Preparing Your Home for Window Replacement

Casement Window

So you’re planning on replacing your home’s old windows, which is great. Window replacement is a step in the right direction if you want to improve the year-round energy efficiency and comfort of your home. But how do you prepare your home? How long will the process take?

Home Preparation for Window Installation

Believe it or not, your part in the window replacement procedure can help the installers get the job done a little bit quicker and potentially reduce labor costs.

What can you do to help?

  • Have a place for the crew’s vehicles.
  • Clear a space in your yard for work equipment.
  • Make sure there are no indoor obstacles (like furniture) that block access to the windows.
  • Remove blinds and curtains (and wall decorations near the windows).

Also, feel free to put down old, ratty sheets or drop cloths in the area near the windows being replaced. Your crew will be professional, careful and courteous—and do a thorough clean-up job after the installation is complete—but there still may be a lot of dust and debris from sanding and stripping.

After the Installation

Preparing your home before replacement is important, but there are still some things to do after you have your new windows installed! After the job is done, it’s recommended to:

  • Check the windows’ operation and locks right away and contact the installers if something doesn’t work correctly.
  • Keep all your receipts and paperwork, including ENERGY STAR® and NFRC labels (and apply for rebates if eligible).
  • Take proper care of your windows so they last as long as possible—add window maintenance to your to-do list.
  • Recommend the company that installed your windows if you think they did a good job!

Window Replacement in the Indianapolis Area

Getting ready to replace your windows? It can be helpful to keep these tips in mind. If you’re not quite at that stage yet and are still looking for a company, the team at Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie would love to talk to you!

Contact us to learn more about our services.

Why Your Windows Are Hard to Operate

Are you having trouble opening and closing your windows? Not only are improperly working windows inconvenient and frustrating, but they can indicate a problem that needs to be fixed quickly. If your windows are hard to open and close, there could be a few different reasons why.

While it’s best to talk to a window professional and have them determine the source of the problem, it can be helpful to get an idea beforehand. Contact us to schedule window replacement, or keep reading to learn more!

Window seals button

Sash Deterioration

A sash or frame that is corroding can be a sign of wood rot or mold growth or that the seals are broken down—and it can make the window harder to operate. Modern windows are very durable, but this can still happen, especially if you have single paned windows or high levels of humidity inside your home.

Rusty or Broken Parts

Faulty window operation could indicate rusty hardware, but sometimes a full replacement may be necessary. If the window doesn’t work, it’s possible that the spring (or other hardware) is broken or that the sash or frame has warped or is deteriorating.

Dust & Debris Buildup

It’s natural for dirt, dust and other debris to build up on your windows, on the sill and sash. Over time, this can make the windows more difficult to open and close. Single- and double-hung windows are common types to experience this type of problem.

Read more about common window problems »

Do You Need New Windows?

If you need to replace your windows, the team at Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie has you covered. We offer high-quality vinyl windows that can help improve the energy efficiency, comfort and aesthetic of your home. If you live in the central Indiana area, make us your first and last call.

You may also be interested in reading:

Vinyl vs. Fiberglass Windows

Do you need new windows for your home? Perhaps you’re trying to decide between different materials. There are many different ones—vinyl and fiberglass are two such options.

Should you get vinyl windows or fiberglass windows? Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie can answer all your window questions—keep reading to learn more about vinyl windows compared to fiberglass.

Fiberglass vs. Vinyl Windows

No one window material is the best—it all depends on your needs and priorities. All the materials have their own advantages. The factors most people look at when determining which type of windows they want include:

  • Energy efficiency
  • Durability
  • Maintenance
  • Price

Let’s see how vinyl windows and wood windows compare! Take a look at the table below:

Difference Between Fiberglass and Vinyl Windows

Energy Efficiency Durability Maintenance Price Strength
Vinyl Good Good Good Good Fair
Fiberglass Good Good Good High Good

Vinyl and fiberglass windows are both energy-efficient, durable and low-maintenance, but vinyl windows are more affordable.

Vinyl Window Installation in Indianapolis

If you’re interested in replacing your old, drafty windows with new vinyl ones, you’ve come to the right place! Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie installs high-quality vinyl replacement windows from American Window and Great Lakes Window for homes throughout central Indiana.

We can install vinyl:

  • Casement windows
  • Awning windows
  • Single-hung windows
  • Double-hung windows
  • Slider windows
  • Bay and bow windows

Contact us today to learn more about our replacement window services!

You may also be interested in reading:

Should You Install Bow Windows?

Your windows make up a significant portion of both the exterior and interior of your home—and have a major impact on the overall aesthetic. What shape are your windows in? If they don’t look good, it may be time for replacement.

Do you want to install windows with unique character? Looking for a way to enhance the design of your home? Consider bow windows!

What Are Bow Windows?

While nearly everyone knows what bay windows look like, many are unfamiliar with bow windows. They are somewhat similar to bay windows, with many of the same benefits. Bow windows typically include four or more window units in a radial or bow formation and are often rounder in shape than bay windows, which are more squared.

What Are the Advantages of Bow Windows?

Like bay windows, bow windows offer a number of benefits. They:

  • Add architectural character to any home’s exterior – bow windows are often used solely for aesthetics! They have a unique design and stand out more so than other types of windows—even bay windows.
  • Can help raise the market value of your home – bow windows can help boost the curb appeal and resale value of your home.
  • Help brighten your home – if a room in your home is dim, installing a bow window is a great way to let in natural light and brighten the space.
  • Offer wide views – you can use bow windows to draw attention to your home’s landscaping; they are bigger than other windows and offer beautiful, expansive views.

Regardless of the style of your home and no matter the reasons for installing bow windows, you’ll be able to enjoy their many benefits!

Bow Windows from Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie

Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie offers high-quality vinyl bow windows from American Window and Great Lakes Window.

American Window’s bow windows are designed to enhance your home’s aesthetics and help improve its comfort and energy efficiency.

Great Lakes Window’s bow windows are elegantly crafted, built for maximum security and designed for high energy efficiency—and they are low-maintenance and durable as well. Some convenient features include:

  • Insulated glass for maximum energy efficiency
  • Color-matched locking and operating hardware for easy operation and high security
  • Interior glazing bead that provides a waterproof and seal to help protect the glass
  • Decorative grids inside the glass unit for easy cleaning
  • Fusion-welded construction for extra strength
  • Narrow sight lines for unobstructed views

Now is a good time to replace your windows—before the winter arrives and temperature plunge. Contact Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie today to learn more about our window replacement services in the central Indiana area or if you’re ready to install bow windows!

Can New Windows Help with Sound Control?

Your home should be peaceful and comfortable, but that can be impossible if there’s no soundproofing. If noises from outside are louder than normal—or are excessive and just don’t seem right—there could be a couple different reasons why.

sound control bay window

Do you have old, drafty windows? Your energy-inefficient windows could be the reason why noises are louder than they should be.

 

Window Replacement & Soundproofing

Windows manufactured today can be more energy-efficient than those installed even just a few years ago! Many modern windows are made with two or even three panes of glass, which means they are more effective insulators.

Double- and triple-pane windows are often marketed for their energy saving features, but keep in mind that the features that insulate your home from the heat and cold can also help reduce outside noise. Today’s windows are available with:

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

These features all work together to help with sound control.

Insulated windows are especially beneficial for those who live in traffic-heavy areas or places where outside noises can be disruptive—such as downtown Indianapolis.

Energy-Efficient Insulated Windows

Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie offers quality replacement windows from American Window and Great Lakes Window. These windows are energy-efficient, with insulated glass, and can help you not only reduce outside noises but also save on your energy bills.

Other reasons you could be experiencing excessive noise in your home are insufficient insulation and air sealing. Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie offers window replacement services and can also insulate and air seal your home. Contact us today to learn more about our services or if you’re ready to schedule a consultation!

Benefits of Slider Windows

If you need new windows for your home, you have many different considerations to think about—and the style is one of the most important ones. When it comes to window styles, you have many options!

You may want to consider slider windows. Slider windows—also known as sliding or gliding windows—have a sash that glides horizontally to open. They offer great ventilation for those who prefer to let in a breeze.

What Are the Advantages of Installing Sliding Windows?

Slider windows offer a number of benefits—these windows:

  • Offer expansive views – due to their design, sliding windows offer wide, unobstructed views, perfect for highlighting your home’s landscaping.
  • Are easy to operate – with the push of a finger, you can easily open slider windows. This makes them great to install in hard-to-reach areas.
  • Can be lower-maintenance than other types of windows because they have fewer moving parts, there is a lower risk of problems arising.

Slider Windows from Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie

Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie offers high-quality vinyl windows from American Window and Great Lakes Window.

American Window: Since their establishment in 1989, American Window has grown into a leading manufacturer of custom vinyl windows in Indiana. They offer different window styles for every home.

Great Lakes Window: One of the United States’ oldest vinyl window manufacturers, Great Lakes Window knows how to create a quality product that can perform reliably for years. They offer all different styles of vinyl replacement windows.

Need Sliding Window Installers in the Indianapolis Area?

If you’re in the market for slider replacement windows in central Indiana, Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie can help! We offer high-quality, energy-efficient windows that are attractive and durable. Contact us today to learn more about our window replacement services or if you’re ready to install gliding windows!

Benefits of Insulated Glass in Windows

There are a number of reasons people replace their windows—from energy efficiency to security to maintenance to pure aesthetics. One of the biggest reasons is energy efficiency. If you’re in the market for new windows, there’s a good chance your current ones are old and drafty and causing your energy bills to increase!

This is why it’s so important to get energy-efficient windows.

Energy-Efficient Windows: Insulated Glass

One of the components of an energy-efficient window is the glass. In fact, most windows manufactured today have insulated glass (glazing).

What Is Insulated Window Glass?

Windows with insulated glass are double-pane windows. Insulated glass refers to two panes, separated by what’s known as a spacer, which is usually filled with argon or krypton gas. This spacer seals the gas between the two panes. It can be made of different materials (aluminum, structural foam, etc.). Panes vary in thickness.

What Are the Benefits of Insulated Glass?

Insulated window glass maximizes energy efficiency and offers several benefits related to this. Double-pane windows:

  • Can help reduce your energy bills
  • Can help eliminate drafts and make your home more comfortable all year round
  • Provide better soundproofing and help reduce outside noises
  • Tend to be more durable
  • Are more secure (double-pane windows are harder to break)
  • Can help reduce moisture infiltration problems and related problems, like mold growth

If you’re replacing your old windows, there’s no reason to not buy energy-efficient windows with double glazing!

Double-Pane Window Installation in the Indianapolis Area

For those in central Indiana, Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie has your window needs covered. We offer energy-efficient products from American Window and Great Lakes Window.

Windows from American Window have ¾-inch thick insulated glass, argon filled spacers and double-coated low-E glass. Some of the features may vary depending on the product line.

Windows from Great Lakes Window have 7/8-inch thick insulated glass and polyurethane R-Core® insulation filled mainframes.

No matter your window energy efficiency needs, let us help. Contact us to learn more about our services or if you’re ready to schedule an initial window replacement consultation!

Vinyl vs. Aluminum Windows

Do you need to replace your home’s old windows? You’re probably trying to decide on a material—and you have numerous options to choose from! Perhaps you’re considering vinyl and aluminum.

Which one should you get? Which is better—vinyl windows or aluminum windows? Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie can answer all your window questions, so continue reading to learn more about vinyl windows compared to aluminum.

Aluminum Windows vs. Vinyl Windows

No one window material is the best—it all depends on your needs and priorities. All materials have their own advantages. The factors most people look at when determining which type of windows they want include:

  • Energy efficiency
  • Durability
  • Maintenance
  • Price

Let’s see how vinyl windows and aluminum windows compare! Take a look at the table below.

Difference Between Vinyl and Aluminum Windows

 

 

Energy Efficiency Durability Maintenance Price Strength
Vinyl Good Good Good Good Fair
Aluminum Fair Good Good Fair Good

Aluminum windows only trump vinyl in terms of strength. These two windows have similar qualities, but vinyl is better in terms of:

  • Energy efficiency
  • Price

Aluminum windows tended to be more popular when energy prices were less of a concern. So if high energy efficiency and affordability are your biggest priorities, you may want to go with vinyl windows.

Vinyl Window Installation in Indianapolis

If you’re interested in replacing your old, drafty windows with new vinyl ones, you’ve come to the right place! Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie installs high-quality vinyl replacement windows from American Window and Great Lakes Window for homes throughout central Indiana.

We can install vinyl:

  • Casement windows
  • Awning windows
  • Single-hung windows
  • Double-hung windows
  • Slider windows
  • Bay and bow windows

Contact us today to learn more about our vinyl replacement window services!

How Much Does it Cost to Replace Windows?

Do you need new windows for your home? Failing to replace your old, drafty windows in a timely manner can cost you extra money, but the thought of installing new windows can be daunting to some homeowners, in terms of both price and duration.

We often hear the question, “how much do replacement windows cost?” There’s not a simple answer. Window installation depends on several different factors:

Window Materials

The material of the window frame can greatly affect the overall price of a window replacement project. Wood windows are on the more expensive end of the spectrum, while vinyl windows tend to be less costly.

Window Panes

While more energy-efficient windows, such as ones with double or triple panes and gas fills (typically argon or krypton), can be more expensive upfront, they pay for themselves in the long run by helping you save money on your energy bills. They can also make your home’s interior more comfortable, whatever the season.

Window Sizes

How large are the replacement windows you want to install? Installing a large bay window in the kitchen or a small double-hung window in the bathroom? Usually, the smaller the window, the lower the price—however, special shape/specialty windows can sometimes cost more to install.

Number of Windows

How many windows do you need to replace? Obviously, the more windows you install, the more expensive the project will be. Keep in mind, though, that window professionals sometimes charge less per window if you install several at the same time. So if you’re thinking about replacing multiple windows, be sure to talk to your local window company!

Average Cost of Window Installation in Indianapolis

According to HomeAdvisor, the average reported window installation cost in the Indianapolis area is $4,018, with most homeowners spending between $3,151 and $4,885. Although replacement window projects can cost more than this, homeowners have the chance to recoup much of the cost. Remodeling magazine’s 2013 Cost vs. Value Report says that in the region including Indiana, a vinyl window replacement project that costs $9,924 has a resale value of $6,456 and a cost recouped value of 65.1 percent (meaning you can regain back up to 65 percent of the upfront cost).

Need Replacement Windows for Your Home?

If you live in central Indiana and need to replace your home’s windows, look no further. Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie installs high-quality vinyl replacement windows.

Contact us today to learn more about our services!