Windows Design Ratings

Intro | Options | Ratings | Types

Superior Exteriors Northwest has worked with virtually every window and door product on the market. Whether you’re looking for vinyl, wood, wood-clad, fiberglass, or even aluminum, we can offer an objective perspective for your project.

The manufacturers of vinyl windows and doors we have found to always offer the range and balance of what consumers both need and want are three local manufacturers:

- Milgard
- LBL
- Empire Pacific Windows

These manufacturers categorically offer almost everything the industry has to offer. Energy Star performance, a variety of options and creative comforts, ease of operation, architectural appeal, quality construction, custom sizing and affordable price points. These vinyl product lines truly cover all the bases without compromise.

When vinyl windows and doors are not your first choice, we can offer solutions and options with other product lines offered by Milgard or those offered by Marvin and Pella wood windows and doors.

These manufacturers offer high-end performance and the refinements needed to personalize your project. From options in wood species and hardware to integrated screens and blinds. All interior framing materials are either paint or stain grade with durable exteriors in pre-finished aluminum cladding or pultruded fiberglass.

The Essentials - Installation is critical!

We’ve seen many methods for replacing windows and doors. Most of which is representative of no talent nor an understanding of fundamentals, craftsmanship or finish carpentry. Be Aware – We are Remodelers, Carperters and Craftsmen. We see the process quite clearly and without mystery. We have only one model for replacing aluminum windows and patio doors and two models for replacing older pre-hung wood sashed windows.
Replacing windows or doors appears to be a decisive decision. Your home has become a microcosm of weather trends and that darn patio door just doesn’t want to cooperate.
Time to call the professionals. Uuurch! How can you? I mean, you’ve only just met and already your being asked to commit. I would encourage you to “engage” the brake pedal. I understand, maybe the sales person seems human and hence trustworthy. Of course, I still believe in humanity. However, I wish to interject!
When replacing your windows or doors it’s best that you are prepared to interview your candidates. Depending upon the information “surrendered” from various companies you should know whether to invest further time or money with any given company with the following points.

• There are no regulated standards for replacing windows and doors, hence no qualitative standards. What you get in most all instances is – Yours, and you own it.
  
• Contracts are only as good as the language within them, so be sure to read all contracts thoroughly for the content they do and do not contain.
  
• If replacing aluminum windows or patio doors, ask prospective companies which type of
  installation method they implement! “Nail fin” installations, would be the best answer.
  Wrong answers:
  1) Slip in
  2) Collapse
  3) Z-bar
  4) Retro – Ask to elaborate. Many times a sales person is in fact referring to a slip in or collapse, as if it is appropriately labeled retro because it is replacing something old with something new. It is certainly not!
  5) Retro(Again, for emphasis) – Ask to elaborate. Many times this sales person is in fact referring to a slip in or collapse, as if it is appropriately labeled retro because it is replacing something old with something new. It is certainly not! Deception is sometimes intentional….. I can assure you.
  
• Products some companies offer may not have been certified by AAMA or WDMA as it is voluntarily. To become certified means meeting the minimum performance standards as set forth by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association or the Window and Door Manufacturers Association.
  
• Ask to see some examples of finish carpentry and watch the whites of their eyes grow.
  
• Always get references and go look closely at the work performed. A happy customer would gladly invite you over.
  
• Reference the companies CCB# with the Oregon Construction Contractors Board
  
• Do some homework and some math. If you’re being asked to pay an average of $1,000.00 or more per unit for vinyl windows and $1,500.00 or more per unit for wood windows then make sure you’ve explored the genuine value that Superior Exteriors Northwest has to offer by scheduling an appointment to visit the needs of your project.

Conversions

The term conversion references a specific number and set of processes needed to make changes to the size of the rough opening for any given window or door just, as it would, for other instances when an opening may not currently exist though such would add functionality to a given space. This includes proper lighting or access to a planned patio or existing deck. Whichever the circumstance, we have the experience to help you make these changes. Whether you wish to install a bay or bow window, open up a wall and install a 4-panel French or patio door, or just reduce or increase the height of a window - we’re qualified to make all such modifications – no matter the level of complicity.
Depending upon your intentions, we may need to do minor framing with sheetrock tape and texture or even major structural changes. These sorts of projects can be too complex for most average “companies” however, you can count on us to perform the work with exceptional results. Take a peek at some of the pictures of such previous projects and you will see that we are true to our brand. We are Superior Exteriors Northwest. As good as the best and better than the rest!

We only offer professional advice, reasonable solutions and a tailored fit.