Round Rock, Texas

Window replacement in Round Rock

Foggy glass, a draft you can feel, or a window that will not open? Text me what you see and how many windows are involved. I’ll help you find a local window company and compare quotes.

Text Terry about windows

OnHand Home is not a window company. I help you find one, and you get their business name before you agree to anything. There is no charge for my help. You pay the window company for the work.

What the work involves

Window work comes in two sizes. A repair fixes one part: a lock, a roller, a sash cord or a cracked pane. A replacement removes the whole window or its sash and puts in a new one. Some companies do both. Many only replace.

There are two ways to replace. An insert (also called a pocket replacement) slides a new window into the existing frame. A full-frame replacement removes the frame too. Full-frame costs more because it opens the wall, but it lets the installer fix water damage around the opening.

Windows are usually made to your measurements, so there is a wait between the measure visit and the install visit. Ask each company how long that wait is and what they do if a window arrives wrong.

Why Round Rock homeowners replace or repair windows

Fog or moisture between the two panes of glass that will not wipe off
A draft or whistle around a closed window
A room that gets hot in the afternoon, usually on the west or south side
A window that sticks, will not stay open, or will not lock
Soft or rotted wood around the frame, or water stains below the sill
Single-pane glass in an older house
Noise from the street, or UV fading on floors and furniture

Repair, insert or full frame?

The condition of the frame decides this. Press on the frame and the wood below the sill, and tell the window company what you feel.

Fogged glass, frame in good shape. Fog between the panes means the seal has failed. Some companies replace only the glass unit. Ask whether that is an option for your window.
Frame sound, window worn out. An insert replacement keeps the frame and the trim. It is the lighter job and leaves the wall alone.
Frame rotted or wet. Full-frame replacement removes the frame so the installer can see and fix what is behind it.
Only a lock or roller is bad. A repair may be enough. Ask if parts are still made for your window.

What changes the price

Window quotes depend on more than the glass. Ask for a quote per window, so you can compare line by line.

The number of windows, and their sizes
Insert or full-frame replacement
Frame material: vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass or wood
Glass package: low-e coatings, double or triple pane, and gas fill
Special shapes, large openings, and upstairs windows that need more handling
Repair of wood, drywall, trim or paint after the old window comes out
Disposal of the old windows
Extra care for homes built before 1978 (see below)

Questions to ask the window company

Use these to compare quotes side by side.

Is this an insert or a full-frame replacement, and why?The answer tells you what is happening to your wall.
What is the SHGC and U-factor of the glass you quote?These numbers are on the NFRC label. They let you compare windows fairly.
Is the quote per window, with everything listed?Trim, screens and disposal can be hidden extras.
How long from the measure visit to the install?Made-to-order windows take time. A date in writing helps.
Who does the install, and who handles a measuring mistake?Some companies use their own crew and some use subcontractors.
Is my house older than 1978, and are you lead-safe certified?Federal rules cover window replacement in older homes. Ask for proof.
What does your warranty cover, and does it transfer if I sell?Glass, frame and labor may each have a different term.
Do I need HOA approval first?Check your HOA rules before you order. A made-to-order window cannot be returned easily.

Homes built before 1978: lead-safe rules

EPA’s lead rule covers paid work that disturbs painted surfaces in homes built before 1978. EPA lists window replacement as a covered activity, and says it is always covered regardless of square footage. Firms must be certified, including one-person firms.

If your house is that old, ask any window company for its EPA lead-safe certification before you sign. If you rent out all or part of the home, EPA says the rule applies to you too.

Hot climate: what to look for in the glass

The U.S. Department of Energy says to choose windows with low solar heat gain in hot climates. It says low-gain products (SHGC under 0.4) are designed for hot climate zones. It also says low-e coatings, especially spectrally selective ones, reduce summer heat gain.

ENERGY STAR sets window criteria by climate zone. Look up your ZIP code in the ENERGY STAR zone finder, then ask the window company to show you the label numbers for the window they quote.

Round Rock notes

The City of Round Rock’s standalone permit list does not include windows. If windows are part of a larger remodel, ask which permit path covers the whole job.
Federal EPA lead rules apply to window replacement in Round Rock homes built before 1978. Ask for certification.

What happens after you text

You text meSay what is going on, add a photo if you can, and include your ZIP code. The message is already started for you, and you can change it.
I ask a question or twoI check the details a window company will need and confirm you are in our area. We are starting in Round Rock.
I look for a window companyI check who can take the job. You get the business name before you agree to anything. If I cannot find someone, I tell you.
They quote and do the workThe window company confirms the time and the price with you. You pay them for the work. I follow up afterward.

Tell me what is going on.

Text me a short description and your ZIP code. A photo helps.