Case Studies

Getting the Bigger Picture: New Windows in a 1960 Pinehurst Neighborhood Home

Couple Finds Low-Profile Windows Offer Energy Efficiency Without Blocking Their View

  • Reduced heat in summer
  • Eliminated cold drafts in winter
  • Increased home value

Jim and Diane were never happy with their Seattle home’s aluminum windows. Original to the 1960 home, they were single-paned, as was the sliding glass door to the patio. The living room window was one large picture window, which hampered air circulation.  Combined with the single panes, it made for a very hot house in the summer. The windows were old, ugly, and energy inefficient.

The Reeves took a stab at installing storm windows, a tough job to do by themselves, but they still weren’t happy with the look.  “We’ve talked about windows off and on for roughly 20 years,” said Jim. “We never thought anyone would do a good job replacing them and we thought they would fail.”

Quality Product, Quality Installation

 At a Seattle home remodeling show, they visited Signature Windows & Door Installation and discussed their needs. “They didn’t want a big, thick window,” said Brent, their Signature design consultant.  “They wanted a slim profile to preserve their view and solutions for energy efficiency.”

The couple also spoke with representatives from other companies, but ultimately decided to go with Signature Windows for installation of Simonton® Daylight Max windows and a Simonton® sliding glass door. Deciding factors for the couple included the quality of the product and its reasonable price, as well as Signature Windows’ company reputation and its installation process.

A Solution for All Problems

 Jim and Diane are thrilled with their new vinyl windows, which feature a narrow frame, wider viewing area, LoE-3 glass on the west facing windows, and slider panes for ventilation in their picture window.  The increased energy efficiency has made their home more comfortable in winter and summer, eliminating cold drafts, blocking excess sun, and improving air flow.  The couple appreciates their low-profile windows and thin exterior trim, which fits the style of their home while keeping their wider view.

About Signature Windows & Door Installation

Signature Windows & Door Installation is a locally owned company that prides itself on offering quality products and top workmanship. Based in Kent, WA, Signature Windows offers exceptional customer service and the knowledge that the owners themselves are involved in every project.

Tackling 20-Year-Old Windows in Seattle

MEET WALTER AND JUNE

Walter and June had a beautiful Seattle home, but their windows were single-paned glass. They knew they were losing a lot of heat through the panes, especially on the north and west sides of their home which took the brunt of the Northwest wind and rain. In fact, they could feel the wind whip through their home.

FAMILY REPLACES OLD SINGLE-PANE WINDOWS WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART FIBERGLASS WINDOWS FOR FANTASTIC RESULTS

  • New double-paned windows prevented heat loss
  • Slim profile frames provided a wider view
  • Experienced craftsman installers were prepared to handle the unique challenges of an older home

Walter and June had a beautiful older home in Seattle.  But their single-paned windows were inefficient and lost heat.  In fact, the couple could feel the wind blowing through their home.  The windows on the west and north sides, which took the brunt of the Puget Sound wind and rain, were particularly problematic.

One day, Walter and June received a flyer about replacement windows.  They decided it was time to do something.

FINDING THE RIGHT WINDOW & DOOR COMPANY

Walter and June considered four different companies before choosing Signature Window & Door Replacement.  Their rapport with the sales manager helped them make the decision.

They had been considering a window frame that would have shrunk their sightline.  Signature offered a “direct set” frame option that did not compromise their view.

HANDLING THE JOB

On the day of installation, Signature’s expert installer discovered dry rot in the window sashes. Dry rot is a common issue in older homes. The installer has performed installations in many vintage Seattle homes, so he was prepared for this possibility. He had the materials needed with him on site and made the necessary fix. There was no extra charge to Walter and June for this additional service.

HOMEOWNERS WERE PLEASED WITH THE RESULTS

Walter and June ended up having lunch with the installer when he had completed his work.  They were happy with him, as well as with Signature overall.  They got to keep their great expanded views and are looking forward to lower energy bills next winter.

ABOUT SIGNATURE WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT

Signature Window & Door Replacement has been serving Puget Sound homeowners since 1999.  They are committed to providing the best products, the best service, and the best installation in the industry.  And it’s all backed up by the Signature Installation Guarantee.

Modernizing Windows In A Lakewood, WA Home

FAMILY REPLACES OLD WINDOWS WITH NEW, STATE-OF-THE-ART FIBERGLASS FOR FANTASTIC RESULTS

Their goals:

  • Removed deteriorating, wooden windows
  • Replaced with modern, high-tech fiberglass
  • Eliminated UV damage
  • Increased energy efficiency
  • Beautified home exterior

INTRODUCING MICHAEL AND ANGELIKA

Michael and Angelika S. loved the look of the exterior of their 1930’s home in Lakewood, WA, but knew they would have to do something about the old, leaky windows. Tired of living with poor energy efficiency and costly utility bills, Michael and Angelika decided to tackle the problem head on. They knew new windows could free them of recurring problems like condensation, UV damage, and difficulties with cleaning. They were cautious, however, because they wanted the new windows to look identical to the old ones in order to preserve the historical authenticity of their home.

FINDING THE PERFECT WINDOW CONTRACTOR

After deliberating over the idea of window replacement for six months, Michael and Angelika were ready to act. They self-identified themselves as picky customers, which meant they needed a window company who could patiently walk them through every step of the project. They talked to four different window companies, including Renewal by Andersen and Pella.  They ultimately chose Signature Window & Door Replacement based on their great window options and their ability to communicate.  Michael and Angelika loved their Marvin Infinity fiberglass windows, which matched their home effortlessly. They also hit it off right away with Greg, the consultant, who made them feel at ease with the project and didn’t mind meeting with them on multiple occasions to address their concerns.

ENHANCING EFFICIENCY WITH DURABLE STYLE

Michael and Angelika were thrilled to be able to have candid conversations about various products and their differences. It made the decision to add applied leading installed on the glass an easy one, and Michael and Angelika found working with   Signature a breeze. Alex and his crew did an amazing job and were great guys.  A few of the screens arrived with imperfections, but they were re-ordered and re-installed quickly.  Michael and Angelika are thrilled with the results and highly recommend Signature Window & Door Replacement and Marvin Infinity fiberglass windows to future customers.

ABOUT INFINITY FROM MARVIN BY SIGNATURE

Signature Window and Door Replacement is the exclusive regional distributor of Marvin Infinity windows.  They are based in Washington and serves the greater Seattle-Tacoma region with full residential window and door replacement.

Handling Many Challenges

One thing that Darina and Koray loved about their Seattle home was the large wall of windows that let in sunlight while opening up a view of their scenic surroundings. They didn’t love how difficult it was to keep their interior air warm during the winter and cool during the summer. The woody moisture of the area had also ignited mold growth in the drafty windows. They knew before they bought the house that they wanted to replace the windows.  However, this proved to be difficult because their uniquely-shaped deck created a lack of access. To make matters worse, the space housed many uncommon window sizes and shapes.

UNIQUE GLAZING WALL IS REDESIGNED IN SPITE OF SEVERAL DIFFICULTIES

  • Beautified home and improved value
  • Conserved energy and increased ventilation
  • Maximized sunlight
  • Completed work with limited access

MEET DARINA AND KORAY

When Darina and Koray moved into their Portage Bay home, one of the main selling features was the contemporary design which included a huge commercial glazing wall with a stunning view of Lake Washington.  The architectural value of the wall was stunning.  Unfortunately, the home’s aluminum framing caused  uncontrolled heat loss and gain.  Additionally, the home suffered from a mold problem.  This was an immensely challenging project, as half of the home literally sat in Lake Washington.  Between the deck and lake location, there was little access to replace these huge windows.

FINDING HELP

After a year of debating about how to solve the problem, Darina and Koray decided to consult with an expert. The first two contractors they approached couldn’t offer a satisfactory solution. When they finally discovered Marvin Infinity fiberglass windows from Signature Window & Door Replacement, one in-home consultation was all it took to create a workable plan that solved the access problem, the difficult sizing and the unwanted mold and draft issues.

SOLVING MORE THAN ONE PROBLEM

The creative use and positioning of ladders allowed installation technicians to bypass the access challenges. The redesign of the entire wall setup not only solved the oddly-shaped space problem, but maximized the amount of sunlight let in by the window.  This created an unobstructed view of the home’s fantastic surroundings. The last issue to address was the mold and heat loss. By installing high-quality, energy-efficient windows, Darina and Koray able to enjoy a comfortable environment, as well as save money each month on their energy bills.

About Marvin Infinity Windows By Signature

Signature Window & Door is the exclusive regional distributor of Marvin Infinity fiberglass windows.  These quality windows are custom built to your specific needs.  They not only produce a stunning visual result, they are also guaranteed for as long as you own your home.