We’re excited to say that we’re starting to see the window industry and the weather starting to heat up. As the busy season approaches. We want to remind you, that if you’re planning to purchase windows in 2010, now is the time to get serious!

In 2009, Denver window companies received a influx of interest late in the year. People wanted to get their hands on the $1,500 tax credit that was available, and had to get their windows installed before the year ended. For many, waiting too long to talk to a window company resulting in missing the opportunity to get in on the credits for 2009.

If you’re thinking of buying new replacement windows, denver area residents should move quickly! This year, many companies are predicting a 2-3 month wait for windows to be installed. This could easily be longer. Don’t wait and miss this opportunity request a quote to speak with a industry expert today!

If you’re thinking about replacement window information you’ve come to the right place. Denver Window Info.com is here to help you make the your window search easier but more importantly help you to determine what window, features, glass options are best for you and when you’re ready, help you find a industry leading window replacement company.

We’re excited about the opportunity to help you with your buying decision. Please visit our homepage and look around. We’re confident you’ll find valuable information and we hope you’ll tell us how we can improve our site.

Are you looking for something you couldn’t find? Please comment to let us know, we’re happy to help!

We’re nearing the end of the winter season and transitioning into the summer months. What better time to reflect upon that magical combination of SHGC and southern facing windows and how a proper selection of window could have actually generated heat for your home all winter long. The matter of fact is that there is a sort of harmony where a window is actually generating more heat than it’s releasing during the winter month. How this effect is generated is a bit beyond the scope of this post but I’ll cover the basics for you below.

First, SHGC or (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient) is a important measurement displayed on the Manufacturer rating system. It’s purpose is to measure the heat transmitted from the sun blocked by the windows.

For cold weather climates where temperatures fall low enough, the SHGC for southern facing windows can actually best perform if it’s not at it’s lowest values. A low SHGC, where very little solar heat is transfered through the window would be a .30. A higher SHGC, where more heat is permitted through the window might be .50.

Our northern neighbors have a easier time determining when a SHGC should be higher or lower for the best energy efficient windows. The increased time during colder temperatures increases the significant changes a high SHGC can provide. In Colorado, this becomes more varied since your home may be too hot during fall and spring when a south facing window permits a lot of heat into the home that then must be cooled.

If you’re buying. A higher SHGC without sacrificing your U-value for southern windows should improve your energy savings over a low SHGC window. Consider a .50 SHGC or slightly higher effective at generating heat for your home in the window while maintaining a minimal difference. With a higher SGHC, during summer months you’ll pay a slightly higher cooling bill to offset the additional heat permitted to radiate through your window. The extra cooling costs in the sumer will be outweighed by the savings to heat your home in the winter.

For north facing windows, the SHGC rating of those windows isn’t worth worrying about as much. If you’ll be buying a different glazing or option for windows on different sides of your home you’re likely to save money by having a higher SHGC on northern windows. A higher SHGC is neither harmful or helpful for northern windows. Overall buy the northern windows according to what price will make the most sense.

For more information: Check this great post on Green Building Advisor.com

Have you ever considered the effects SHGC might have on your windows and winter heating costs? Did you realize you might save more money over a year with higher SHGC ratings rather than lower? Let us know! Post in the comments.

Many people are more interested in getting a general idea on the cost of new windows and not a full fledged quote. Well, that’s a tricky question and it’s very difficult to estimate with any level of accuracy.

So, for what it’s worth, I will give you some generalizations. But, you’ve been warned – window’s vary in price significantly based on features, materials, install needs and the overall size of the window.

The best of the best, for top end quality, expect to pay top dollar. You could spend thousands per opening for the worlds most efficient windows. While the best windows on the market will initially require big investment, the payout is that most of these windows will pay for themselves in 15-20 years. That’s dependent of coarse, on what is coming out and a number of other factors. You may not recoup the full window cost for more than 40 years with energy savings alone. Also, consider the fact that the windows will increase the value of your home by between 50-90% of the cost of the new windows. But I digress…

If you’re looking for a general high end window, plan on roughly $500-$800 per opening.

A more basic vinyl replacement window with 2 panes of glass and middle of the line features and energy savings will range significantly but a $300-$600 per opening would be fair.

The lower quality and lower efficiency windows that in many cases may just marginally outperform the windows in your home currently, can run from $100-$300 per window opening. If you’re considering one of these windows, and you currently have a vinyl or similar composite window with 2 panes of glass, you’re not going to see much change in your excel energy bill. If you’re current windows function and you can save for a better investment in higher grade windows I would highly recommend it.

Many real estate professionals will consider windows as they ‘flip’ or remodel a home. The selection they’ll make for windows should they determine they need to be replaced should vary. A high end home should receive at very least a medium grade double or triple pane window. With the potential to reclaim a very large percentage of the cost of the windows in the resale value of the home, it’s best to consult with a Realtor or appraiser for determining the window grade to consider. As the neighbors who have replaced their windows. If you’re window quality is significantly lower than the smith’s next door, you’re likely to be hurting the home’s value and sell-ability.

Have a specific question on how much you should expect to pay for windows? Post it in the comments and we’ll do our best to answer any questions you may have!

Denver Window Info is giving away a free 1-hour photo session, in studio or on location in the Denver Metro area. This session will include a high resolution CD of all the images captured (fully edited) with a copy-right release that allows you to print and use the images as you please.

Photography provided by Innovative Images.

Why are we doing this?

We’re hoping to bring Denver area residents to our site and give people a chance to get to know us. The give away gives people a chance to learn about the great information available here and get a chance to win a fun prize.

Rules for entry -
1. Enter by posting a link to this article on your Facebook/Twitter or Blog. Or simply use the ‘Share it’ button below.

2. Each post qualifies as 1 entry into the final drawing.

3. Post a comment here with a link to your Facebook/Twitter or Blog post.

Read more…

Request a quote from a local professional today! Learn about your options and get pricing details for your home. You’re may be surprised at all the options and benefits a window can give you. With all the tax credits available, why wouldn’t you?

There really is never a bad time to request a quote to help you make the best buying decision. If your expecting to buy in the next 10 days or 12 months, request a quote today!

Where is the best place to find stained glass windows in Colorado? Scottish Stained Glass Windows is a great resource. Check them out!

Stained glass windows can add a great touch of style to any home. The options available vary greatly but there’s no doubt that they can add a great personality to your home.

So, there’s always been a elephant in the room when it comes to buying replacement windows. Many people find that most companies will require a in-home consultation of some sort to help them select the right window and take measurements.

The time investment that a in home consultation may require is often a surprise people hadn’t expected. To properly educate on the purchase and products available, the truly responsible thing for contractors is to invest the time that it takes to do things ‘right’.

But what if you’re a busy family? In 90% of cases, it’s best for a Husband and Wife be present at the time of the consultation. Many families find it difficult to set aside the 1-2 hours where they can go through all the motions traditionally taken.

The situation from the contractor’s point of view is to spend the time with their customer that is required to ensure a great sale. If too little time is spent with the customer, they may end up buying a product they are not happy with and in return become frustrated. It’s also a great chance to ‘Make the sale’ and really explain what your product/company strengths are.

From the position of someone researching windows. The idea of getting the right purchase and spending the time required sounds great on the surface. Although, the best advise is often to receive more than one quote or at least research more than one product. It can be very frustrating to try to find time where you and your spouse are available at one time. It becomes even more difficult when you’ve got to find that time 2-3 times.

Many websites offer to ‘Get you the lowest quote’ or ‘get competing quotes’ from multiple companies. While this might help solve the ‘Most expensive/Lease expensive’ issue, you’re still missing out. A consultation – in house – even once, can provide a great outlook on the value of products and services and not just a flat price. It’s also common to have those companies request to take measurements of your home to ensure accuracy. So now you’re still stuck with getting enough time for someone to come and measure your openings.

Ultimately, I want to know what you think! I certainly don’t have the answers but I’m eager to see your opinions.

Post your comments and let me know – Don’t forget to re-tweet / dig / post this discussion on Facebook. You can also subscribe via RSS to our blog or comments.

When President Obama addressed the nation in his last State of the Union address, he mentioned a Philadelphia window manufacturer as proof of the stimulus act at work. And for the most part, many companies effected by the tax credits would agree. The Window industry, has certainly seen a boom in business and is looking forward to that continuing.

“Talk to the window manufacturer in Philadelphia who said he was skeptical of the Recovery Act until he added two shifts due to the business it created,” Obama said.

Although he didn’t mention Northeast Building Products by name, DWM confirmed that it was in fact the Philadelphia-based company with Fran Levin, its executive vice president. Levin says she received a call from the White House yesterday requesting permission for the company to be mentioned.

Following the address last night, she received a call from CNN and Northeast Building Products president Alan Levin appeared on CNN this morning at 11 a.m.

- For more on that story

As the normal slow period during December-January/February begins to fade away. Many window contractors are gearing up for one of the biggest sales year they’re likely to have experienced in recent memory.

Take our Poll, how do you think the tax credits have helped the economy?

Are you in a related industry? Have the credits helped you? Are you a home owner looking for new replacement windows – has the tax credit effected your interest or recent purchase decision? Tell us about it – Comment below!

When should I consider finding a local company?

If you’ve already done your research, and visited www.denverwindowinfo.com. You’ should be feeling confident you have a good start to understanding what options you have and how to take advantage of tax credits. I’d really recommend considering contacting a local professional today.

As the year progresses, Denver window installation companies are likely to see a greater volume of interest this year than they did last year. With the $1,500 tax credit availability peaking interest late in 2009, many homeowners found them selfs frustrated after learning they’d waited to long and could not have their new replacement windows installed by the end of the year.

With that being said, as the season begins to change, more and more people will likely be pushing to get their new windows installed. If you wanted to go see a new box office movie like Avatar in the theater, you wouldn’t want to wait until the last minute to take action. In fact – you might want to buy the tickets on-line to ensure it’s not sold out. Once you have the tickets, it will still be important to get to the theater early to ensure you’ve got good seats.

The same principle’s will apply to buying replacement windows in Denver. The rush will certainly be in place early this year.