windows
Wholesale Windows
Sourcing quality wholesale windows can be difficult. There are many questions that you need to answer to ensure that you not only do the right things by your customers, but also do the right thing by your business.
Two categories of people are looking for windows wholesale:
- Window installation professionals
- Builders that want to by-pass the middle man
Commercial Windows
Commercial Windows should be designed from a total cost of ownership perspective. Architects and builders are more and more aware of the value good commercial windows can bring to a building. Whether you are starting a new construction or renovating an existing building and require commercial window replacement, there are existing new developments available to you. Your choice is now bigger than ever for commercial windows.
Aesthetics, environment and costs are major factors in your decision making about commercial window replacement. Environmental factors such as energy efficiency (heat loss & heat gain) must be considered in your window design and selection. The environment is also important in two ways. Your commercial window replacement must be suited to the physical enviroment. It must be able to withstand the forces of nature (heat, snow, ice, hurricanes etc). Additionally, commercial reality mandates that your choice must be supporting good environmental practices.
Window Replacement Tax Rebate
Certain window replacement projects may be eligible for a tax rebate in 2009 and 2010
Tax credits are now available for window home improvements:
- must be "placed in service" from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010
- must be for taxpayer's principal residence
- $1,500 is the maximum total amount that can be claimed for all products placed in service in 2009 & 2010 for most home improvements including windows
- must have a Manufacturers Certification Statement to qualify
- for record keeping, save your receipts and the Manufacturers Certification Statement
- improvements made in 2009 will be claimed on your 2009 taxes (filed by April 15, 2010) — use IRS Tax Form 5695 (2009 version) — it will be available late 2009 or early 2010
| Product Category | Product Type | Tax Credit Specification | Tax Credit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows & Doors | Exterior Windows and Skylights | U factor <= 0.30 SHGC <= 0.30 | 30% of cost, up to $1,5002 | Not all ENERGY STAR labeled windows and skylights qualify for tax credit. |
| Storm Windows | Meets IECC1 in combination with the exterior window over which it is installed, for the applicable climate zone | 30% of cost, up to $1,5002 | Manufacturer Certification Statement3 will list classes of exterior window (single pane, clear glass, double pane, low-E coating, etc.)4 that a product may be combined with to be eligible in specific climate zones. | |
| Exterior Doors | U factor <= 0.30 SHGC <= 0.30 | 30% of cost, up to $1,5002 | Not all ENERGY STAR doors will qualify. | |
| Storm Doors | In combination with a wood door assigned a default U-factor by the IECC1, and does not exceed the default U-factor requirement assigned to such combination by the IECC | 30% of cost, up to $1,5002 |
Hiring a window replacement contractor
Tips for Hiring a good Window Replacement Contractor
1. Never hire someone who knocks at your door. While there may be one or two reputable window replacement contractors who go door to door, we do not know of any. Many are scammers who prey on the elderly or the ill-informed and frequently they rip them off
2. Always ask for two references of projects that they have performed in the last six months. Make a phone call and ask the following questions:
- What work was done?
- What did you like about the job? Get as much detail as possible
- What would you change about the job? - Note that it is reasonable for good contractors to have some constructive areas for improvement.
- Did you get a quote at the start and did the cost of the job change from the original quote?
- Is it OK to look at the work from the outside of the house? This way you get an idea of the quality of craftmenship in the work and it helps eliminate bogus references.
- Was it completed as agreed? Time, cost and any special instructions.
- Would you use the contractor again?
- What other advice would you give?
Energy Star Windows
Most of us have heard about Energy Star windows and seen advertisements for them on TV from time to time. In fact, the Energy Star sticker can be seen on everything from windows to dishwashers, even an entire building can be tagged with the Energy Star label if it consumes 15% less energy! Luckily, windows are held to a higher standard and need to transmit 20-30% less heat when compared to standard windows. This helps to keep your home much warmer in the winter and much cooler in the summer! As consumers, we can also use the Energy Star logo on our windows as a good guide to their quality. To be much more efficient than other windows, Energy Star windows need to have better construction, including dual panes of glass sealed with a vacuum, have improved frame materials and utilize Low-E Glass that blocks heat from passing through the window.
One other benefit of having Energy Star windows in your home involves sun damage. People who want to maintain big and bright windows without the fear of that extra sun causing damage in their home will often choose windows with the Energy Star rating because this guarantees that the window uses Low-E glass. Low-E is a coating that manufacturers place on window panes to block out infrared radiation (heat), but also involves a degree of UV radiation protection that will protect your valuables from sun damage. Finally, if you like to plan ahead and save on future bills then make sure to use Energy Star appliances and windows because current energy prices are increasing without end. Having more efficient windows not only saves energy, but also keeps money in your pocket book. Many home owners are making the switch to Energy Star windows and without a doubt, using high-quality windows that lower your bills is always the best option.
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