Author: Window World SoCal

Windows can impact your home in so many ways. Whether installing windows in a new home or selecting replacements, your choice can affect the appearance, efficiency, and safety of your property. There are many decisions to make. Working with a window company helps navigate the complexities and understand every detail. To help make the process even smoother and less stressful, here’s what you should think about when you order a window:

Your Budget

Windows are an investment; you don’t want to waste money on inferior quality. Determine what you’re able to spend before shopping around. Your budget can help focus on particular styles and materials. Also, a window contractor is going to ask about what you plan on spending. Prices vary from one company to another and also depend on the material, size, and efficiency rating. Custom shapes, stains, and decorative options can add to the cost as well.

Frame Material

Vinyl is one of the most affordable window frame materials. It is also durable and energy efficient. High-quality vinyl windows can last a lifetime if properly cared for. There are many other materials available as well, including wood that provides a classic, customizable look while delivering high efficiency. Aluminum frames are inexpensive and durable, while fiberglass is strong, insulating, and available in many styles. Composite and wood-clad frames are also available; they provide the desired look of wood without the high maintenance it’s associated with.

Glass Efficiency

A frame may be built and sealed well. But that won’t matter much if the glass isn’t of high quality. Double- and triple-pane windows are available with insulating gas in between each glass panel. When you order a window, consider a Low-E product filled with argon, an inert gas that resists heat transfer. These windows also prevent ultraviolet rays from entering your home. Other glazing options can block noise, customize the look of the glass, and increase resistance to breakage.

A window’s U-value measures its resistance to heat loss. It mainly ranges from 0.2 to 1.25; the lower the number, the more insulating the window is. The solar heat gain coefficient, which measures how much heat can enter through the glass, is also listed on the label. Lower values are more suited for hot climates and higher values suit homes in cool climates that benefit from the sun’s warmth.

Window Design

There are many window designs; your choice depends on the style of your home and your functional needs. Double-hung windows are the most common and have two operating sashes. The window can be tilted open at the top and bottom. Single-hung windows have only one opening sash. Meanwhile, sliding windows open horizontally via one or more panels. 

Other options include awning windows, which open at an angle, privacy windows that let in natural light while blocking the view inside, and bay and bow windows that add space and create a focal point. Casement windows maximize the viewing area and easily crank open; they’re also sealed against water, air, and wind infiltration.

Cleaning/Maintenance Requirements

Before you order a window, think about how much time you want to spend cleaning and maintaining it. Once it’s installed, you can’t change what’s needed to keep it looking and working great. The lowest maintenance options include vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass. These materials are also strong and weather-resistant. Vinyl does not corrode or warp like wood and doesn’t need to be repainted. However, wood requires frequent cleaning, re-staining, and other types of upkeep that can take up significant time.

Professional Installation

Installing or replacing windows as a DIY project is generally not recommended. It’s hard to make important decisions and achieve the most cost-effective installation without a professional. A window installation specialist can help avoid costly errors and ensure you understand all the fine details. Ask any contractor you hire lots of questions about their experience and your most cost- and energy-efficient options; research reviews and ask family, friends, and acquaintances for references as well.

Warranty

Warranties differ from one window manufacturer to another. Some offer protection for as long as 25 years, but a “lifetime” warranty may only last three or four years after installation, so read the fine print. Most warranties cover the glass and some protect against poor installation. Hardware is generally not included. Only if the warranty is transferable will new windows increase home resale value. Therefore, check the terms of the agreement depending on your needs (i.e., you plan to stay in your home or eventually sell it).

Contact Window World of SoCal

At Window World of SoCal, we have a wide range of new and replacement window options. Many types are available and we also custom-manufacture each product so you can design a window in any way possible. You’re also guaranteed professional installation and an industry-leading warranty. When you order a window from us, you can expect the highest-quality service. To get started, get a free quote online or call 805-323-9174.

Steel front doors are available in many sizes and forms. Often selected for their affordability, they are durable, protective, and energy efficient and can be ordered in different colors. One popular option is a black steel exterior door that many Costa Mesa homeowners install. 

The color black is neutral. It can complement a wide range of colors and exterior design concepts. It works with traditional colonial, modern, Craftsman, contemporary, bungalow, and other styles of homes. If this is a route you want to go, here are some ideas worth considering:

 

1. Pair It With Other Accent Colors: A black steel exterior door is well-complemented by white and gray siding. It also works with natural wood materials. Brick and stone also blend in well with black, so there are numerous accents to pick from to make your door stand out.

 

2. Create a Sense of Charm: Black steel doors don’t have to be luxurious and stately. they can be casually charming. An example is a black Dutch door that adds spunk no matter how small and simple a house is.

 

3. Use of Hardware: Add standard or oversized handles and other hardware made of brass, which looks pricier than it is. Silver provides a fresh look, while black hardware on a black door can add character as well. Other choices include gold, nickel, copper, aluminum, and stainless steel. Handles, mail slots, knockers, and other hardware options add charm and uniqueness.

 

4. To Shine or Not to Shine: If you want your door to be shiny and reflective, go for a glossy finish. It will let your entry door pop. But if being reflective isn’t your thing, a matte finish can provide just the right look.

 

5. Use Sidelights: Sidelights work great as accents. They can be painted black as well but can be white or just about any other accent color. 

 

6. Install Decorative Glass: Create or add to an architectural theme with a wide range of decorative glass options. Glass can allow in natural light but can also offer privacy. Intricate etchings can be added to complete the overall theme of a black steel door.

 

7. Add Window Inserts: Windows add spunk to almost any front door. If you have a black steel exterior door in Costa Mesa, a window grille can be simple or intricate. You can create a large central window, any arrangement of panes you like, or expanses of glass on both sides.

 

8. Black Steel French Doors: Black steel double entry doors work great with large entryways. Hardware, window panes, and your choice of finish can provide the perfect accents, especially when rugs, potted plants, and other porch options are part of the scene

 

9. Order with a PVC Layer: The manufacturer or dealer can coat the outer surface with a PVC layer if you prefer a finished door. A wood grain appearance is the most common design choice when vinyl is used. Request a steel door with a factory-applied primer if you plan to paint the door yourself.

 

10. Adorn the Door with Green: A black steel exterior door looks great with green, whether you frame it with potted plants, hang an overhead crown of ivory, or place a reef in the center. Plants always provide a sense of freshness and brighten up the mood.

 

Install a Window World of SoCal Steel Entry Door

We provide leading brands of steel entry doors. These meet the industry’s highest standards while being beautiful, secure, and durable. To match your personal style, we also offer a range of paint, stain, glass, and hardware options. Every product is backed by an unbeatable warranty. If you’re ready to install a black steel exterior door in Costa Mesa, contact Window World of SoCal at 805-323-9174 for your free quote.

Vinyl is the most popular material for window frames. From the outside, many of these look the same, but not all make the cut in regard to quality. Cheaper plastic vinyl often lacks durability and efficiency. However, there’s an abundance of high-quality vinyl products. The points below explain what to look for in vinyl replacement windows that meet high-quality standards.

Quality of Materials

Polyvinyl chloride (or PVC) by itself is a decent material. But it isn’t super strong. Therefore, it’s important to research the ingredients added by the manufacturer. Additives like organic tin and titanium dioxide strengthen the frame and can prevent it from yellowing with exposure to UV light. Some additives can make the vinyl more insulating as well.

Welded Corners

A visual look will show you how well the window is constructed. If the frames are held together by screws and brackets, air can leak. On the other hand, welding both improves strength and makes the frame weathertight. It prevents heat loss and drafts. 

Look for evidence the frame has been heat-welded at the corners. A warning sign is if caulk has been applied to mask the crease at the window sill. Corners should be fusion welded and the top sash should slide into the mainframe while the bottom sash should tuck into the sill (both are concealed under the weld).

Thicker Frame

The contractor should have a cross-section of a sample window on display. It provides a look at the thickness of the material used. Generally, the thicker it is, the stronger the frame (and better insulating it is). The frame can also hold more weight, meaning larger windows are more durable.

Vinyl Frames with Multiple Chambers

When viewing a cross-section of a vinyl replacement window, there should be several chambers of different sizes. Varying sizes add support and strength while improving energy efficiency. The more chambers in the vinyl window frame, the higher the quality of the product.

High Energy Efficiency Ratings

High-quality vinyl replacement windows are more energy efficient, meaning they retain heat or keep out the cold. This means your home is not only more comfortable but more energy efficient. Lower U-factor, Air Leakage, and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient numbers mean the unit is more efficient; a window’s DP rating indicates how structurally sound it is (the higher the better). 

Also, look for vinyl windows with low-emissivity (Low-E) glass panes filled with argon gas. These are efficient in winter and summer. Energy Star and National Fenestration Rating Council labels are important to look for as well.

The Window Matches Your Home

Window manufacturers that take quality seriously also prioritize customer service. The color options for vinyl are usually somewhat limited, but the manufacturer should offer enough variety that the window complements the exterior and interior style of your home. A wide range of window styles should be available, as almost every type of window comes in vinyl.

Contact Window World of SoCal

We offer high-quality, energy-efficient vinyl replacement windows that can increase the value of your home. Our products include sliding, casement, awning, double-hung, bay and bow, and garden windows with high-quality vinyl frames. Start with a free in-home estimate, while we offer a lifetime limited warranty on residential installations and flexible financing options. To learn more, contact us online or call 805-323-9174.

Your home is your sanctuary. The last thing you want is to hear traffic, barking dogs, lawnmowers, construction equipment, and other sources of noise pollution when spending time with family, trying to relax, or focusing on important tasks. Fortunately, soundproof windows can reduce noise levels by 90% or more.

How Do Soundproof Windows Work?

They are designed to minimize the transmission of sound from outside. While these windows don’t block sound completely, they use specialized materials and air to absorb, reflect, or reduce sound waves that travel through them. A window’s Sound Transmission Class (STC) measures its noise reduction capability. An STC rating of 27 may classify a basic window, but a soundproof unit can have an STC rating well into the 50s.

What Contributes to Sound Reduction?

Sound-blocking windows are effective because they have many innovative features. These attributes, which work in combination to allow them to block noise, include:

Multiple Glass Panes

Compared to single-pane windows, double-pane and triple-pane windows are much more effective at slowing noise transmission (although standard double-pane windows feature two pieces of glass that vibrate together on the same frame, so aren’t effective noise reducers). Soundwaves can easily pass through one layer of glass. But additional panes of glass (with the features discussed below) provide sound dampening and dissipation; they act as insulators to diminish the intensity of sound waves.

Varying Thicknesses of Glass

Two thin panes of glass of the same thickness won’t insulate well against sound. The multiple panes in a soundproof window have varying levels of thickness. This helps dampen sounds at different frequencies and prevent some sound frequencies from harmonizing with the glass and passing right through.

Layers of Air

In between each pane of glass is an air spacer. It is based on the principle that sound moves more slowly through the air than it does through solid materials. Engineers have created more space between window panes to increase air volume. Therefore, sound waves dissipate more effectively as they move through the panes.

Soundproof Windows Are Well Insulated

The most effective noise-reducing windows have insulated frames, compression weatherstripping, and waterproof caulking. Without an airtight seal, even the most reliable sound-reducing materials won’t perform to their full potential. That’s where an experienced window professional can help, as they provide the materials, sealing, and insulation to effectively dissipate outdoor sounds.

What Other Benefits Do Soundproof Windows Provide?

Less outside sound means there are fewer distractions. This can lead to higher productivity and improved memory for people in homes, offices, schools, and other environments. Overall, health and well-being can be improved as well, as the materials used help keep out dust, pollen, and microbes as well as block ultraviolet light that can increase the risk of skin cancer and damage furniture and art. The windows’ insulating properties help reduce heating and cooling demand, so may contribute to reduced energy costs.

Realize the Benefits of Soundproof Windows by Contacting a Local Installer

Window World of Orange County specializes in installing soundproof and other types of windows. Our experienced contractors install sliding, casement/awning, double-hung, bay/bow, garden, and other window products in homes throughout the region. A labor guarantee is included with each installation. We also offer financing options to make installation more affordable with monthly payments. To learn more, call 714-364-0761 today.

At Window World of SoCal, we engineer and install all types of windows in custom and standard sizes. These include the most popular one for residential use—the 6 by 4 window. A closer look at this standardized product will help highlight its significance.

What Is a 6 by 4 Window?

It is aptly named because it’s six feet high and four feet wide. Also known as a 6 x 4, the window unit is 72 inches high and 48 inches wide, although the glass size is slightly less. It is ¼ to ½ inch smaller than the frame, so the glass dimensions will be around 71.75 x 47.75 inches or 71.5 x 47.5 inches.

 

A 6 by 4 window is just one type of standardized window size. Double or single-hung windows, for example, come in 2 x 3 feet, 2 feet 8 inch x 4 feet, and 2 feet 8 inch x 5 feet 2-inch sizes. Sliding and picture windows also come in 6 x 4 units as well as 3 x 2, 5 x 3, and others. Standard-sized windows are designed to fit commonly sized openings in new homes.

How Do I Know the Size of the Window?

You don’t need to walk around with a tape measure to size new windows. Manufacturers use four-digit notations to identify product sizes. The first two numbers in the sequence identify the unit’s width, while the last two numbers identify its height. For example, a 2030 window is 2 feet, 0 inches wide by 3 feet, 0 inches high. A 4060 window is 4 feet wide by 6 feet high.

What Are the Benefits of a 6 by 4 Window?

Windows can be ordered in custom sizes, but these take longer to design, make, and deliver. However, a standard-sized window is already in stock. Therefore, it’s much easier to order. Once you make your purchase, the product is shipped to you. It is also generally less expensive.

Other benefits of a 6 by 4 window include:

• Insulated glass improves energy efficiency.
• Narrow frames afford a better view outside.
• Steel-reinforced frames and sashes boost security.
• Many design and style options are available.
• Weatherstripping and interlocking sashes make it airtight.
• A vinyl finish makes maintenance easy.
• Pre-punched nail fins simplify installation.

Standard-sized windows can be designed with double-pane, Low-E glass. It not only improves efficiency. The glass can also block noise from outside as the panes are separated by argon gas or a vacuum. Heat insulation properties keep your home more comfortable no matter what the weather conditions are outside.

 

Despite their standardized design, 6 by 4 windows can be fitted with optional accessories. These include window blinds for improved thermal regulation in summer and winter. Window shades allow you to control the amount of light entering a room as well as ventilation. With window curtains, you can complement your interior design, protect your furniture, and block light to regulate heat.

What Does a 6 by 4 Window Cost?

A 6 x 4 window costs more than smaller standard-size windows. The price depends on the brand, type of window, and what the window frame is made of. Wooden frames are more expensive than, for example, vinyl or aluminum. Different window glasses have different properties; the price of each can vary, so what you spend can be impacted by whether you choose double-pane, Low-E, tinted, or vacuum/argon gas-filled windows. Labor rates in your area also have a big impact on window installation costs.

Contact Window World of SoCal

We offer many types of windows with features such as insulated glass, warm-edge spacers, Low-E coatings, and other energy-efficient options. Windows are custom-made for each customer’s needs. Advanced design and development tools speed up the process. No matter what type or size of window you need, contact us to get a free quote, or call 805-323-9174 to speak with a friendly representative.