Vinyl replacement windows are the most common way Lawrence homeowners fix windows that are drafty, fogged or hard to open. We measure each opening, help you choose the style and glass, and install new vinyl windows that seal tight and need almost no upkeep, whether it's two bedroom windows or every window in the house.
Request an estimateOne of these on one window is a reason to look. Several across the house is usually a reason to replace.
The seal around double-pane glass takes years of summer heat and winter cold, and eventually it lets go. Moist air gets in, the glass fogs, and the window loses much of its insulating value. New glass alone can't fix that for long, which is why we put in a complete new window instead.
Wood frames have their own problem: water sits on the sill, soaks in, and freezes and thaws through the winter until the wood goes soft. The springs and balances that hold a sash up wear out, and weatherstripping flattens until air moves straight past it.
First comes the style. Double-hungs tilt in for cleaning. Sliders suit wide, short openings. Casements crank outward and seal the tightest. Picture windows give you the most glass. Most houses end up with a mix.
Then there are two ways to put the new window in:
White and almond vinyl cost the least. Darker exterior colors are available on many windows for an added cost. Inside, most vinyl is white, with wood-look finishes on some lines.
For glass, double-pane is standard. A low-E coating reflects heat, keeping summer sun out and winter heat in. Argon gas between the panes adds a little more insulation. Triple-pane costs more and makes the most sense on the coldest or noisiest sides of the house. Every window carries a label with its U-factor: the lower the number, the better it holds heat.
Vinyl fits most houses and most budgets. It's a weaker fit if you want very slim frames, a color you plan to change later, or an exact match to original wood windows. If your house is on the Lawrence, state or national historic register, the city may need to review window changes, and that can shape which materials make sense. We check that before you choose.
The window replacement cost page goes into each of these in more detail.
For most houses, yes. They cost less than wood or fiberglass, never need painting, and a well-installed double-pane window with low-E glass is a real step up from one that fogs or leaks air. How it’s installed matters as much as which window you buy.
Fewer color choices, frames that are a little wider than some other materials, and they can’t be repainted reliably. Darker exterior colors cost more. Very cheap vinyl can warp or fade over the years, which is one reason the brand and series matter.
Fiberglass is stiffer, allows slimmer frames and can be painted, but it costs more. Vinyl costs less and insulates well. For most homes vinyl is the better value; fiberglass earns its price when you want narrow frames or a dark color.
A good vinyl window that’s installed well should last for decades. What usually gives out first is the seal between the panes or the hardware, not the frame. Most manufacturers back their windows with a warranty, so ask what yours covers and for how long.