Sunday, August 10, 2014

How To Reduce Costs When Buying Replacement Windows In Cincinnati OH

There’s a good reason why a window replacement rarely tops a homeowner’s to-do list. Aside from the fact that many quality windows last for decades, this project can also be expensive. No wonder a number of homeowners try to avoid it as much as possible and try to hold on to their existing units. But this is just as costly. Old and defective windows can only drive up your heating and cooling bills. Plus, they can’t help in keeping your home comfortable. They actually can do the opposite. They keep your indoor space warmer during summer and even colder during the winter months.

Some, to avoid replacing their windows and keep expenses down engage in minor repairs. They fail to realize that while it may seem that they are able to reduce cost in the beginning, they are actually spending more than they should. The costs of constant repairs can accumulate to a significant amount over time. In short, a window replacement, while requiring a high out of pocket cost, is actually the more cost-effective option. If you are looking to get new replacement windows in Cincinnati OH soon, here’s some information that will help you keep your expenses low.

Obtain quotes from various window providers. While others recommend that you get as many quotes as possible, the problem with this is that it can be confusing. Dealing with 3-5 companies is more preferable. Make sure to have a budget and stick with it as much as possible. Go for windows that are within your budget range. It is expected for companies to show and convince you to buy their most expensive units. Stick to your guns and don’t let anyone persuade you to get what you can’t afford.

Your choice of replacement windows can determine the total cost of your project. To keep your expenses down, look for standard style windows. Stay clear of customized units as they can cost so much more. All those customized hardware, frame, color, etc have minimal effect, if at all, in the overall performance of your windows so it’s not really practical to spend so much money on them.

Go for windows that rank high on energy efficiency. High-performing windows can offer greater savings in the long run. Educate yourself on the basic information that will allow you to get windows that perform better than others in terms of energy performance. Before you eagerly go shopping for new windows, know what you want to help you save time, effort and money.


If you are thinking of getting new replacement windows in Cincinnati OH anytime soon, be sure to know what you want to significantly trim down your choices. With all the options available today, shopping for new windows can be confusing. For a stress-free shopping experience, check out Zen Windows Cincinnati webpage today. 


Sunday, July 13, 2014

How Do You Install Patio Doors In Cincinnati OH In Your Own Home?

Having a patio door at home can enhance the aesthetics of your home and improve its overall functionality. You can have an unhindered view of your outdoor environment without actually getting out of your house. You can enjoy the view sitting at your kitchen area or in your living room. Aside from practically bringing the outdoors inside your home, patio doors in Cincinnati OH can likewise give your indoor space a brighter and inviting feeling by letting in a significant amount of natural light. By showering your indoor space with lots of light, it gives the illusion of space making the room brighter and more spacious.

Basically, patio doors are made of a vast sheet of glass held together by a small metal frame. This type of door can either be hinged or gliding. Its most popular version is the French door. It is made of multiple little panels of glass inside a frame and can be swung inwards or outwards depending on your choice. This style of patio door is often installed for decorative purposes because of its great aesthetics although it also offers some useful functions. On the other hand, sliding patio doors slide on a track through rollers and are suitable for small indoor spaces since they don’t require much space consideration to function.

Installing a patio door at home often involves taking down a portion of your existing wall to make way for its placement. This is why it should be carried out by a trusted contractor. However, before you decide to have one fitted in your home, you have to consider several issues like the type of patio door to get. Your choice should largely depend on your available space. Also, you need to consider how much light your patio door should give your indoor space to correctly determine its positioning. In addition, your local weather condition should also figure in your decision. You have to decide on a durable material on your patio door if it will be constantly exposed to harsh outdoor elements.

In summary, installing a patio door at home can be beneficial. With the right placement, it can even improve the market value of your property. However, you need to put much consideration in choosing its style and design as well as the type of material to be used to ensure that you will be able to enjoy all that it has to offer for a very long time.


Make the most out of your outdoor environment by installing a patio door at home and see how it can practically bring your outdoors right into your living room or kitchen area. To get the best value for your money, consider patio doors in Cincinnati OH today. To find out how much this type of door can cost you, visit Zen Windows Cincinnati website for a free online quote. 


Thursday, July 10, 2014

Common Issues Associated With Sliding Glass Doors In Cincinnati OH

A strategically-positioned sliding glass door can increase the value of a home. For instance, if it is installed to open up a beautiful patio area or a well-manicured garden, this will certainly give a boost to your home’s market price. In addition to its pleasant aesthetics, this modern type of door is likewise practical and functional. Unlike traditional doors, it can offer a much wider opening to allow big and bulky items in and out of your home. Also, sliding glass doors in Cincinnati OH can bring in a significant amount of light indoors making your indoor space bright and vibrant. But more than anything else, perhaps the great thing about them is that they practically bring your outdoor setting into your home by offering you a clear view of your backyard, garden or patio without the need to go out of your house.

But then again, just like anything else, sliding glass doors also have their downsides. One of their issues is their insulating properties. Even when they come with insulation, over time it wears out allowing air to blow out through the edges of the units. When you can actually feel the air passing through your hand when you put it against the edges of your sliding glass door, you have to do something about it.

One of the most common options is to get insulating drapes. These are available in different sizes, colors and style. However, they are generally more expensive than ordinary curtains. Another option is by hanging a sheet of clear plastic over the entire opening of your sliding glass door during winter to prevent a significant amount of energy loss. This will prevent air from leaking out while still allowing natural light to get indoors. However, this can be inconvenient as you need to take down the plastic covering when you need to use the door.

Another way to insulate is to weather strip your sliding glass door. This will close any leak from which air is able to pass through. Focus around the edges and make sure the strips are secure and in place. Essentially, by weather stripping, you will prevent air from leaking out that causes your indoors to be uncomfortable especially during tough weather conditions like summer and winter. By closing all the leaks, you’ll have a more relaxing time inside your home without worrying about exorbitant energy bills.


A sliding glass door can enhance the appearance of your home. Plus, it can bring in some practical functions. To get the best value for your money, look into sliding glass doors in Cincinnati OH today. For more information, please visit Zen Windows Cincinnati homepage today. 


Wednesday, July 2, 2014

What To Keep In Mind When Choosing And Installing Your Replacement Windows Cincinnati OH

It is not often that a window replacement tops a homeowner’s list of things to do. In fact, many will try to hold on to their old windows for as long as they possibly can. This is because the undertaking can call for a high initial outlay which only a few homeowners can easily afford. However, at some point, you will really need to get new replacement windows Cincinnati OH to replace your present units.

Most of the times, it is easy to know when your home needs new windows. There are indications that you have to pay attention to. For instance, if you have drafty windows, moisture build-up on the inside layer of your window panes, and visible water damage, it is definitely time to upgrade. Things can be complicated though when you have to decide which replacement windows to get and what installation method is required for your home. Both of which require some serious thoughts.

When it comes to your replacement windows, you have to consider several factors like the window frame material, the style and glass package and so on. Because of the number of options to choose from, the experience can be overwhelming and stressful. You have to know what you want to trim down your choices. Do your research and shop around for price and quality comparison.

In terms of replacement options, there are three basic methods that you should be aware of- sash replacement, frame-and-sash replacement and total window replacement. Each choice has their pros and cons and comes with installation quirks. When the original frame of your existing window is still in good condition, the sash replacement is the most ideal method. This is the most cost-effective among the three choices. However, the result may not offer the highest overall performance.

The second approach is the sash and frame replacement and should be chosen when the sash and frame are still in great shape. The installation cost is generally low but buying the new replacement windows can call for a significant amount of money. Meanwhile, a complete window replacement unit replacement requires the total removal of your existing windows. This is required when your windows and openings are compromised or damaged. This option can call for a considerable disruption, but on the good side, with proper installation, this will result in the best performance of your windows.


When your present windows are showing signs of damage or deterioration, you should think about replacing them as early as possible. Holding on to them can be costly in the long run. Consider replacement windows Cincinnati OH to ensure quality and durability. To get a free online quote on the windows that you will need for your home, visit Zen Windows Cincinnati website today.


What’s The Biggest Advantage Of Picture Replacement Windows Cincinnati OH?

Taking on a window replacement project can be overwhelming as there are many factors to consider to ensure a successful undertaking. Among others, you have to consider the style of your replacement windows. While this may look like a simple decision, the sheer volume of the options available out there can make the selection tough. Every choice comes with pros and cons. While it may seem tempting to just select the first one that you come across with, making the right choice is crucial. Your ultimate choice can have a huge impact not only in the overall look and feel of your home, but also in your safety, comfort and convenience. To help you make an informed decision, here are the pros and cons of some of the most widely-used replacement windows Cincinnati OH today.

To start, let’s look at double hung windows. You can find this window style almost everywhere as they are extremely popular. They offer excellent ventilation properties, ease of access, and unique style. Double hungs have two operational sashes. You can opt to close one sash and leave the other sash open to control airflow. Their unique style makes them great choices for the bedroom and even in offices.

While they have several benefits, double hungs may not be the most energy efficient window style as they allow more air to leak compared to other windows. Also, although they can provide ventilation, the fact that only half of their sashes can be opened at one time, double hung windows may not be able to provide maximum ventilation.

Meanwhile if you are looking for a window style that can let in lots of air indoors, you should consider casement windows. Their style, which enables them to open outwards can invite a significant amount of fresh air and natural light. When closed, casement windows can be airtight preventing energy loss. They are ideal to install in hard to reach areas in your home like over your kitchen sinks. The only issue with this window style is that it may be hard to find replacement hardware and hinges especially for older casement windows.

Picture window is another popular selection. The best thing about this window style is that it provides an unobstructed view of your outdoors. However, since picture windows are not able to open, they don’t have the ability to provide any amount of ventilation. This issue though can be addressed if picture windows are installed with a combination of other window styles that actually open. Also, because of the expansive glass section, picture windows are more prone to breakage.

Before you go shopping for your new windows, be sure to know exactly what you want. This will enable you to narrow down your choices and make your shopping experience less stressful.



There are good and bad windows out there. To help you find the best windows for your home, check out home replacement windows in Cincinnati OH by Zen and find out why they will enable you to get the best value for your money. 


Monday, June 2, 2014

Should You Hire Professionals For The Installation Of Replacement Windows In Cincinnati OH?

A window replacement project can be a costly. There are a number of factors that can actually determine the cost of this undertaking. Among others, there’s the age of your home, the type of replacement windows that you’ll get and how many windows you’ll need for the project. In general, if you have old windows, at least 15 years old, the probability of having them replaced can be high. On the other hand, if you have fairly new windows that refuse to work properly or may have some parts broken, you may not have to spend as much to have them repaired or even replaced. The rule of the thumb when it comes to window replacement is that the more work is needed, the higher the cost.

In terms of the quality and type of your windows, you’ll realize that different styles of replacement windows in Cincinnati OH also cost differently. Among the types of windows available today, those made of wood and vinyl are the most popular with wood more expensive than vinyl. Commonly, commercial windows can cost several hundred dollars each. Getting replacement windows doesn’t really have to be expensive or cheap. But always remember that in many instances, you get the kind of quality that you paid for. As for the installation cost, the rate is commonly the same regardless of the type of the windows that you want installed in your home as long as there is no extra work is needed. There are homeowners who do the installation themselves to save cost. However, if you have neither the skill nor the time, hiring pros to do the task is more beneficial.

Another element that can affect the cost of a window replacement project is when you opt for custom designed windows. You see, while the type and design of your replacement windows is already pre-determined, you can actually opt for customized options that will have you installing a completely different window. You can have customized size, color and design. Understandably, the cost of custom made windows is higher than standard units ranging from $300 to $4,500 each depending on a few variables.

To be able to establish an estimated amount and stick within your budget plan, it is a good idea to list down all the possible expenses that you may incur all throughout the venture. Also, to help you lower cost, make sure to shop around for prices and obtain quotes from different window companies.

To get the best value for your money, check out home window replacement by Zen in Cincinnati OH and see how they can offer you great quality at a price you can easily afford.





Sunday, May 25, 2014

When Is It A Good Idea To Hire A Contractor For A Window Repair In Cincinnati OH?


When you have a window problem, it is a good idea to deal with it right away. Trying to ignore or delay the situation will only lead to bigger and more expensive problems sooner than later. Apart from the exorbitant energy bills, the solution for the windows that have badly deteriorated is way costlier. For quality work, consider window repair in Cincinnati OH.

One common mistake among several homeowners is that they seem to think that all window problems always need a window replacement. This is not always the case. The ideal solution will always hinge on the type of problem your window has. For instance, if you are dealing with a broken pane, it is still possible to repair the damage. The good thing about it is that the cost you will spend on the window repair will be way less than if you immediately decide on a window replacement.

You can even save more cash if you repair the broken pane by yourself rather hire a contractor to do the job. Generally, repairing a broken pane can be fixed by anyone with basic home improvement skills. Besides, you will find several sites online that show how this particular work is carried out. But then again, if you are not confident with your skills, it is a good idea to hire a handyman even if you will have to spend more. You will have the assurance that the task will be completed efficiently.

If you choose to do the window repair yourself, the cost, obviously, is way cheaper than if you hire a contractor or a handyman for the job. The only cost that you will incur when you repair a broken pane, in particular, is the price of the materials, which can be around $20 depending on the size of the glass that you’ll need.

In contrast, hiring a contractor will cost you an average of $50 even for the simplest repair. Commonly, a broken pane can be fixed in less than an hour. But then again, when you hire a contractor can be a good idea especially if you don’t have the skill or the time to carry out the repair on your own. Additionally, a skilled handyman will be able to see other issues with your windows during the original repair.

To sum up, whether you decide to hire a contractor or not, it all depends on your skills, type of window problem and your budget. Only after giving these points some careful consideration will you be able to come up with the right judgment.


A window replacement is not always the most ideal solution to your window problems. Before you get started on it, consider home window repair in Cincinnati OH first to save cost. For a more accurate assessment of your windows, check out Zen Windows Cincinnati today.



Monday, May 19, 2014

Can You Brave The Winter Without Upgrading To Replacement Windows In Cincinnati OH?


Without a doubt, replacing your old and inefficient windows can be an expensive undertaking. This is the reason why a number of homeowners try to delay the task for as long as they can. Think about this. According to an annual Cost VS Value Report of Remodeling Magazine, the average cost for the installation of vinyl replacement windows is $11,319, just slightly lower to a wood window replacement that comes in at $12,229. The cost can be quite overwhelming for a majority of homeowners. For excellent quality but affordable windows, replacement windows in Cincinnati are worth checking out.

But then again, because of the amazing benefits new windows can offer, many homeowners tried to go beyond the price tag and have replacement windows installed in their homes. The good thing about replacement windows is they are the kind of investments that eventually pay for themselves.

However, if you can’t afford to have them at home just yet, here are easy and practical solutions that you can do to be able face another winter ahead despite being stuck with your old, inefficient windows.

To start, make sure to examine your existing windows and check for any possible leaks. You can seal them off either with weather stripping tape or caulking. If you haven’t discovered any leaks and yet your indoor temperature is still chilly, place plastic sheeting on the inside of your window to create a pocket of air between the sheeting and the glass. The confined air will serve as an insulator that will keep your room temperature constant.

This may prove to be a little inconvenient, though as you cannot open your windows without completely removing the plastic sheeting. Another issue with this solution is that even if the plastic is clear, your outdoors will still appear hazy or cloudy which can limit your view of the outside. But, until you can afford to have new replacement windows installed in your home, this is the best method that you have to do every winter.

Meanwhile, to address the drafts in the home, there are a number of homeowners whose first reaction is to crank up the heat, turn on the electric heaters, or flip on their gas fireplace. While these options can certainly warm up your house, they can however leave you with excessive gas and electricity bills. In the end, it is wise to get new replacement windows. They can go a long way in terms of significantly reducing your energy consumption.


To deal with your excessively high heating and cooling bills, you need to address the culprit head on. Replace your old and inefficient windows. Invest in replacement windows in Cincinnati OH and see the big difference. For more information on the benefits of replacement windows, check out Zen Windows Cincinnati homepage today. 

Top Factors To Consider To Get Quality Replacement Windows In Cincinnati OH

A window replacement is not something that homeowners will gladly engage in. Let’s be honest. The cost of the project alone is intimidating. In addition, there are so many things that need to be considered. However, when your old windows failed, there’s no reason why you should delay the inevitable. If you do, you will find yourself spending way more than you should.

If you plan to have replacement windows in Cincinnati OH installed in your home, you should find quality units that will last for a very long time. Here are guidelines that will help you make the right choice.

First off, not all windows are created equal. To end up with quality windows, you have to do your research. Spend time to look around and compare quality and prices. Visit showrooms where you can properly make a comparison of the different brands and models.

One of the most important considerations when choosing your windows is the design of your home. Your choice should blend well with your home’s indoor and outdoor spaces. Aside from this, you have to make sure that the joints of the windows are well-made. In addition, the hardware should be attractive.

Aside from nice aesthetics, your new windows should also offer ease of use. Make sure that they operate smoothly and are durable enough to be able to stand up against any type of outdoor condition. See that the weather stripping fits securely and the screens solidly built. In addition, make sure that their parts can be acquired easily in case you will need to buy a replacement in the future.

The glass is also another important consideration. Nowadays, glass technology has been greatly improved offering high level of efficiency and protection. Don’t be hesitant to pay extra if it means getting better glass technology for your windows.

As for the warranty, find one that is solid and reliable. It should cover both the material and labor. If your window company offers a lifetime warranty on your windows, don’t be impressed right away. Find out for yourself by checking all the terms and components.


One of the most popular home improvement ideas is a window replacement. If you are planning to embark on this project soon, consider quality replacement windows in Cincinnati OH to ensure quality and longevity. To get a free quote on the windows that you’ll need for your home, visit Zen Windows Cincinnati webpage today.