Your Guide to Window Installation in Vancouver, WA

Are you tired of looking at your same, 40-year-old window that looks like it’s survived multiple different natural disasters? Does it give your house a draft and do nothing to stop outside noise? Don’t spend hours deciding on the material options and stressing over any installation steps you’ve been trying to understand. Our friendly installation crew is here to put your mind at ease about your window installation in Vancouver, WA. Whatever type you are interested in having installed, we’re here to help.

If you’ve been putting off a replacement project for a few months now, the Vancouver handyman experts at Mr. Handyman of Vancouver, Camas, and Ridgefield can make quick work of that for you.

Types of Window Installations

When making choices for a window replacement or installation, it’s important to evaluate the surrounding structure to which you’ll be adding your window installation. The main difference between these two types is one fits into a pre-existing frame and the other has a frame included. This list is mostly focused on the most common types of installation used in residential housing, but there are many different window options that vary in their opening style, design, types of glass, material, and more.

New Construction

Windows in new construction installations will usually have a nailing flange to attach to a rough opening. These are meant for clear openings in your house with no trim or siding. They can be used instead of replacement windows when your wall and frame have badly deteriorated. These types can often be major installation projects and may require a team of workers.

Replacement

A replacement will be made to fit within an existing finished opening. They have no nailing fins or flanges and are smooth-sided for easy insertion. This type is faster and easier to install but will have less glass to let light in. We recommend this type when your structure has an existing opening and its peripheral area is in good shape.

How to Tell it Might Be Time for Window Installation

A lot of people assume as long as their window is still opening and closing properly, it doesn’t need a repair or replacement. Meanwhile, they’re missing out on the other benefits of having a new, high-quality window installation in Vancouver, WA.

High Energy Bills

Windows play a big role in maintaining your house’s air temperature and energy efficiency. Is yours letting a draft come in through tiny spots? Older windows often aren’t great at keeping hot air in during cold winter seasons and cold air in during summer months. Newer models are highly efficient and designed to help prevent air from transferring in and out of your home.

Decaying Frames and Leaks

The most noticeable sign that your window needs replacement is a decaying frame. As wooden frames are exposed to moisture, their condition can go into a downward spiral. Leaks can allow moisture to build up over time and cause damage to the wooden frame. The two most common reasons why your windows are leaking are poor installation and a failed sealing unit.

Soundproofing

Are loud noises transferring through your walls even when your windows are closed? The good news is they don’t have to be. Older single and double-pane windows can transfer sound vibrations from outside into your house. Newer, more energy-efficient windows will absorb these sound waves before they enter your home.

Benefits of Window Installation in Vancouver, WA

If your window doesn’t seem to be broken, you may be wondering why you should bother with a Vancouver window installation. In reality, there are many other often-overlooked benefits that can be attributed to a new window installation in Vancouver, WA. If you want all of the benefits of a quality installation and none of the risks associated with an improper installation, trust our remarkable team to provide you with an amazing customer experience with our installation services.

Make Your Home More Secure

Older windows can have problems locking, and even worse, problems closing properly. This means there’s a security flaw in your home. Wouldn’t you rather rest easy knowing every entrance to your home is properly secured? You wouldn’t leave your front door unlocked, so why would you leave a ground-level window open to anyone who wants to come in? Put your mind at ease by upgrading to make your home more secure with a new window installation in Vancouver, WA.

Extend the Life of Your HVAC System and Increase Energy Efficiency

Using your HVAC less often puts less stress on it and will extend its life. This means fewer repairs and it delays a full replacement even further. Windows that are better able to resist heat transfer and keep your house at the proper temperature mean your HVAC unit won’t need to work as hard, or sometimes at all. This means lower bills and fewer big repairs.

Noise Cancellation

As mentioned already above, an upgrade will help silence outside noise and can result in better sleep and an overall more enjoyable life. If cars are keeping you up at night or interrupting your reading, it might be time to look at Vancouver window installation.

Improve the Appearance of Your Home

If you have an older home, you’re most likely already experiencing drafts, leaks, bad noise cancellation, and decaying wood frames. And the worst part is, your windows look out of date on top of that. Replacement means a new updated look plus all of the benefits listed above. Our service department has an unwavering commitment to helping you love your home and can provide installation recommendations to make sure it's perfect.

Why You Should Use a Professional for Vancouver Window Installation

After researching the steps of how to perform your own Vancouver window installation, you may be tempted to attempt to tackle this task yourself. We’re here to give you our professional advice on why you may want to consider using a professional like Mr. Handyman of Vancouver, Camas, and Ridgefield for this project. Don’t let saving money in the short term outweigh the strong probability you’ll need to replace or repair these windows in the future due to improper installation.

Air Leaks:

Improperly installed windows can affect your home’s energy efficiency. Leaks from gaps between the structure and your window will let in outside air and make your HVAC unit work overtime. This air will also leave you with a draft. Your experienced handyman will ensure that your installation is completed correctly, without leaving any gaps. A knowledgeable expert will also help you pick the best windows for your home’s particular installation needs.

Water Damage:

A poorly installed window is prone to leaking. The first warning signs may be noticing slight dampness or rot under the window or along the window frame and sill. Eventually, this will lead to finding peeling paint or wallpaper, puffy walls, and eventually rotting walls. These problems are typically due to the windows not being level or the flashing being poorly installed or broken. Our professionals have years of experience installing windows and back up our work with our service guarantee.

Bad Caulking:

Often referred to as the final step and a finishing touch, caulking plays a huge role in your home’s ability to keep the air inside and prevent outdoor air from entering. Unless you’re an experienced handyman, you may be at risk of improperly caulking your window. Uneven or patching caulk will cause problems with sealing down the road.

Fog Between the Panes:

Between the panes of a double-pane window is a layer of argon gas that works to slow down heat conduction and improves your window’s energy efficiency. If your window’s seal were to break, the gas would escape, letting water vapor seep in, eventually condensing into fog. If you’re noticing fog, you’ll need a permanent replacement. Professional installation can significantly reduce the risk of this happening.

Vancouver Window Installation FAQs

How Much Does Vancouver Window Replacement Cost?

There are many factors that go into calculating replacement costs. These factors include the material, type, models, location, size and finally, the state of the existing frame. A common option such as a typical wood frame will be cheaper than hung windows with expensive glass for energy savings. Grid patterns and geometric options can also have an impact on the price.

We recommend contacting us directly for replacement cost estimates. The more simple it is, the cheaper it may be. More complicated designs with multiple frames of glass and unusual locations in your house will be more expensive. If an older home (usually over 70 years old) that lacks standard-size window openings, replacement may require full removal of the frame.

How Can You Tell if Your Window is Leaking?

If you have suspicions about leaking air or water, or just want peace of mind, here are some tests for windows:

• The Candle Test: Light a candle and trace the sides of your windows from inside your home. If you notice the flame or smoke pulling, that means you have a leak on your hands. This will show if the entire area is leaking or only a certain part of it. Caulking will sometimes be enough to solve it, but other times replacements may be necessary.
• Water Damage: If you’re noticing dripping or rotten wood on the exterior of your window, it could be a sign of leaky vinyl windows.

How Long Does Window Installation Take?

There are many factors that could affect the amount of time window installation takes, such as the condition of your existing window, its frame, and the surrounding structure, as well as the type of replacement you choose. For that reason, it’s difficult to provide an estimate for the amount of time this project will take without first visiting you in person to inspect your property.

Overall, this project can often be completed in a single day or less, but it’s best to make an appointment with our team for a preliminary inspection and estimate before making any decisions. That way, you can get an honest, accurate, upfront estimate of the amount of time this project will take.

Choose Mr. Handyman for Window Installation in Vancouver, WA

If you’re looking for peace of mind about your Vancouver window installation, trust our installation crews to provide the best customer experience. Our expert handymen put customer care first and focus on quality installation to give you results that will last. We are the experts in window replacement and installation in Vancouver, WA.

The team of professionals at Mr. Handyman of Vancouver, Camas, and Ridgefield focuses on customer service and provides a workmanship guarantee, meaning we will make sure the job is done to your satisfaction and will survive the test of time. Our customer testimonials speak for themselves!

If you’re ready to get rid of those old, drafty windows or want classic-looking windows, casement windows, or a superior product, give us a call or book an appointment through our website to get started today. We’re ready to help with window installation and many related projects, like window repair, door repair, and door replacement, for your home.