Visiting a Showroom
A reputable contractor will have a permanent place of business and should be able to show you full sized examples of the windows and doors that you are considering. They should be in an installed setting so you can see and feel just how they will look and operate in your home. Compare double and triple glazed windows for both easy cleaning and energy savings.
Energy efficiency and easy cleaning are the two most important features to most window shoppers. When visiting a showroom ask if the particular style of window you are considering has a “tilt in for cleaning” feature. Try cleaning the window yourself, and feel the weight of a full sized window when it tilts in. You should be aware that some manufacturers only show triple glazed windows because their double glazed versions do not qualify for the ENERGY STAR labels… but the trade off is in weight and long term durability even with “heavy duty hardware”. So feeling the weight of the window is particularly important if you are considering triple glazed windows. With today’s technology, it is quite possible to get the same top ENERGY STAR ratings in a double glazed window without risking the dangers that come with the weight of triple glazed windows. For a true comparison, ask to see a full sized double glazed window that has the same Level D ENERGY STAR rating.
