How To Choose a Window Company in Shields
It's important to find a window installer that aligns with your individual values, needs, and preferences. Consider the following areas during your hunt:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for new windows, it's essential to remember that there's more to cost than just purchase price. You want a high-quality and durable window. Although high-quality windows may come with a higher initial price tag, they often yield better long-term value due to their longer lifespan. The final cost of your replacement windows will hinge on the specific materials, styles, and sizes you need. Single-hung windows often cost less due to their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a custom-cut arch window in a master suite will cost more. It's recommended to consult a vetted window installer to figure out your ideal options.
To help you form a rough estimate, this table shows the typical cost of the most common residential window types.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Arched | $222-$1367 |
| Awning | $322-$898 |
| Bay | $743-$5511 |
| Custom | $330-$918 |
| Casement | $257-$1490 |
| Double-hung | $120-$775 |
| Egress | $220-$550 |
| Glass Block | $44-$557 |
| Picture | $193-$1429 |
| Single-hung | $87-$1469 |
| Skylight | $110-$1326 |
| Sliding | $253-$1286 |
| Storm | $52-$363 |
| Transom | $269-$563 |
Window Material Cost
Window prices also vary based on material. Each option provides unique advantages depending on your climate and energy-saving goals. Vinyl and fiberglass are readily-available materials, so they tend to cost less. Likewise, aluminum and composites look sleek and stay strong against the elements, so they tend to cost more.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $52-$1469 |
| Composite | $530-$1192 |
| Fiberglass | $87-$743 |
| Vinyl | $178-$1653 |
| Wood | $265-$1490 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each window installer you're considering about labor costs, warranty fees, and permit fees. This will help you understand the overall expenses involved in the project.
Experience and Training
Examine a company's website and talk to a representative to learn more about its product and service offerings, pricing, and guarantees. Many window companies also keep online portfolios that highlight past projects.
Ensure that the company focuses on window replacement. The more specific training its staff has, and the longer it has been in operation, the more likely it will deliver top-notch service.
Licensing and Credentials
Illinois doesn't issue state contracting licenses to window installers, but towns in the Land of Lincoln might have their own requirements for companies to follow. In Chicago proper, window installers must have a Class D or E license and submit copies of business disclosures for the public record. Outside the Windy City, licensing requirements are more varied.
Types of Windows Offered
There are numerous replacement window types you can choose from, and it's vital to find a company that has expertise with the ones you want. Check a company's website and reviews for any of these types:
- Awning
- Bay
- Bow
- Casement
- Crank-out
- Custom
- Double- or single-hung
- Egress
- Garden
- Jalousie
- Picture
- Sliding
- Skylight
- Specialty
- Storm
- Transom
- Vent
Customer Feedback
Perhaps the best way to prescreen window companies for your job is to see what previous customers have said about them. You can find customer reviews on websites like Yelp, Trustpilot, the BBB, and Google. Referrals can also help you in your company search. Ask each company you're interested in for a list of references, and talk to family and friends about who they use for window installations.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Shields
How could new windows help my energy efficiency?
The U.S. Department of Energy states that 25%–30% of a home's heating and cooling capacity is used to compensate for heat gain and heat loss through windows. By upgrading to new, more efficient windows, you can improve your home's energy efficiency and minimize your electricity bills.
What is the maintenance schedule for an average window, and how long will it last?
What are some important metrics to know when I shop for replacement windows?
- Air leakage rating, which shows how tight a window's seal is
- Condensation resistance, which shows how a window deals with moisture
- U-factor, which shows a window's temperature-insulating capability
- Visible transmittance, which measures how much visible light passes through a window
- Solar heat gain coefficient, which determines how much heat from sunlight can pass through the window
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
