Crystal View Window Replacement Orlando FL

Windows are an important part of your home’s day-to-day function. Most windows last 15 to 20 years before needing replacement. Unfortunately, this can be a costly project when the time comes around, beginning at around $400 per window and potentially increasing into the thousands.

The fundamental difference between replacement and new construction window installation is that replacement windows fit right into the existing frame while new construction windows require the existing frame to be removed and replaced.

Installing a replacement window is fairly easy for most contractors because it requires minimal work and is done without touching the trim or the insulation around the window. The process of doing a low-quality window replacement is often referred to by contractors as a “pop-and-drop” – the old window is popped out and the replacement window is dropped into its place. Because a replacement window must fit within the existing frame you end up with less glass, less light, and less view because you are essentially installing a frame within a frame.

Wood windows are a beautiful, classic option for your home and are most common in older homes and luxury homes. Wood frames are one of the more expensive options, ranging from $150 to $1,800 or more per window unit, with an average price of $300 to $600 each. They require regular maintenance to protect the integrity of the material.

Aluminum windows are one of the least expensive window frame options available on the market. They can cost anywhere from $75 to $800 and above, but the average cost is around $100 to $400 per window unit, making them a great choice for the frugal homeowner. While they are significantly cheaper than most other options, they are not as versatile or efficient as materials such as vinyl or wood, which is why they are not as commonly seen as they were several decades ago. Vinyl windows are by far the most popular choice for modern residential homes, offering great energy efficiency with trims and profiles that mimic the look of traditional wood windows for the exterior and interior of your home. Vinyl windows can range from $100 to well over $900 depending on the window you choose but have an average cost of $200 to $500 for a mid-range double-hung window replacement.

Timber doors not only look great, but they're also solid and sturdy and one of the best front doors for security.

When we say timber, we mean a heavy, solid hardwood door of at least 44mm thickness.

The strength of any door usually comes down to the quality of the lock and the frame - a solid wooden door can still be kicked in if it has a flimsy latch-style lock or frame.

The superior style of lock loved by insurance companies is the five-lever mortice and this in combination with a solid frame is going to make it hard work for a burglar to jemmy open. It can't be kicked through, shoved with a shoulder, or smashed open.

The only drawback of a timber door is the regular maintenance needed to retain the integrity of the materials and remain solid and impenetrable.

uPVC doors became hugely popular when they were introduced in the eighties due to their low-maintenance materials. However, a lot of older doors and cheap quality uPVC are not the same standards as new uPVC doors sold today.

Reported issues with uPVC doors surround the quality of the lock that is pre-fitted in the handle. Older and cheap doors use a substandard cylinder lock that can be easily 'snapped', making them an easy target for a break-in. A multi-point locking system is no use if the lock can be overridden.

It's also important to note that an uPVC door cannot support a lock fitted on the door anywhere except where it's designed and pre-made to go. This means you can't add any extra locks to the door for additional security.

The good news is that new uPVC doors have addressed any security issues and now have anti-snap locks.

Composite doors were designed in response to all the inherent flaws of other singular material doors - because of this, they have great security features.

The door is a component of materials that usually includes a reinforced steel door frame and a solid hardwood internal frame. The surface skin of the door is made from glass-reinforced plastic which is a sturdy material and the combination of these materials makes a solid door that can withstand brute force.

Because a patio door is a large expanse of glass, they're perceived to be more vulnerable to a break-in.

It's very unlikely a burglar will break a large window because the noise will draw attention and a thief doesn't want to risk cutting themselves on shards of glass.

The most vulnerable parts of your house and the easiest way to enter are your front and back doors and your windows.

Most patio doors have a multi-locking system and can have bolts fitted to the top and bottom for additional security. The doors are also made out of extra toughened glass that even a 200 lb punch bag can't smash through.

Are glass doors safe - yes and no, some glass doors are safer than others.

There are two flaws with glass doors:

They can be broken easily

Pieces of glass can be lifted out of the frame.

Small windows near the door can be broken and then the lock can be opened from the inside by reaching inside.

To make glass doors safer, the glass can be installed with the beading internally to stop the glass from being lifted out of the frame externally.

If you do install glass panels in the door, make sure they're made from toughened or laminated glass.

Or, have a lock that can't be opened by reaching through the window - such as a double cylinder lock.

If you do have glass panels in a door you can also consider adding safety grills for extra security.