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.

The post All About Winter Window Installation appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

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.

The post What Causes Drafty Windows? appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

Some of these benefits 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. 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 Certified Master Installers are best-in-class and have perfected the winter installation process. We work quickly and efficiently—never exposing your home to the harsh elements of winter. We also 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!

To learn more about what’s involved in a winter installation, check out our blog post: Alaska’s Winter Window Installation Experts.

You don’t have to suffer with cold, drafty, and inefficient windows for another winter! 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.

The post What Are The Benefits of a Winter Window Installation? appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

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 both the outside and inside of your home 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 they’re in place, helping to 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. We work quickly and efficiently—never exposing your home to the harsh elements of winter. Our projects are completed in as little as one day—giving you immediate satisfaction with beautiful new windows that improve the comfort of your home! 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’re proud to serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

The post Alaska’s Winter Window Installation Experts appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

More Panes Means a More Energy-Efficient Window

Glass is not the best insulating material. Particularly in the form of windows, a thin sheet of glass between you and an Alaskan winter is not going to do much.

But if you put two sheets of glass together with a layer of gas between them, you now have a great insulating system. Even better, triple-pane glass offers the highest energy-efficiency in windows.

Not All Glass is Made Equal

An insulating layer of gas is great, but there’s more you can do. The type of glass you choose is also important when creating energy-efficient windows.

Low-E4 SmartSun glass is currently the most energy-efficient glass offered by Renewal by Andersen. It’s over 40% more effective as an insulator than uncoated double-pane windows, and it doesn’t noticeably block light. The coating is also designed to be easy to clean and blocks 95% of harmful UV radiation.

With Low-E4 SmartSun glass and triple-pane windows, you can save around 25% on your energy bill over winter and around 18% over the summer.

Getting the Right Fit

Your home warps and settles over time. Shifts in the ground, from subtle movement to earthquakes, will gradually change the shape of the house. This can leave doorways and window frames slightly skewed. This can have two effects on your heating: either this warping will create gaps around a home’s windows, or windows that are mass-produced, one-size-fits-all models simply won’t fit in the space. Either way, you’ll be left with a gap that lets cold air in and hot air out.

At Renewal by Andersen, we precisely measure your windows and produce them to your house’s specifications. We’ll make sure that they fit precisely and are properly weather sealed. This means no more gaps driving your energy bill up.

Did you know that our windows are also ENERGY-STAR® certified? Give us a call or use our online contact form to get in touch today. We’ll come to you for an in-home consultation and work out how we can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars with new Renewal by Andersen windows.

The post Choosing an Energy-Efficient Window for Alaska appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

Windows play various important roles, from protecting you from the elements to adding more value to your home. If your windows aren’t in good condition, it’s important to replace them as soon as possible.

Here are just a few reasons why you should consider window replacement in Alaska:

1. Better Energy Efficiency

We’ll be the first to admit that original, historic windows have a certain appeal to them. But, while they look amazing, they aren’t as energy efficient as new windows. And, with heating and cooling costs on the rise, you simply can’t afford to throw money out the window. Replacing your old windows with new ones that offer insulating features such as heat-reflecting low-E coatings can save you between 10% and 25% each year on heating and cooling costs.

2. Old Windows May Cause Harm to Your Home

If your windows are poorly sealed, worn or damaged, they might cause damage to your home. For instance, if your window is poorly sealed, you might lose warm air during winter. A leak in your windows could cause water damage to the wall, furniture, and carpets every time it rains or snows. Window replacement is the most effective action you can take to avoid a situation like this.

3. Reduce Noise

Picture this: you can’t wait to get home and curl up under a blanket after a long, stressful day at work. But instead of the peace and quiet you were hoping for, you are welcomed by the noise of a construction site near your home. You could avoid this scenario entirely by replacing your old windows with dual-pane or laminated glass. This feature can reduce the outside noise, making it easier for you to relax at the end of the day. These windows will reduce how noise is leaving the home as well, so you can pump up the volume without bothering your neighbors.

4. Improve the Air Quality

One of the benefits that often gets forgotten when talking about window replacement is how new windows can improve indoor air quality significantly. If you replace your heating and cooling filters every 30 days, then you will benefit immensely from replacing the old windows in your home. The multi-chamber design of new windows will keep the interior air of your home pure and clear, as it is constantly filtered through your cooling and heating system. 

5. Improved Security

When thinking about home security, most people tend to focus on doors and fences. While all these are important, they seem to forget the fact that their windows are a vital element of home security. Old windows that don’t lock properly are a gold mine for burglars. Window replacement is a great way to ensure that your home is protected from the elements as well as break-ins.

6. More Light

According to recent studies, natural light keeps us healthy and improves our sleep quality. New windows have small frames and large panes compared to old ones, allowing more light to enter your home.

7. Add to Your Home’s Curb Appeal

You’ll be amazed by the difference new windows can make to your home. Not only do they look great, but they also offer great functionality.

8. Increased Home Value

Window replacement is a great investment, especially if you plan to sell the house someday. Nowadays, home buyers look for homes that not only look good but are also energy efficient. Old, drafty windows are a big turn-off, and sellers are usually forced to reduce the price to compensate for the costs of upgrading. According to a report from the National Association of Realtors, homeowners get around 73% of their window replacement investment back when they sell the house.

Even the most expensive windows won’t deliver the look and functionality you expect if they’re not installed properly.  Make sure you work with the right window replacement company to truly benefit from the advantages offered by new windows. If you’re ready to replace 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.

The post Why It’s Important to Replace Old Windows in Your Home appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

How do ice crystals form on windows?

Water vapor is present as moisture in the air, experienced as humidity. In warmer months, you’ll feel a heaviness to the air. In cooler months, when the temperature drops and the windows are closed, that moisture is trapped inside your home and drawn to the window panes where it makes contact with the cold glass and changes from a gas to a liquid. This is experienced as condensation, and when outside temperatures drop further, this condensation freezes and forms into ice crystals.

For more information on indoor humidity and how to manage it, take a look at our previous post, How to Manage Indoor Humidity. For more information on how condensation happens, take a look at our video:

What can happen?

Over time, exposure to ice can cause both aesthetic and structural problems with either the finish and/or frame of your windows. As the frost or ice melts, the liquid can sit along the window frame and discolor the topcoat, crack the paint, rot the wood, and even cause mold and mildew to grow.

How to prevent it?

• Upgrade from single-pane to double- or triple-pane windows. Experiencing ice build-up on windows is more common with single-pane, as double- or triple-pane offers extra insulation from outside temperatures and should prevent the humidity inside your home from coming into contact with freezing outdoor temperatures. In addition, single-pane windows are more prone to frame, wall, and insulation damage as water may run behind the wallboard into the insulation without the double- or triple-pane to capture any excess moisture.
• Keep a towel rolled up on the window sill at night which will collect any water that forms on the glass. Mop up any excess water and replace with a fresh towel the next day.
• Raise the room temperature at night to prevent ice and frost from building up. You may need to use a space heater in a particularly cold room.
• Don’t over-water plants, and keep them in one room.
• Store your firewood outside to prevent moisture from the wood from building up inside.
• Look for leaks in your plumbing and have them repaired. Even a dripping faucet can add moisture to the air.

Ready to replace 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.

The post How to Prevent Ice Build-Up on Windows appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

1. Shrinking, Warping, and Cracking

Shrinkage, warping, and cracking are common side effects of extreme temperature changes most often seen in wood products. For example, wooden window frames, doors, and door frames can shrink in extreme cold. In extreme humidity, they can begin to warp or bow. The same can be said for most builder-grade PVC windows and doors although quality PVC windows allow far less structural movement which eliminates these types of issues. Our Fibrex® frames retain their rigidity and stability in all climates and come with a no blister, peel, crack, rot, flake, rust, pit, or corrode warranty.

2. Ice Build-Up

The main reason you should maintain or replace your weatherstripping is because ice tends to form in gaps around doors and windows. When warm, moisture-rich air escapes through these openings, it freezes upon contact with the cold air leaking in. This can make it difficult to open a window or door without damaging the weather stripping, which will only lead to more ice being created.

3. Drafts

Old, poorly fitted or poorly insulated windows and doors most often cause drafts within the home. Adding or replacing weather stripping may help, but in most cases, a new door or window will likely be needed to eliminate the problem.

4. Condensation

Condensation on the inside of your windows during the winter months is often a sign that your windows have good energy efficiency and usually isn’t cause for alarm. Condensation occurs when warm, humid air in your home comes into contact with the cold surface of the window pane. If the condensation appears excessive, you may want to reduce the humidity in your home either by using a dehumidifier, extraction fans, and by ensuring your home is adequately ventilated. If you find condensation or a fogginess developing between the panes on a double- or triple-paned window, it’s likely that a seal has been broken which will need to be repaired.

5. Hardware Failure

All doors and windows have latches, handles, hinges and other operating hardware. When ice or cold weather freezes these parts or shifts the position of your doors or windows, these parts can become damaged or jammed.

Now that you know what to look for, you’re better prepared for what the winter weather may throw at you. If it’s finally time for a new window or door, 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.

The post 5 Ways Winter Impacts Doors and Windows appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

Here are recommendations from our window experts for picking the best patio doors for cold climates.

There are many types of patio doors with different styles to choose from. So it’s important to think about how you want to use your indoor and outdoor space. A few things to consider include:

• How do you live and entertain?
• Do you have a pool, garden, outdoor living space you’d like to access from your patio doors?
• Do you have pets that go in and out?
• Do you need to access the area even when there’s snow outside?

Along with the use of your space, you’ll need to be mindful of the actual dimensions of the room and outdoor area where you’re installing the new patio door. Do you have room for a door to swing in? Swing out? If space is no issue, you will have more options to choose from, but if space is an issue, a sliding door is your best bet.

Sliding patio doors

Sliding doors are the most common type of patio door for good reason. They don’t take up much space and there’s no need to worry about inswing or outswing. A high-quality, professionally installed sliding patio door will also keep cold weather out and heat in during cold winter months.

Sliding doors allow a lot of natural light into any space year-round while providing a clear, unobstructed view of your backyard and Alaska backdrop. Sliding doors with screens allow for letting in fresh air while keeping the elements from coming into your home.

Renewal by Anderson of Alaska carries three types of sliding doors:

Perma-Shield® sliding doors have a contemporary, streamlined design that allows you to enjoy the widest possible view with maximum glass area. That means making the most of your Alaskan views year-round.

Frenchwood® sliding doors have the same aesthetic appeal as standard French doors, but the sliding door design keeps your space more open than a hinged door. They are a great selection for a traditional-style home and smaller rooms/spaces.

Narroline® sliding patio doors have a vinyl-clad wood, low-maintenance exterior, and a stainable natural pine interior. A slim, smart design distinguishes our Narroline sliding patio door from other contemporary alternatives. It has a modern look but features the same attention to detail and craftsmanship that Renewal by Andersen is known for.

French patio doors

If you have a more traditional style of home, want a lot of light, and have the extra room for an inswing or outswing patio door… you may want to consider French doors.

French patio doors are available with inswing or outswing styles. Inswing doors are a common choice in cold weather climates where there’s a lot of snow. It’s hard to open a French door into a snowbank if you haven’t had time to shovel and, in terms of cold weather climate safety, an inswing door is a good choice for quick exits in case of emergency.

Renewal by Anderson’s Frenchwood® hinged patio doors is built with the ability to choose a door that swings out or swings in. Choosing an outswing door can save up to 28 square feet of interior space, while an inswing design is better for going outside to a snowy deck or yard without letting the cold and snow billow into your home.

—

Want additional guidance on selecting the best patio doors for cold weather? Renewal by Andersen of Alaska’s team of experts can help. Reach out to discuss any questions you have, and get a free quote for your project!

The post Which Type of Door is the Best Patio Door for Cold Weather? appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

1. Re-seal drafty windows with caulk

Applying new caulk around the glass panes is a popular go-to for improving draft problems. This can be especially helpful if any of the existing seals have cracks, or if you can feel cold air when you’re near the window itself. Start by choosing a silicone caulk that matches your window or your trim. Then scrape off the old caulk, cleaning off any of the debris once you’re finished. Fill the gaps between your window panes and the window frame and let the caulk set for 24 hours.

2. Add weatherstripping to windows

Adding weatherstripping to windows helps close any small gaps that may cause drafts. Start by measuring the outermost seam of your window frames, this is the seam between the window and your wall. Then, cut four pieces of weatherstripping to size—one for each side of the window. Remove the adhesive backing from the weatherstripping, and press into the window seam to seal gaps. It’s as easy as that!

3. Apply clear insulation film

Window insulation film is a popular (and very inexpensive) option that basically acts as a storm window, which can be applied with adhesive or magnetic tape. To prepare for installation, wipe down and measure your window sill, trim, and frame. You’ll need tape dimensions for the size of your window -1 inch, and film dimensions for the size of your window and frame +10 inches.

Here’s how to apply it to your windows:

• Cut and measure the adhesive or magnetic tape that comes with the window insulation film kit. Apply adhesive tape to your whole window, leaving a 1-inch space from your window from the window frame edge.
• Cut your plastic film and add 10 inches to the height and width of your window, so when applied, the film goes beyond window glass—approximately 5-inches on each side.
• Press the plastic film firmly to your pre-taped window frame starting at the top and working down to the bottom of the window without leaving any gaps.
• Grab your hairdryer, select high heat, then blow-dry the plastic to smooth out wrinkles in the insulation film.

4. Cover window sills with draft snakes

Draft snakes (also called draft dodgers) have been around for a long time, and for good reason. A homemade or store-bought draft snake is a long, skinny fabric tube that is filled with rice or stuffing material. You just place them at the bottom of a door or window sill to block cold air from coming in. Draft snakes are very affordable and easy to make, especially if you reuse fabric (such as denim, corduroy, or an old blanket) that you already have on hand.

5. Hang insulating thermal curtains

One last way to block cold air from entering your home is to use insulating thermal curtains. Thermal curtains are engineered with two pieces of heavy fabric that have a layer of foam in-between. If you’re unable to find thermal curtains, any curtain that is made with a heavier, thick weave fabric can still help your house feel more comfortable, cozy, and warm.

—–

We hope these affordable and easy tips to insulate your windows are helpful for you. For more advice, check out Money-Saving Tips on How To Winterize & Insulate Your Sliding Glass Door to help insulate your patio doors!

If you decide you’re ready to update your home with new efficient windows, reach out to Renewal by Andersen’s window experts to get a free quote for your project!

The post 5 Tips on How to Insulate Windows for Winter appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.