Blog – Architectual Window Supply

Choosing a Home Improvement Contractor for Your Windows and Doors

awi-admin — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 21:36:18 +0000

Here are some things to consider when choosing the right home improvement contractor for your windows and doors.

Regardless of the type of home improvement project you are about to embark upon, finding the best team for the job should be the first thing that you do. Not every general contractor has the tools and skills necessary to replace or install windows and doors. If you are planning on upgrading your home’s windows or doors, you must find a qualified and experienced home improvement contractor who specializes in what you need. At Architectural Window Supply, we are proud to offer an extensive selection of windows and doors at our showroom, as well as experienced staff who can design and install the best doors and windows for your home. Here are some things to consider when choosing the right home improvement contractor for your windows and doors.

Choose a Window and Door Expert

Some home improvement contractors do a little bit of everything. These folks can tackle small jobs related to plumbing, maintenance, construction, or virtually anything else in your home. While these types of contractors can be invaluable for some homeowners with a lot of work ahead of them, choosing a window and door specialist for your project often allows you to expect a higher quality of work. Contractors who specialize in windows and doors know more about the materials, installation, maintenance, and common challenges relating to your project.

Check for References and Reviews

Word of mouth is just one way that homeowners can find the best contractor for their project; the internet and social media have changed the game when it comes to finding references and reviews for products and services. When searching for the best home improvement contractor for you, check contractors’ online reviews on sites like Yelp, Facebook, and the Better Business Bureau. While you should always keep in mind that customers are more likely to take the time to write reviews about negative experiences than positive ones, a significant number of negative reviews that note the same problems can be a major red flag.

Get in Touch with a Home Improvement Contractor

Once you have narrowed your list of potential home improvement contractors down to a manageable size, get in touch with each of them to discuss your project. Some contractors offer in-home consultations to assess the scope of your project, and making contact is the first step to getting an estimate. Architectural Window Supply has an expert team standing by to make contact with you, and our stunning showroom allows you to visualize all of the exciting options available for your next window or door project while you meet our staff.

Architectural Window Supply Can Help You Find the Perfect New Windows and Doors

If you are ready for professionally installed new windows or doors at a competitive and honest rate, Architectural Window Supply is ready to help! We have been working for over 20 years at giving business owners and homeowners gorgeous windows and incomparable customer service. For more information on our services, give us a call at (410) 266-5254 or visit us online. For more tips and tricks for getting the most out of your windows, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Houzz.

The post Choosing a Home Improvement Contractor for Your Windows and Doors appeared first on Architectual Window Supply.

3 Reasons to Choose Sliding Glass Doors

awi-admin — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 21:38:03 +0000

Here are just a few of the reasons that you should consider adding sliding glass doors to your Maryland home.

Many Maryland homeowners enjoy the great outdoors, and installing sliding glass doors is just one way to bring the beauty of nature into your home. Whether you use them near your patio, sunroom, or living room, these doors are an excellent feature that can add brightness and functionality to any space. The team at Architectural Window Supply is here to help you choose the perfect sliding glass doors to complement your home, and our professional staff makes installation a breeze. There are many benefits to choosing sliding glass doors. Here are just a few of the reasons that you should consider adding sliding glass doors to your Maryland home.

Enjoy Your View

The team at Architectural Window Supply is here to help you choose the perfect sliding glass doors to complement your home, and our professional staff makes installation a breeze.

Sliding glass doors can give you an unobstructed view of your backyard and the beauty that surrounds it. Whether your home backs up to a picturesque mountain view or merely the garden in which your children play, sliding glass doors allow you to keep a watchful eye on the world around you. Many designs utilize large panes of glass with minimal visual obstruction. If the view from your backyard is simply stunning, a new sliding glass door can be the best way to enjoy it.

Maximize Space

There are two ways that sliding glass doors can maximize the space in your home. Because they slide horizontally, sliding glass doors take up less room than other types of doors. In addition, their large glass panes can create the illusion of a larger room. If you have a cramped room leading to your backyard or patio, sliding glass doors can open the space up and give you room to breathe.

Introduce Natural Light

One of the best benefits of sliding glass doors is that they can introduce natural light into your home. Whether you keep houseplants or you simply enjoy a bright living space, an increase in natural light can transform your home. If allowing sunlight into your home is not your cup of tea, there are plenty of window treatments, blinds, and curtains available that can limit the light that enters your house. Regardless of the options you choose for your new sliding glass doors, the team at Architectural Window Supply is ready to design and install the best windows and doors possible for your Maryland home. Give us a call or visit our website or showroom to learn more about all of our offerings.

Architectural Window Supply Can Help You Find the Perfect New Windows and Doors

The post 3 Reasons to Choose Sliding Glass Doors appeared first on Architectual Window Supply.

Casement Windows: Everything You Need to Know

awi-admin — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 20:32:09 +0000

Do you have questions about casement windows? Read on and learn everything you need to know.

When you dive into the wide world of windows, you will likely learn many interesting factoids about different window types, features, and materials. Casement windows are ubiquitous in many styles of architecture, and they can be an excellent option for your home. Do you have questions about casement windows? Read on and learn everything you need to know. If you still have questions, contact the team at Architectural Window Supply!

Where Should You Use Casement Windows?

One of the reasons that casement windows are so popular is that they have a wide variety of applications. While they can be used in many different settings, there are a few places where casement windows truly excel. Because casement windows open outward and project away from the building, they are typically used in areas with ample space surrounding the structure. If your home has an attached shed, nearby trees, or any other objects in close proximity, alternatives like double-hung windows might be superior. However, these windows really shine in places that are hard to reach. They are popular for use above sinks and furniture, and they make awkward or hard-to-reach windows incredibly easy to use.

What Types of Casement Windows Are There?

There are many different types of these windows, and there are plenty of features for homeowners to consider. A healthy majority of casement windows use a crank and other hardware that allows them to open, but push-out casement windows are also popular. In these windows, a simple latch holds the sash closed. When unlocked, homeowners simply push out the sash to open it. Double or French casement windows are a popular configuration in which two casement windows are installed side-by-side, with both windows opening from the center. Although casement windows often swing outward, they can also be installed so that the sashes swing into the home.

Why Should You Choose Casement Windows?

Because they have so many available features and can be used in a variety of places, casement windows are ideal for nearly every home. Their easy-to-use hardware makes these windows an excellent option for folks with limited arm movement or difficulty using other types of doors. Casement windows can be customized with different materials, finishes, and glass types to suit your home and aesthetic taste. If you are considering installing new casement windows, doors, or replacement windows, talk to the experts at Architectural Window Supply.

Architectural Window Supply Can Help You Find the Perfect New Windows and Doors

The post Casement Windows: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Architectual Window Supply.

Which Way Should Your Interior and Exterior Swing Doors Open?

awi-admin — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 19:34:39 +0000

Check out these simple guidelines to determine which way your interior and exterior swing doors should open.

There are many different materials and styles to choose from when installing new doors, but have you given any thought to which way your exterior swing doors should open? Depending on where your doors are located around your home, your window and door installation professionals will likely make a few different recommendations. Knowing which way your doors will open is essential when planning any door installation or room remodel. Check out these simple guidelines to determine which way your interior and exterior swing doors should open.

How Do You Determine Which Way a Door Should Open?

Think hard about the doors in your home. You can probably think of a great deal of exterior and interior doors, but can you identify any trends in the directions in which they open? It may seem like their orientation is arbitrary, but in reality, there are a few guidelines that homeowners and door installation professionals can follow when designing a room’s layout. Generally, you should think about three things when considering new door placement: safety, practicality, and space. These considerations are in order of decreasing importance, and they can help inform your choices.

Exterior Swing Doors: Location, Location, Location!

Many exterior swing doors are designed to open inward, but garage doors are often an exception to this rule. The reason? Exterior doors are exposed to the elements, and having a door open outward can expose your door’s hinges to the outside — this means that criminals could simply unscrew your door’s hinges and let themselves in! Although they often have the trappings of exterior doors, doors that lead from your garage’s interior to your home are not really outside. These doors typically open outward to provide a clear and easy-to-use exit in case of an emergency.

Interior Doors are All About Layout and Space

With interior doors, orientation can be a bit trickier. Safety is rarely an issue, so practicality and space are the key points to take into account. Interior doors often open into rooms from small spaces like hallways and closets. The main goal when determining the placement of an interior door is to make sure that an open door will not cause small spaces to become even tighter. If you have questions about the placement of your doors, the experts at Architectural Window Supply can help!

Architectural Window Supply Can Help You Find the Perfect New Windows and Doors

The post Which Way Should Your Interior and Exterior Swing Doors Open? appeared first on Architectual Window Supply.

Custom Wood Windows: A Timeless and Efficient Choice

awi-admin — Mon, 20 Jan 2020 20:42:11 +0000

Read on to learn why custom wood windows are an excellent addition to any home.

Wood is widely considered to be one of the best materials when it comes to windows, doors, and other home improvement endeavors, but are custom wood windows right for you? Although window manufacturers have made many strides when it comes to modern materials like fiberglass and vinyl, wood sashes still provide an edge in terms of aesthetics and efficiency. Read on to learn why custom wood windows are an excellent addition to any home.

Wood Windows are Known for Their Beauty

Wood is an incredibly versatile material that is known for both its unmatched beauty and its visual variation among wood species. Folks often celebrate the intricacies of a wood’s grain, the depth of color imbued by wood stain, and wood’s ability to complement a plethora of architectural styles. Although some fiberglass window manufacturers have created ways to approximate the appearance of wood in their products, many homeowners find that there is no substitute for genuine wood windows. If you are looking for unique windows that add to the beauty of your home, custom wood windows are the clear choice.

Wood is an Excellent Insulator

Another benefit of wood windows is their surprisingly effective ability to insulate your home. As many folks who own exceptionally old homes will tell you, there are few things that insulate better than an appropriately installed and well-maintained wood window. While wood frames do run the risk of cracking, warping, or rotting over time, many homeowners find that wood windows are durable and long-lasting when taken care of correctly. For homeowners who want to harness the insulative capabilities of wood without taking on its maintenance requirements, aluminum-clad wood windows are an excellent alternative.

You Can Tailor Custom Wood Windows to Fit Your Home

One of the best aspects of custom wood windows is that they are just that: custom. Many window manufacturers offer a shockingly large selection of customization options for their wood frames. From wood species and color to hardware and glass options, you can work with your window supplier to create the best possible addition to your home. Contact the team at Architectural Window Supply today to see how we can help you design and install the perfect windows for your property.

Architectural Window Supply Can Help You Find the Perfect New Windows and Doors

The post Custom Wood Windows: A Timeless and Efficient Choice appeared first on Architectual Window Supply.

Energy Efficiency Tips From Your Trusted Window and Door Company

awi-admin — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 20:51:18 +0000

Read on for some valuable tips on energy efficiency from your trusted window and door company, Architectural Window Supply!

Has your heating bill skyrocketed this season? Poorly-insulated windows and doors may be partially to blame. Aside from keeping your home dry and secure, windows and doors supply much-needed insulation that can make your home more energy-efficient. Not every window or door does a good job of reducing your energy consumption, and even top-of-the-line windows can be ineffective in a drafty house. Read on for some valuable tips on energy efficiency from your trusted window and door company, Architectural Window Supply!

Start with Insulating Windows

When choosing energy-efficient windows for your home, you can make smart choices through every step of the process. Selecting wood or vinyl frames instead of aluminum contributes to your windows’ insulation, and choosing double- or triple-paned glass provides more of a buffer than a single pane. When you select materials that are poor conductors of heat, you create a strong layer of insulation that separates the inside of your home from the outside world. This buffer keeps your home warm when it is cool outside, prevents outside noise from becoming a nuisance, and helps you reduce your heating and cooling bills.

Use Efficient Doors

Like windows, doors can either serve to insulate your home or allow precious warmth to escape. Materials like wood and fiberglass are excellent options, and even steel doors can provide insulation when they utilize a foam core. If you are considering replacing your home’s doors with more energy-efficient options, consult your local window and door company. At Architectural Window Supply, we have a showroom full of excellent options for you and your home. Our experts can help you choose the ideal doors for you, and our installation professionals can help ensure that your doors are set up to perform well from day one.

Address Leaks and Drafts

State-of-the-art windows and doors cannot perform as well as they should if your home is drafty. Leaks around your windows and doors can let cold air into your home, negating the effects of your energy efficiency efforts. Improperly installed windows and doors can also undermine your attempts at an insulated home. Because of this, you must enlist the services of an experienced window and door company. When you pair Architectural Window Supply’s experienced team with our selection of high-quality products, it is easy to make a more efficient home. Contact us today to learn more about our energy-efficient offerings.

Architectural Window Supply Can Help You Find the Perfect New Windows and Doors

The post Energy Efficiency Tips From Your Trusted Window and Door Company appeared first on Architectual Window Supply.

Replacement Windows: A Gift That Keeps On Giving

awi-admin — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 18:56:58 +0000

In this week’s blog, we discuss a few of the expenses associated with replacement windows, as well as some reasons why they are an excellent investment in your home’s future.

Getting new windows is a popular project for new and experienced homeowners alike. Replacement windows can drastically improve your home’s curb appeal, create a more comfortable atmosphere, and reduce the maintenance necessary to keep your windows looking flawless. However, some homeowners balk at the potential costs of getting new windows. In this week’s blog, we discuss a few of the expenses associated with replacement windows, as well as some reasons why they are an excellent investment in your home’s future.

Potential Costs for Replacement Windows

Just like any home improvement project, the costs for replacing your windows can be broken up into two main categories: parts and labor. When installing replacement windows, you will have to make many decisions that influence the final cost of materials. Window designs, frame materials, and different kinds of glass all come with different price tags. The scope of your project can influence both the cost of materials and the cost of labor. For example, replacing a single casement window with an identical model will be much cheaper than installing custom-designed windows on every floor and room of your house.

Get a Substantial Return on Your Investment

While replacing your home’s windows can represent a significant investment, you can rest easy knowing that it is a smart financial choice. Newer windows can provide superior insulation, keeping your home’s temperature stable and decreasing your heating and cooling bills. They can also help eliminate cracks and drafts, protecting your home from expensive water damage and insects. Depending on the materials you choose, your new windows may have decreased maintenance costs and longer lifespans. Also, new windows can be incredibly beneficial if you are looking to sell your home.

Lifestyle Benefits: Enjoy the Appearance, Feeling, and Sound of Your New Windows

Although new windows often have substantial financial benefits, the positive impact they can have on your lifestyle in the short term cannot be ignored. New windows can breathe new life into both the interior and exterior of your home. Energy-efficient windows can help keep your home at a more comfortable temperature, and they can also muffle sounds from noisy neighbors and busy streets. If you are looking for a home improvement project that can provide significant returns, consider installing replacement windows. The professionals at Architectural Window Supply are ready to help you design and install the perfect windows and doors for your home.

Architectural Window Supply Can Help You Find the Perfect New Windows and Doors

The post Replacement Windows: A Gift That Keeps On Giving appeared first on Architectual Window Supply.

Sliding Windows vs. Double-Hung Windows: Which Should You Choose?

awi-admin — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 18:15:40 +0000

In this week’s blog, we will discuss the similarities and differences between double-hung and sliding windows, as well as how you can determine which would be best for your home.

When choosing windows for your home, you have many different options for materials, configurations, and styles. Sliding windows and double-hung windows are both popular choices for folks who value an easy-to-open window. Both types use two sashes that move within a single frame, but they have a few key differences that make them ideal for different situations and placements. In this week’s blog, we will discuss the similarities and differences between double-hung and sliding windows, as well as how you can determine which would be best for your home.

Sliding Windows

Sliding windows consist of two sashes standing side-by-side in a single frame. These two sashes slide horizontally on a track. The sashes often move independently of one another, allowing you to open your windows as much or as little as you would like. Sliding windows are popular because of their easy-to-use hardware, high visibility, and compact design. They are an excellent option in hard-to-reach areas or in places where outward- or inward-opening windows would not fit. Like many other designs, sliding windows come in a wide array of material, color, and finish options.

Double-Hung Windows

Like their sliding counterparts, double-hung windows are made up of two sashes suspended in a single frame. Unlike sliders, double-hung windows have their sashes stacked vertically on top of one another. These sashes also move independently, and many models allow the sashes to tilt inward for easy cleaning and maximum ventilation. Like sliders, double-hung models work very well in hard-to-reach places. They also make window cleaning easier and safer on multi-story homes.

Which Should You Choose?

Both double-hung and sliding windows have their pros and cons, but which should you choose? You may wind up with both types of windows in different areas in your home. For starters, sliding windows are better suited to window openings that are wider than they are tall. This is because of their side-by-side sashes. However, window openings that are taller than they are wide can benefit from double-hung windows, which have vertically-stacked sashes. While designs work well in hard-to-reach areas, a double-hung window’s tilting sashes make them an ideal candidate for second-story windows, which can be challenging to clean otherwise. Regardless of the types of windows that you choose, the experts at Architectural Window Supply are ready to help you design and install the perfect new windows for your home. Contact us today to get started on your next home project!

Architectural Window Supply Can Help You Find the Perfect New Windows and Doors

The post Sliding Windows vs. Double-Hung Windows: Which Should You Choose? appeared first on Architectual Window Supply.

Invest in High-End Doors for Your Dream Home

awi-admin — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 19:40:22 +0000

Read on to learn more about your options for high-end doors for your home, and contact the professionals at Architectural Window Supply to learn more.

Whether you are just starting the process of creating your dream home or you are putting the finishing touches on your residential retreat, high-end doors can make your home look and feel amazing. In addition to looking beautiful, many types of high-end doors have benefits such as increased insulation, low maintenance needs, and a long lifespan. Read on to learn more about your options for high-end doors for your home, and contact the professionals at Architectural Window Supply to learn more.

Ornate Wrought Iron Doors

While they are not as common as doors made of steel, wood, or aluminum, wrought iron doors are the perfect way to make a statement with your home’s entrance. Wrought iron doors often feature ornate scrollwork suspended in front of panels of clear or frosted glass. The glass allows your door to protect your home from the elements while also highlighting the stunning craftsmanship of its iron components. Many wrought iron doors are custom made, which is an excellent way to make sure that the door fits the design and physical specifications of your home. While they can be a significant investment, iron doors are built to last; they will likely last longer than the lifetime of your house.

Luxurious Solid Wood Doors

Many homeowners consider wood to be the most attractive material for doors. With their unique grain, rich colors, and stunning craftsmanship, solid wood doors are an excellent option for homeowners who are looking for a classic, energy-efficient, high-end door. Unlike some other doors, solid wood doors provide noise dampening and insulation from extreme weather. This is because wood is a poor conductor of sound and temperature. While solid wood doors fare better than those that utilize wood shells filled with foam, weathering is still a factor that can influence the lifespan of your solid wood doors. When selecting this material, make sure to follow all maintenance recommendations to protect your investment.

High-End Fiberglass Doors

Like doors made of other materials, fiberglass doors come in a wide range of price points. Custom high-end fiberglass doors can combine the aesthetic appeal and insulative properties of wood doors with the durability and weather resistance of metal doors. Fiberglass does not rot, rust, or corrode, and its foam core provides unmatched insulation. Many high-end door manufacturers produce stunning faux-wood creations that are difficult to discern from the real thing. If you are looking for a high-end door for your home, contact the professionals at Architectural Window Supply today. We can help you choose and install new windows and doors to put the finishing touches on your dream home.

Architectural Window Supply Can Help You Find the Perfect New Windows and Doors

The post Invest in High-End Doors for Your Dream Home appeared first on Architectual Window Supply.

Aluminum-Clad Wood Windows: Do Black Windows Fade?

awi-admin — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 14:44:54 +0000

In this blog, we will discuss a few factors that can impact how your dark aluminum-clad wood windows age.

Dark colors are becoming more and more popular in architecture and interior design. Thanks to advances in manufacturing, windows and doors are available in more colors than ever before. A popular option for dark-colored windows is aluminum-clad wood. Aluminum-clad wood windows consist of a wooden frame surrounded by either rolled or extruded aluminum. These types of windows are often considered high-end, though different styles are available at various price points. One concern that some homeowners have is that black or dark-colored aluminum-clad wood windows might fade due to sun exposure, age, or weathering. In this blog, we will discuss a few factors that can impact how your dark aluminum-clad wood windows age.

What Finish Do You Have?

The type of finish on your aluminum-clad wood window is perhaps the most critical factor when it comes to colors fading. The American Architectural Manufacturers Association tests finishes for colorfastness, weather resistance, and more. Based on the results of these tests, the AAMA bestows a rating for paint finishes. AAMA 2603, 2604, and 2605 are all used to describe how well paint finishes fare after extensive testing in the South Florida sun. AAMA 2603 is the lowest rating of these three, with finishes displaying slight fading after one year of outdoor exposure. The AAMA 2604 and 2605 specifications indicate that a finish will meet standards after exposure for five and ten years, respectively. The type of finish on your aluminum-clad wood windows is the number one factor that will determine how they age.

How Thick is the Aluminum?

When it comes to the aluminum used for clad-wood windows, there are two options: rolled aluminum and extruded aluminum. Rolled aluminum is the thinner of the two. It is generally about as thick as the wall of a soda can. On the other hand, extruded aluminum is a thicker cladding option with much more structural support. Extruded cladding is about as thick as a quarter. Because of this, it is resistant to most dings and dents. While rolled aluminum is the thinner option, it is also much easier to replace without replacing the entire window.

Where Are Your Windows?

Another factor that can influence how quickly your black aluminum-clad wood windows fade is the direction which they face. Frames that face south or west are more likely to fade due to UV rays from the sun, while shaded windows or those that face north or east will likely remain vibrant for longer. If you are considering installing black aluminum-clad wood windows and are not sure how well they will fare, consult the professionals at Architectural Window Supply.

Architectural Window Supply Can Help You Find the Perfect New Windows and Doors

The post Aluminum-Clad Wood Windows: Do Black Windows Fade? appeared first on Architectual Window Supply.