Top 7 Things to Know About Windows
- According to the US Department of Energy, leaky and inefficient windows, doors, and skylights account for 25 percent of the average households energy bills. You can cut your energy costs by having quality windows installed.
- Skylights are beautiful additions to any home, and they provide more light than your average vertical windows of the same size.
- Quality windows with double panes of glass help to cut down outside noise.
- Purchasing windows with collapsible/fold-down handles allows extra room for your blinds and window treatments.
- If there is condensation inside your windows, or you notice mold spots growing around your window casings, then it is time to have your windows replaced.
- You can make your own homemade window cleaner, using white vinegar and Dawn dish soap.
- Any window replacement project is a major investment, so make sure that you hire professionals to install your new windows. At Greenawalt Roofing, we treat your home as if it were our own.
What Central Pennsylvania property owners should consider
Things To Know About Windows is best understood in the context of the whole property, not from one symptom alone. The age of the materials, previous repairs, water-management details, installation methods, and nearby exterior components can all affect what is visible. Central Pennsylvania’s mix of heavy rain, wind, summer heat, falling leaves, freeze-thaw cycles, and winter weather can also make the same concern look different from one home or building to another.
Start with observations that can be made safely. Avoid climbing onto the roof or disturbing damaged materials. Instead, note when the concern appeared, whether it changes during particular weather, and whether it is isolated or occurring in several areas. Photographs taken from a safe location and notes about prior work can help a professional understand the history without relying on memory alone.
Details worth documenting
- interior and exterior access needed for a complete evaluation
- drafts, condensation, staining, or changes around the opening
- the age and condition of nearby roofing, siding, trim, and flashing
- how the room is used and what comfort or daylight goal matters most
- visible deterioration that may extend beyond the unit itself
These details do not replace an on-site evaluation, but they make the conversation more useful. They also help separate a maintenance item from a repair need or a larger project. A clear evaluation should explain the observed condition, the likely scope, the surrounding components that were checked, and any assumptions that could affect the recommendation.
Questions to ask before authorizing work
- What interior and exterior finishes are included?
- Will the work affect roofing, siding, trim, or insulation?
- What maintenance will the selected product require?
- How will the opening be protected during installation?
- Is the issue with the unit, the installation, or surrounding materials?
- How will flashing and water management be handled?
Ask for the proposed work in writing and compare scopes rather than price alone. Materials, labor, disposal, cleanup, ventilation, flashing, permits, warranties, and possible concealed conditions should be easy to identify. If alternatives are available, the practical differences should be explained in plain language so the decision reflects the property’s needs and the owner’s priorities.
Greenawalt Roofing serves homeowners across Central Pennsylvania. Learn about residential exterior services, review what happens during a Full Exterior Exam, browse the company’s service areas, or request a free estimate.
