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  • 2019 Homeowner’s Guide To Sliding Glass Doors And Patio Doors

    2019 Homeowner’s Guide To Sliding Glass Doors And Patio Doors

    The 2019 Guide To Choosing Sliding
    Glass & Patio Doors

    How To Find The Best Patio Doors In Denver, Boulder,
    And Other Colorado Front Range Communities

    Finding the right sliding glass door for your Colorado home is a lot easier when you know what to look for. Here is the 2019 ‘quick guide’ to help you find the very best-quality sliding glass and patio doors.

    The 3 most important things in your sliding glass door are the glass, the glass, and the glass!

    You might think that is a little bit of an overstatement, but not really.

    When you stop and think about a sliding glass door, it really is a huge amount of glass. It is likely the largest “window” in your house – and the one you use the most.

    And all that glass will drive up your energy costs unless you have the right number of panes in your sliding glass door. Without triple-panes, the area near door will also be less comfortable than it should be.

    That’s why we ALWAYS recommend triple-pane glass as the only smart choice for patio doors. 

    Triple-pane glass is absolutely crucial if you want the highest level of comfort and energy savings for your home.

    Sliding glass doors can also allow a great deal of outside noise to penetrate your home – sound can penetrate ordinary glass easily. When you get triple-pane glass, that greatly reduces outside sound penetration.

    The final reason to choose a triple-pane glass patio door is that they are much harder to breakthrough than single or double-pane doors. Your home will be more secure.

    Another thing you need to know about any replacement sliding glass door: how strong and durable is the frame?

    Many Colorado Front Range homeowners don’t realize it, but most patio doors being installed on homes are hollow vinyl frames or frames with foam filling. That’s not a strong frame.

    You should look for a sliding glass door with a frame that is reinforced throughout with High Density Resin. This makes for a stronger and longer lasting patio door.

    Find out if the installers are experienced experts.

    The next thing you want to ask any Colorado Front Range sliding glass door installation company is who will be doing the installation.

    Sliding glass doors are used over and over and over again. dThis makes professional installation done to the highest standards very important.

    Always select a company that has very little installer turnover. Make sure the installation team has decades of combined experience and that the person who coming to take measurements for your door will know exactly what he’s doing. 

    Don’t be afraid to ask these questions of any contractor you are considering – it’s important!

    For more information about sliding glass doors, visit our Patio Doors page.

    Here’s a few last things you should know about sliding glass and patio doors

    • Ask your sliding glass door installation company if they have a beveled glass option. Beveled glass does cost a bit more, but if the company you choose offers it, strongly consider it. It adds a beautiful ‘WOW’ factor that can’t be matched with ordinary glass.
    • Also look for good security features. For example, some sliding glass doors now come with locking bars that bolt into steel receivers in the head and sill with one easy motion. This makes prying open patio doors pretty much impossible.
    • And be sure to ask about screens – they should come standard with your sliding glass door.
    • Patio doors should also come with “vacation” locks that add yet another level of security when you’ll be out of the house for a longer period of time.
    • Remember that hardware matters, too. Look for quality choices like Schlage products that come with a lifetime warranties.

    Don’t settle for anything less than a beautiful, secure, energy-efficient sliding glass door for your home. You’re making an investment in your home – get triple-pane glass and be more comfortable.

    For a free consultation and quote from Ameritech Windows, Click Here.

  • The Colorado Homeowners 2019 Guide To Choosing Replacement Windows

    The Colorado Homeowners 2019 Guide To Choosing Replacement Windows

    2019 Guide to Choosing
    Replacement Windows In Colorado

    Look For Triple-Pane Glass, Reinforced Frames,
    & Experienced Installers

    Choosing replacement windows for your home doesn’t have to feel like a chore.

    Once you have new windows installed, it’s a great feeling knowing that you have found the best possible windows. You can get those results by focusing on just a few key areas.

    With so many Colorado Front Range window companies to choose from, you can use this homeowners guide to sort through your options and not get stuck with an inferior product on your home.

    The 2019 Guide to Choosing Replacement Windows

    Here are the key things to consider when replacing your windows:

    GLASS

    This first thing to focus on is the most obvious – windows are mostly glass! So it only makes sense that the quality of your glass is by far the most important element to consider when you begin comparing windows. 

    Homeowners have a choice of single, double, or triple pane glass.

    Forget about single-pane altogether – the energy efficiency and performance of these type of windows is just plain poor. 

    Double-pane is a little better, but you are still not getting the best-quality windows for your home.

    Triple-pane is the best you can get, and glass is where you want to invest in the absolute best. Triple-pane is the key to more in-home comfort, more energy savings, and reduced outside sound penetration.

    Another bonus with triple pane windows is that they are more secure, because they are more difficult to remove or break, which deters intruders.

    For more information, visit our Triple-Pane Windows page.

    FRAME

    While not as important as glass, the quality of the frame is still crucial.

    Many window frames sold today are hollow vinyl frames. Or sometimes some foam is added inside, which really doesn’t do anything significant to the strength or efficiency of a replacement window.

    The best frames have strong reinforcement throughout (not just in a few places). The best reinforcement uses High Density Resin inside the frame.

    ALMOST NO MAINTENANCE

    The next question you want to consider as you shop for windows is, “How much work will this window require in terms of maintenance?” Most homeowners want low-maintenance windows; windows that are easy to clean and don’t require painting.

    Homeowners should be aware that just because a window is low maintenance, it doesn’t make it a quality window. Still, it is a good question to ask about windows as something you should know before purchasing.

    BEAUTY

    In addition to the above features, you also want your windows to look good. The nice thing is that the highest-quality windows are also the most attractive windows. If a window is triple pane, has a well-crafted frame that is reinforced with High Density Resin, you can be sure it will be a beautiful window, too.

    The beauty and quality of the best windows really stand out – you’ll literally be able to see the difference.

    WARRANTY

    A warranty is another key piece to consider when choosing replacement windows.

    The #1 thing homeowners need is to understand the DETAILS of a warranty.

    A warranty may say lifetime but find out if it is pro-rated (this is where coverage declines over time). And even if it’s not pro-rated, find out what lifetime actually means. Many times it is left vague and you’re not actually sure how long your coverage is.

    Finally, be sure to read the fine print. Sometimes the exclusions are numerous and significant.

    Always look for a warranty that is very specific as to how long it covers, and that doesn’t have a bunch of loopholes and exclusions.

    For more about warranties, visit our Window Warranty page.

    NSTALLATION

    There’s one last thing homeowners need to consider to get great replacement results: who is doing the installation?

    First, always check the reputation of any Colorado Front Range window company before you do business with them. 

    Are they A+ rated with the Better Business Bureau? Do they have hundreds of 5-star reviews on Google? Have they been in business for decades? 

    The answers to these questions will go a long way to telling you about the professionalism you can expect during installation.

    Turnover and installers with little experience are also a big problem in the window industry. Be sure to ask questions about the experience of the installation manager, who will be measuring your windows, and how long the installers have been working with windows.

    YOUR NEXT STEP

    Now it’s time for a free consultation and quote for replacement windows. There’s no risk or obligation, so go here to request a quote.

  • The Homeowners 2019 Guide To Window Styles

    The Homeowners 2019 Guide To Window Styles

    The Homeowners 2019 Guide to Window Styles

    Find The Right Window Styles To Increase The
    Curb Appeal Of Your Colorado Home

    When it’s time to replace your windows, one of the most important things to determine is the style of windows you want.

    Many homeowners feel like they don’t know enough about replacement window styles to make an educated decision on what’s best for their home.

    A consultation with an experienced window company can be the fastest way to get the information you need.

    If you’d like a free consultation and quote with Ameritech Windows, go here to Request A Quote.

    While there’s no substitute for an in-home consultation with customized information based on your needs, the quick guide below can be a great place to start. 

    Take a look at each of the window styles and take note of what you like and what you want to ask your consultant about.

    To learn more about window styles and request a quote, go here.

    Here’s the 2019 Guide To Window Styles

    Double Hung

    Double hung windows are one of the most common and popular styles of windows. They can be opened by raising the lower half or lowering the top half. This allows for better air circulation throughout the home, letting the warm air flow out at the higher level and cooler air flow in the bottom. Usually, these windows have a full-size screen. Double hung windows are also easy to keep clean.

    Slider

    A slider is characterized by both sides being able to slide to open. You can slide the window, from either left to right or right to left, depending on which side you want open. Since the opening is vertical, it allows for excellent airflow and ventilation, while still being able to keep clean and maintain easily.

    Casement”

    Casement windows have hinges at the side, are airtight and have screens already inserted. Their ability to fully open inward makes them easier to clean than many other styles. They also provide excellent air ventilation.

    Awnings

    Awning style windows are hinged at the top and open outward. These windows also provide an airtight seal, due to the type of locking mechanism used. An awning window has the added benefit of being able to remain open when it’s raining, due to the design features. 

    Hopper

    Hopper style windows are hinged on the bottom and pull inward to open. Many also have an exterior screen built in. These windows are commonly found in basements. 

    Picture

    A picture window does not open or have a screen. It is designed to fully capture the view from the interior of the home, as well as let in more natural light, and is usually quite large. Picture windows are purely for aesthetic appeal. 

    Bay

    Bay windows are made up of 3 separate windows that arch outward, usually at a 35 to 45-degree angle. Bay windows are typically found in kitchens and breakfast nooks and sometimes formal living rooms and family rooms.

    Bow

    Bow windows are comprised of 3 or more windows in a flowing arch. Usually, a bow window is not as angular as a bay window. The degree of projection on bow windows tends to be 10-degree angles, giving it a softer appearance than a bay window. Bow windows are usually found in living rooms or family rooms and sometimes master bedroom suites. 

    Garden

    Garden windows have casement windows on the side as well as the front and appear to arch out from the sides and the top. 

    Transom

    Transom windows are a fixed window above any other existing window, that’s usually inoperable, and its general purpose is to provide more natural light to a room. 

    Half-Round

    A fixed window in the shape of a half circle. Often combined with other windows, or placed above doors, it can bring more light into your home. There are many beautiful patterns available with this style of window. 

    Eyebrow

    This is a fixed window that is a twist on a typical dormer window. It has a curved ridge at the top, which gives the window a distinctive touch. 

    When you’re ready to shop for replacement windows, use this handy guide to help you navigate the choices available to you and then call in an expert for customized solutions for your home. 

    If you’d like a free consultation and quote with Ameritech Windows, go here to Request A Quote.

  • 5 Things You Must Know Before Hiring A Colorado Window Replacement Company

    5 Things You Must Know Before Hiring A Colorado Window Replacement Company

    5 Things You Must Know Before Hiring
    A Window Replacement Company

    Don’t Choose A Colorado Front Range Window
    Company Until You Look At Their Track Record

    It’s not something everyone in the window industry likes to talk about, but the truth is that the quality of window replacement companies varies.

    A LOT.

    We are not saying that most Colorado Front Range window companies are trying to scam people. (There are always a few bad apples, but that doesn’t mean most are like that).

    It doesn’t even mean that most window installation contractors are sloppy or don’t care.

    But the truth is – just like in any industry – there are very few companies that truly stand out. There just not many companies that you can count on for top-quality results every time.

    A simple fact proves this point: the majority of window companies fail within the first 3 to 5 years of launching. In a market that has that many unstable companies, you should always check that your window company can meet the following 5 criteria:

    (And checking that your window company can meet all 5 of these points is not looking for negatives. It’s simply a sensible way to protect yourself and set yourself up for a positive experience with window replacement results you’ll love).

    The 5 Things You Must Know About Your Window Company

    Have They Been In Business For Decades?

    With the fact that the majority of window companies go out of business in 5 years or less, Colorado Front Range homeowners need to be careful about who they hire. 

    Many contractors fail because of poor financial stability, a less than professional team, and sometimes problems with the quality of the windows.

    That’s why you should look for the exact opposite – a company that has been in business for 10, 20 or even 25+ years. It’s is a great sign that you are dealing with a rock-solid local company that keeps its promises.

    Are They A+ Rated With The BBB?

    This one is pretty straightforward: have the window company earned the Better Business Bureau’s highest rating of A+? That’s not the only thing that matter when looking at a company, but you should use it as a minimum standard to verify that a company is ethical and above board.

    How Many 5-Star Google Reviews Have They Earned?

    This is where a window company can really start to separate itself from other choices. If you have hundreds of other homeowners leaving 5-star reviews on an independent site like Google Reviews, this tells you that the company has a long and proven track record.

    If you would like to learn more about Ameritech Windows and our reviews, please visit our Reviews page.

    Can They Prove They Have The Best-Quality Windows?

    Most window companies offer pretty ordinary windows. For example:

    • The glass in them is double-pane, instead of triple-pane.
    • The frames are hollow vinyl or foam-filled, instead of a frame reinforced throughout with High Density Resin.
    • The various other parts and components of the window are nothing special, instead of being of the highest quality.

    Always look for a company that truly believes in the superior quality of the windows they install and can actually explain what makes their window product better.

    To discover more about what makes Ameritech’s windows so special, visit our Windows page.

    Are They Completely Upfront About The Details Of The Warranty That Comes With The Windows?

    The warranty is your peace of mind that the time and expense of replacing your windows will be worth it and that you’ve made a good investment in your home. And that you won’t get stuck with a lemon or a defective product should there be a problem years down the line.

    But it’s not enough to get the surface promises of your window warranty. Always dig in and get the exact details of your window warranty. 

    Don’t settle for hearing that a window warranty “lasts a lifetime.” Ask what that actually means – a warranty’s length should always be crystal clear.

    Similarly, always find out what’s in the fine print of the warranty. You may be shocked to learn that some warranties exclude coverage for damage caused by things like “normal weathering.”

    Not all exclusions and loopholes go that far, but you should know exactly what is excluded and why.

    For the best possible window replacement experience, always find out these 5 things before hiring any window company.

    If you would like a free consultation and quote from the window company that has been in business since 1994, request a quote by clicking here.

  • Don’t Replace Your Windows Until You Know These 3 Things

    Don’t Replace Your Windows Until You Know These 3 Things

    Don’t Replace Your Windows Until
    You Know These 3 Things

    Here Are 3 Key Questions All Colorado Front Range Homeowners
    Should Ask Before Replacing Windows

    There are a lot of different ways to approach window replacement. 

    You can call up as many different Colorado window companies as you want to come to your home and give you a presentation and quote.

    Or you can spend a lot of time doing online research.

    Or you can search for just the right sale or special.

    But all that can take a lot of time, and often you end up even more confused than before you started. 

    A better way to approach home window replacement is to focus on just 3 key things. Find out the quality of the window themselves; know who will be doing the installation; and learn what kind of warranty you have on the product. 

    Here’s are the 3 specific questions you need to ask when it comes time to replace your windows:

    #1 Product Quality Question: Will your windows have triple-pane glass?

    A window has many important components. For example, a frame should be durable and very strong, including High Density Resin reinforcement.

    But to get right to the heart of the matter with windows, the biggest differentiator is glass. After all, a window is about 87% glass. That’s why you should insist that all your replacement windows come with triple-pane glass.

    Replacing your windows is the perfect opportunity to significantly improve in-home comfort and get better energy savings, and triple-pane windows are the best way to do it.

    #2 Installation Expertise Question: Who will be installing your windows?

    It’s an unfortunate part of the window industry that most companies see a high degree of turnover, particularly among the installers. 

    This leads to companies scrambling to find people who can get the job done right. It can even mean people who lack the necessary skills showing up to your home to install your new windows.

    Always ask any Colorado Front Range window company about the expertise of your installers. The answers you want to hear is that they have installers with years and years of window installation experience.

    At Ameritech Windows, we have an installation manager that has been with us since 1995, and several other installers with 10+ years’ experience. 

    For more information about this, visit our Worry Free Installation page.

    Section#3 Product Guarantee Question: What are the details of the window warranty?

    When it comes to windows and the protecting your investment, you should find out exactly how long your warranty is for and what the fine print says.

    Window warranties often go by many names and are sometimes referred to as Lifetime or Limited Lifetime or “Double” Lifetime. While there are some differences in the details, when you read these warranties closely, they pretty much all have similar weaknesses.

    Some warranties are pro-rated, meaning they aren’t a true lifetime warranty with full coverage for the entire length of the warranty period. Another problem with many “lifetime” warranties is that the actual length of the warranty is often not specified. It is all left very vague.

    Even worse can be the fine print. Homeowners should be aware of any and all exclusions that are written into the warranty.

    The loopholes get so bad that some even exclude coverage for “normal weathering.” That’s a pretty wide exclusion!

    The best thing a homeowner can do if find a window with a warranty that is absolutely clear as to the length of coverage and that clearly spells out any exceptions or exclusions to coverage.

    If you’d like to learn more about the warranty that comes with the windows we install, visit our Window Warranty page.

    There’s no need to drive yourself crazy when shopping for replacement windows. If you simply focus on these 3 key things, you’ll end up with window results you love.

    Would you like a free quote on your window replacement project? Contact us.

  • What To Consider When Doing Home Window Replacement

    What To Consider When Doing Home Window Replacement

    What Should I Consider When
    Replacing My Windows?

    Here’s How To Look For The Best Windows In
    Denver & Surrounding Areas

    At some point, almost every homeowner decides it is time to get the windows replaced.

    Sometimes it’s just after you moved into an existing home and you realize the windows are too old and don’t perform well.

    Or maybe you moved into a brand-new home and discovered that the builder kept costs lower by installing inferior windows.

    Most often, homeowners just get tired of their old windows that leave them feeling less comfortable in their own home.

    When it is time to replace your windows on your Denver or Colorado Front Range home, here are the major factors to consider:

    The Glass

    The most important part of any window is the glass, for the obvious reason that almost 90% of your window is comprised of glass.

    What isn’t as obvious to everyone is that the glass in any newly installed windows should always be triple-pane glass. But the benefits of triple-pane glass are terrific.

    Not only does triple-pane do a better job at keeping heating and cooling expenses lower, it also provides an extra layer of sound protection. If you live in an area with a lot of street or highway traffic noise, this can be an especially good benefit. 

    Triple-pane windows are also a great security barrier against intruders because they’re harder to break.

    If you would like to learn more about triple-pane windows, go here to schedule a free consultation and quote.

    The Window Frame

    Window frames should be the next thing you find out about. One of the most critical elements with frames is strength and durability. Window frames should always be reinforced with High-Density Resin (HDR) and should never be hollow or foam filled. 

    High-Density Resin reinforcement keeps the frames from warping or sagging.

    Some window manufacturers choose to only do limited reinforcement in certain places in the frame. This is a cost-savings shortcut, but that is not the best interest of the homeowner. Don’t go with a window manufactured with shortcuts; always choose a window reinforced throughout with HDR.

    Appearance

    The appearance of your new windows is another factor to consider as you compare replacement windows. Some windows obviously stand out for being designed better and using better-quality materials.

    For example, most replacement windows are designed with the lock just stuck on top of the sash. More elegant designs are available that integrate the lock into the sash, making for a cleaner and more beautiful design.

    Choosing A Proven Compan

    When deciding on replacement windows, it’s important to look at more than just the windows themselves.

    Be sure to check the track record of any company you’re considering. Any company that you hire should have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, have hundreds of happy Google reviews, and have an installation team of experienced experts.

    You should also check how long the company has been in business. The longer they have been in business, the better chance that they are financially stable and keep their promises to homeowners.

    To find out more about us, please visit our Why Us page.

    The Warranty

    Last, but certainly not least, you want to check on the warranty that comes with your new replacement windows.

    New windows are an investment in your home. And that investment should be protected with a warranty you can trust.

    Make sure that the warranty is very clear about the length of the coverage. Just a vague reference to a “Lifetime” warranty isn’t enough – it should be 100% clear how long the warranty lasts.

    You should also always check the fine print. Often window warranties come with too many exclusions that come back to haunt homeowners later.

    Next Step For Learning More

    There’s a no-risk step you can take to learn more about replacement windows in Denver and surrounding areas. Contact Ameritech Windows and request a free consultation and quote. There is no obligation and we promise you’ll learn a lot about what makes for the best replacement windows.

  • What Are The Best Replacement Windows I Can Buy?

    What Are The Best Replacement Windows I Can Buy?

    What Are The Best Replacement
    Windows I Can Buy?

    With so many different replacement windows available on the market, it might seem at first like finding the best window will take a lot of research and maybe even a little bit of luck.

    But finding the very best replacement windows in Colorado is not as hard as it might seem at first. It is a matter of focusing on a few key areas. 

    The first thing to consider is the glass. Since a window is mostly glass, the overall performance of a replacement window will hinge on the quality of the glass package.

    The best replacement windows you can buy will have triple-pane glass. Most windows sold are double-pane glass, but this will mean your windows don’t perform at the highest level and therefore your home will be less comfortable than it could be.

    For instance, during the summer months, triple-pane glass keeps heat transfer to an absolute minimum. This means you won’t have extreme temperatures in rooms that get more sun.

    And when it’s cold outside, triple-pane windows retain more of the heat generated by your furnace.

    Another big benefit to triple-pane windows is how much they cut down on sound penetration. If you notice lots of noise from the outside during the day or are a light sleeper that gets woken by outside disturbances at night, triple-pane windows are the smart choice.

    For more details about the benefits of triple-panes, please visit our Triple-Pane Glass page.

    Once you’ve determined the glass package that comes with your windows, next find out about the frame.

    Here are the 3 things you want to know about your window frame: how beautiful is it, how strong is it, and how easy is it to maintain?

    A beautiful window speaks for itself. There are cheap-looking windows – some made with recycled vinyl – that will harm the curb appeal of your home. You’ll be able to tell the difference in attractiveness just by looking at a higher-quality window. 

    To find out how strong a window is, find out how it is reinforced. Many windows sold today are either hollow vinyl frames or foam-filled frames.

    The very best windows will not be hollow or foam filled. Instead, they will be reinforced throughout with High Density Resin. This makes for a frame that is both durable and strong.

    Finally, make sure that a window is very low maintenance. Avoid any windows that require regular painting or other high-maintenance tasks.

    Triple-pane glass, and a beautiful, strong, low-maintenance frame are the keys to finding the very best replacement window you can buy.

    Here are a couple of other things homeowners should consider when looking for the very best replacement windows to buy.

    One, it’s important to remember that even the very best replacement window will fail if not installed properly. That’s why you should carefully look at the track record of any Colorado Front Range window company you’re considering.

    Ask questions like…

    How long have they been in business? Are they A+ Rated with the Better Business Bureau? Do they have hundreds of 5-star Google Reviews? These are the right kind of questions to ask to make sure you are going to get the best-quality install to match your best-quality windows.

    Another way to protect yourself is to understand the warranty that comes with your window. Many window warranties are called Lifetime or Double Lifetime, but the actual term it covers is often unclear. Also, there are often a lot of exclusions written into a window warranty that can undermine your coverage.

    If you want the very best windows, make sure the warranty is above board, clear, and specific as to how long it covers. For more information, please visit our Window Warranties page.

    Would you like a quote on replacement windows that are the best available in Colorado? Contact Us for a free consultation.