Five Star Windows

The Importance of Using High-Quality Materials as a Contractor

It is an unfortunate—and frankly alarming—fact that many contractors are turning to lower-grade materials to boost their profits. The dangers of engaging in this practice are many, and any one of them could cause you to lose your business. Here are some of the reasons to only use high-quality materials as a contractor:

Protects You From Liability

• Contractors are falling under increased scrutiny lately over the quality of their building materials. One of the best examples of this is the Big Dig tunnel collapse, which was an underground highway project in Boston, Massachusetts. After a partial collapse in 2006, which killed one person, the project’s contractors were sued for using substandard materials in constructing the tunnel. If you use poor materials in your work, you are putting yourself at high risk of an eventual lawsuit, should your materials ever fail. Give yourself and your clients the peace of mind by investing a few extra dollars in quality materials.

Forges a Great Reputation

• More and more construction clients are valuing quality over cost these days. It’s a well-known fact that higher-quality materials have bigger payoffs in the long run, and this is a fact that homeowners know all too well. For this reason, they will actively seek out contractors that use high-quality materials for their projects. Using top-notch materials is a very marketable practice for your company; by spreading the word about your high-quality materials, you can drive potential clients to your business. Best of all, this helps you build up a reputation as a contractor who values safety and quality over his bottom line.

Over the past 30 years, contractors in the Bay Area have made Five Star Windows their go-to for premium window and door products. Whether your client wants energy-efficient windows, sliding doors, or a specific brand, you are sure to find something to meet both their needs and yours. We are constantly updating our inventory, so contact us at (408) 385-9867 to find out what we have in stock today.

What is It That Makes Windows Energy-Efficient?

The term “energy efficient” is most often applied to appliances such as microwaves, heaters, and air conditioners. Many people don’t realize that other products can be energy efficient as well, such as windows.

This video discusses the criteria used to designate windows as energy efficient. Examples include the type of glass that comprises the panes and the way the window is put together. Watch the full video to learn more.

We stock a variety of major brands of energy-efficient windows here at Five Star Windows. To get started placing an order, call (408) 385-9867 to speak with one of our friendly sales agents.

Want To Know More About Window Warranties And Saving Energy? Check Out These Educational Resources!

Check out the pages below for more information on the beautiful French doors available from Anlin. You can also learn more about the different door styles that are available from Therma-Tru and our other recent blog topics. For more information, contact Five Star Windows at (408) 385-9867 today.

• Are your windows fully covered by warranties? Learn more about the importance of warranties from Milgard.

• Learning about the energy efficiency ratings of windows is key to reducing your energy costs, according to this Energy.gov resource.

• You can find out even more about the importance of energy efficient windows and doors from Energy Star.

• GreenBuildingAdvisor.com has more on when it’s a good time to replace a window.

Common Window Problems: Sticking Windows

Sticking windows are an annoying problem that many homeowners contend with everyday. Fortunately, it’s not hard to get most stubborn windows to open and close easily once again. Here’s a quick overview of sticking windows, and simples steps you can take to eliminate this common issue once and for all.

What Causes Windows to Stick?

• Windows can become hard to open and close for a variety of reasons. Standard double-hung and sliding windows often jam up when their channels become dirty. If you’ve painted your window frames recently, some paint may have made its way into the window sash and dried there. This can lower the amount of space a window has to maneuver, making it harder to open. Through rare, problems could result from your window frame itself. If your window has been difficult to open from the start, it may have been improperly installed.  

How Can You Fix Sticking Windows?

• There are a number of ways to fix a window that is difficult to open and close. First, you will want to give the sashes, jams, and channels and good cleaning before attempting other fixes. Often, dirt and dust buildup can be the primary cause of a sticking window. If you’ve recently painted and your window won’t budge, use a putty knife and hammer to lightly tap at problem areas around the window casing. Once you get your window to open, applying a thin layer of furniture wax to the grooves on both sides should help it to open more smoothly in the future. Be sure to wipe up any furniture wax that may have spilled onto the frame, sill, and the window itself.

At Five Star Windows of Campbell, we provide window sales, installations, and replacements to homeowners throughout the San Jose area. We offer the finest Milgard products and a range of the best window brands in the industry. Call us today at (408) 385-9867 to find out more about your window replacement options.

Keep Your Home Safe in a Storm with Simonton Windows

Your windows are one of the most vulnerable elements of your home in a storm. Worse yet, if your windows fail during severe weather, it can cause a host of damages inside your home. Finding windows resistant to severe weather events is crucial.

As you’ll find out in this video, Simonton windows are designed to stand up to any type of severe weather. You’ll watch as technicians fire a two-by-four directly at a Simonton impact-resistant window at Category 4 hurricane-force winds, failing to penetrate through the glass.

To protect your home from severe weather, contact Five Star Windows. We supply and install a full range of weather-resistant windows for San Jose area homeowners, including Simonton products. For a free estimate, call us at (408) 385-9867.