Replacement Window and Entry Door Inspection

With temperatures dropping, now is a great time for you to increase your home’s energy-efficiency. Drafty windows and doorways can significantly raise cooling and heating costs. This is why conducting a walk-around, to ensure that the home windows are functional, or if they require replacing is necessary.

According to Energy Star, the average American household pays $2,200 annually on energy bills, with up to 50 % allocated to cooling and heating costs. Upgrading your house with energy-efficient replacement window options will protect it from cold temperatures and will help you save money.

Performing a yearly home inspection is a terrific way to look for potential maintenance needs and residential enhancements.  Search for leaks and drafts, and then replace or repair worn or damaged products to avoid pricey damage.

How you can inspect home windows and doorways:

• Check windowsills and door tracks for grime and debris, that may hamper the operation of windows and doors. Remove debris by lightly sweeping the area with a brush and then vacuum.
• Inspect exterior and interior finishes including, the area surrounding them. Is the paint or stain in good shape? Indications of flaking or peeling, may imply that you’re ready to replace the door or window.
• Change damaged windows and doorways with safer, more energy-efficient ones. Windows/Doors that don’t open and shut easily might be a safety risk, especially in case of a fire.

You are ready to replace your windows or doors if:

• They will not stay open: A door or window that does not open easily, or will not remain in place once opened, should be replaced.
• Overall performance is poor:  Windows and doors that are difficult to open or close or that allow air to leak in, should be changed.
• The Paint is Peeling: Chipping or peeling is present around the finish or on the door or window itself.
• They are not energy efficient: Drafty, leaking windows and doors make it more pricey to warm your house during winter.
• Windows are single-pane: Single-pane windows are less energy-efficient than double or triple-pane windows.
• Windows/Doors are water-damaged: There are water stains around or on the wall/floor space around the door or window.

To start your door or window replacement project, call Aspen Home Improvements at 717-569-3700 or contact us by clicking below:

Picture Windows for Your Home

 

There is a vast variety of replacement windows to choose from, and depending on the style of window that you choose, affects your home aesthetically. Picture windows are one of the more grandiose window options as they open up a home and allow lots of sunlight to filter in. But what is the anatomy of a picture window?

A picture window is a large fixed window and is designed to provide a clear, unhampered view. Because of their unobstructed view, picture windows act as a frame for outside scenery.

Picture windows typically do not open and can be used in combination with other windows that do open. For instance, pairing casement windows on either side of your picture window provides an aesthetically pleasing view, adds curb appeal to your home and still allows for outside ventilation. This combination of windows offers functionality and beauty in one perfect combination.

Window treatments can also be added to your picture windows to enhance the look of the entire window package. A common and practical way to offer privacy for your picture windows is to mount curtains that can be pulled aside or let hang freely.

To learn more about picture windows and our replacement picture window options, visit Aspen Home Improvements or contact us by clicking below:

 

Getting Ready for Winter: Replacement Windows and Doors

As the weather starts to get cooler, drafty windows and doors can quickly lead to rising utility bills. New energy efficient windows and doors are crucial to maintaining your home's comfort all year long, especially during the coldest months. In fact, replacing single-pane glass windows with Energy Star Qualified Products can save you $146 to $501 on energy costs annually.

Maximize your home’s energy efficiency with the following tips and advice outlined on the text below.

Begin with a Front Door

The entry door of a home can play a vital role in defending your home against the cooler weather. If a door doesn't close properly or lets in a draft, you'll pay the price in your utility bills. Check the weatherstrip for any gaps around the door. If issues can't be easily fixed, it may be time to replace the door.

Glass Matters

At Aspen Home Improvements, we specialize in providing the best, energy efficient windows for your home. A replacement window is more than just a pane of glass. It's a complex unit that can be built in a number of combinations. Energy efficient windows feature an insulating glass unit of two or three panes as well as Low-E coatings, gas fill and a plethora of technological advancements that stop the transfer of heat from leaving your home. Together these high tech options make a glazing package.

Watch Video: Learn more about replacement windows.

What Direction does your Home Face?: The direction windows and doors face can make a big difference in the sun's intensity level within the home. South- and west-facing windows and doors require the highest level of UV protection.

What are your Savings?: In addition to the initial purchase price of a replacement window or entry door, consider the long-term value that energy efficient products offer in terms of annual savings. In addition to the savings listed above, many local utilities offer rebates for purchasing ENERGY STAR qualified windows and doors.

For more information please contact Aspen Home Improvements at 717-569-3700 or click below:

Is Your Home Equipped for Replacement Windows?

Is your home equipped for replacement windows? Old creaky wooden windows that leak and let in the cold cost you more money in the long run than buying new and energy-efficient replacement windows. Damaged or old windows will lead to energy loss and high heating/cooling costs for the homeowner.

There are great benefits of installing replacement windows for your home. Firstly, new windows save on energy. By replacing blemished windows, your house would be able to  reduce its energy bills by 40%.  Flawed windows reduce the value of your home greatly. Installing replacement windows adds financial worth to your home and could increase the price of your house to be more competitive in the house market. Another reason to add new windows to your home is for aesthetics. Broken or old windows lessen curb appeal, and devalue your home. Replacement window also provide security. A badly flawed window might make it easy for a burglar to gain entry into your home. Remove these windows as soon as possible to avoid this problem from occurring.

The first step to installing new replacement windows for your home is to contact a professional window installer in your area. Look for a professional installer who installs high quality windows. Check around on several websites and ask questions before selecting the installer to insure that you get the best professional installer available. If you have any home improvement questions about replacement windows, please contact us by clicking below:

 

 

Call Aspen Home Improvements at (717) 569-3700 for a free estimate on your next Home Improvement Project.

Replacement Window Tips Video

At Aspen Home Improvements, we are dedicated to provide our customers with quality replacement windows  to improve the comfort,  and energy efficiency of your homes. Our work is not complete until we achieve your complete satisfaction.

Our NEW Replacement Window Tips video highlights the importance of insulation. We also discuss why glass matters for energy efficiency. Check out our YouTube Channel for more great videos!

We are devoted to providing solutions to your  home improvement challenges. Our professional installers are skilled in replacement windows, sliding patio doors, entry doors and vinyl siding.  Click on the link below to talk to one of our experts about your project today. 

Custom Replacement Windows: Before and After Photos

At Aspen Home Improvements, we  specialize in custom replacement windows that transform your home. We are happy to show you examples of homes that have been completely redone with new installed replacement windows. These homes are completely transformed - and add great curb appeal!







Basement Window After

Basement Window Before

 

Twin Double Window Before



Twin Double Window After







 

Would you like to see how custom replacement windows from Aspen Home Improvements 
can make your home more comfortable, aesthetically pleasing and energy efficient? Please contact us for a FREE in-home estimate!

 

Suburban Pa Fall Home Show at the Lancaster County Convention Center October 4th - 6th

Join us October 4th, 5th and 6th for the Suburban Pennsylvania Fall Home Show at the Lancaster County Convention Center!

 

 

Aspen Home Improvements will be at the Fall Home Show from Friday Oct. 4th through Sunday Oct. 6th. We will be showcasing our replacement windows, doors, and siding. Stop by our booth, number 412, and talk to one of our professionals about your home improvement project and a special offer of savings for patio doors and entry doors. And Admission is FREE!

 

 

At Aspen Home Improvements, we are always able to answer any questions you may have about home improvement. We are dedicated to supplying our customers with detailed facts, and truly believe that our products are the best on the market. If you are considering a home improvement project, stop by our booth at one of the upcoming shows with one of our experts or contact us by clicking here for more information:

 

 

Show Address:

Lancaster County Convention Center
25 South Queen Street
Lancaster, PA 17603

Show Hours:

Friday, October 4, 11:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday, October 5, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Sunday, October 6, 10:00am - 6:00pm

Replacement Windows: Cooler Weather is Just Around the Corner!

Are you ready for cooler weather?

Fall is finally here and the days are getting shorter, and the nights are getting cooler. To stay warm this fall, you’ll need an energy-efficient home, or your heating bill will start to increase. If you want to avoid heating costs, you can look to your windows for help.

Windows let the light in, brightening our days in this cold and dark season. However, if they’re older models, they’re also poor insulators. If you want a well-insulated home, you’ll need to work with those windows to help them become better insulators.

Energy-Efficient Windows Are the Best Solution

The  best solution to poor window efficiency is to make sure that your windows are double-glazed. Many older homes have thin windows that let an extreme amount of heat out because they are single pane. Replacing older  windows with more energy efficient ones are your best option, but if you’re not able to do this, then you’ll need to look for other methods.

Check For Drafts

First, check around your windows to see whether they’re letting a lot of air in and out. How do the edges look? What does the base of the window look like? Close your windows and place a thin piece of paper near the edges. You can also place a draft snake across the leak. You can put these across the bottoms of windows and doors, but they aren’t as efficient as caulking the actual leak.

If you notice a lot of moisture around the window and rotten wood, it might be time to call in a professional to make sure that your windows and frames are structurally sound.

Placing Barriers Over the Windows

To prevent heat from moving out of the windows, you can place a barrier across the windows. If you have blackout blinds from the summer, they work well as a window barrier during the winter, keeping the heat inside of your home. Cellular shades also act as a window barrier, providing some entry for the light while keeping windows from losing a lot of heat.

Notes

When your windows are efficient, this saves you money during the long, cold winter. It also keeps your home warm. Even a small investment in your windows can pay off in smaller energy bills this winter. If you choose the option of installing new replacement windows, this will help to lower your energy bill by 40%. These new windows are also equipped with technological advancements in energy-efficiency, and they will last and save you energy for many years to come. For any home improvement questions you may have, please contact us below:

Join us at the West Lampeter Community Fair Sept. 26, 27 and 28th

Aspen Home Improvements will be at the West Lampeter Fair Friday through Sunday, September 26, 27 and 28th. We will be showcasing our replacement windows, doors, and siding. Stop by our booth and talk to one of our professionals about your home improvement project and a special offer of savings for patio doors and entry doors.

 

 

At Aspen Home Improvements, we are always able to answer any questions you may have about home improvement. We are dedicated to supplying our customers with detailed facts, and truly believe that our products are the best on the market. If you are considering a home improvement project, stop by our booth at one of the upcoming shows with one of our experts or contact us by clicking here for more information:

 

 

Solanco Fair - September 18th, 19th & 20th

Fall is fast approaching and we are gearing up for our home shows! Here is a list of which shows we will be attending, the first is the Solanco Fair and we are booth #79!

For any questions you may have, please contact us at (717) 569-3700, hope to see you there!

Want the Best Replacement Windows on the Market?

Homeowners who replace their dated windows with new vinyl or composite replacement windows can expect to recoup around a 75% return on investment. Not only will curb appeal be enhanced,  but by choosing energy efficient replacement windows you will experience savings on your monthly utility bill as well.

We wanted to display an Aspen Home Improvements replacement window transformation.  The homeowner's goals were to enhance the exterior of their home while upgrading the home's energy efficiency. Aspen replaced the existing windows with sliding replacement windows, which provide more ventilation and are low maintenance. The result is a beautifully refurbished, energy efficient home.

Aspen Home Improvements has helped thousands of homeowners make their home more comfortable, beautiful and energy efficient with our wide selection of replacement windows, custom doors and vinyl siding.  To see how we can make your home improvement dreams a reality, give us a call today at (717) 569-3700.  We are happy to schedule a free in-home estimate to provide the answers you need to make the right decision for you house.

Tips for an Effortless Replacement Window Installation Process

You’ve just selected your replacement window type, style and options, and precise measurements will be taken and a pre-inspection of your windows will take place. You have found your professional installer, selected the windows and agreed upon a price and schedule. You’re almost done!

But what’s the next step that will take place with your new windows?  We have supplied a checklist of how you can help ensure your window installation process goes as smoothly as possible.

 

Here are 5 tips to help your replacement window installation a success:

 

1. Make sure area around windows is clear

Your team of expert window installers will need easy access to all areas around your windows, so it is a good idea to remove all wall hangings and clear away belongings. Take down any blinds or draperies from your windows and move your furniture away so that the installers will have room to begin their work.

2. Supervise Kids & Pets

With installers coming in and out of your home, your pet could get outside, so make sure they are secured.  Large home improvement project offers the opportunity for children to come into contact with materials that could pose a danger to their safety. Make sure that they are secured as well.

3. Implement a Brief Walk-Thru

On the day of your installation; have a quick meeting with your job foreman. This is a good time to do a short walk through to highlight any areas of concern, discuss how the project will flow, and confirm that the replacement windows are exactly as you ordered.

4. During the Installation process, stay available for questions

As the installers begin the process of removing your old windows, stay available in case they have questions. Most professional window replacement contractors will include disposal and clean up as part of your project.

5.  Final Inspection

After completion of installation, your team of window installers should clean up after themselves, removing any debris, and materials. Right after this, do a thorough inspection of each replacement window and request a tutorial on how to operate and clean the new windows.

 

Aspen Home Improvements is always here to help with any questions you may have. Please contact us at (717) 569-3700 or click below:

Resources for Replacement Windows

The act of buying new replacement windows can be a formidable task. An extensive amount of research is necessary in order to make the right selection, and you must find a reliable and reputable installation company for both high quality and safety. Since this task is so arduous, people usually only replace their windows once in their life. In the long run, the more research you conduct, the happier you will be with the final product for your home. Here is a great list of sites for you to begin your search. As always, at Aspen Home Improvements we're here to help you with any questions you may have! Please fell free to give us a call at (717) 569-3700 or send us a note at aspenwindows@gmail.com

   Resources about Replacement Windows

windows.lbl.gov/pub/selectingwindows/window.pdf
U.S. Department of Energy offers an extensive guide to the selection process for replacement windows based upon energy efficiency.

www.efficientwindows.org
The Efficient Windows Collaborative provides information about the different technologies available in replacement windows today.

www.aamanet.org/upload/CMB-5-05.pdf
The American Architectural Manufacturer’s Association sets the rules for testing the performance of building products, such as windows.

www.ase.org
The Alliance to Save Energy is another energy-specific site that offers insight to the benefits of replacement windows and other home improvement decisions that can reduce our need for foreign energy sources.

http://www.energystar.gov/
ENERGY STAR is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) voluntary program that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect our climate through superior energy efficiency. This site also lists the most energy efficient products, such as different styles of windows, by their ratings.

http://cpd.nfrc.org/pubsearch/psMain.asp
The National Fenestration Rating Council lists all certified results of every manufactured window it tests for Thermal Performance. This includes U-value, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, and Visible Transmittance.

Replacement Windows: Awning Window Styles

Awning windows are an adaptable window style that suits any home, and are especially ideal accents above or below picture windows. With an abundance of replacementwindow styles to choose from, what makes awning windows different?

Awning windows allow the sash to open outward, instead of inward, or up and down like double hung vinyl windows. This design means that awning windows take up very little space while providing a great amount of ventilation.  Awning windows usually are opened with a hand crank. Screens are on the inside of the window, where they're more protected from the elements.

The outward opening design of an awning window is excellent for tight spaces, such as in kitchens or small bathrooms. The angle of the opening also provides wonderful ventilation even in rain.  The window opens at the bottom, which helps prevent most rain from filtering into the home when the window is open. These windows are often used for basements as well, because they can be situated high on the wall to let in both natural light and air.

Awning windows work well with other window styles, such as large picture windows or even casement windows. If you would like to learn more about this style of window, please contact us at 717-569-3700 or aspenwindows@gmail.com.

Replacement Windows: Vinyl vs. Composite

In the last decade the choice for replacement windows has gone beyond wood, aluminum and vinyl to include composite windows, made from a combination of fiberglass and wood pulp.

The new and technologically advanced products offer homeowners more options to replace window sashes, the part of the window that opens and closes. Each replacement window option has its pros and its cons.

Vinylwindows came to market in the 1970s and gave homeowners a less expensive alternative to wood or aluminum for their windows


In addition to being more affordable, vinyl replacement windows were considered better than the popular wood, because they didn’t require painting and were low maintenance.

Years later, vinyl replacement windows are still considered the more affordable, lower maintenance alternative to wood.

But in the past 10 years, manufacturers have brought composite windows and replacement sashes to market, offering homeowners new alternatives, particularly to vinyl replacement windows.

The comparison of composite windows to replacement vinyl windows include:

• The composite windows are stronger and more durable than vinyl, meaning less material is needed to hold the glass window in place. This allows more sunlight to filter into your home.

• The acrylic factory finish ensures the color resists fading and cracking far longer than vinyl.

• The materials are more rigid than vinyl, making them much less susceptible to expansion and contraction than vinyl, and allows for a smaller frame (meaning more glass & a greater view)

• Both types of new replacement windows are more affordable and durable than wood or aluminum.

• Vinyl windows are more affordable than composite and are equally energy efficient and low maintenance, but less durable.

Both composite windows and vinyl windows are superior in technology, maintenance and durability to wood or aluminum windows. While vinyl is more affordable than composite, composite windows offer a stronger frame for your glass window. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at aspenwindows@gmail.com or 717-569-3700.

What to Consider when Choosing Custom Replacement Windows for your Home.

Tips to keep in mind when selecting custom replacement windows for your home:

1.      Save Money with Extra Panes- Triple-paned windows or double-paned windows provide energy savings for your home and will pay for themselves quickly in extra savings on heating/cooling costs. Argon gas between the panes helps with insulation as well.

 

2.      Look for the NFRC Label- This label is recognized by all window manufacturers and acts as a “report card” for windows testing, energy efficiency, insulation and light transmittance.

 

3.      The Durability of the Window is important- How well the window is put together, what material it is made of, what glass is it composed of and what hardware it has, will also let you know if your window is one of the best custom replacement windows on the market.

 

 

4.      The Style of the Window- Depending upon whether you would prefer a sliding replacement window to save space, or a picture window to frame a great view. The style of the replacement window you choose, should fit in well with the style of your home. There are also many different types of finishes, colors and hardware that you can select from as well.

 

When choosing new windows, be sure to select styles that will suit your home both practically and aesthetically. For more tips and information, please don’t hesitate to contact us at aspenwindows@gmail.com or 717-569-3700.

Should you Install your Replacement Windows or Hire an Installer?

Are you able to install replacement windows yourself?

This depends on whether you decide to replace the entire window or the sashes only. You will need to completely replace the entire window -- frame, trim and all -- if an existing window is damaged, such as the wood is rotten. If this is the case, then you might want to hire a professional to do the job. The new window will be more energy-efficient than a window with only the sashes replaced, since it will have new insulation and will be sealed.

If you are replacing only the window sashes, you have two options. The first is the least expensive option, and you simply remove the old sashes and replace them with new sashes. The second option is what is referred to as a sash-and-frame unit. This consists of the sashes with a thin frame around them that fits inside the existing window frame.  This is the easiest option, and you can judge the energy efficiency better than with just replacing the sashes, since the NFRC will have rated the entire frame-and-sash unit and not just the sashes. The NFRC is an organization that provides information to measure and compare energy performance of windows, doors and skylights.

Renovation experts say replacing your window sashes is not an easy job -- especially if you're inexperienced. However, there are guides on how to replace sashes and instructional videos if you choose this route.

 

Hiring an installer

Many major window manufacturers train and certify their own installers, like we do at Aspen Home Improvements, so it's possible to find a contractor who can both sell and install your replacement windows. This could make things easier if problems arise at some point in the process. Recommendations from friends and neighbors, or an online resource that offers feedback from others in your area, can also be helpful. We are also available to answer any replacement windows questions you may have.

                                                   For more information, contact us:

 

 

 

http://www.aspenwindows.com/photo-gallery.html