Maintaining a comfortable home is crucial for your well-being. Unfortunately, drafty windows can stand in the way of achieving and maintaining that comfort. Understanding the causes behind this problem can help you identify the best solutions to address it. In this post, Renewal by Andersen® of Alaska — a trusted expert in replacement windows — lists the common culprits behind window drafts.

Window Seal Failures

One common cause of drafty windows is the failure of window seals. Over time, exposure to extreme temperatures, sunlight, and moisture can cause seals to crack, shrink, or break altogether. At first, these failures might be imperceptible. But as they worsen, they allow outdoor air to seep through, leading to noticeable drafts.

Aging Window Frames

Another significant factor contributing to window drafts is the age and condition of the window frames themselves. Wooden frames, while traditional and aesthetically pleasing, are particularly vulnerable to the elements. Moisture can lead to wood rot and warping, compromising the frame’s ability to hold the glass snugly. This misalignment not only leads to drafts but also water leaks, which can cause further damage. As frames age beyond their efficient years, window replacement becomes the most sensible long-term solution.

Improper Window Installation

Improper installation is a less obvious yet equally problematic cause of drafty windows. Even the highest-quality windows can fail to protect your home from outdoor conditions if they are not installed correctly. Issues such as gaps between the window frame and the home’s structure or the use of inadequate or failing caulking and weather-stripping can all contribute to drafts. Ensure your windows are installed by professionals who understand the local conditions and how they impact window performance.

Renewal by Andersen of Alaska offers a comprehensive and tailored approach to resolving drafty windows. Our window installers consider various aspects of your home and perform thorough inspections to provide you with the most effective and long-term solutions. Call us at (907) 205-5100 or complete our online form to schedule a consultation. We serve clients in Anchorage, KS, and surrounding communities.

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As one of the top window installers in Alaska, Renewal by Andersen® of Alaska prides itself on offering more than just exceptional window and door solutions. Our commitment goes beyond the products to encompass a complete service experience, as evidenced in our Signature Service. This unique service commitment ensures that from the moment you call us for a consultation to the final installation of our premium windows and doors, you receive unparalleled service, performance, and care.

Custom-Designed Solutions for Your Alaskan Home

Our service begins with offering custom-designed window and door solutions tailored to meet your home’s specific needs. Our team of design consultants works closely with you to understand your vision and provide recommendations that blend perfectly with your home’s architecture and interior design. By offering a wide range of customizable options, we ensure that each product is not only functional but also enhances the overall beauty and value of your Alaskan home.

Professional Installation With Attention to Detail

A key aspect of the Renewal by Andersen Signature Service is our professional installation service. Our certified master installers, skilled in the latest techniques, ensure that your replacement windows and doors are installed with meticulous attention to detail and precision. Taking the weather condition into account, our team will make sure every installation meets the highest standards of energy efficiency and durability. This means you can enjoy a more comfortable home, as well as have peace of mind that your new windows and doors are built to last.

Unmatched Customer Care

What sets Renewal by Andersen of Alaska apart is our commitment to providing unmatched customer care. We understand that each of our Anchorage customers has unique needs and concerns. Our team is dedicated to offering personalized service throughout the entire process, from initial consultation through to after-sales support. We strive to ensure that your experience is hassle-free, enjoyable, and fully meets your expectations.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

In today’s environment-conscious world, Renewal by Andersen of Alaska is committed to offering window and door solutions that not only enhance the energy efficiency of your home but also contribute to sustainability. Our products are designed to minimize heat loss, reduce energy bills, and provide a comfortable living environment, year-round. By choosing our services, you’re not just investing in your home’s comfort and aesthetics but also in a more sustainable future for our beautiful Alaskan environment.

A Warranty You Can Trust

With the Renewal by Andersen Signature Service, peace of mind comes standard. We offer a comprehensive warranty that is among the best in the industry. This warranty coverage ensures that your investment is protected, giving you confidence in the quality and durability of our windows and doors. It’s our way of saying that we stand by our work, and we are committed to your satisfaction for years to come.

Our Signature Service Promise is at the heart of everything we do, ensuring that every customer receives personalized attention, expert installation, and peace of mind through exceptional product performance and warranty coverage. When you choose Renewal by Andersen of Alaska, you’re not just improving your home through window replacement; you’re investing in a service that guarantees satisfaction for years to come.

Call (907) 205-5100 (Anchorage, AK) or (907) 312-7597 (Fairbanks, AK), or fill out our contact form to schedule an in-home consultation. We serve homeowners in The Valley and the rest of Kenai Peninsula.

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Embarking on a window replacement project for your home can feel like a significant undertaking. Ensuring a smooth process, clear communication, and protection for you and your contractor begins with a comprehensive and well-crafted contract. Here are the key elements that you should look for when evaluating a window replacement contract.

Project Overview

A good window replacement contract should kick off with an in-depth project overview. This section should clearly define the scope of the job, including product details like type, brand, model, or series, as well as item descriptions. It should also give you a clear idea of what to expect from the window installers.

Material and Labor Costs

Transparency is crucial when it comes to the financial aspect of the contract. The document should itemize the costs of materials and labor separately. You should find these figures explicitly outlined to prevent any misunderstanding later in the installation process.

Work Schedule

An installation timeline is essential as it sets the expectations for the duration of the project. Your window replacement contract should clearly state when the work will start and when it will be completed. Milestone dates should also be included. This allows for better planning and coordination with the window installers.

Licensing and Insurance Information

A good window replacement contract confirms that the contractor has the necessary license and insurance to operate. This section protects you from liability in the event of workplace accidents and guarantees that the business meets local regulations.

Comprehensive Warranty

A warranty section in the contract is critical. It should outline what is covered, the period of the warranty, and how warranty claims are handled. This will help you feel confident that you are protected should any issues with the replacement windows arise.

Payment Terms and Conditions

The contract must include an outlined payment schedule, detailing payment milestones, acceptable methods of payment, and any deposit required. This ensures you are aware of your financial commitments throughout the project timeline.

Amendments and Termination Policy

Having a process for making changes to the original contract and defining circumstances under which either party can terminate the agreement is vital for a good window replacement contract. This protects you and the installer from unforeseen changes or the need to end the agreement prematurely.

Digital Efficiency

In line with industry trends, having the ability to sign and manage the window replacement contract digitally presents an advantage. It helps to avoid errors and improve efficiency.

Renewal by Andersen® of Alaska understands the importance of a well-crafted window replacement contract. We are committed to providing our customers in Anchorage, AK, with a detailed, transparent, and protective agreement before commencing any project. Our contracts are designed to align with industry best practices and utilize digital solutions to ensure accuracy and convenience. Call us at (907) 205-5100 or visit our contact page to schedule an appointment.

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Five benefits of a winter installation include:

1. Better protection from the elements.

Replacing windows and doors in the winter helps protect against harsh weather conditions. Winter storms often bring strong winds, snow, freezing temps, and other debris that can damage old or worn-out windows or your home. Modern models are designed to withstand extreme temperatures and conditions, so they’ll last longer and keep you safer.

2. Improved energy efficiency.

One of the main reasons to replace windows and doors in the winter is improved energy efficiency. If your windows are older or damaged, they may release heat from inside your home, leading to higher energy bills. Newer, more energy-efficient windows will help keep warm air in and cold air out, saving you money.

3. Reduced condensation and other moisture issues.

Another benefit is a reduction in condensation and other moisture issues. During cold weather, humidity levels drop, making installing new windows or doors easier without worrying about moisture build-up inside your home. This also helps prevent mold and mildew growth.

4. Greater scheduling availability.

Since installations can slow down during this season, you’ll have a better chance of scheduling your window or door replacement at the perfect time for you.

5. We’ve mastered winter installations.

With two Certified Master Installers working on the outside and inside of each window, our average installation time is about 5 minutes per window. Our installers work quickly and efficiently—never exposing your home to the harsh elements of winter. We seal off the room we’re working in so you don’t have to worry about heat escaping or the cold affecting your home and the people, pets, and plants inside it. Our process is fast, clean, and safe. Most projects are completed in as little as one day—giving you immediate satisfaction with beautiful new windows that improve the comfort of your home!

Our winter installation system makes it quick and easy. Here’s how it works:

• Our Certified Master Installers seal off the room they’re working in, using zip walls to enclose the area. This keeps pets, plants, and people comfortable in the rest of the home. Zip walls also prevent heat loss and ensure your home will have minimal exposure to the elements.
• We cover and protect floors and furnishings from foot traffic, construction debris, and the harsh winter elements.
• Two installers work on your home’s outside and inside simultaneously.
• The installers work on one window at a time, with each window being installed on average in as little as five minutes.
• Each window is custom-manufactured to 1/8” of the opening so that installers can add additional insulation around the framework once in place, helping maximize energy efficiency.

Take a look at this short video to meet a Renewal by Andersen Certified Master Installer:

We are dedicated to providing outstanding service to our customers. You don’t have to suffer with cold, drafty, and inefficient windows for another winter! Give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We proudly serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

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Common causes include: 

1. Deteriorating seals: over time, the seals around the window frames can deteriorate, allowing air to enter or escape.
2. Poor window installation: improper installation can leave gaps between the window frame and the wall, creating a pathway for air leakage.
3. Worn weatherstripping: weatherstripping creates a tight seal between the moving parts of a window. When it wears out or becomes damaged, drafts can occur.
4. Single-pane windows: single-pane windows lack the insulating properties of double or triple-pane windows, making them more susceptible to drafts.
5. Structural issues: in some cases, drafts can result from structural problems, such as gaps in the wall or poorly fitting windows.

How Renewal by Andersen can help

We specialize in high-quality replacement windows and doors. Here’s how we can help fix drafty windows:

1. Custom window solutions: our custom-made windows ensure a precise fit in your home. Every window is customized to your precise measurements.
2. Energy-efficient glass: our windows are equipped with advanced glass technology, including low-emissivity coatings and insulating gases, which help reduce drafts and maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
3. Durable window frames: our window frames are made with Fibrex®, a patented material that combines wood’s strength with vinyl’s low-maintenance features. This prevents warping and shrinkage, ensuring a tight seal against drafts.
4. Professional installation: our team of certified master installers will ensure that your new windows are correctly installed to eliminate any drafts caused by gaps or other installation errors.
5. Warranty protection: we offer one of the industry’s best warranties, giving homeowners peace of mind that their windows are protected against defects or future draft issues.

Drafty windows are not only uncomfortable but also have a negative impact on your energy bills. If you’re having this problem, you can contact us to learn more about our custom window options, energy-efficient glass, durable frames, and professional installation services. We’ll help eliminate drafts and create a more comfortable and energy-efficient home environment. Feel free to give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We proudly serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

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Since 2015, we’ve earned the following accolades: 

• Angi (formerly Angie’s List) Super Service Award from 2015-2021
• Best of Houzz Service Award from 2016-2022
• Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accredited Business, with an A+ Rating
• Better Business Bureau (BBB) Torch Awards for Ethics 2019
• Big 50 Remodeling Award from Hanley Wood and Remodeling Magazine
• ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient Award 2022
• ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year Sustained Excellence Award 2022
• J.D. Power Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Window and Patio Door Retailers and Manufacturers 2022 (2 years in a row)

You won’t find any other contractor with these distinctions or with fully customizable replacement windows made from our exclusive, revolutionary materials:

• Fibrex®: This composite frame material combines the strength and excellent insulation of wood with vinyl’s low-maintenance nature. Because of Fibrex’s durability, we can build windows with slimmer frames and larger glass areas.
• High-Performance Low-E4® Glass: This high-quality glass effectively reduces heat transfer, resulting in improved indoor comfort and lower energy bills. When combined with Fibrex, our advanced glass option produces some of the most energy-efficient windows available today.

We are honored to be recognized among the best in the industry, and we remain dedicated to providing exceptional window and door replacement solutions to our valued customers. If you’d like to learn more, give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. We’re proud to serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

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American Farmhouse

This type of home is popular for its traditional yet simple design. It has a classic, colloquial look that’s perfect for those who want to emphasize functionality. To add character to this home design, you can use Colonial grille patterns that emphasize your double-hung windows. You can choose how many squares to add to each sash, depending on your preference.

Craftsman Bungalow

Craftsman bungalow homes first emerged in the early 20th century. They have exposed rafter tails with a combination of materials like bricks and asphalt shingles. Casement and double-hung windows with two vertical grilles often grace this home style. The farmhouse grille pattern is perfect for this home style because of its straightforward design.

Georgian-Federal Style

With its symmetrical facade, Georgian-Federal homes can sport the Colonial grille pattern well. That’s because of its theme that revolves around classic proportions. Double-hung replacement windows are often embellished with multiple-square grille pattern to give them a unique appearance.

Prairie Home

Windows are an important design element for this type of home. It uses long bands of windows and trims to evoke the prairie landscape. Its windows are also often unobstructed, with grilles only running along the side to frame the glass.

We offer a wide range of window styles and other decorative options to reinvigorate your home’s look. When you’re ready to take the first step, give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. We’re proud to serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

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Window installation plays an important role in the comfort, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal of your home. When it’s time for a window replacement, it’s common to encounter some challenges. 

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Single-Hung Windows

Advantages

Single-hung windows, also called sash windows, are a classic window style. They comprise one lower section that slides open vertically and a stationary top sash that doesn’t move. This design is cost-effective and saves time during installation, making it a practical choice for as a replacement window. Furthermore, the single operating panel means less dirt accumulation since you don’t need to clean or dust the other panels as often.

Disadvantages

While single-hung windows are easier and less expensive to install than double-hung windows, they also provide less ventilation. This is because there is only one opening and closing option available with this design.

Double-Hung Windows

Advantages

Double-hung windows are ideal for those who want maximum ventilation and airflow. This window style consists of two sashes, both of which move up and down to allow air to flow freely in and out of the home. This design is less likely to develop interior condensation than single-hung windows because warm moist air can escape through the partially open upper panel. When closed all the way, double-hung windows create a tight seal between both sections, helping improve energy-efficiency for your home.

Disadvantages

While double-hung windows have many advantages, their main drawback is cost. Double-hung windows typically cost more than single-hung models due to extra components needed in construction and longer install times. In addition, these types of replacement windows tend to be heavier than other types. This is due to the fact that they have moving parts and require additional reinforcement for those parts. They sacrifice some visibility along the sides where frames widen slightly, allowing for hardware location points.

When you’re ready to take the first step toward replacing your windows, give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. We’re proud to serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

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Appeal

After completing your window replacement project, you will notice an improvement in your property’s curb appeal. Fibrex windows are highly regarded for their attractiveness. You can get them in various colors and styles to complement your home’s interior and exterior elements.

Low-Maintenance

Cleaning windows can be a chore, but with Fibrex, you don’t have to worry about constant maintenance. This low-maintenance material is to care for and clean. It doesn’t require painting and staining. Another great thing about it is that it will not rot or warp.

Excellent Strength

Compared to vinyl and wood, Fibrex is more durable, energy-efficient, and low-maintenance. It can protect your house better against harsh weather conditions and outdoor elements. You won’t have to worry about rot, pests, and other moisture-related issues with this material.

Insulation

Fibrex can keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer. It features excellent insulating properties for more energy savings, so you can count on Fibrex to help you save on heating and cooling costs.

At Renewal by Andersen of Alaska, we install high-quality Fibrex windows backed with one of the strongest warranties on the market. When you’re ready to take the first step, give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. We’re proud to serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

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