certified.
• NFRC Rating. NFRC stickers are on all replacement and new construction windows. The information on the sticker reflects the performance of the individual window. NEVER allow someone to install a window where the NFRC sticker is missing. This is a bait and switch tactic, used by shady window contractors. Report an instance of missing NFRC stickers to your local municipality immediately.

Summary, what does a good window cost in Dallas-Fort Worth Texas?

When it comes to selecting your new windows. Vinyl, Wood, Fiberglass, Fibrex and Aluminum are all great choices. when it comes to selecting your new windows. The least expensive material is vinyl. Wood, fiberglass, fibrex and aluminum all increase the cost of your window project. The glass coatings that you select for your new windows will affect the cost. As well as the installation and materials used on your project. Factory trained and certified installers using premium sealants, will cost more. Typical sub-contracted window installers using cheap caulking and minimal materials will cost less. You should expect to pay a minimum of $695.00 per window for a quality vinyl window and installation. You should expect to pay $995.00 or more for wood, fiberglass, fibrex or aluminum windows, plus inatallation.

Remember. “The bitterness of poor quality lingers long after the sweetness of the lowest price”