How to Find the Best Window Replacement Near Me

According to a report from the FBI, more than 6.92 million property crimes occurred in the US in 2019. Close to three in four of those crimes were larceny-theft. On the other hand, burglaries accounted for 16.1%.

If you have broken window panes, criminals may target you and your home. The same goes for if you have windows that you can no longer close and lock.

For those reasons, it’s best to search online for “window replacement near me” as soon as possible. This way, you can reduce your risks of falling victim to thieves and burglars.

This guide details tips on finding the best window replacement, so make sure to keep reading!

Do an Online Search for Same-Day Window Replacement Near Me

About a third of robberies occur through an unlawful entry, such as through an open window. A broken window, in turn, is pretty much like an open window. So, whether it was a baseball or the wind that broke your window, that gaping hole may be enough to let a criminal in.

As such, it’s imperative to get a window glass replacement the same day the old one broke.

Fortunately, some of the best window installation companies offer emergency services. This means they can send a professional installer to your home the same day you request the service.

That’s also why you’d want to choose a local window contractor for the job. This way, they’d spend less time on the road and get to your home sooner. Plus, by going local, you can easily find them if you have something to discuss with them.

In any case, the sooner the window installers reach your home, the sooner they can start the job. If the pros only need to replace one window, they can complete the job in an hour or less.

However, emergency services may cost a bit more than regular installation. Still, it may be best to overlook that higher price, as it’s your safety and security on the line, after all.

Besides, burglaries can cost far more than what an emergency window installation costs. For example, in 2019, the average losses that resulted from such crimes amounted to $2,600. That doesn’t even factor in the trauma that a crime can cause.

Search for Certified Window Installers

While it’s vital to replace broken windows ASAP, be sure to check a company’s credentials first. For example, look for installers certified by the American Window and Door ­Institute. The AWDI, in turn, only certifies installers who have proven their competency.

In fact, AWDI certification is a federally registered certification mark. This means that the government itself recognizes the credibility of AWDI installers.

The Fenestration & Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) is another certifying body in the US. FGIA-certified installers have undergone rigorous training on window installation techniques. They have also passed exams that confirm their window installation competency.

Certified installers abide by stringent codes to install windows properly. Proper installation is crucial to preventing air leakage and water infiltration in windows. Moreover, correct installation is necessary to keep windows energy efficient.

Make Sure Your New Windows Come With a Warranty

The most reputable manufacturers of replacement windows offer 10- to 20-year warranties. For example, Andersen Windows have a 20-year glass warranty. That’s on top of the 10-year warranty covering the windows’ non-glass components.

In any case, a window warranty covers some issues that may occur within the warranty period. For example, it may include coverage for material defects, such as on the glass or the hardware. So, if your new window develops a covered issue within the warranty period, its maker should foot the bill to fix it.

Your Window Contractor Should Also Have a Warranty

A window contractor warranty comes from the window installation company itself. It’s a guarantee of the quality of their craft and installation service. So, if a problem arises due to the installation, the contractor should address it on their end.

Many contractors offer at least a one-year warranty on window replacements. However, others are more confident of the quality of their service, so they may offer longer terms.

Invest in an Energy-Efficient Window Replacement

Energy Star qualified windows can help you save about 7% to 15% on energy bills every year. This makes them some of the best and most energy-efficient window replacements.

However, the actual energy savings you can get would still depend on the climate in your area. Even the window’s location would also influence your energy savings.

Let’s say you live somewhere with a cold climate, and the window you need to replace faces south. In this case, you’d want a window with a high Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) and low U-factor.

SHGC is a measurement of the amount of heat from the sun transmitted by a window. The higher a window’s SHGC rating, the more of the sun’s heat it allows to enter. Since you live in a cold climate, you’d want a high SGHC rating to take advantage of the sun’s heat.

The U-factor, in turn, is a measurement of a window’s insulating property. Lower values translate to greater insulating properties. So, a low U-factor can help you save energy as it can block conditioned indoor air from exiting your windows.

Not all window contractors carry Energy Star models, though, so be sure to ask all of your prospects first. This way, you can narrow down your list to only those who do have energy-efficient products.

Don’t Delay Replacing Broken or Defective Windows

There you have it, the full guide that answers your question, “how to find the best window replacement near me?” Just remember that it’s best to search for a local certified installer who can get the job done the same day. Don’t forget to factor in warranties, and most importantly, the window’s energy efficiency.

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