Hail Damaged Aluminum Windows in Texas - How the Insurance Company will Evaluate the Window Damage.

Replace Glass or Windows?

Hail damage to the windows, should you get glass replacement or full window replacement and what does insurance pay for?

Also tips if you're next to see hail damage to the windows on your home.

Also, how to maximize the insurance payment towards new replacement windows.

Eighty percent of Wylie homes have damage from the April hailstorms.  Entire streets are boarded up and subdivisions ruined.  Because I'm a window guy, I'm going to share what I know and what I think you should know about the damage to your windows.

It's going to cost between $250 and $550 to actually replace or repair a window with really bad hail damage.  From what I can see insurance offers up about half of what they should, and advises you to get quotes and file a supplemental claim for additional costs.

I think this is done to slow down process and actually get off cheaper.  If you take the money and get upgraded windows you never notice in many cases.  When they offer you $28 or $32 to replace the cracked vinyl stripping around the insulated glass, they don't mention that often that stop is not replaceable because the glass has settled down on top of it and it can't be removed without breaking the glass.

Some "repairs" I've seen involved cutting it close with a utility knife and glueing a new piece over the glass trying to leave that old piece of the vinyl.  It's a pretty cheesy way to "fix" something.  The alternative can break the glass.  This is why even moderate damage to the vinyl stops needs to pay about $300 per window.  That's about $150 per glass lite.  Some folks may be cheaper.  I am not.  I don't think you should settle for less as this is about half of what you need to replace the window entirely with something that has a lifetime warranty, Low E Glass and Argon as well as other great upgrades.

Glass replacement is common.  A glass company is who does the job if it's glass only.  I refer the work to associates whom I trust.  The big ones and the circles are tricky to get right.

To contrast that.  If the frame is damaged, the $300 is really ineffective.  Also, it's like putting new tires on your worn out 1972 Ford Pinto.  You have new tires....   your car still sucks.    This does nothing for the energy ratings of the window, the seal of the weatherstripping or the squareness issues that may have arisen over time that cause leakage.

An average home has the equivalent of a two foot by two foot hole in the side of their house from leakage in a house full of builders grade type windows.

This isn't sales pitch though.  You knew that the old windows sucked.  I'm just reminding you while you research what will happen with builders grade aluminum windows that don't meet Energy Code anymore, homeowners insurance claims associated with hail damage, general contractors and how they deal with window vendors, installers or installation contractors.

Older aluminum builders grade windows can't usually be duplicated exactly either.  The ones in these Paul Taylor homes in Wylie are from HR windows which was bought out by Atrium.  They are always a little different overall ten years later specifically so they don't match.  The new windows will be mismatched unless you throw a fit with the adjuster and insist they replace them all so they match.  Good luck with that, let me know how it goes.

To replace old builders grade aluminum or vinyl double paned windows in a retrofit application will always run at least $450 per window and often $500 or $550 and up with really tall windows or windows with archtops or half circles over them.

Sorry John and Mary, that is indeed three windows in one opening.  Even on the cheap we're looking at $1600 bucks right there in that bedroom.  Really great ones $2200.  What are the insurance adjusters going to say?   $600 to $800 tops.

I was at a house today and the insurance offered $242 per window.  I charge $150 in labor.  It will be a really terrible window, and bad sealant if I spend $92 on both of them.

Also a twin window with a half circle is actually three windows not one.  Don't think you're getting off that easy.  It never goes like that.

Now to what I do.  I pull out the builders grade metal window and put in a lifetime warranty window with high performance heat reflective glass and so on that is roughly FOUR times more energy efficient than the old ones.....   that God apparently beat out of your house with a hail storm.

The cost on those is about $550 and up to about $800 on really big ones or archtop windows that are eight or seven feet tall or tempered.  As a point of reference, windows range in cost from $450 to $2000 each installed depending on the vendor.  My site has more about the cost of windows as it relates to replacement windows.

This is really about you not getting shorted on hail damage and the insurance settlement.  The supplimentals are where the contractor often finds a premium, and when he says he's going to cover your deductable....  that money comes from somewhere.  Guess where.

Long story ....   long.   However much the insurance is offering is probably not enough and you should look closely at the adjusters printout.  If you need window input specifically you can send me an email with pictures or other details and I'll tell you if it all looks correct.

If it's not I can help you find the best course of action even if it's not window replacement.  The truth is I think if I help you out now....   you'll remember later and tell someone.  I'll get my rewards later, for now let's get the house fixed.

Also....    Windows take a couple of weeks to produce as opposed to glass which can be done in a few days.  If the window frames are trashed, get new ones on order asap as it's not something that's sitting on a rack at the Home Depot waiting on you to show up and buy it.

No one is bringing you windows faster than two weeks and good ones are four to six weeks in some cases.  Waiting is not a great plan as then hundreds of windows are in line in front of you as well.

Windows are one area of the storm damage where faster can be better for sure.

Photo credits on two (aerial shot and windshield shots):

http://thescoopblog.dallasnews.com/2016/04/about-80-percent-of-wylie-homes-damaged-in-hailstorm-initial-estimates-show.html/


http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2016/04/12/wylie-residents-patching-up-after-hail-hammers-homes/

Tips for after the hail damage to your homes windows when it's time to do the board up after the glass is smashed out.

Okay this may be controversial.....   Use plywood and screw it to the frame.  Ruin that frame real good securing the house so they have to replace the frame and the glass instead of just glass.

Let's just stop that variable from the get go.  Then use foam  or tape or both to seal the edges so you and your family aren't sitting in front of a window that leaks like it's open with wind blowing around it.  Do that from the inside and keep it on the frame and the wood.  Don't make a huge mess on the brick.  That's just dumb.

Or you could do what would be cheaper for the insurance company and use cardboard and tape....   not.    Hey.  Get comfortable, this fix isn't going to be fast.  You may as well get it really boarded up well and as airtight as possible.  Screwing up the frames will also make it a little different on the insurance pay out.    Keep in mind that if you screw to the trim around the window, that needs to be replaced or painted or both as well.

Questions?   Send me a note.  I'll do my best.  Or post them here.  Share this with your friends if it seems helpful at all.  I do so appreciate your reading so much.  As I often say.... That's 15 minutes you're never getting back!

Dave

dave@dallaswindows.com

www.DallasWindows.com/twitter.html

http://www.plus.google.com/+dallaswindows

https://www.google.com/+DavidTraynorTheWindowConnection

Easy Five Minute Fix for the Bottom of Your Homes Exterior Door

What can I do today to help the door on my house work better?

Knowing about adjustability in door thresholds.

I've been a window and door installation contractor for almost thirty years.  To this day I'd say only half the installers even give this fact any thought or share it with new customers.  Folks who have never purchased a door in their lives would have no reason to know this interesting fact.

Many, and in fact most modern door thresholds from the 80's forward are adjustable and can be made tighter or looser depending on the need on the home.  They raise and lower with an adjustment screw and most doors have at least 5 along the top.  Moving those thresholds up will make a better, tighter seal.

Here's an example picture...

The gold screw in the center of the oak strip is an adjustment screw.  It will move the oak strip up when loosened and will move it down when tightened.  It' is usually a #3 Phillips as seen here but the plastic threshold top with caps over it has flat head adjusters.  It was typical on cheaper door models.

I've never seen a plastic adjustable threshold and had the customer know it was adjustable.  This is often also the case with the Oak ones like you see here....   Very few folks know you can make it tighter or looser as needed.

In the winter it is certainly preferable to make the door tighter and get a better seal.  Also tighter seals will prevent some door slamming often associated with children and other wild animals that move through doors too quickly.  When the threshold is tight the door won't really slam.  They have to slow down and push it shut.  I like that when I'm napping.  I hate slamming doors.

This is by far one of the best 5 minute fixes on the house before it gets cold.

If you see someone with a towel by the door or some kind of door cozy U shaped stuffed animal hugging a friend or neighbor's door, you may want to share this awesome tip as well.

Older style thresholds and their adjustment.

The old metal style are tougher but when needed can be shimmed up on one side or another with shims from the local lumber store.  Then reseal the door to the floor with a clear sealant after making sure the door is sealing well.  Doors usually settle on one side or another and while this fixes the bottom, it really doesn't help the sagging or twisting that happens as a home settles over time.

These tips help with the seal at the bottom of the door, but can't fix bigger issues with the door and how it aligns with the jambs and weatherstripping on the jambs.

A sad reality is that houses settle, the wood succombs to the weight of the roof and upper components and moves down.  Sometimes as little as a quarter inch of movement can really throw out a doors fit.

The real fix for that issue is more like removing interior and exterior trim, cutting all the nails and actually moving the frame to a better location.

If this goes terribly south, you can always go to the lumber store and buy a replacement door.  Not a great one like I usually install, but one to do the job.  For reference sake, you may want to read my blog post from last year on door installation best practices.

Actual exterior door installation instructions can be found from this earlier post:

How to install an Exterior Pre- Hung Door

http://thewindowconnection.blogspot.com/2015/02/how-to-install-exterior-pre-hung-door.html

How to caulk replacement windows

The big reason to avoid circle top windows or watch out for this phase of construction.

I have seen this literally a hundred times.  No one puts insulation in the quarter circles.  Around the rectangles they do, but not that big arched triangle.  No wonder it's cold around the circletops.

This is a remodel from a late 60's build.  The sheetrock was removed to show a fairly large void with a two by four block to hold it at the right thickness.  No insulation at all, foam, expanding, non-expanded or otherwise.  This is quite typical in every home I work in with arches and half circles.

Happy Window Research!

Vinyl Window Frame Sizing

What about the frame thickness of new vinyl windows?

They look fat and ugly from many window manufacturers, but not all of them.

One of the things I love about North Dallas is the bow windows.  There are a lot and they do look cool.  More than 90% of them have not been replaced by a window contractor since the home was built and are original to the home.  It's mostly because that beautiful 5 unit bow is built from five different windows.  That being said, I had some fun with this one, It came out really well.

This was off of Park and Custer in North Dallas close to Plano.  The custom mulls make it different than a factory built unit and that's the plan for a retro-fit window installation.

Builders Grade Aluminum Windows are certainly cheap.

Something that works really well is preferable.

Many folks are concerned about the thickness of the frame on vinyl windows.  Although they are indeed thicker and some manufacturers, considerably thicker.  Some manufacturers build very slim line type frames like the ones we see here.  This is a main reason we offer so many manufacturers.  It's important to have choices especially ones that help you get it right.  This window manufacturer for instance doesn't build pre-fabbed bay or bow windows or french doors or skylights.  Getting the right product from the right people is really important in keeping window costs down.

Here's more from my before and after page:  Window Results: The Before & After Window Gallery

And the window gallery probably has a few that will help:  Window Gallery - Dallas Windows

This vinyl vertical operating single hung vinyl replacement window measures two and five eights inches in frame thickness.  That's about as small as it can get in a quality product.  Junky ones will have a narrower frame but are so narrow they lack rigidity needed to provide longevity.

With bow windows the rigidity is less of a factor due to non expansive foam filling inside custom bent mullions.  This was built from a Slim Line Vinyl Window from a local manufacturer we're very proud of:  NT Window  

Those are a before and after.  Slim Framed Vinyl Windows after with old steel casement putty glazed window as the before shot.  As you can see the frames don't get too thick if you use the right replacement windows.

Here are a few that just baffle me.  All have great manufacturers but just really don't measure up.  First on my list is the Jeldwen Vinyl Window.  Reviews are terrible and there are a lot of reasons.  I just think it's ugly.  Granted that one is dirty because it was in my storage but none the less, ugly.

Next on my list of window fails is actually the Millgard Vinyl Replacement Window.  While I think it may look great in a wood window opening up north, it's just not right for Dallas and North Texas.  It's just ugly especially in a brick opening.  I read good things, but hated the window.  It uses a spring bar system which depends on vinyl strings to hold the sashes and it has sash clips to remove the bottom sash instead of tilting in.  It leaves a lot of what I call "slop" in the sash.  This means I can open it two inches and slide it back and forth about three quarters of an inch.  It depends on weatherstipping that is on the face.  I think there are much better products that are actually cheaper.

This is the Andersen Vinyl Replacement Window.  The Series 200 most call it but I've seen rebranding jobs on this one.  Just at a glance, exterior stops are not great, weepholes are not preferable unless needed and that shouldn't be on a single hung.  It's just not what I think of as a long term product.  I've found we're always better to do what's best for the home even if the wallet suffers ten or even fifteen percent to do it.  This is one place cheap windows just don't pay off.

I'm sure I'll make a few revisions and additions to this post but that's just a little on frame thickness.

If you have questions send me an email!   sales@dallaswindows.com

Vinyl Replacement Windows Plano Texas

So there are great things and not so great things about my job.  I love what I do but I don't document it very well and so I loose track of great projects I've done in the past.

In this case the subject matter is home improvement projects I've done in Plano.  I often get asked for references or a job the customer can drive by and look out so if all goes well the GPS on the pictures and the running Plano page will help with tracking these better.  I guess we'd call it, crossing our fingers and hoping the technology holds up.

In case you wonder why I become so easy to find in Google searches for things like windows, vinyl windows, replacement windows, french doors, entry doors and so on I'd have to admit I think it has a lot to do with my YouTube video which has about 33,000 views last time I looked.  I think it gets a couple of hundred views a week.  Long story short, I got invited to become a Google Glass Explorer and my website has seen some pretty awesome results due to the exposure and wonderful feedback of those who do research there.

To find out more about me and what we do here are a few links:

www.DallasWindows.com      This is my main website for Dallas

Here's the fun Google Glass Profile on Google Plus.  This is by far my favorite social media site and it's really where you can find my best pictures and tips about vinyl window manufacturers, styles and options from out in the field where I live.

plus.google.com/+DavidTraynor1

We install Simonton, NT Window, Alside, Don Young Company, Atrium Vinyl Windows, Ted Lansing Windjammers, Jeldwen Windows, Burris and Associates Windows and more.  This is a place where you can see them, ask questions in the comments section and really find out what I've seen.

I'm fifty years old now and only have so much time to be the window guy.  That being said, I want you to know everything that I know so you get the right thing.  I'm somewhat like a house doctor with a calling.  If I get good information and we make good decisions we will help the house get the perfect solution.  It's a goal.  We do our darnedest to make it happen.

This was NT Window Energy Master Vinyl Single Hung Vinyl Replacement Windows in Plano.  Single Hungs operate from the bottom only.  Single Hungs are more energy efficient than double hungs because the top sash is glued in place and therefore by design has less air infiltration.  Single Hungs will also have more glass and less frame.  This one has a 2 5/8" frame from edge of window to glass.  Double Hungs come in at around 3 3/4" of frame with the main frame and the operating top sash frame.  It can lose a lot of light and glass.

The Three Lite Casement Window in vinyl.  I sell a lot of these.  I like them.  The end panels open like outswinging doors and have the screen on the inside.  This is great in the older Plano homes with a twin window in the breakfast nook.  This makes it look bigger and much prettier with a better view.  This is one of the best things I bring to many homes I work on.

NT Windows Single Hung

Here's an interesting one.  Our bays feature a slim line vinyl window that can produce bay and bow mulls that are just 3" wide.  Most manufacturers have frames that are putting these mulls at 5 to 7 inches thick.  That's a lot of plastic.  If you have a bay or a bow I have the best product in Plano for a good look there.  I hope you'll have a look at my Bays and Bow Windows Page.

http://dallaswindows.com/bay-window-bow-window-replacement.htm

Archtops and circle top windows are complicated.  It takes several measurements to get the arch correct in a new vinyl window and it takes a good relationship and understanding of the process the window manufacturer itself uses in getting those arches to make sure the result on the house is what it's supposed to be.

This was triple glazed with Krypton Gas vinyl windows.  Interestingly enough it didn't change the solar heat gain co-efficient a bit but the U Value went from .29 down to about a .18 which was quite impressive.   Unfortunately that wonderful little upgrade runs about $250 a window in addition to the base model.  This is what really separates the mid range window from the high end window.  It's the same frame and reinforcement but the glass and the gas change.  A mid range window is better bang for the buck and value.  It takes a long time to get enough energy savings to cover the additional cose

Getting perfect arches and perfect caulking beads are why we are the most award winning window and door contractor in Plano and North Dallas.

Big Picture windows!   Yay!!   They do have to be tempered safety glass now due to the building code so that will cost a little extra.  That being said.  It's worth it in many cases.

Interior view of the three lite casement in vinyl.  This one came in place of a slider.  The man cave never looked better!  This was around Coit Road and Park as I recall.

This is the outside of the man cave one.  Again, the ends swing out for air and the screens are inside the house.  The look is very upscale.

On this one I squared off the archtops and went with casement windows.  The mortar was still wet but the look was a huge update.

This twin vinyl casement window brings up the question to grid or not to grid.  In this case it made for an awesome little cottage look.  We also replaced the wood and do that whenever needed on all projects.

Here's a link to some more of my past work and commentary on vinyl replacement window projects I've done in Plano:

http://dallaswindows.com/vinyl-windows-plano.html

Thanks for looking!   Send me a note if you'd like.  :D

dave@dallaswindows.com

Gallery of Window Replacements in Plano from G+:

White vinyl windows with grids:

https://plus.google.com/photos/+DavidTraynor1/albums/5988276534962592961

This one has a few videos on removal and caulking a vinyl window:

https://plus.google.com/photos/112941792649824235085/albums/5989063529351234897

So the discussion has come up as to if casement windows and vertical operators (single hungs and double hungs) look alike.

There's no easy way to say no they don't but it's okay.  That is my take on it though.

Here are some examples:

This is a double casement.  Both sides swing out for ventilation.  The outside has a very flat beveled look to it with what's designed to look like a putty glazed, 45 degree angle to the glass.

This is the NT Window Presidential Vinyl Replacement Window.  It has a cove moulding look to the outside profile that sticks out past the face of the window frame.

This is a close up of the casement window.

Again this is a casement seen in the above shot.

This is a single hung archtop with a profile that is almost the opposite of the casement on close examination.  

How to install an Exterior Pre-Hung Door.

How to Install An Exterior Door   

Prehung exterior residential door installation with weatherstripping and new threshold.

Installation instructions for residential installation of a pre-hung exterior door.

We’ll be installing a pre-hung door unit.  Your replacement door should be the same size, jamb thickness, and hinging of the existing door.  Tools necessary are as follows:  Hammer, nail set, Large Pry Bar, small pry bar, 3” flat stiff scraper, Screw Gun with Phillips head screw tip, drill with 1/8” drill bit and 3/8” paddle bit, sawzall (reciprocating saw) with 18 TPI sawzall blade, cedar shims, door casing, exterior trim (brick mold or 1X4X8’ – three pieces), small finish nails (1 ¼”) and large finish nails (2”) Three inch drywall screws or #8 Phillips head screws that are 2 ½” long .  We will attempt to do this door reusing as much of the existing wood as possible for cost reasons.  If you desire to re work all wood in the area. Adapt these instructions accordingly.

Prepare the new door by laying it on the ground, hinges up, and taking a few minutes to verify that its well built, square, and ready for install.  Remove all shipping blocks and cardboard or shrink-wrap.  Verify width of unit, height of unit, hinging of unit, jamb thickness and construction of the door itself.  This is very important, as this unit must be correct before there is a large opening in the house without a door.

CHECKING THE REVEALS:

Ideally the door will have a 3/32” reveal between the slab and the doorjamb all the way around the door when the door is laid on the ground and squared corner to corner.  This gap may seem tighter on the hinge side, but the real issue is that the door reveal is equal on the strike side, and that the top reveal looks straight while sealing properly at the threshold.  The Threshold may be adjustable so a gap that is apparent may be adjusted up to seal.  Either way we want to know that the door will have equal gaps on all reveals once its stood in the opening.  If the unit is good you are ready to move forward. 

1. Remove existing door casing.  That is the trim on the inside of the door that runs from the sheetrock wall to the old doorjamb.  Begin by cutting the sealant at the wall line with a utility knife.  Then cut the trim loose from the jamb.  Cutting is important as we do not want to disturb the sheetrock wall or have painting concerns.
2. We’ll gently slide a three-inch stiff flat knife between the casing and the doorjamb, and pry outward.  Use the small pry bar and gently work the casing loose from top to bottom, moving it just an eighth inch at a time for the full length of the trim.  We want to remove this casing in one piece if possible as it can be reused.  All three pieces of interior casing must be removed.
3. The old casing should have nails removed for reinstallation.  This is done by using wire cutters and pulling the nails out from the back of the trim.  This prevents nail holes from being exposed. 
4. Remove the door itself from the frame by either removing the hinge pins or unscrewing the hinges themselves.  The Door can be removed from the work area after alarm sensor has been removed and doorknob and deadbolt have been removed. 
5. Our first cut will be with a sawzall and will be a horizontal cut, through the jamb of the door.  It should be about 40 inches up from the bottom of the door and run the full width of the jamb itself.  The jamb is probably 4 9/16” thick, but see measure tips for more information on sizing.
6. Some doors will require cutting the jamb loose from the threshold by making a similar cut at the very bottom of the doorjamb.  This applies to doors with attached sills.  Our goal is to remove the jamb while leaving the exterior trim in place.
7. Use the flat knife to separate the jamb from the exterior wood casing.  Gently hammer the knife in-between the wood and the jamb and pry until you have a gap of 1/8” or so.  This is a slot wide enough to get your sawzall blade into the slot to cut loose exterior nails.  Make the cut.  Our goal here is simply to cut the nails but some sawdust will be apparent and is normal for this step. We are cutting the jamb loose from the exterior wood.  Because the jamb is being replaced it can be damaged more so than should the exterior wood.  This should be left in place when possible for ease of alignment.
8. This should loosen the Jamb enough to remove it completely.  Insert a large pry bar between the stud of the opening and the jamb, pry as necessary to loosen jamb.  Use a hammer as necessary.  Be cautious not to damage the wood that is not being replaced on the exterior.  Also. Watch carefully for the alarm contact wire.  These are usually dropped in from the top and consist of two wires.  When you cut these loose leave enough wire to re-splice the contact back together on the new door unit.
9. Prepare the new door unit.  Make sure all shipping wood is removed from the bottom of the door and check to see if the door is secured for shipping with nails or screws.  These need to be removed.  The door should be able to open, but leave it closed as you move it to the work area.
10. Make sure the bottom area is clean.  The sill must be free of obstructions and sealants.  Ideally the sill will sit directly on the slab or foundation of the home, or, on top of the wood sill.  Also, clean out the opening.  Insulation, nails that are protruding, and sealants should be scraped off and removed to provide a clean opening.
11. We’re ready to set the door at this point.  Gently place the door in the opening.  Be careful that you are not finding any obstructions. 
12. The door will be mounted with six 3” long fully threaded sheet metal screws run horizontally through the vertical jambs (three on each side).  A 3/8” paddle bit is used to drill the mounting holes.  Mounting holes should be 1 ½” from the corners of the jamb directly in the center of the      exterior part of the jamb.  They are on the vertical sections of the jamb itself.  They are 3/8” deep. The function of the holes is simply to make sure the screw heads seat below the surface of the jamb.

Quick Tip 1

            In all instances screws will run better, straighter and more accurately in general if predrilled.  Every time you see a reference to installing a screw, it is preferable to pre-drill a hole, using a drill bit somewhat smaller than the diameter of the screw itself.  An 1/8” or 9/64” drill bit works quite nicely to run pilot holes for # 8 or # 10 screws.  The screws in a doorknobs backset or strike plate would require a smaller pilot hole (7/64” or 1/16”).  Although not mentioned specifically at each step, we always recommend pre-drilling.  It makes the screws install easier, and makes them easier to remove if necessary for adjustment or re-alignment.

 

Quick Tip 2

            If a screw begins to strip out, that is, the tip of the screw gun slides off of the screw, remove the screw and discard it.  A screw that is stripped is a major hindrance to our install and will not make our project go smoothly.  The screws are relatively inexpensive but lost time due to a stripped screw that must be removed is always costly (in time if nothing else).

13. Center the door in the opening at the bottom.  Use the interior paint line or the existing base trim as your gauge.  You will also need to be sure that the new jamb is flush with the sheetrock on the inside.  Any gaps that are created will be sealed and filled with caulking so variations that are minor are dealt with at that stage.  Interior casing is 2 ¼” thick so our door should mount in a way to accommodate this trim again.  Mount bottom screws.  It is often necessary for someone to hold the door up and in place in order to perform the mounting process.
14. Center the door at the top between the paint lines and install the mounting screws on top.  The door may not work properly at this stage so be careful to examine the reveals and the square-ness of the unit before opening it or closing it. 
15. With the 4 screws mounted you should stand back and examine the square-ness of the unit. Also, verify that we are lined up with the vertical paint lines on the interior of the home.  These      lines are crucial.  Hold the casing up to the door and make sure it covers all the old paint lines on the sides.  If all these line up properly then move forward.

Top Reveal

16. When the door is closed, examine the top reveal to see if it appears straight with the door slab.  One side or the other may need to come up.  It is important to move the side jamb vertically to correct this reveal issue.  A drywall screw run up through the top jamb (center the screw on the outside part of the top jamb, at 1 ½” from the corner of the door).  This will secure the door while you remove the other two mounting screws.  Utilize shims under the door, and the sheetrock screw to move the jamb up as necessary to correct the reveal problem.  Making the top line appear straight with the door slab is very important.

Vertical Reveal        (Twisting of opening)

17. The next reveal to check involves how the door lines up vertically with the jamb itself.  Open the door and hold it slightly open and examine if the door and the jambs line up.  A good point of reference is the weather-stripping.  The Door must hit the weather-strip from top to bottom at the same pressure.  This reveal addresses that issue.  This is described as “zero to eighth inch” or “zero to quarter inch”.  These descriptive phrases describe the twisting of the opening.  Twisted openings are common in today’s homes.  This is the main reason doors should be hung according to what is aesthetically pleasing and functional not what is plumb, or level.
18. The jamb must line up with the door slab as it closes.  “Floating” the jamb in and out as necessary to fix this reveal does this.  We are looking for a “zero to zero” reveal (that is. straight up and down as we look at the door and its relationship to the jamb.  If it’s a major discrepancy you may need to float more than one corner.  Remove the mounting screw and push the jamb towards the inside of the home to fix the problem.  Try to make this adjustment be not more than 1/8” per corner.  In practice, one-eighth inch on 4 corners will allow for one half inch of twisting in an opening.  This twisting must be addressed before moving to the next step. 
19. At this point we want to recheck all reveals. 

Verify Side Reveals

20. Sometimes a hinge screw is necessary through the top hinge to pull the door up and correct sagging issues (evident by unequal lines from top to bottom between the door slab and the jamb itself on the strike side).  Find a happy medium between steps 16 and 20.  The hinge screw will increase the reveal between the slab and the strike side of the jamb, while moving the doorknob side of the slab “up”.  This will change the top reveal mentioned in step 16.  Looking for a consistent gap between the door slab and the jambs is very important to correct operation of the door unit.  Hinge screws may also be utilized in other hinges as necessary to move the door within the frame.  Remember not to over tighten screws. Shanked screws will pull harder than fully threaded screws.  Fully threaded screws can actually be used to hold a piece of wood out and away from another piece of wood.  This may be helpful to know when picking the correct fastener for the job. 
21. Once we’re happy with all reveals (top, sides, and weather-strip reveal), we are ready to install the last two mounting screws through the side jambs.  These are in the middle of the vertical jambs of the door (centered in the exposed exterior of the jamb).  Hold the jamb in place to assure the reveal is correct at the sides (to assure the knob works properly). Also make sure that you don’t see any bowing in the hinge side of the jamb.  If bowing is evident install shims as necessary to make the hinge side jamb appear straight and without bows.
22. Use shims to firm up the mounting areas of the door in a minimum of three places on each side of the door.  Put the shims in tightly and make sure that they are secured in place by the mounting screws.  They can be lightly tacked with a small finish nail if necessary, but the overall tightness of the shim against the jamb and the stud should hold it in place.  The screws should be tightly run and the door should feel stout when pulled up or down.  The shims will need to be cut back to flush with the walls.  This is done using the utility knife, and gently cutting through the shim at a slight angle.  Make the cut towards the door not away from the door.  If the knife gets away from you it is easier to cover an error on the door (which will need to be painted) as opposed to wall damage.  Ultimately our goal is to not have to paint or do patch work on the wall itself.  The door, trim and jambs will need to be painted after the install.
23. Door Knob and deadbolt are installed at this point.  The strike plates will need to be mortised into the side jambs.  Mount the strike plate for the doorknob first using two screws and verify that the door latches and operates properly.  Many doors are pre-mortised for the entry knob strike plate.  If it is not mortised, it should be at least drilled with a 1” hole for reference.  Mount the plate; verify that the plate is positioned correctly by closing the door and checking operation of the door. Check operation of the deadbolt.  Adjust the plate as necessary to make sure the door latches, locks, seals, and that the deadbolt will throw correctly.  If necessary, mortise the strike plate in the following manner.  Use a utility knife to cut carefully around the plate and remove the screws and plate from the jamb.  Using a sharp wood chisel, tap lightly on the end of the chisel to cut a line where the wood must be removed (i.e. the utility knife cut line).  Then use the chisel to remove one sixteenth of an inch of wood from the surface of the jamb where the strike plate will be installed.  This is a very important step cosmetically.  Make sure not to damage the wood that is not covered by the strike plate.  Reinstall the plate and verify that the door latches and locks properly.  This step may need to be repeated for the deadbolt strike plate.  
24. If it is necessary to drill for the deadbolt hole as well as mortise, make sure the knob strike plate is positioned well for door operation.  Open the door and throw the deadbolt out fully.  Use lipstick, model paint, or touchup paint to paint the end of the deadbolt’s throw mechanism.  Return the deadbolt to the unlocked position and close the door firmly as you expect it to close under normal conditions.  Turn the deadbolt to lock it and allow the end of the deadbolt to mark the jamb for your throw hole. This hole is drilled using a 1” paddle bit.
25. Shims may be necessary under the threshold in order to reduce movement.  Shim evenly in no fewer than 5 places along the threshold area.  Remember to use the shims as male and female pieces (that is, one runs in from the inside and one runs in from the outside) as this keeps them flat as opposed to angled.  The threshold must not move when stepped on.  The shims will prevent it from sagging, but three to five careful placed screws may be necessary to secure the threshold.  Measure for these if they are exposed to assure aesthetics.  They should be in the center of the threshold, one in the center, two on the ends at 1 ½” from the edge of the threshold, and (if necessary) two others to be centered between the end screws and the center screw.  A 2 ½” #8 or #10 sheet metal screw will work quite well here.
26. Doors with adjustable thresholds can often have the threshold mounting screws underneath the adjustable threshold.  This is done by removing the adjustable threshold and running the three to five screws in the area that is covered by the adjustable threshold.  Care should be taken to place these screws in a place that does not hinder the adjustability of the threshold.  Verify that the door threshold is solid and can be walked on by persons of all weights.  Anything “spongy” is not acceptable.  Sometimes thresholds will need to be mounted using anchors and screws, in holes that are drilled using a masonry bit.  This is often done utilizing a hammer drill when drilling into a homes foundation.  An easy way to do this is to drill a 3/16” hole through the threshold into the ground.
27. Your door should be mounted and operating correctly at this stage.  If not, make sure to back as necessary to correct the problem.  If all is working and looking well, you can insulate.  Fiberglass insulation is best.  Soft spray-in foam is also acceptable but “Great Stuff” is not.  Many manufacturers will void your warrantee if you use a spray in a foam product that doesn’t remain soft.  Many spray in foam insulators expand greatly and dry very rigidly.  This is not good for doors as it can bow jambs and cause the door to be tighter than the manufacturer designed it to be.  Lightly packed fiberglass insulation such as an R-14 Owens-Corning Fiberglass insulation is ideal.
28. At this point, we are ready for interior casing.  Cut the new casing in a manner that will cover all old paint lines, cutting the top first.  It will be cut in a manner similar to the one removed (i.e. 45 degree angles on each end).  If reusing old casing, a cut is usually unnecessary.  The top piece being first, center and nail it carefully using 5 nails equally spaced and nailed through the casing and into the door jamb itself.  Do not nail to the wall at this time.  The casing will sit about three-eights of an inch up from the edge of the doorjamb.  Verify that this will cover the sheetrock up to the old paint line on top.  Also, verify that the corners of the casing will work out on the sides as to covering the old paint line. A 36” prehung door will usually have casing that is 36 ¾” inside corner to inside corner.  Using 2 ¼” casing, that casing will measure 41 ¼” outside corner to outside corner.  This is “generally” accurate but should be verified on-site.  Nails used should be 1 ¼” long finish nails.  Do not run them closer than 5/16” from the edge of the casing as it could split. 

Quick Tip 3

     

The next few steps are your last chance to make small adjustments on your interior jamb reveals.  If they are not perfect you can use your 3” flat knife to gently pry between the door slab and the jamb and move the wood around slightly before you nail.  Several places mention not nailing to the wall itself.  This is to make sure you have this adjustability for last minute adjustments.  Once the trim is on our reveals cannot be moved so we need to be sure the door is operating well and the lines look straight overall before we run every nail.  If you aren’t happy with the top reveal, after the trim is nailed to the top of the doorjamb, gently pry the jamb up on the lower end until it is straight and nail into the wall using a 2” or 2 ½” finish nail.  This allows the wood trim itself to help you straighten out slightly misaligned reveals. 

29. Measure the height of the sidepieces from the slab to the top corners of the mounted top piece of casing.  Cut these pieces.  Set them in place and verify that they will work and not be interfered with by the base trim at the bottom of the wall.  Sometimes it will be necessary to remove the base and cut it back in order to accommodate the new casing.  If removal of the base is difficult, it can also be cut back by setting the casing in place over the existing base and scribing a straight line with a utility knife into the surface of the base molding. 
30. Either make the cut with the knife or utilize a sharp wood chisel and a hammer.  When using the chisel, you will place it on the scribed line and gently tap it with the hammer.  As you get into the surface of the wood you can shave the wood up to the cut from the end of the base.  This slowly shaves material away and allows clearance to make the next scribes with the chisel.  This step may need to be repeated several times in order to completely remove the unwanted section of base.  Be careful that the sheetrock is not being damaged as you perform this step.

31. When mounting the casing start at the top to make sure the miter is attractive and work your way down the sides.  Place a nail at 3 to 4 inches from the end of the casing, through the casing and into the doorjamb.  There should be six to eight nails used on each sidepiece of casing.  The side piece is about 83 ½” long, the nails are to be placed about 8 to 10 inches apart and no closer to the end than three inches (this prevents splitting).  Be sure to run the nails straight into      the jamb so as not to accidentally have the nail come through the jamb and impede the operation of the door.  The nail should be no closer to the edge of the casing than 3/16”.  Be aware of the edge of the jamb as you run your nails, some degree of angle may be helpful in attaching the casing, but be sure the nail is running into the jamb and not splitting out through an exposed area. Be sure to hold the reveal between the jamb edge and the casing edge straight and consistent from top to bottom as you nail.  Once again, nail to the doorjamb and not the wall.  Once the trim is secured to the jamb you can make minor adjustments to interior reveals on the side by using the same method used on the top reveal.  Gently pushing the trim and the jamb toward the door or using the flat knife to gently pry the jamb away from the door is a great way to fine-tune all your reveals.  Use the larger nail to mount the casing to the wall once your jambs and trim are in the perfect place aesthetically.
32. Carefully run a nail into each corner miter.  Use shims if necessary behind the casing to make sure the miters look perfect.  If a nail was utilized to correct a reveal problem, it may be necessary to put the flat knife between the trim and the wall and move it outwards to make the miter look appropriate.  This will not affect the reveals to any great degree if done gently and carefully.  A gap between the wall and the jamb is not a problem, as this edge must be sealed with caulking as our final pre-painting step.  Some variation between the wall and the trim is inevitable as home are not perfect and do move around after being built.  They also can move somewhat seasonally and due to dryness or excessive wetness around the foundation.
33. The bottom of the door may require an interior piece of trim.  Usually, three quarter inch quarter round works quite nicely.  Cut it to fit between the two pieces of casing and install it using small finish nails through the trim and into the door threshold itself.  Gluing the trim is necessary in some cases if the door has an aluminum threshold.  You can sometimes nail directly into the shims that support the threshold.  Tile floors are best re-grouted when a gap is evident, but the wood trim is an excellent option if grout is unavailable or inappropriate.
34. Use the longer finish nails to secure the outside trim that was left in place to the doorjambs.  Five to Seven nails per side and three on the top is quite sufficient.  Nail carefully so as not to allow nails to break through to the exposed areas of the doorjamb.  Small nails to attach the corner miters run from the side into the meat of the wood will help to hold the miters properly.  Sometimes the casing will not be directly against the sheetrock in order to make the door line up properly.
35. The door is essentially finished at this point aside from putty in the nails holes, and caulking on the edges.  Interior caulking is primarily cosmetic but the exterior is very important.  Use a paintable caulking.  Use a clear caulking on the bottom so as not to make a mess.  Clear Silicones are most appropriate on the bottom as they are the most durable.  Acrylic Latex’s with silicone are fine for the areas that need caulking where both edges to be caulked are paintable.
36. Allow your sealants to dry for 24 hours and you’re ready to paint.  Check with a paint professional to get the best paint for your area and your budget.  Paint all wood surfaces, trims, and the door slab itself.  Do not paint weather-stripping, hinges, thresholds, bottom trim on the door slab, or strike plates.

Enjoy your new door……It’s a professional installation……aren't you proud?

Getting a Model Home Discount on your home improvements.

The Model Home Discount in Home Improvements

Lot's of people like to do their research on the internet.  That's a given.  Most of my customers find me while looking me up on Google.  My site is on page one of most of the relevant search terms I like to have.

Dallas Windows, Vinyl Windows Dallas, Replacement Windows Dallas and various other phrases including Wood or Aluminum.   Long story short, I have pretty low overhead.  No shop.  Just a service that I provide.  Installation of residential replacement windows and pre-hung doors with an occasional patio door here and there.

I worked for a big multi-million dollar window and door company that sold replacement windows for a thousand dollars a piece in the 90's.  In many ways they were worth it.  Today it's not the best choice but for millions of homeowners it was.

The reason I am revisiting my window installation past at this juncture is that I just read a post from a notable site with reviews and such on it that I sorta disagree with.

This is an opportunity to see a real simple contrast in overviews from two different seasoned window guys.

I have a friend in Richmond Virginia.  A new friend but not a competitor.  Very down to earth.  You can tell in his writings.   He put up a post on the Model Home Sales Pitch you sometimes hear about.  As he so aptly points out.  It was hilarious in Tin Men with Danny DeVito.

The premise is that a contractor or company comes to you with a deal for being a model home.

His post is here and you can give it a look :

http://thewindowdog.com/model-home-windows-program-window-scams/

Now here's why I think it's sorta cynical.   If a contractor has nothing going for himself, his products and craftsmanship besides a "model home discount" of course you should never do business with them.  Thats just good common sense.

That said, I'll sometimes bid a job a bit lower to get my foot into a good neighborhood.  I know my work is beautiful and neighbors who see it will be tempted to want some.  I don't see that as unreasonable or as he seems to implicate "a scam".  Bottom line is that you should get a few estimates and always look for someone you can trust with your money, your home and your project, because they will end up being responsible for all three.

Often that's not a cheap guy.  I don't even try to be the cheap guy.  That leads to the budget being too tight and product or quality of labor diminish.  The trade off isn't worth it.

No one needs the cheapest car at the Carmax.  Most of us need something dependable in the middle of the cost spectrum.  None of us expect a good car for a thousand bucks.  None of us like spending Thirty to Fifty Grand on one either.   There are reasonable choices in the middle of the two extremes.

Back to the model home discount.  If that's the only thing they have to offer you to win your business you should probably keep looking.   If someone offers you something like that it's probably not a scam, but it is certainly a gimmick.

Alside Mezzo Vinyl Replacement Windows

Alside Mezzo Replacement Windows will be our first new window line released in 2014.  

This should be one of the best updates to come out in years.  It will have a narrow frame for more glass and the option of custom exterior colors.

Many of these aren't able to boast of a narrow profile frame and still be a lifetime warranty, energy star approved replacement window.

I scanned the first brochure I got in.  This product was released on 2-15-2014 to replace the Excalibur Series.Alside was the Energy Star Partner of the Year 2000, 2001 and 2002.  

They've been Better Homes a Gardens Best Buy and produced several proven lines over it's history.  We use their casement windows, Ultra-Max vinyl replacement windows and were pleased with the quality and durability of their product.


The upgrades on this window are:Interior trim groove for factory trim as needed.New Exterior Color choices beyond the typical white and beige to include the following:Architectural Bronze, English Red, Desert Clay, Hudson Khaki, Forrest Green, American Terra, Castle Grey and of course, Beige and White.

Optional interior upgrades include 

White wood grain, Soft Maple wood grain, Rich Maple wood grain, Light Oak wood grain, Dark Oak Wood grain, Foxwood wood grain, Cherry Wood grain and again beige or white interiors as extruded.


Solid white or beige are always less costly, This product is Energy Star Rated and Approved in all climates.

Composite horizontal reinforcement bars instead of steel to be less conductive of heat and cold.It has the factory preferred 3 1/4" jamb thickness while keeping the profile under 2 3/4" of frame in the single hung model.  This is a great new option for us in Texas and will be a great new addition to our available lines.

Here's the link to the full scan of our first brochure on our Google Plus Page!