Fall is beautiful here in the Indianapolis area—not only the vibrant colors but the temperatures as well. To let in a nice breeze, you go to open your window only to find that it doesn’t open all the way. Window problems can be frustrating, but, more importantly, they can potentially cost you more.

Are you considering going the do-it-yourself route? Many people who are handy around the house tackle DIY projects themselves. Why should your windows be any different?

Should I Handle Window Repairs Myself?

Here at Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie, we recommend professional services when it comes to windows (and we bet other companies do too!). Why? The number one reason is safety.

• Safety: Painting may be a fine DIY project to handle on your own. Although it may be faster when done by professionals, there’s essentially no harm in painting your front door and walls by yourself (but we suggest covering the furniture!). Windows are another story. For window repair, you may have to use a ladder and there’s a higher risk of injury.

• Money: Drafty windows are energy-inefficient and can cause your bills to skyrocket. If repairs aren’t handled correctly, even just one little part, your windows can end up costing you more money—and even potentially be a safety hazard. This is particularly important if there are young children in the house who can reach the windows.

• Efficiency: Lastly, professionals can get the job done much more quickly than you can. They have all the right tools, training and experience. No hours of research on the internet, trips to the store for the right equipment, etc. One trip and they’re done (for the most part)! Professionals also offer the benefit of knowledge. They can assess your windows and let you know if replacement would be more cost-effective than repair, which can save you more money in the long run.

High-Quality Window Services in Indianapolis

Do you need window repair or replacement in central Indiana? Make Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie your first call. We bring decades of experience to the table and work with all types of windows, from double-hung to casement to bay.

Contact us to learn more or start discussing your project!

Hinged at the top, side or bottom, casement windows swing open and close securely.  They are also extremely energy-efficient but how safe are casement windows? When working correctly, casement windows are one of the most secure windows that you can install in your home.

These windows are a great choice for many homes and not just for the fact that they are very secure! They also:

• Are easy to open
• Help provide great ventilation and airflow
• Come in a variety of colors  and designs

How Safe Are Casement Windows?

When in good condition, casement windows can keep your home safe and secure without a whole lot of effort or expense on your behalf. However, if your windows are old or they no longer function properly, you should consider replacing them or securing them.

If you have a casement window that is big enough for an adult to fit through, removing the operator crank and hiding it out of sight can help. For this to work, you need to have casement windows that are in excellent condition. If you have wobbly sashes or you need to prop the windows open, you may need extra security or new windows.

Casement Window Installation in Central Indiana

Whether you are looking to replace old casement windows or you are thinking about replacing your current windows with casement windows, Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie can help.

We offer the highest-quality casement windows, designed and manufactured by American Window and Great Lakes Window. Both brands come with a multi-point locking system, allowing homeowners to enjoy maximum security benefits. As mentioned previously, casement windows are one of the most secure window types and with this added security protection, you can be sure that your home is safe and secure.

If you are looking for new windows that are safe and secure, contact the team at Overhead Door Co of Indianapolis & Muncie to learn more about your options!

When it’s time to replace your windows, you have a few important considerations to make. In addition to the window’s operation style, you also need to decide what window material you want. If you’re comparing vinyl and aluminum windows, let this guide help you determine why vinyl may be the better choice for you.

Why Are Vinyl Windows Better than Aluminum?

Are vinyl windows better than aluminum—and if so, why?

Energy Efficiency

As a metal, aluminum allows cold air to enter quite easily in the winter. The reverse occurs in the summer when aluminum transfers heat from outside into your home.

On the other hand, vinyl is a naturally superior insulator. This means choosing vinyl windows helps make your home more energy efficient and can lower your heating and cooling bills in the process.

Durability

Aluminum shares another characteristic with other metals, which is that it corrodes when exposed to airborne chemicals, salt and pollution. The material can also rust if used in places continually exposed to high humidity, dampness or condensation.

In contrast, vinyl is more impervious to rust, rot and flaking. This means, if you live in a place with demanding weather, you can expect your vinyl windows to last.

Maintenance

You can paint new aluminum windows in any color you want. While this provides versatility down the road, it increases maintenance, requiring you to repaint the window as the paint gradually chips and flakes away.

The low maintenance requirements of vinyl provide a major selling point for this window type. Vinyl aren’t ideal for paint, so you choose the color you want at installation and sit back while the durable material outshines other windows that have to be repainted every few years.

Price

Aluminum and vinyl windows tend to cost about the same. It really depends on the window type, manufacturer and specific framing options you choose. Often the cost depends just as much on the glass as the frame material. In the end, it pays to shop around for the best combination of low cost and high quality.

Choosing New Windows for Your Indianapolis Area Home

Do these reasons convince you as to why are vinyl windows better than aluminum? It’s time to get serious about shopping!

Your first stop should be Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie. We offer vinyl windows from Great Lakes Window and American Window. Contact us today to learn more about vinyl windows and why they could be perfect for your home in central Indiana.

Do you have one or more broken windows in your home? Various problems may have you in search of a permanent solution. Consider these common problems and the best ways to fix your broken window.

• Stuck windows: Wooden windows are most likely to stick in the summer because this material expands in warm, humid weather. To get the window unstuck, first try rubbing candle wax along the window’s edge. If this fails to fix the problem, file down the opening edge to give the windows more room to slide. You may need a professional’s help to do this.

• Loose windows: The opposite can also occur when windows become loose and begin to rattle around. To fix your broken window, a professional can adjust its position as if installing it from scratch and, if that fails to work, try other methods .

• Broken glass: If a window pane is cracked, you can temporarily seal the crack with weather-seal tape or even clear nail polish. This is not a good permanent solution, though. If whole pieces of glass are missing, you should hire a window company to replace the pane.

• Rotten window sill: Wood can rot if it’s exposed to water. The best option for fixing this problem is to have the sill replaced. If the damage is more widespread, you may need to replace the entire window.

• Drafty windows: An easy way to fix a drafty window is to replace worn down or cracked weatherstripping. Professional services are recommended. This helps the window close tightly, reducing drafts and providing energy savings. You can also apply caulk to stationary joints, but again, this is a temporary solution at best. Replacement is one of the best solution for drafty windows, especially if they are older and just not as efficient anymore.

• Foggy glass: If the window is always foggy or sweaty looking, it can mean the seal between the two panes of glass has broken. It might be possible to de-fog the glass, but it’s difficult to prevent the problem from reoccurring. A better, more permanent option is to replace the window. You can save money by replacing only the glass portion.

Need Window Replacement in Central Indiana?

If you decide it’s not feasible to fix your broken window, you should pursue a replacement. Contact Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie to learn more about our window repair and replacement services!

Ever found yourself wondering: Why do windows have two panes? Allow the experts at Overhead Door the pleasure of cluing you in! Modern windows are made with multiple panes for energy efficiency purposes, but there’s more to it than that.

Two Panes Of Protection

Windows with two panes are appropriately called “Double Pane Windows”, or IGUs (Insulated Glass Units). These most often feature two panes of glass separated by a space to allow air or gas between them. These panes are sealed together with a vacuum-tight sealant along the frame, and often include a desiccant to reduce moisture buildup between the panes.

The two panes increase the insulation property of your windows, and the gap of air provides exceptional insulation against energy loss, and also acts as a buffer against noise pollution. Some IGUs are filled with a gas like argon, which adds further insulation, as it is more dense than the air we breathe.

Functionally speaking, double-pane windows are considerably more effective at insulating a home against weather, energy transfer and sound. They are quite superior to a single pane window, which are rarely seen in homes today.

The Benefits of Multiple-Pane Windows

Double pane windows provide excellent benefits, and are becoming more and more common as time goes on. Benefits include:

• Reduced energy costs. The increased efficiency of these windows can help save homeowners on utility costs, making them an extremely effective “going green” option.

• Improved insulation against noise. Double pane windows make for a much quieter and peaceful home by helping create a barrier against outside sound.

• A more comfortable home. Double pane windows can keep a cool home cooler, and a warm home warmer. Temperature control is one of the most desired creature comforts for a homeowner, and IGUs make it a much easier ask.

Double-Pane Window Installation in the Indianapolis Area

Why do windows have two panes? Now you know! For further information about Overhead’s products, services and offers, or if you’re ready to install new windows, contact us online today.

Are outdoor noises louder than they should be? When you get home from work, you want a relaxing, peaceful environment—not one where you can hear traffic and people outside talking. While insulation may be one solution, another one you may not have thought of is window replacement.

New windows can help with sound control—but there are so many choices. Which ones are the best for helping reduce outside noise? Contact Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie to discuss replacement for your home, or keep reading to learn more about the best types of windows for sound reduction!

What Are the Best Windows for Noise Reduction?

There is no single window style that is significantly better than the rest when it comes to soundproofing. The number of panes is a more important factor to consider. If you have old single-pane windows, we recommend replacing them. Double- and triple-pane windows are often marketed for their energy saving features, but the features that help insulate your home from the heat and cold can also help reduce outside noise. Modern windows are available with:

• Glass glazing
• Improved weather stripping
• Insulating gases (like argon)

These work together to help reduce noise from outside.

According to the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), soundproofing is a factor to consider when buying new windows. Products have certain ratings for this. Acoustical performance ratings measure the amount of sound transmission through a window. The higher the sound transmission rating, the better the window is at reducing noise from coming through. Learn more about window NFRC ratings and labels.

Window Replacement in Central Indiana

Downtown Indianapolis—and other surrounding areas—can be noisy. For those who live on busy streets or have old, inefficient windows, noise reduction could be a top priority. Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie installs quality vinyl windows that are energy-efficient and can help with sound control for your home.

Contact us today to get started on your replacement project!

Now is a great time to replace your old windows—demand for window contractors is lower in the summer. But there are many options out there, so how do you narrow it down?

It’s a decision many homeowners struggle with! Perhaps you’re in the same boat. Have you decided you need replacement but are trying to decide which type of window to purchase? Talking to professionals is recommended, but keep reading if you want a quick guide before bringing in the pros.

Best Replacement Windows on the Market

What are the best replacement windows?

Energy Efficiency

While this question is subjective in a way, there is a common characteristic shared among most of the best windows (products that get good ratings from consumers and are in high demand). This characteristic? Energy efficiency. The majority of window shoppers have energy efficiency at the top of their priority list. You probably do too!

Look for windows with:

• The blue ENERGY STAR® label
• More than one pane of glass
• Gas fills between the panes
• Low-E or other glazing that helps improve energy efficiency

In terms of style, picture windows (which are inoperable) as well as casement and awning windows have high energy efficiency marks.

Material & Style

Energy efficiency aside, reviews and ratings from other consumers are always good to look at when you’re shopping for windows (and anything else, really!). According to ConsumerReports.org testing, vinyl casement and double-hung windows are among the best.

Your Needs

“Best replacement windows” is very general. It’s best to break it down to be more specific. Start with where you need new windows. For instance, the best window for above your kitchen sink may be different than the best one for the front of your home.

Window Replacement in the Indianapolis Area

Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie offers high-quality vinyl windows from American Window and Great Lakes Window. We look forward to helping you improve your home’s energy efficiency, comfort and aesthetics with the right windows!

Contact us to learn more about our services or to discuss your project.

Casement windows rank among the most popular window replacements in central Indiana (and across the country). This window style opens outward by a hinge on its side. You control the pivoting motion with a crank mounted on the inside.

Are casement windows right for your home? Consider the benefits of casement windows to help you decide:

• Excellent ventilation: Casement windows are designed to open outward at a full 90-degree angle. Being perpendicular to the house helps guide breezes from all directions through the window for excellent ventilation in rooms that need it most.

• Easy operation: Thanks to the convenient crank, you can easily and quickly open a casement window with just one hand. There’s no need to put a lot of muscle behind the effort, as is sometimes the case with sliding and double-hung windows. This makes casement windows ideal for behind the kitchen sink or in a tight, hard-to-reach corner.

• Expansive view: Casement windows typically don’t have muntins, which are metal or wood strips placed between two panes of glass to mimic an old fashioned look from when larger windows were difficult to manufacture. Because of this, they give you an uninterrupted view of the outside.

• Enhanced energy efficiency: Thanks to fewer moving parts, casements are some of the most energy-efficient windows available. They close tightly, stopping drafts from entering, and with the right frame material and glazing technology, you can keep the sun and extreme outdoor temperatures out.

• Exceptional versatility: Because casements have a simple, elegant design, they’re appropriate for a wide variety of home styles, from classical to contemporary.

• Effective home security: Casement windows are among the most secure windows you can own. Because they can’t be operated without turning the crank, they provide superior security to sliding and double-hung windows.

Casement Window Installers in the Indianapolis Area

Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie supplies casements from two high-quality brands: American Window and Great Lakes Window. We can help you pick the perfect replacements for your home from one of these two trusted brands.

For more information about the benefits of casement windows, or to begin the window replacement process, contact us today.

If you need new windows for your home, you’re probably doing a bunch of research, trying to find the right type. There are so many choices available that making a decision can be downright difficult! What type of window should you buy?

To determine which style and material is right for you, it’s a good idea to think about why you’re replacing your windows and what your top priorities are. Energy efficiency? Appearance? Security? This will help you determine what type of window you need.

Choosing Windows for Your House

What is the right type of window for your home? The two main considerations will be material and style.

Materials

Wood and vinyl are two popular options. Wood has natural beauty many people find appealing, but it’s more vulnerable to warping and rotting and requires a bit more maintenance than other materials. While vinyl windows are sometimes not recommended for extremely hot climates, they:

• Are low-maintenance
• Don’t require painting
• Are less susceptible to rusting
• Are energy-efficient
• Work well with any home

Styles

We offer many different types of windows:

• Single-hung: Single-hung are common styles of windows. The lower sash slides vertically to open while the upper sash remains stationary.

• Double-hung: These windows are also found on many homes. Both sashes slide up and down and provide great ventilation.

• Casement: Single-sash windows that are hinged on one side, casement windows are energy-efficient due to the tight seal created between the sash and the frame.

• Awning: Awning windows are the same as casement windows except that they are hinged at the top (and have a more horizontal orientation).

• Sliding: Sliding, or slider, windows have a sash that glides horizontally to open and offer great ventilation.

• Bay and bow: Bay windows project outward from a home’s exterior—they are typically picture windows flanked by two or more smaller windows, usually casement or double-hung. Bow windows are like curved bay windows and help add architectural character to your home’s exterior.

What Are Your Priorities?

The factors that are most important to you will help you narrow down your options. Are your priorities:

• Energy efficiency? Consider casement, awning, or bay windows. We also recommend reading more about window energy efficiency.
• Beauty? Try bay or bow windows. In fact, they are sometimes used solely for aesthetic purposes!
• Maintenance? Due to their design, double-hung windows are easy to clean.
• Safety? With double-hung windows, you can leave the upper sash open and bottom one closed—still getting that breeze but helping prevent safety hazards for children and pets.

Window Installers Serving the Indianapolis Area

If you need new windows for your home in central Indiana, contact the team at Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie. We offer high-quality vinyl replacement windows and would love to help you choose the right ones for your home!

You may also be interested in reading:

• How to Choose a Window Installer
• NFRC Window Ratings & Energy Efficiency
• ENERGY STAR® Windows

If you already know you need to replace your old, drafty windows, that’s the first step in the right direction when it comes to improving your home’s energy efficiency. But what about aesthetics? Do you need ideas for your window replacement?

If you’re looking for window replacement ideas and inspiration, keep reading! Interested in discussing your project? Contact Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie!

The Right Windows for Your Central Indiana Home

Choosing the right windows for your home starts with the basics—what style is your home?

Do you have a modern house? Most modern style homes have large (often floor-to-ceiling) windows. For your home, don’t only consider big windows with expansive views, but also think energy efficiency. Green building is a major trend in modern building. Learn more about the best windows for modern homes »

Do you have an older or period style house? Windows for these older, period styles tend to be ornate—rather than minimalist and sleek. This often includes muntins and specialty glass. Learn more about the best windows for older homes »

Want some additional ideas? You can always:

• Look at different manufacturer websites (they often have visualizer tools where you can upload a picture of your house and actually see what different windows look like)
• Browse photos on Houzz
• Check out the photos below of windows from American Window and Great Lakes Window (the brands we offer)

Beautiful Replacement Windows

Also feel free to read through our blog for additional tips and information. We recommend:

• 2015 Window Trends
• Bay Window Ideas
• Vinyl Window Color Options

If you need window installers in the central Indiana area, call the team at Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie! We’ll help you choose the right windows for your home.