Few window companies earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award, which means they’ve been independently rated Highest in Quality. Fewer still can claim an owner who’s been installing windows for nearly 50 years, but that’s exactly the case for American Window Systems, Inc. “Our biggest advantage is our experience,” confirms Roberta Javorina, who owns the company with her husband, Tom. “In addition to Tom’s five decades in the industry, our two installers have 45 years of combined experience. We don’t use subcontractors, so our customers know their installations will be handled by someone who knows the job inside and out.”

American Window Systems has been selling and installing replacement windows throughout the Greater Bay Area since 1992. The family-owned and operated company has experience with all types of windows, including products from leading manufacturers like Simonton, Cascade, Milgard and Andersen. “Our salespeople are very knowledgeable,” says Mrs. Javorina. “We don’t engage in high-pressure sales tactics or start with inflated prices and then negotiate down. We quote fair prices from the start.”

Unlike window companies that place more importance on their subcontractors’ availabilities than their customers’ schedules, American Window Systems takes a straightforward, detailed approach to every project. Once a client contacts the firm, it sets up an appointment to measure the home or business and help select the type, brand and model of windows to be installed. “Often, we can provide a price quote right then and there,” says Mrs. Javorina. “After the contract is signed, we order the windows and set an installation date. Our clients really appreciate such a streamlined process.”

Another distinguishing feature of American Window Systems is its ability to quickly complete window installations. Most jobs take less than one day to finish, and the company provides long-term warranties for both labor and materials. “We always offer at least a five-year warranty, but it’s usually longer, depending on the brand,” says Mrs. Javorina. “With Simonton windows, for example, we provide a lifetime warranty.”

Choose the right type of window for your particular environment and house style. Generally, it’s a good idea to rely on a professional recommendation when choosing a window style for your house, but it’s worthwhile to note that some window designs are inherently more efficient than others. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common types:

Vinyl
Vinyl frames are typically the least expensive and virtually maintenance-free. They’re only available in light colors, though, because dark colors absorb too much heat from the sun and warp the frame.

Wood
A popular choice for aesthetic reasons, wood frames are typically only a little more expensive than vinyl, but they require diligent maintenance in order to prevent rot. They’re available in many species of wood and can be stained to match any existing décor.

Fiberglass/composite
Fiberglass frames are more expensive than wood or vinyl, but they’re also more durable. They require virtually no maintenance and can be painted any color (faux wood grains are also available).

Aluminum-clad
Aluminum frames are typically the most expensive, but they’re also maintenance-free and can take almost any color. They may not be suitable for coastal environments where saltwater is a concern.

Double-hung
These are traditional units in many homes across the United States, and they’re especially common in pre-war buildings. With double-hung windows, the bottoms slide up to open the units. They can be efficient choices, but they also have the potential to allow air intrusion between the sliders.

Casement
Popular in climates where wind is an issue, casements actually seal themselves off tighter when wind blows in toward the house. They require maintenance on hinges and seals to ensure their continued stability and efficiency.

Don’t overlook the importance of proper installation. Even the most expensive window unit won’t perform effectively if it’s not installed correctly. Be wary of any contractor who relies too heavily on expanding foams or sealants to get a window to fit—these materials aren’t waterproof and can lead to problems down the road. Pre-installation waterproofing, often completed long before the windows are installed, is the best option.

When shopping for energy-efficient windows, your first guide should be the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label. The NFRC is a nonprofit organization that provides homeowners and contractors with a standardized, unbiased method for comparing different brands and types of windows. The label will tell you a window’s U-factor, solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and visible light transmittance:

• U-factor is a measurement of the window’s rate of non-solar heat loss or gain. The lower the U-factor, the greater a window’s insulating value.
• SHGC is the fraction of solar radiation admitted through a window or skylight. The lower a window’s SHGC, the greater its shading ability.
• Visible light transmittance is the percentage of visible light that’s transmitted through glass. The higher the number, the more light the window admits.

Q: What are some of the benefits of installing energy-efficient windows?

A: Aside from the vast amounts of energy and money you’ll save, energy-efficient windows improve comfort; reduce condensation; decrease drape, carpet and furniture fading; and lower mechanical equipment costs.

Q: How long will it take to install new windows in my home?

A: A typical home that has existing single-pane windows can usually be done in one day.

Q: Who will install my windows?

A: We employ our own full-time installers. We don’t use subcontractors, so if you have any problems with your installation, you deal directly with us.

Q: What is low-E coating?

A: Low-E coating is a virtually invisible coating of metal and metallic oxides that’s applied to glass. Low-E coatings provide year-round savings by reflecting sunlight and keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Q: Do you completely remove my old windows?

A: No. With replacement/retrofit windows, the outer perimeter frames of the old windows are left in place. The new replacement windows then fit over the top of the old frames and are sealed shut. By doing this, we ensure the exterior of your home isn’t damaged and there’s no patchwork to do on the stucco or wood siding. This can save thousands of dollars on the installation.

Q: Why do some companies remove the frame completely?

A: For a while, many companies were removing frames and installing replacement windows. That’s a problematic practice, because instead of being sealed to the old window frame, the replacement window is sealed to the home’s exterior. Since stucco and other sidings aren’t completely waterproof, this creates problems with sealing the window and preventing leaks. Because of this, we don’t recommend removing the old frames when installing a replacement window. If your dealer or contractor suggests using this method, look to somebody else.

Q: What kind of warranties do you offer?

A: We offer a fully transferable five-year warranty on all our workmanship. In addition, all the products we carry offer lifetime manufacturers’ warranties on any defects. Our higher-quality windows, like Simonton, carry transferrable lifetime warranties.

Q: Do I have any other installations options?

A: Yes. We can also install ‘nail-on’ windows, which are found in most newly built homes. To remove the old windows and install nail-on windows, we cut back the exterior stucco or siding of the home; remove the old window; install the new window using nails, flashing and caulk; and patch up the stucco or siding. Since this installation process is much more labor intensive, it’s considerably more expensive.