"From your informative sales presentation to your one-day installation of 20 windows, we have found dealing with A-BEST a pleasure."
Richard J. Chappell
West Poland
There are several key questions homeowners should ask
potential companies when looking into replacing their
windows.
What is the grade of your windows? All windows are rated according to performance criteria
sponsored by the American Architectural Manufacturers'
Association (AAMA). All windows fall within a scale from 15 to
60, based on their test performances. Ask for documentation
showing the grade of the window.
Many advances have been made with respect to glass
technology. What glass is right for my house? In Maine, the best glass for year-round energy savings is
Energy Advantage Low-E glass by LOF - the most energy efficient
glass available.
Who does the window installation? Many companies use subcontractors to do their installations.
To have control over the company that sells you the windows, make
sure a direct employee - not a subcontractor - is also installing
the windows. What is the warranty on the window? Most reputable window companies will give a 10 to 20 year
warranty on window components to be free of manufacturing
defects. This warranty should also cover the cost of labor to
make the corrections.
How many years have you been in business? Make sure the company you choose has a proven track record of
several years. Ask for references.
Is this window maintenance free? Wood swells in wet weather and shrinks in the heat. It also
needs painting or staining to keep it from rotting. Aluminum dents and conducts cold through the window. Solid reinforced
vinyl is the answer if you truly want a maintenance-free window.
Can I clean this window from the inside? Most advanced windows allow for easy tilt of both sashes for
cleaning of all glass surfaces from the inside.
Do I need storm windows after I have replacement windows
installed? No. As long as you have upgraded the current window system.
Two ways to assure you've done this: Insist upon Energy Advantage
Low-E glass, and insist upon Swiggle Strip by Tremco as the
sealant between the two layers of insulated glass. Swiggle Strip
will virtually eliminate conduction which occurs with aluminum
banded insulated glass.
How long will the installation take? If the window is truly a replacement window (meaning custom
made to fit the exact size of the window it's replacing), most
installations take one or two days. Don't be fooled by new
construction windows which only come stock size and necessitate
costly carpentry, inside trim, outside trim, plaster, sheetrock
and paint.
Why do some window companies insist on pressure selling me
into a decision instead of letting me do some comparison
shopping? The reason these companies are willing to give you such a
"great deal" tonight and only tonight is because they know if you
comparison shop you will find a better deal. Insist on comparison
shopping and don't be pressured into quick decisions.
If you have any additional questions regarding replacement
windows, please call us at 207-799-6771.
A-BEST WINDOW
