Five Star Windows

Still Curious About Replacement Doors And Windows?

Windows aren’t only important for your home’s beauty, but for its energy efficiency as well. If your energy bills are soaring, you should strongly consider hiring a team of window replacement professionals to help make your home more beautiful and efficient. For more information, check out these additional resources:

• Is your home as secure as it could be? If not, check out these home security tips from HowStuffWorks.com.
• Installing a new entry door is a great way to boost your home’s curb appeal. Learn more at this page from Better Homes and Gardens.
• What are some of the benefits of natural light? This page from OneGreenPlanet.org has the answer.
• Remodeling the kitchen is always a daunting task. Luckily, this article from MSNBC can help make it a little easier.
• Water damage is an ever-present concern for all homeowners. Learn how to avoid it at this page from the Weather Channel.

Do you have any questions and replacement windows? Call Five Star Windows at (408) 385-9867.

Steps for Preparing for Your Window Replacement Project

You’ve decided to replace an aging window; however, you’re not sure how to get started. Though talking to a San Jose window sales and installation service is your best option, knowing a few simple tips can help you along the way. Here’s a quick guide that will make your window replacement project go much smoother:

Measure Your Windows

To give your contractor a better idea of what type of window you need, perform a quick measurement of your current window. With a tape measure, measure horizontally and vertically at three different points—at both edges and in the middle of your window. Be sure to measure just your window, and not the pre-existing frame.

Choose a Window Frame Material

With a plethora of options available, it can be difficult to choose the window frame material that is right for you. Vinyl, fiberglass, and wood frames are all very popular, each coming with its benefits and drawbacks. Aluminum and wood composite frames are also viable options. Consult with your contractor about the best option for your home and budget.

Choose a Window Operating Style

The style of window you choose will depend on what you are trying to achieve with your interior design. If you own a more traditional home, you can never go wrong with single- and double-hung windows.  Owners of more contemporary homes may want to look to casement windows, skylights, and specialized window designs.

Schedule an Installation

After you have chosen your replacement window, schedule an installation with a qualified San Jose window installer. Be sure to prepare the area for when workers arrive, clearing away materials, taking down drapes and curtains, and ensuring that there is ample workspace. Proper preparation will help ensure that your installation goes as smoothly as possible. 

You can get help with your window replacement project from start to finish when you contact Five Star Windows. Serving the San Jose area, we help homeowners complement their homes with a beautiful array of window designs. Call us at (408) 385-9867 to find out more.

Common Window Problems: Condensation Between the Glass

Double-pane windows, also known as insulated or thermal windows, are built with two panes of glass separated by a sealant and often filled with compressed gas. If you find condensation between the glass of a double-pane window, it means the window’s seal has broken, and you will likely need a replacement. Learn more about the cause of and possible fixes for condensation in insulated windows by reading the following guide:

Cause

The argon, krypton, or oxygen gas that normally fills double-pane windows helps a great deal with insulation. When gas is allowed to escape through a broken seal, the window is no longer insulated. As a result, air and water vapor moves inward, creating visible condensation. If you observe condensation on a double-pane window, it is a sign that your window’s sealant has failed. 

Possible Fixes

If you find that the seal of a double-pane window has broken, the first step is to check for any existing warranties. If your window remains under a warranty agreement, you may be entitled to a free replacement. It is difficult to repair a double-paned window, though not impossible. A professional window repair service can remove the condensation between your window panels and reseal them so that water vapor cannot re-enter.

Installing a Replacement

Thermal windows with broken seals can never regain their original insulation, so the surest way to fix them is to install a replacement. Contact a trusted window sales and installation service and consult with an expert about your options. If your thermal window is aging, this could be a good opportunity to install a new, more energy efficient model. To further insure your new window against possible failure, be sure to opt for a lucrative warranty.

At Five Star Windows, we strive to provide cost-effective and efficient window installation and repair to homeowners throughout the San Jose area. For a free estimate, and to find out more about your thermal window repair or replacement options, call our Campbell office at (408) 385-9867.

Wood vs. Fiberglass Entry Doors

Fiberglass and wood are both popular door material options, but each comes with its own benefits and drawbacks. Choosing one of these materials for your new door installation will require a close comparison of maintenance requirements, appearance, and price. Read on to learn more about the differences between these materials:

Appearance

For a classic, high-end look, you can’t go wrong with a wood door. Common in both traditional and contemporary home designs, wood doors lend a classy, natural appearance. Most fiberglass doors work to mimic the appearance of wood doors to varying success. It is hard to tell many models apart from more expensive wood materials. For others, however, the appearance can be less than convincing.

Maintenance

One of the primary advantages of fiberglass doors is their low maintenance requirements. Fiberglass doors are highly resistant to wear and tear. Their dent-resistant surfaces can be painted or stained, and require little regular maintenance. Wood doors, on the other hand, require much more maintenance. Though wood is also resistant to dents and scratches, you’ll need to paint and varnish your door to keep up its appearance.

Price

Fiberglass doors are typically a much more wallet-friendly option than their wood counterparts. Also, fiberglass’ low maintenance requirements mean it does not need to be replaced often. However, what you make up for in price, you may sacrifice in style. Although more costly than fiberglass, wood doors are second-to-none in appearance. Making a choice between the two options will require a close look at your budget and the available styles.

If you are choosing a door material for your next installation project, get the help you need from Five Star Windows. We are experts in door materials and installation, helping homeowners throughout the San Jose area choose optimal designs to enhance their homes. For a free estimate from a qualified door and window contractor, call our Campbell office at (408) 385-9867.

How to Remove the Window Screen from Your Milgard Windows

Though screens on Milgard windows fit snugly, removing and replacing them is relatively easy. To remove your window screen, press upward on the top of the screen while lifting up on the screen tabs. From there, you will be able to remove the screen for cleaning.

To replace your screen, simply slide it back into the groove in front of the window. While pressing the top, lift the screen tabs, securing your screen in place. For more tips on removing and replacing your window screen, watch this video from Milgard Windows.

If you are interested in installing Milgard Windows in your home, contact Five Star Windows. We are your certified Milgard Windows supplier in the San Jose area. For a free estimate, call our Campbell office at (408) 385-9867.