Expert Guides
Comprehensive, research-backed guides to help you make informed decisions about windows, glass, and shower enclosures.
Hiring & Process
Window Installation Process: What to Expect From Start to Finish
A detailed walkthrough of the window installation process, from initial measurement through final inspection, including what homeowners should prepare, what to expect during installation, and how to verify quality workmanship.
Hiring & Process
How to Choose a Window Installer: Certifications, Questions & Red Flags
Expert guidance on selecting a qualified window installation contractor, including essential certifications to look for, questions to ask, red flags to avoid, and how to evaluate quotes and warranties.
Doors
Patio Door Types Compared: Sliding, French, Folding & Pivot
A comprehensive comparison of patio door options including sliding, French, bi-fold, pivot, and multi-slide doors, covering functionality, energy efficiency, space requirements, and best applications for each style.
Energy Efficiency
Storm Windows & Doors: Modern Options for Energy Savings
A comprehensive guide to storm windows and doors, including types, benefits, installation options, energy savings potential, and how they compare to window replacement for improving home efficiency.
Specialty Topics
Historic Window Restoration vs. Replacement: Preserving Character & Efficiency
A comprehensive guide for owners of historic homes weighing window restoration against replacement, including preservation standards, energy efficiency strategies, and compliance with historic district requirements.
Shower Doors
Shower Door Safety: What Homeowners Need to Know
Essential safety information for shower doors and enclosures, including tempered glass requirements, spontaneous breakage facts, proper use and maintenance, and what to do if your shower door breaks.
Shower Doors
Shower Door Glass Options: Clear, Frosted, Rain & Patterned
A comprehensive guide to shower door glass types including clear, frosted, rain, patterned, and tinted options, covering privacy levels, maintenance considerations, and design applications.
Shower Doors
Frameless vs. Semi-Frameless vs. Framed Shower Doors: Complete Comparison
A comprehensive guide comparing frameless, semi-frameless, and framed shower door options, including pros and cons, cost considerations, durability, maintenance requirements, and best applications for each style.
Safety & Compliance
Egress Window Requirements: Basement Bedroom Code Compliance
Complete guide to egress window requirements for bedrooms and basements, including IRC code specifications, measurement requirements, well dimensions, and compliance strategies for finishing basement bedrooms.
Safety & Compliance
Lead-Safe Window Replacement: EPA RRP Requirements Explained
Essential information about EPA lead-safe work practices for window replacement in pre-1978 homes, including RRP Rule requirements, certified contractor obligations, and homeowner protections.
Safety & Compliance
Safety Glass Requirements: Where Tempered & Laminated Are Required
A comprehensive guide to building code requirements for safety glazing, including where tempered and laminated glass are required, how they differ, and what homeowners need to know for compliance and protection.
Window Selection
Single, Double or Triple Pane? Making the Right Choice
A comprehensive guide to choosing between single, double, and triple pane windows, including performance comparisons, cost-benefit analysis, and recommendations for different climates and applications.
Window Selection
Window Frame Materials Compared: Vinyl, Wood, Fiberglass & Aluminum
An in-depth comparison of window frame materials including vinyl, wood, fiberglass, aluminum, and composite options, covering energy performance, durability, maintenance, cost, and best applications for each.
Window Replacement
When to Replace Windows: 8 Signs It's Time
A comprehensive guide to recognizing when windows have reached the end of their useful life, including visual signs, performance indicators, and guidance on prioritizing replacements.
Window Repair
Foggy Windows: Repair vs. Replace Decision Guide
Expert guidance on diagnosing foggy windows, understanding seal failure, and making the cost-effective decision between IGU replacement, defogging services, and full window replacement.
Energy Efficiency
Low-E Glass Coatings: Types, Benefits & When They're Worth It
A technical deep-dive into low-emissivity glass coatings, including how they work, the differences between hard-coat and soft-coat Low-E, and how to choose the right coating for your climate and needs.
Energy Efficiency
Climate Zone Window Selection: What Works Best in Idaho
A region-specific guide to selecting windows optimized for Idaho's climate, including ENERGY STAR requirements, passive solar strategies, and recommendations for different parts of the state.
Energy Efficiency
How Much Can New Windows Actually Save? A Data-Driven Analysis
An evidence-based examination of real-world energy savings from window replacement, including factors that affect ROI, payback periods, and how to set realistic expectations.
Energy Efficiency
2024-2025 Window Tax Credits: Complete Homeowner's Guide
Everything homeowners need to know about federal tax credits for energy-efficient windows under the Inflation Reduction Act, including eligibility requirements, credit amounts, and how to claim.
Energy Efficiency
Understanding Window Energy Ratings: U-Factor, SHGC & VT Explained
A comprehensive guide to window energy performance ratings including U-factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), and Visible Transmittance (VT), with guidance on choosing the right values for your climate.