|
|
|
| Learn about Windows Glossary Window Care FAQ Our Services Galleries About Us Request a Free Quote Architects & Contractors News & Awards Links Newsletter Home  Stellar customer ratings!Click here 849 29th Street Oakland, CA 94608
email: info@woodenwindow.com |
FAQ When planning your window or door project you will have questions about all aspects of it. We hope this Q&A section will provide some initial assistance. If you have a vital question, which you would like us to add or like us to answer, please send your request here.
1. What is the difference between using window specialists and contractors? Of all the decisions you will have to face in building or renovating, some of the most critical will be the decisions you make about your windows and doors. There are many factors that go into the manufacture, installation or restoration of these items that are not immediately apparent to the layperson. Specialists in windows and doors have the aggregate experience, tools and training to solve any problem that may arise to give you the window or door that truly fits. Windows and doors should last for many years trouble free, and choosing a specialist will help you achieve that. The appearance of your windows and doors is critical because they are the face of your building to the outside. to top 2. Are my double hung windows supposed to rattle? The sashes, the parts you move up and down, are supposed to hang in space without any friction. That means they should move with very little effort, and stay where they are put. There should be at least 1/8" clearance all around, side to side and in and out, when open. The only time they should be tight is when closed, at which point the "bump-out" feature should push the bottom sash against the stops. When the window is closed, and the middle rails meet properly, they are pushed apart a little. When opened, there may be rattling in windy conditions because of this construction. People tend to assume the old windows are faulty when they rattle in the wind. But this is simply a result of improper alignment of the components. to top 3. I live on a noisy street. My windows seem to be the weak link in keeping the noise outside and quiet indoors. What can be done? Replacement of your window sash with laminated glass can make a great reduction in sound transmittance. Installation of storm windows is another method we use; allowing you to keep your existing windows, and simply add a second pane. This leaves a good blanket of airspace between the panes. Standard "insulated" (double paned) glass will also reduce the sound but not as much as laminated glass. to top 4. Why should I use Wooden Window? We are experts in our field. We have over 20 years experience behind us. Windows and doors are the ingress and egress to our personal space and you want the best. At Wooden Window we follow through from the original specifications, to the fabrication of the custom windows from hand picked vertical grain fir in our own shop, and finally to careful site installation. We can also supply you with the parts to do the job yourself. to top 5. What should I expect as far as disruption in my home during the installation process? Most of our installations take less than a week. No exterior stucco is damaged. We vacuum and sweep the work areas every day. The minimum of disruption to the homeowner is one of our top priorities. to top 6. The wood on my window is soft. My screw driver penetrates into the wood 3/4" with moderate pressure. What should I do? This is likely a sign of wood dry rot, a fungus growth eating the wood. Repair may be possible depending on its location and severity, but more likely the replacement of the sash is needed. Call the specialists at Wooden Window; we can match your existing sash. to top 7. What is the appropriate window replacement for my building? Replacement in kind with respect to type, style, and materials is the 'right thing'. Consistency of type and style is clearly important in order to retain the building's architectural integrity. Material is also important, however. Doing the 'right thing' about your windows can also be the economical thing, in the short and long term. Repair of original windows is generally cheaper than replacing them. When repair is not practical, replacement windows identical with the original, even if at the cost of custom manufacture, represent the wisest investment because it will help preserve the long-term value of your property. to top 8. Do I need a complete window unit replacement or simply a sash replacement? The extent of deterioration, or the amount of wood rot in a window frame and sill will determine whether it can be repaired or needs complete replacement. Only an expert can evaluate this. In the vast majority of homes, we find that exterior redwood sills and other window frame members are in good condition and just need minor repairs with a two-part marine epoxy wood sealer and filler. Once the openings have been repaired, custom made, sash replacements can be fitted into them to give the look and feel of the original windows. This is a very much less invasive process than cutting out old window units and installing new ones. When damage to the original window unit is too severe to permit consideration of any other alternative, new window units made to the exact dimensions of the old ones should be installed. These should be made of wood to duplicate the look and material of the original windows. to top 9. I am getting ready to remodel my home including new windows and doors, how can you help? The specialists at Wooden Window can work with you to help identify the authentic original window fabric of your home. We can then assist in the design and specification of the proposed new openings as well as in constructing and installing the new windows and doors. Our historical knowledge of window design aids us in recommending the best vintage or modern wood window products to suit your home. That is why, throughout the US, there are so many Architects, Builders, Planning Commissions, Homeowners' Associations and "Do-it-yourselfers" who rely on our services. Request a Free Quote | Architects & Contractors News & Awards | Links | Newsletter | Home Contractor's License #640153 Association of General Contractors NARI - Nat. Assoc. of the Remodeling Industry |