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Showing posts from 2022

Can You Repair Cracked Window Glass in Double-Glazed Windows?

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Fragile glass is bound to break sometime, particularly when there are children in the house. What happens if just one pane of your double-glazed window breaks? Can you repair the glass? The straight answer is no. To effectively repair glass where there are two panes you must replace the double pane assembly. Here are the reasons you can’t repair window glass in double glazed windows. Window Glass Repair – a Temporary Measure If one of the panes in your double-glazed window has a crack, you can do a temporary repair. Such a repair involves patching the crack with a glass adhesive to prevent the crack from running and getting any bigger. This is a temporary measure. You must replace the glass at some stage. Double glazed glass has air or gas between the panes that fit into a metal casing. The gap between the panes improves the insulation, keeping your energy bills down. The best double-glazed windows contain argon or krypton in the gap. These gases are poor heat conductors, ensuring mor

Sliding Patio Doors or French Doors; Which are Best?

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If you’re installing new patio doors in your home, you may wonder what type of patio door to go with. There are so many options. Still, French and sliding patio doors are amongst the most popular choices. Each has its own benefits. French doors have always been popular amongst owners of traditional homes, and French doors are also increasingly finding their way into contemporary home settings. Sliding doors consist of large glass doors that slide one over the other. They take little space as they are flush with the wall.   Considerations French and sliding patio doors are both beautiful options. Their installation will improve the aesthetics and comfort in any room. These doors bring in light and the illusion of space. Here are the factors to consider in choosing sliding vs French doors. Price The costs of the doors will differ depending on what material you choose for the frame, the glass and the finishes. Overall, French doors are more expensive than sliding doors. Patio Door Design

Framed vs Unframed Glass Fencing

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Glass fencing has become very popular among pool owners and for good reason. It meets the regulatory requirements to enclose your pool, and it won’t obscure your view or create obvious divisions in your garden. You can choose from two basic types of glass pool fencing, framed and frameless glass fencing . Both will give you a clear view of your pool, so you can keep an eye on the children from the comfort of your lounge, patio, or deck. Cost and Visibility Frameless glass fencing is usually more expensive than framed fencing. The additional cost arises from the more sophisticated fastening mechanism. Glass spigots planted into concrete hold the glass panes. The installation of these spigots is labor intensive, increasing costs. Frameless glass panes are also thicker at ½ an inch. Frameless glass does, however, offer a completely seamless view of your garden and pool area, unobstructed by any frames. Safety and Security Framed and frameless glass pool fencing both offer the same level o

How to Choose Between New Construction and Retrofit Windows

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Windows make a home and can have a significant impact on family comfort and the value of your property. If the time has come to replace or repair your windows, you may wonder what window upgrades you should choose from. New Construction vs Retrofit Windows New construction windows are plastered into the wall. They are best for extensions and new buildings. They are also the only choice when the existing window frames are rotting or falling apart. Replacement or retrofit windows, by contrast, fit into the existing frame. Retrofit windows are a lot quicker and simpler to install because there is no plaster work involved. This also means that the retrofit window option is a lot more convenient for the family. Changing the Size of your Windows If you’re unhappy with the size or placement of your windows, retrofit windows may not suit you. With new windows and frames, you can choose to completely change your windows to invite more light into your home. Window Frame Condition If your window

How to Childproof Your Windows

Accidents happen so quickly with children in the home. Toddlers are naturally curious and will explore every corner they can get to. So, as your child takes her first steps, you may wonder what you can do to childproof your windows. It all starts with window glass repair. Replace Old Windows and call for Window Glass Repair Aging glass in doors and windows will degrade with time. Locks may become ineffective and wooden frames can deteriorate. Over time windows can also become drafty, and less effective in maintaining indoor temperatures. When this happens, your energy usage will increase and cost you a whole lot more. A window audit is a good place to start your child-proofing exercise. Replacing or repairing windows will enhance your property value so it is a good investment option. Install Childproof Locks A window that a child can easily open, will always pose a risk, especially if the window is on an upper story. There are safety locks for all window types regardless of how it open

What is Glass Made of?

Roxy Glass Celebrates the International Year of Glass Glass forms an integral part of our everyday lives, from kitchen glassware to computer screens and windows through which we watch the outside world, glass is everywhere. For the team at the San Jose Glass Company, glass is also our business. We make and install windows and we attend to San Jose glass repairs on a daily basis. This year we’re celebrating the International Year of Glass. Glass Has a Long History While glass may seem fragile, it can last for centuries and has been around for a long time. Glass artifacts date back to 3600 BCE. First made in Egypt and Mesopotamia, glass was initially used for jewelry and then for eating and drinking vessels. Glass occurs naturally as a result of volcanic eruptions. It is called obsidian and was used to make spearheads in ancient times. Glass has undergone very few changes across the ages. Though today, some glass products, like windshields, are less inclined to break, thanks to modern te

Are Your Storefront Doors Draining Your Profits?

Your storefront windows and doors are a reflection of your business. Passers-by view the outside of your business before they decide to come in and find out what you have on offer. They’ll make subconscious decisions about you and your business on the condition of your storefront doors and windows. What does your business exterior say about your values? Storefront doors and windows suffer wear and tear over time, the result of weather conditions and general use. You may not notice when the outside of your business becomes a little scruffy, but your customers certainly will. If your storefront doors are not working as well as they should or if they are in need of a facelift, you could be losing customers. Are Your Storefront Doors Secure? Quite apart from the storefront appearance, there is also the issue of security. If your storefront doors aren’t working as they should, your business security may be compromised. This could lead to theft and financial loss. Unless you secure your sto

Enhancing Your Home with Mirrors and Mirror Walls

Mirrors and mirror walls are the interior designer’s dream. They are versatile and diverse and they add light and space to a room. They are perfect for highlighting and reflecting beautiful objects and spaces. Every home will benefit from mirrors and mirror walls. Mirrors have been used for centuries to beautify the homes of the rich and famous. Today, they are affordable accessories that any homeowner can use to brighten up drab corners. Over the years, the number and style of mirrors and mirror walls have expanded and today decorators are spoiled for choice. Using Mirrors and Mirror Walls You can enhance almost any space in your home with mirrors. Here are some ideas. • Gym mirrors - When it comes to mirror walls the first use that springs to mind are gym mirrors. An essential accessory in every home gym, gym mirrors help people to perfect their moves and avoid injury. • Living room mirrors – Your living room mirrors should reflect the theme in the room. Use mirrors to highlight t

How to Replace Your Window Glass

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Every parent remembers that sinking feeling that comes with the unmistakable sound of glass breaking. What’s happened now? Has someone been hurt? More often than not, all is well, it’s just a stray ball that has flown through the window glass. You have two choices, do the window repair yourself or call in the window repair man. When it comes to window repair all windows are not created equal. It is easier to repair a small pane in a vinyl window frame than in a wooden frame. Make sure that you have heavy gloves and eye protection before you start the repair job. Your Guide to Window Repairs Remove all glass shards from the frame. You may have to make additional breaks with a small hammer to facilitate the removal. If the glass doesn’t come out easily, make a grid across the pane with duct tape. Then use a chisel and heat gun to remove the putty from the frame and remove the glass in one piece. You’ll have to do a good job of removing everything including steel anchors, glass, and putt

When Should You Install San Jose Replacement Windows?

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Installing new windows can be an expensive business. Still, new windows will improve the property aesthetics along with the value of your home. Some property owners have no choice but to replace their windows. Retrofit windows may offer alternatives where the frame and the surrounding structure are sound. Still there may be times when your San Jose home needs new windows.   New Windows the Only Alternative There comes a time when your building cries out for new windows. These are the circumstances under which you should consider new windows. If you’re having doubts consult your San Jose glass company for advice. Rotting wood – rotting window frames can cause dampness in your home. Dampness and mold are bad for your health. You can’t reverse wood rot so choose to change your window frames to weatherproof alternatives like uPVC Drafty windows – poorly fitted or maintained windows are often drafty, allowing the cold into your home and pushing up your energy bills. Getting your windows re

Glass Pool Fencing Myths

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Glass pool fencing is beautiful, stylish and a safer option than a fence that obscures the view of the pool. Yet, there are myths that persist about the safety and reliability of glass fencing. Glass may have a reputation as a fragile material. Yet, today’s technologies have ensured that glass is one of the most reliable, safest, and most durable materials to use in fencing. It is also light on maintenance. Let’s discuss the myths surrounding glass fencing Myth # 1 Glass Fencing is Fragile and Will Break The material used in glass fencing is somewhat different from the glass used in your average household kitchen. The panels used in glass pool fencing are made from tempered safety glass which is subjected to the heat of a furnace. This tempering gives the glass six times more strength than standard float glass. It also means that in the unlikely event that the glass does break, it will form small harmless pebbles rather than dangerous shards. Glass panels used in glass fencing are usu

When Is a Retrofit Window the Best for Your Home

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When windows become old and drafty, many householders are keen to replace them with retrofit windows. Retrofits are popular because they are relatively inexpensive and a lot easier to install than a full window replacement. Retrofit windows fit snugly into the existing frame and trim which is why it is the least expensive, least disruptive option. When a retrofit window is fitted, the stucco, drywall, and paint remain intact. So, they will need no touch-up after the retrofit replacement . Many times, a retrofit window will do a perfectly adequate job of restoring the integrity of your window. When Retrofit Windows Won’t Work You can only use retrofit windows if the frame and surrounding walls are dry and structurally sound. If the frame has rotted or the surrounding structure needs repair, you must replace the full frame and window. You will also have to stick with the current window size and shape. If you aren’t happy with the size of the windows or if you would like to improve the ex

Are Mirror Walls Dated?

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Mirrors form an integral part of everyday life with many applications. These include commercial mirror walls in upmarket boutiques, dance studio mirrors, safety mirrors in factories and security mirrors in banks. When it comes to interior design, mirror walls have a distinctive place in our homes. Much as magicians use mirrors to create illusions, so mirrors create their own magic. They bring the illusion of space and illumination into rooms that crave light. Mirror walls became popular in the late twentieth century and, no, they are not outdated. Many of the top interior designers use mirror walls to reflect back beautiful designs and open up interior spaces. There are some tips that you could use to get the best out of your mirror walls. How to Get the Best Out of Your Mirror Wall Placement The placement of some mirror walls is obvious when it comes to gym and dance studio mirror walls for example. If you’re installing a mirror wall for purely aesthetic reasons, placement may be les

The Timeless Elegance of French Doors

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French doors made their debut during the French Renaissance in the 16th and 17th centuries. French Renaissance architecture exemplified symmetry and proportion. The architects of the day were inspired by Italian craftsmanship which was the inspiration behind the French door design. French doors were originally designed as full-length windows leading onto small balconies. They were an immediate hit because they allowed light and air into the previously dark rooms and hallways.   What Are French Doors? French doors are just as popular today as they were four hundred years ago. They’re used to add light and a sense of openness to almost every room in the modern home. They give direct access to the garden inviting nature into the home as most are fitted on external walls. French doors are also sometimes used internally to separate functional areas in the home. French doors consist of two hinged doors that typically fit into an aperture of between 47 and 70 inches. Most also have sidelights

Why Choose Patio Doors?

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Beautiful, elegant patio doors can make such a difference to your living spaces. They open up areas and make your home look so much bigger. They bring in the light and can save you money on energy. Best of all, when it’s time to upgrade or downscale, you will find that your investment in patio doors will pay back dividends. Stylish and well-installed patio doors add value to your property. The Benefits of Patio Doors There are several reasons why patio doors make such a good choice Natural light – nobody likes a dark and dingy home. Invite the light in when you install a full wall patio door. They light up almost any room in the house from the living room to the dining room and bedrooms. All can benefit. Creating great spaces – patio doors merge inside living spaces with your outdoor entertainment areas. They almost bring the garden into your home. They extend your entertainment areas so that you have more space to welcome your friends and family to join you on the patio, around the fi

Everything You Need to Know About Glass Pool Fencing

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Over the last few years, glass pool fencing has become a popular option for pool owners. Understandably so. Pool owners have a responsibility for keeping their pools safe and fenced in. Yet, few want to break their garden vista or interrupt the view of the pool. Glass is a safest pool fencing option because you still get a full view of what is going on around the pool. Factors to Consider When Styling Your Glass Pool Fencing Before you set a budget, you’ll have to consider the height and size of your glass fencing . Here you should combine safety requirements as well as the views you want to enjoy. Your glass fence installer will help you to ensure that you comply with local regulations.  The quote for your glass fencing will include the supply and installation of the fence. There are several factors that will influence the cost. These include the height, width and the type of glass you choose. The number of entrances may also affect the costs. Frameless glass fencing is more expensive

Styling Your Home with Mirror Walls

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Ever thought of styling your home with full wall mirrors? To benefit from mirrors, you don’t need a gym. Mirrors bring depth and illumination into any room. Most dressing rooms and bathrooms contain mirrors for practical reasons. Still, there’s no reason why mirrors should be purely functional. Mirrors can add style to almost any room in your home. The Visual Appeal of Mirror Walls Thoughtfully placed mirrors offer both visual appeal and functionality. Wall mirrors will brighten a room and add style and balance to the space. Small, dim rooms can benefit from extra light and the illusion of space. Add lights around the border of the mirror, or choose a stylish frame and make your mirror wall into a style statement. Add a mirror wall behind the vanity in a bathroom, or make your small, dark hallway look bigger by installing a mirror wall. The mirror will also serve a function as you do your last-minute style check before you head for the office. Small bedrooms and dining areas will also

Choosing Retrofit Windows vs a Full Window Replacement

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The primary difference between a full frame window fitment and a retrofit window revolves around what is replaced. In a full frame installation, we remove every window component from the casings to the frame, sash and trim. With retrofit windows, on the other hand, the frames stay in place and the retrofit replaces the sash. Retrofit windows are, therefore, a lot easier to replace. They are less disruptive and they cost a lot less. Whether you need a full window replacement or not will depend on your design preferences, the current condition of your windows and your budget. Factors to Take into Consideration When Choosing Window Replacements The first consideration will be the condition of your current window frames. If the frames have started to rot or become leaky or inefficient, you may have to do a full window installation. Unless you do, you will carry the burden of higher energy costs. If the frame is still in good condition, a retrofit window is the perfect solution for your hom

Choosing the Right Patio Doors for Your Living Spaces

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Patio doors have become very popular in modern homes. They open the living areas out into the garden or onto the deck or patio. They lighten up the area and help you to make the best of your entertainment areas. Best of all, they create the illusion of space. Practical Choice Aspects Before installing a patio door , you must consider the practical aspects of the installation. For families, this door is likely to be one of the most used doors in the house. You may be installing your patio doors for aesthetic reasons. Still, you must consider the ease of opening and closing the doors on an everyday basis. The size of the door is also important. These days, you can easily have the whole wall replaced with glass, but bear in mind you will have to have your doors double glazed to meet state energy efficiency regulations. Patio Doors Types There is a wide variety of patio doors available on the market. We’ve listed some of them below; French patios doors – consist of two hinged doors often w

Choosing the Best Patio Doors for Your Living Area

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Patio doors are full-length glass doors that connect the inside of a room with the outside. The purpose is to create a continuous flow between living areas. They offer lots of light and the illusion of space. Patio doors come in various shapes and forms that can completely upgrade a room, modernizing it and adding a touch of luxury. Despite this, it is also wise to take into account the size and placement of doors as full glass walls can make a room really warm in summer. Various UV and heat treatments offer insulation from the elements and protection from harmful ultra-violet rays.    Most popular patio door types There is a vast range of patio doors available, we discuss below the three most popular. Even these doors can differ greatly as you choose the frames, the style, and the design. Sliding patio doors – also known as pocket doors consist of panels. The number of panels will differ according to the aperture size. The selection of sliding door designs includes frameless slidi

The Beauty of French Doors

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French doors have been around since the 17th century French Renaissance. These full-length opening doors were designed to maximize light and to allow people to step out onto a balcony and enjoy the fresh air. At a time when internal light depended on candles, the light these windows allowed into the room was greatly valued. Today French doors remain as popular as ever. Though the wide range of patio doors has increased choices for homeowners.   What are French doors? French doors are hinged on both sides. They are made largely of glass. The frames often have decorative finishes, making them quite distinctive. Very often French doors have sidelights, or fixed windows on either side of the doors. Like other patio doors, they join interior with exterior living spaces. They increase light and offer the illusion of more space. French doors are affordable and they are easy to install. They are most suitable for smaller apertures. Though they are often filled out with side lights, the maximum

The Importance of Glass Repair to General House Maintenance

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Many homeowners are meticulous about home maintenance. Yet they may overlook the importance of glass repair in general property maintenance. Perhaps it’s just a matter of procrastination or considered too minor to cause concern. Window Glass Cracks Cost Money Yet cracked window glass could cost you money. Small window glass cracks will grow with time and will eventually present a hazard. Once the window glass breaks it becomes a safety hazard. It leaves your property vulnerable as intruders could enter through the broken window. Damaged windows will increase your energy bills as they no longer offer the same insulation, allowing the heat out and the cold in. Calling a glass repair man as soon as possible could save you a great deal of money. Types of Window Glass Cracks There are three main causes of cracked window glass. The most common is an impact crack, caused when an object hits a window pane. These are easy to identify as they typically display a starburst pattern that radiates

Your Guide to Choosing the Best Mirrors for Dance Studios or Other Commercial Venture

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In gyms and dance studios full wall mirrors perform a very specific function. Yet, large mirrors will add light and function to almost any commercial space. Think about the restaurant mirrors that expand the space and brighten up the area. The large mirrors in clothing and fashion stores serve an obvious purpose. The usefulness of mirrors, such those placed in hotel foyers or used for security purposes in banks and offices, may be a little less apparent. What criteria should you use when choosing the best mirrors for your commercial enterprise? Questions to consider when choosing the mirror location, style, and size The design and function of the mirror will help you to make the right choices. Here are some questions to ask Do you want to make a standout feature of your mirror or would you prefer it to blend into the background? Does it serve a function as a dance studio mirror does or is it purely aesthetic? Where could it improve the lighting in the room and which areas could do with

Framed of Semi-Framed Glass Pool Fencing – Which is Best?

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The swimming pool is often the focal point in the garden. Sparkling, cool, and refreshing pools offer us hours of fun in the summer months. Even when the weather cools down, the tranquility of water can’t be denied. Of course, you want your pool area to look its best no matter what the season. For safety reasons, you have to keep your pool enclosed. Unless you want to bar the stunning view of the pool, a glass pool fence has to be your first choice in pool safety. If you’re settling on glass pool fencing, you still have choices. You can choose between frameless and semi-frameless glass fences.   Frameless Glass Pool Fences Frameless glass fencing is the ultimate in pool fencing, offering you unobstructed views of the pool. Extra strong glass is used to construct these fences so they don’t need frames. The glass panes are held in place by steel clamps and concrete. The end result is a lovely wide-open view of the garden and pool, making the area appear larger than it is.

How to Choose the Right Store Windows for Your Business

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Your choice of store doors and windows can have a major impact on the success of your business, especially if you rely on foot traffic to grow your sales. Your storefront should invite people to come in and have a look. Your windows should do your brand proud, regardless of whether you’re in retail or hospitality, your windows showcase your product. Apart from enticing patrons, storefront windows perform several other important functions, including energy efficiency and security. Let’s discuss these;  Energy Efficiency Most storefronts take up a large part of at least one wall. The sun will shine in for at least part of the day and will heat up the area in front of the windows. Your air conditioning system is thus forced to work harder to bring the temperatures under control, running up your energy usage. To overcome this problem, you can use energy-efficient glass with low-E protection for your store doors and windows. This will allow the light in but keep the heat out. Storefront Se

Should I Get Retrofit Windows?

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Perhaps your windows aren’t doing as a good a job they should at keeping the wind and cold out of your living areas and you’re considering your options? By and large, your first big decision is whether to install new construction windows or go with the cheaper and less disruptive option of retrofit windows. Let’s discuss your choices. Retrofit Windows If your window frames are in a reasonably good condition and you’re happy with their size and placement, retrofit windows are a good option. When you opt for retrofit windows, there is no need to make alterations to the frames or structure. For this reason, they are a lot cheaper than new construction windows. With retrofit windows, there is no building or restoration work needed. Retrofit windows are quick and easy to install. If you’re looking for less disruption and a cheaper option, retrofit windows are best for you. New Construction Windows If your frames need replacement or if you’re not happy with the size or placement of your wind

Considering Your Options – Dance Studio Mirrors

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If you’re thinking of opening a dance studio or even a fitness center, one of the first things you’ll have to consider is the installation of dance studio mirrors. Your clients must be able to see themselves from all angles if they are to perfect their form. Before you settle on buying dance studio or gym mirrors , there are a few factors you should consider. Placement Considerations Your first consideration before taking the plunge and buying your dance studio mirrors is where to place them. You can choose to cover one wall or two adjacent walls so that users can see themselves from more than one angle. Never place mirrors on opposing walls. This creates a distracting tunnel view that isn’t very pleasant. The next concern is whether the mirrors should extend all the way to the floor. Here you should consider your planned use. Dance studio mirrors don’t have to reach the floor. You can leave 16” to 22” space below for your electrical outlets and save money. Factors to Consider Buying D

The Benefits of Bi-Fold Patio Doors

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Patio doors help to bring your beautiful outdoor areas into your home. They open up your living areas to create relaxing spaces where you hang out with your friends and enjoy the outdoor living. No patio doors do a better job of this than bi-fold patio doors. These doors consist of two to eight panels that stack one on top of the other so that you can fold them away. Depending on the space available, you can choose to tuck your doors inside or out. When you don’t want to open the doors completely, you can use the center panels like a French door for easy access. Folding doors create the illusion of space in the home. They are bottom-loaded, operating on ball-bearing rollers. The Advantages of Bi-Fold Patio Doors Bi-fold patio doors have become popular in recent years and for good reason. They offer many advantages. Here are a few of them; Beautiful – bi-fold patio doors open up your living areas. They can offer you great unbroken views of your garden and increase your living space whe

A Guide to Vinyl Replacement Windows

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Vinyl windows have been around for decades but at first, they were bulky, unattractive, and regarded as inferior. Vinyl windows have come a long way from the early days. Today homeowners and builders choose vinyl for both full replacement and retrofit applications. Made from PVC material, used in many other building applications, these windows won’t peel, warp or bend even after years in the elements. PVC polymers mix well with pigments to create windows in vibrant colors and in all shapes and forms. Do I need full replacement or retrofit windows? Full replacement or construction windows are typically used for new buildings or extensions. If current window frames are rotting a full replacement may be necessary. Some homeowners also choose the full replacement option when they want to enlarge or change their windows. Vinyl replacement or retrofit windows are fitted into the existing window frame. The result is a solution that is cheaper and quicker to install. Retrofit windows are