You are shopping for new windows for your San Diego home, but the last thing you want is to add more work to your plate. Trust us, we get it! With all the things you have to handle on a day-to-day basis, the idea of another chore isn?t always appealing. Unfortunately, with some window choices, that?s exactly what you?ll find. Window materials, like wood, require annual peeling, sanding, painting and staining if your want to keep them looking like new. The good news is you can still get great quality windows without the extra hassle. Here, we will be taking a closer look at vinyl windows and why they are the ideal low maintenance option for your home.

Vinyl Windows are Weather Resistant
As we stated, some windows, like wood, tend to require more upkeep than others. But why is that the case? Well, one of the major reasons is their low weather resistance. Window materials like wood tend to absorb extra moisture, which causes them to warp, rot, and distort. This not only reduces the aesthetic appeal of the windows, but it?s energy efficient qualities as well. Vinyl windows are made from a strong PVC material that won?t absorb any excess moisture. In fact, if the name PVC sounds familiar to you, it?s because the material is often used in household pipes due to its strong moisture resistance.

Vinyl Windows Come with Double and Triple Pane Glass
If your home currently features thin, single pane glass, chances are it?s receiving more scratches then you would like. It also means there is a higher chance of your windows breaking and needing a repair. Fortunately, vinyl windows come standard with double or triple pane glass, so your glass stays scratch free and durable.

Vinyl Windows Expand
Part of the damage that occurs with windows happens over time due to gaps in the frame. These gaps allow drafts to form and exterior elements to gradually start taking their toll on the look and performance of your window. However, when you choose vinyl windows, you don?t need to worry about such problems occurring. Vinyl window frames expand to snuggly fit in place, preventing further damage from occurring even as the years go by. That means less upkeep, less maintenance, and less repairs over the lifetime of the windows.

While shopping for windows for your San Diego home, you?ll have a number of decisions to make to help ensure you bring home the right model for your household needs. Unfortunately, if you?re armed with the wrong information, you may find yourself with low quality replacement windows that will need to be replaced again sooner than you anticipated. To help save you time, money and headaches we have put together a short list of common misconceptions about windows to help you separate fact from fiction. Read on to make sure you don?t fall for these myths!

#1 The Best Replacement Windows are Expensive
If you?re shopping for luxury items like cars or watches, then a high price tag will typically indicate a quality product. However, when it comes to windows that isn?t always the case. Some windows hold a high price tag because of their aesthetic appeal or simply a current design trend while others, like vinyl windows, remain affordable while still offering a number of benefits to homeowners.

#2 The Blue Tint On Vinyl Windows Means It?s High Quality
A commonly known industry tip is to look out for the blue tint on vinyl windows. This blue tint is a result of a chemical added during the manufacturing process for optimal energy efficiency. While this blue tint was once a strong indicator for quality vinyl windows, some manufacturers caught on and began adding a blue dye to their low quality windows to create the same effect. Want to know if you have the real deal? Start by checking the boxes label!

#3 It?s Difficult to Customize Windows
Can?t find the specific color or style you?re looking for? There?s no need to stress. Today the majority of windows on the market can either be customized by hand (by staining or painting the windows yourself) or by placing a custom order with the manufacturer.

#4 The Glass Doesn?t Really Matter
The decision to go with double or triple-pane glass windows over single-pane can make a huge difference in your home. Double or triple-pane windows can actually increase the insulation capabilities of your home, as well as effectively block out exterior noise and even reduce the likelihood that a break in will occur. You can always choose to go with a material like fiberglass or vinyl that comes standard with double or triple-pane glass.

There?s a dazzling sense of accomplishment around completing your own home project. You get bragging rights with your friends, you get to feel a sense of accomplishment when you look at your work, and?if you do it right?you save yourself some money. Here are some examples of great home DIY projects you can easily do without professional assistance:

• New wall color paint
• Wallpaper in the guest room
• Repurposing old windows into wall art
• Turning jars into candle holders and lamps

But, there are some projects better left to the professionals:

• Replacement entry doors
• New patio doors
• Replacement windows

You see, we all want to save money?but when it comes to your major home projects, it?s not worth the risk.

Risks associated with DIY home projects:

Some of you reading this are bull-headed. That?s ok. Bear with me, here. If you are intent on installing your own windows and doors, please know these are the risks associated with doing so:

• Injury. There are so many ways to hurt yourself during an installation: falling off a ladder, slamming your hand(s) in a window, cutting yourself with a tool, over-extending your back, lifting too much and pulling a muscle?
• Overspending. Often times, homeowners who attempt their first installation project realize?too late, unfortunately?that they don?t have all the tools they need! And, if you?re familiar with how expensive tools are? This can add up quickly.Uninsured mistakes. This is another costly, and common, occurrence when overzealous DIYers take on a difficult home project. For example, imagine dropping the windows you purchased while trying to install them from the third story of your home. That?s an expensive accident, and insurance won?t cover it.
• Improper budgeting. If a fixture isn?t airtight, you could quickly develop damage and deterioration?which will be on you, when it could?ve been covered under warranty with a professional.

Benefits of using the pros

• A wealth of knowledge. Whether you realize it or not, you can?t possibly know everything there is to know about and expect from a windows or door installation, unless installation is your full-time profession. Any question you may have, a professional will be able to answer.
• Timeliness. Have you ever begun a DIY project and then completed it 8 months later? This won?t happen when you entrust your project to a trustworthy professional. On average, window and door replacement projects last 1-2 days.
• Peace of mind. This covers everything else. With a professional?one who?s certified and trained and backed by warranties on both products and workmanship?your project is protected. Further, your home is protected by insurance (should there be any accidental or negligent damages). Your products are protected and replaceable if they are damaged or installed improperly.

Summer is just around the corner. Can you feel the excitement? Sure, here in San Diego, CA, we are blessed with nice weather most of the year?but there is something special about the summertime. It has its own special allure and excitement. The sun here is the best, the fresh air is perfect. You are probably already opening your windows in the middle of the day to breathe in the fresh air after the last handful of months of too-chilly air. Mmmmmm? fresh air is the best, isn?t it?

I have to ask: have you noticed any of your windows not opening as easily as they used to? Perhaps you have to throw a little weight into it, as you push them open. Or, perhaps your double-hung windows don?t slide up as easily as they used to. Maybe they open just fine but closing them is the struggle. Worse?did any of them slam closed after being open for a short while? Replacement windows may be the solution.

Reasons you need to replace inoperable windows:
Windows that won?t operate properly are a nuisance. When you want fresh air?you don?t want to fight your windows to get it! But, there are more important reasons than mere impatience to replace your windows:
?Safety: sticky windows can easily become risky windows. If you have little ones, this is especially concerning. Fingers can and will eventually get slammed or jammed.
?Emergency exits: No one likes to think about potential house fires or intruders?but, in the event you experience either of these scares, your windows need to provide you a quick exit, should you need it.
?Pests: Inoperable windows are often due to warped frames. This means pest and insects can find their way into your home, disturbing you and your family!
?Avoid further issues: A sticky window could lead to broken glass (if it falls or if you have to slam it closed too often)?then, you?ll find yourself in an emergency replacement situation. Better to prevent this!

Reasons you should enjoy fresh air:
Most people spend nearly 90% of each day indoors. Can you believe that? Not only is that unfortunate?it?s bad for your health! Here are a couple reasons you should have operable windows that allow you fresh air more often:
?Air quality: Toxins, allergens, and air pollutants can build up in your home. A little fresh air through an open window during the day does a lot to flush that out.
?Smell: That?s right?smells. Fresh air draws out toxins which cause unpleasant smells indoors!