Ask the Expert

There are several motivators for window replacement: cosmetic issues, performance issues, wood rot, or the need for change. The reasons can vary from person to person. Sometimes the need is driven by necessity; other times it’s a matter of aesthetics. What’s your need?

In addition to adding to the value of your home, replacing windows can increase energy efficiency, leading to savings in heating and cooling as well as adding to the comfort level in your home.

Window options and selections are often driven by style, personal preference and even budget. An in-home meeting with one of our Window Specialists will help determine which window is best for your home and for your individual needs. A follow up meeting at our showroom will allow you to touch and feel your selections.

Marvin Windows and Doors has been a leader in window design and manufacturing for decades. They use the highest quality materials and offer the greatest variety of customizable options. Harmony Homes has built its business and reputation working exclusively with the Marvin family of products since 1984. We share the same philosophies of high quality product for our customers.

Harmony Homes has decades of experience working with windows and doors. We are an Authorized Installing Retailer of all Marvin window and door brands. We hold very high expectations of our factory-trained installers. Every member of our team is committed to deliver a premium installation of a premium product. From selection to pre-finishing, from installation to service concerns, we are with you every step of the way!

Insert windows will utilize the frames as well as the interior and exterior casing of the existing windows. Complete replacements, on the other hand, involve removing the old frames and installing new frames and casing (similar to new construction applications). In either case, the quality and performance of the windows are not compromised. We do not offer a lesser-quality “replacement” window. Every window from Marvin, Infinity and Integrity are of the highest quality and meet or exceed the NFRC requirements.

We install Ultrex® windows, an engineered fiberglass used in the Infinity and Integrity line of window products. Ultrex® is a material that will not rot, warp, corrode, crack, dent, chalk or fade. There is no finishing required when Ultrex® is used on the interior and exterior of your windows. Ultrex® is 8 times stronger than vinyl, 3 times stronger than wood and 3 ½ times stronger than wood/vinyl composites. Unlike other products, Ultrex® expands and contracts at the same rate as glass, resulting in less glass failure and breakdown of material.

There are different types of aluminum cladding. The two most often used in window production are rolled form aluminum (thin, and easily dented) and extruded aluminum (thicker, more durable). Marvin uses an extruded aluminum with Kynar® finish applied to the exterior of their wood windows. This special finish ensures that the paint is adhered to the surface and will not chip or flake and is designed to be used on products that are exposed to direct sunlight and will not fade or chalk like the competition. Aluminum, unlike a wood exterior, requires less maintenance and upkeep.

Pricing of windows tends to be related to quality. Quicker and easier to produce, vinyl cannot be relied upon to perform to the levels of wood or fiberglass. Harmony Homes will not install a vinyl window in your home. They are not designed for our climate and with their expansion and contraction, cannot be relied upon to keep your home sealed tightly. We believe in premium products of premium quality.

There is no such thing as “100 % maintenance free”. The best thing that you can do for your windows, and your home, is to maintain your windows on a regular basis.
It is a good practice to give your windows an annual check up. (It is sometimes easier to remember by scheduling around the times that you check the batteries in your smoke detectors or replace filters in furnaces.) Inspect the caulking around the frames. Fill any cracks between siding and window frames. Inspect weather stripping and hardware.
Operate the windows and make sure that they are free of dirt and debris that can impede their proper functioning. Lubricate mechanisms as needed.
Remove your screens in winter and safely store them away. Keep a good protective layer of paint or urethane on the wood. Touch up as needed.
Keeping your windows clean helps you enjoy them more. Remember, windows are made to be looked through, not looked at. Keeping the glass clean will help you enjoy them more.

Moisture, or condensation, can be found on the inside and outside of window glass. Condensation is a natural occurrence. You'll find it in the form of dew on the grass and water droplets on windshield of your automobile. Simply stated, it will occur when the air cannot contain any more moisture. It is dispersed on the nearest cool or cold surface.
Warmer air will hold more moisture than cooler air as illustrated on hot humid days during the summer. Condensation is not created by windows or doors! The surface of the window or door is an avenue for the dispersal of the excess moisture in the air based on interior and exterior temperatures and relative humidity factors which affect the glass surface.
With the emphasis on energy efficiency, modern houses today are constructed more air tight than ever before. While this makes the dwelling much more comfortable and energy efficient it also causes normal moisture and other air quality problems to accumulate and not escape.
The good news is that condensation is controllable. The first item that should be checked is the amount of humidity in the dwelling. One should realize what is acceptable and comfortable to you may not be for your health or your dwelling. While improper ventilation and elevated humidity in a dwelling contribute to condensation, long term studies are beginning to show it can have far reaching adverse health effects as well.
By following suggested guidelines such as proper ventilation and the control of indoor air quality, not only will you feel healthier but your windows and doors will perform at their optimum.