Blog
Tips, insights, and expert advice on windows, glass, and shower enclosures.
Hiring & Process
After Window Installation: Care, Maintenance, and Warranty
What to do after window installation—initial care, ongoing maintenance, understanding your warranty, and when to call for service.
Window Replacement
Aluminum Windows: When Metal Frames Make Sense
Understanding aluminum window frames—their strengths for specific applications, thermal break technology, and why they're not always right for homes.
Window Replacement
Argon vs. Krypton Gas Fill: Does It Matter?
Understanding the insulating gases used in modern windows—how they work, performance differences, and which makes sense for your windows.
Safety & Compliance
Basement Egress Windows: Requirements and Installation Options
Special considerations for basement egress windows, including window wells, sizing challenges, and options for finishing basement bedrooms.
Energy Efficiency
Best Windows for Boise: Treasure Valley Recommendations
Specific window recommendations for Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Eagle homeowners based on our Zone 5B climate conditions.
Safety & Compliance
Do Your Windows Have Safety Glass? How to Check
How to identify whether your existing windows have safety glass, what the markings mean, and what to do if they don't meet code.
Shower Doors
Clear vs. Frosted Shower Glass: Choosing the Right Privacy Level
Comparing clear and frosted shower glass options—appearance, privacy levels, cleaning considerations, and how to choose for your bathroom.
Window Replacement
Cold Glass and Comfort: Why You Feel Cold Near Old Windows
Understanding why you feel cold near poor-performing windows even when your thermostat says the room is warm, and how modern windows solve this.
Window Replacement
Double-Pane Windows Explained: How They Work and Why They Matter
Understanding double-pane (dual-pane) windows—how insulated glass units work, their efficiency benefits, and why they're the standard for modern homes.
Window Replacement
Drafty Windows: How to Tell If It's Time to Replace
How to identify the source of window drafts, determine if weatherstripping repair is sufficient, or if full replacement is needed.
Safety & Compliance
Egress Window Requirements: The Basics Every Homeowner Should Know
Understanding egress window requirements—minimum sizes, where they're required, and why these rules exist for bedroom safety.
Safety & Compliance
Egress Windows: Permits, Inspections, and Code Compliance
What to expect when permitting egress window installations, how inspections work, and ensuring your project meets code requirements.
Energy Efficiency
ENERGY STAR vs. ENERGY STAR Most Efficient: What's the Difference?
Understanding the critical difference between ENERGY STAR certified and ENERGY STAR Most Efficient windows—and why it matters for tax credits.
Safety & Compliance
The EPA Lead RRP Rule: What Homeowners Need to Know
Understanding the EPA's Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule—when it applies to window replacement, what it requires, and why it matters.
Energy Efficiency
5 Factors That Determine Your Window Replacement Savings
Understanding the key variables that determine how much energy you'll save with new windows, from what you're replacing to your home's overall efficiency.
Window Replacement
Fiberglass Windows: The Premium Alternative to Vinyl
Understanding fiberglass window frames—their performance advantages over vinyl, when the premium is justified, and what to expect.
Safety & Compliance
Finding a Lead-Safe Certified Window Contractor
How to verify a contractor's EPA lead-safe certification, what questions to ask, and red flags that indicate non-compliance.
Window Replacement
Is Your Foggy Window Covered by Warranty?
Understanding window warranty coverage for seal failure, what to check before paying for repairs, and how to file a warranty claim.
Patio Doors
Folding Patio Doors: Creating Indoor-Outdoor Living
Understanding folding (bi-fold) patio doors—how they work, space requirements, costs, and whether they make sense for Idaho homes.
Shower Doors
Framed Shower Doors: The Practical Choice for Many Bathrooms
Why framed shower doors remain a solid choice—their advantages over frameless, cost benefits, and situations where they excel.
Shower Doors
Frameless Shower Doors: What You Need to Know Before Buying
Understanding frameless shower doors—how they work, their requirements, cost considerations, and whether they're right for your bathroom.
Window Replacement
Glass-Only Replacement: When You Can Replace Just the Glass Unit
Understanding when replacing just the insulated glass unit makes sense, how it compares to full window replacement, and what to expect.
Energy Efficiency
Hard-Coat vs. Soft-Coat Low-E: What's the Difference?
Understanding the two types of Low-E coatings, their performance differences, and when each type is appropriate for different applications.
Energy Efficiency
Beyond Energy Savings: The Hidden Benefits of New Windows
While energy savings get the headlines, new windows deliver significant comfort, noise, UV protection, and home value benefits that often matter more.
Historic Restoration
Historic Window Restoration: What's Involved
What historic window restoration entails—the process, typical repairs, costs, and how it compares to replacement.
Historic Restoration
The Value of Historic Windows: Why Preservation Matters
Understanding why historic windows have value worth preserving—their craftsmanship, materials, and contribution to home character and property value.
Energy Efficiency
How to Claim the Window Tax Credit: Step-by-Step
A practical guide to claiming the federal window tax credit, including required documentation, forms, and timing considerations.
Energy Efficiency
How to Read an NFRC Window Label
A quick guide to understanding the NFRC label on windows, including what each rating means and which numbers matter most for your climate.
Energy Efficiency
Idaho Climate Zones: What They Mean for Your Windows
Understanding Idaho's IECC climate zones and how they affect window requirements, from the Treasure Valley to mountain communities.
Hiring & Process
Inspecting Your New Windows: What to Check Before Signing Off
How to inspect completed window installation—what to look for, how to test operation, and when to raise concerns before final payment.
Safety & Compliance
Testing for Lead Paint Before Window Replacement
How to test for lead paint in your home before window replacement, testing options available, and how to interpret results.
Energy Efficiency
Low-E Coating Position: Why Surface 2 vs. Surface 3 Matters
How the position of Low-E coatings within a window affects performance, and why northern vs. southern climates call for different positions.
Energy Efficiency
How Low-E Glass Protects Your Furnishings from UV Damage
Understanding how Low-E coatings block UV radiation and protect your furniture, carpets, and artwork from sun damage and fading.
Energy Efficiency
Using Window Orientation for Passive Solar Heating in Idaho
How to strategically select window specifications based on orientation to capture free solar heat in winter while managing summer heat gain.
Patio Doors
Patio Door Energy Efficiency: What to Look For
Understanding energy ratings for patio doors—U-factor, SHGC, air infiltration—and what specifications provide the best performance.
Patio Doors
Patio Door Security: Keeping Your Home Safe
Security considerations for patio doors—vulnerabilities to address, hardware options, and how to improve protection without sacrificing style.
Energy Efficiency
Phased Window Replacement: Maximizing Tax Credits Over Multiple Years
How to strategically phase your window replacement project to claim more than $600 in total tax credits by spreading work across multiple years.
Hiring & Process
Preparing Your Home for Window Replacement Day
What to do before the installation crew arrives—protecting belongings, providing access, and making the day go smoothly for everyone.
Safety & Compliance
Protecting Your Family from Lead Dust During Window Replacement
Practical steps to minimize lead exposure during window replacement in older homes, what to expect from contractors, and precautions you can take.
Energy Efficiency
Realistic Window Savings: What to Actually Expect
Cutting through marketing hype to show what energy savings you can realistically expect from window replacement based on research data.
Shower Doors
Semi-Frameless Shower Doors: The Best of Both Worlds?
Understanding semi-frameless shower doors—how they bridge the gap between framed and frameless options in terms of aesthetics, cost, and practicality.
Energy Efficiency
SHGC Explained: Managing Solar Heat Through Your Windows
Understanding Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) and how to use it strategically for energy savings in different climates and window orientations.
Shower Doors
What to Do If Your Shower Door Breaks
Emergency guidance for shower glass breakage—how to stay safe, clean up properly, and get replacement or repair service.
Shower Doors
Shower Door Configurations: Swing, Bypass, and Pivot Options
Understanding different shower door configurations—swing doors, bypass/sliding doors, and pivot systems—and which works best for your space.
Shower Doors
Shower Door Hardware: Safety and Quality Considerations
Understanding shower door hardware—hinges, handles, and mounting systems—and how quality hardware affects safety and longevity.
Shower Doors
Maintaining Your Shower Door for Safety and Longevity
How proper maintenance keeps your shower door safe and looking great—cleaning best practices, inspection points, and when to call for service.
Shower Doors
Shower Door Safety Requirements: What the Law Requires
Understanding federal and building code requirements for shower door safety—what glass is required, why standards exist, and what happens if they're not met.
Shower Doors
Shower Glass Coatings: Are They Worth the Money?
Understanding protective coatings for shower glass—how they work, what they cost, their effectiveness, and whether they're a smart investment.
Shower Doors
Shower Glass Thickness: What You Need to Know
Understanding shower glass thickness options—how thickness affects safety, appearance, and cost, and what's appropriate for different applications.
Window Replacement
Still Have Single-Pane Windows? Your Upgrade Options
Options for homes with single-pane windows—from storm windows to full replacement—with cost and performance comparisons.
Patio Doors
Sliding vs. French Patio Doors: Choosing the Right Style
Comparing sliding and French patio door styles—how they differ in operation, space requirements, aesthetics, and when each is the better choice.
Safety & Compliance
Spontaneous Glass Breakage: Why Tempered Glass Sometimes Breaks on Its Own
Understanding why tempered glass can break without apparent cause, the science behind spontaneous breakage, and how to minimize risk.
Storm Windows
Storm Doors: Types, Benefits, and Choosing the Right One
A guide to storm doors—full-view vs. ventilating styles, glass options, and how to choose based on your entry door and climate needs.
Storm Windows
The Benefits of Storm Windows: More Than Just Insulation
Understanding the full range of benefits storm windows provide—energy savings, comfort, noise reduction, and protection for primary windows.
Storm Windows
Storm Window Installation: DIY vs. Professional
What's involved in storm window installation, when DIY makes sense, and when to call a professional for best results.
Historic Restoration
Storm Windows for Historic Homes: Efficiency Without Replacement
How storm windows can dramatically improve historic window energy performance while preserving original character—options, costs, and benefits.
Energy Efficiency
Window Selection for Sun Valley and Idaho Mountain Communities
Special considerations for window selection in Idaho's mountain communities where extreme cold, altitude, and UV exposure create unique challenges.
Safety & Compliance
Tempered vs. Laminated Glass: Understanding the Differences
How tempered and laminated glass differ, how each type fails, and when each is the appropriate choice for your application.
Shower Doors
Textured and Patterned Shower Glass: Design Options Beyond Clear
Exploring decorative shower glass options—rain glass, reed patterns, and other textured options that add visual interest while providing privacy.
Window Replacement
Is Triple-Pane Worth the Extra Cost?
An honest analysis of triple-pane windows—when the premium is justified, when it isn't, and how to decide for your Idaho home.
Storm Windows
Types of Storm Windows: Which Is Right for Your Home?
Comparing storm window options—exterior vs. interior, triple-track vs. seasonal, and how to choose based on your needs and budget.
Window Replacement
Vinyl Windows: Pros, Cons, and What to Know Before Buying
A balanced look at vinyl window frames—their advantages, limitations, and whether they're the right choice for your Idaho home.
Window Replacement
Water Damage Around Windows: Signs, Causes, and Solutions
Identifying water damage around windows, understanding the causes, and knowing when repair vs. replacement is the right approach.
Energy Efficiency
What Is Low-E Glass? The Technology Behind Energy-Efficient Windows
Understanding Low-E (low-emissivity) coatings, how they work to improve window efficiency, and why they're standard in modern windows.
Energy Efficiency
What Is U-Factor? The Most Important Window Rating Explained
Learn what U-factor means, why it matters for energy efficiency, and what numbers to look for when shopping for windows in cold climates.
Safety & Compliance
Where Is Safety Glass Required? A Homeowner's Guide
Understanding building code requirements for safety glass in homes—which locations require tempered or laminated glass and why.
Window Replacement
Why Do Windows Fog Between the Panes? Seal Failure Explained
Understanding why double-pane windows develop fog or haze between the glass, what causes seal failure, and how to identify the problem.
Energy Efficiency
Window Condensation Resistance: Why It Matters in Cold Climates
Understanding condensation resistance ratings and why Idaho homeowners should pay attention to this often-overlooked window specification.
Window Replacement
Window Defogging Services: Do They Work?
An honest assessment of window defogging services—what they actually do, their limitations, and when they make sense vs. replacement.
Hiring & Process
Window Installation Contracts: What Should Be Included
Essential elements of a window installation contract—what to look for, what to insist on, and how to protect yourself before signing.
Hiring & Process
Window Installation Methods: Pocket vs. Full-Frame Replacement
Understanding the two main window installation methods—pocket (insert) and full-frame—their differences, when each is used, and what to expect.
Hiring & Process
Getting Window Installation Quotes: What to Ask and Compare
How to get and compare window replacement quotes effectively—what should be included, questions to ask, and how to evaluate different proposals.
Hiring & Process
Window Installer Credentials: What Certifications Matter
Understanding window installer certifications—what AAMA, FGIA, and manufacturer certifications mean and how to verify credentials.
Hiring & Process
Checking Window Installer References: What to Ask Past Customers
How to effectively check window installer references—what questions to ask, warning signs to watch for, and how to verify quality work.
Window Replacement
Windows That Won't Open or Close: Repair or Replace?
Diagnosing windows that stick, won't stay open, or won't lock properly—and determining whether repair or replacement makes sense.
Historic Restoration
Window Replacement in Historic Districts: What You Can and Can't Do
Understanding historic district requirements for window replacement—what's typically allowed, the approval process, and options for non-compliant situations.
Safety & Compliance
Which Window Styles Meet Egress Requirements?
How different window styles—casement, double-hung, sliding, and others—perform for egress compliance and which are best for bedroom applications.
Energy Efficiency
2024-2025 Window Tax Credit: What You Need to Know
The essential facts about the federal window tax credit, including how much you can claim, what windows qualify, and how to take advantage of this money-saving opportunity.
Energy Efficiency
Windows vs. Insulation: Which Provides Better ROI?
Comparing the return on investment between window replacement and insulation upgrades to help you prioritize your home efficiency improvements.
Window Replacement
Wood Windows: Beauty, Maintenance, and Modern Options
Understanding wood window frames—traditional beauty, maintenance requirements, and modern clad options that reduce upkeep.