Thompson Creek Tips & Blog

Happy customers drive our business forward - and lately our customers have been really happy! Check out these great comments and reviews from our customers (aka your neighbors)!

Leslie, Washington DC
"This is my second experience with Thompson Creek, and I have to say that they are one of the most professional, high-quality, and responsive companies with whom I have ever worked. The product and performance has been top-notch. I'm already making my money back in energy savings." 

We say it all the time - happy customers keep our business moving forward. Being a local company is something we take very seriously and are incredibly proud of. We are also aware of the great responsibility that comes with being a local company. Our customers could easily be our neighbors, friends, friends of friends, family, vendors, etc. The list is endless. Because of that - we take quality control and customer satisfaction very seriously. We are proud and excited to share just a few of our latest great customer comments:

Window shopping – always seems so easy in the movies. But it’s a complex purchase and can be daunting. Every single window out there is not, and should not be created equal. You need to find the windows that work best for your home –and more often than not, your neighborhood. Then you start shopping around.

You may be considering replacing your home’s doors, windows, siding or gutters. But are you faced with a decision on the best way to pay for these projects?

Thompson Creek’s energy efficient products are very affordable, and we have finance plans to fit every budget. We offer over 50 different financing options for qualified buyers, from low monthly payments to interest-free options. We will work with you to find the best finance plan for your budget.

When Thompson Creek Window Company visits your home to demonstrate our products and give you a written price quote, we will be happy to go over all of the payment options with you.

Thompson Creek Window Company custom-manufactures every window we sell right here at our factory in Landover, Maryland. And we are so sure that our products and services provide you with the best value for your money that we provide you a "Price Assurance" guarantee for every window we install.

We are so confident that you'll be 100% satisfied with your final products that we back it up with a money-back guarantee.

For complete terms and conditions of our 30/30 Money-Back Guarantee, contact a Thompson Creek customer service representative and schedule your free in-home demonstration today.

Here at Thompson Creek Window Company, we build our products locally, using the best parts and materials available. We make your products to order so they fit perfectly in your window openings. And we do it all in the most efficient manner possible.

Thompson Creek knows that our customers want replacement home improvement products that beautify their home, increase their home value and return on investment, save them money in energy costs, and will incur no additional maintenance or costs in the long run.

And we're so sure that our windows are the best around that we guarantee them with our unbeatable Lifetime Warranty. Not only that, it's a Double Lifetime Warranty. What does that mean? It means that if you ever decide to sell your home, the warranty coverage on your windows does not end. You are able to transfer the warranty over to the next owner of your home.

Trust your home to Thompson Creek!

For over 31 years, Thompson Creek Window Company has manufactured and installed vinyl replacement windows that are designed specifically for homes in Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC.

Why is it important to purchase replacement windows from local manufacturer?  Thompson Creek windows are manufactured specifically for the weather extremes experienced in the mid-Atlantic area. But it also provides another environmentally-consicious benefit: windows that are built and installed locally cut down significantly on the amount of time they spend on trucks. Being close to the customer eliminates long-distance shipping, reducing the amount of pollution and cutting down on our carbon footprint.

Many people are amazed at some of the unbelievably low prices offered by big box retailers on vinyl replacement windows. But things aren’t necessarily what they seem. Optimum energy efficiency is not created by taking a pre-made replacement window off the shelf and trying to force your home to fit this window. A much better option is having a custom built window manufactured for the specific window size openings in your home. A custom fit window will require much less caulk and installation material between the replacement window and your home, giving you a much better solution. All Thompson Creek windows are manufactured for the exact window opening down to within 1/8 of an inch.

We recommend that you thoroughly check the warranty of whatever windows you are considering. In particular, it’s very important to review the exclusions. Many window companies will not cover a window under warranty that has been improperly installed. Window installation is a major factor in how well your new windows will perform.

Some big box chains advertise that their windows will be installed by "licensed and insured independent professionals." So who is responsible when there is a warranty issue? The manufacturer will most likely tell you that the window was fine when it left the factory. Quite often, they will tell you to contact the dealer where you purchased the windows. The dealer will have to track down the installer, who will have to report their findings back to the dealer, who in turn will try to work it out with the manufacturer. The manufacturer may ship a new window or parts to the dealer, who will coordinate with the installer to have the problems fixed. The circle keeps going.

There are too many people involved, and you are much better off dealing with a window manufacturer that installs every window they make. With Thompson Creek Window Company, all of our work - including installation - is covered by our transferrable double-lifetime guarantee. From price quote, to manufacturing, to installation, to warranty work, you only deal with Thompson Creek. And no run around!

Installing replacement windows can add significant value to your home just by improving energy efficiency. According to Energy Information Administration, they estimate that as much as one third of the average home’s heat loss occurs through windows and doors.

When trying to decide if you need to replace your windows, you need to consider when your home was built and if it still has the original windows. You also need to evaluate the condition of your windows – do they show signs of wear, wood rot, warping, are difficult to open or have cranks that no longer work? And if you have single pane windows, this could be one of the biggest reasons to replace them. Single pane windows are not energy efficient, so upgrading to double pane windows will keep your home much cooler in the summer. You will significantly reduce outside noise coming in through your windows. And you’ll dramatically reduce your energy bills.

Having a more energy efficient home will also increase its resale value. Remodeling magazine’s "Cost vs. Value Report" says that "vinyl window replacements resulted in national recovery rates of 81%. Replacement windows are a truly solid investment…"

When choosing a replacement window company, it’s important to look for windows that are eligible for the tax credit under the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010. Windows from Thompson Creek will make your house more energy efficient, and you can claim a tax credit. Talk to your tax advisor for details.

The mid-Atlantic region often experiences some pretty significant rainfall in the spring and summer. Are your windows protecting your home from the damaging effects of heavy rain and wind this spring?

If you have old wood windows, even a moderate rain can damage your home. Aside from water leaking into your house through leaky seals, water can also work its way inside your walls and framing, eventually into your foundation and basement. Damage can include deteriorating framing and drywall, wood rot, foundation cracks, wet basements, and mold or mildew.

If you have vinyl replacement windows from Thompson Creek Window Company, your home is protected from the damaging effects of rain and wind. Thompson Creek windows can withstand 11 inches of rain per hour, stand up to 133 mile per hour winds and are 79% more energy efficient than standard single-pane window default values, according to the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). They pass the rigorous water leakage and wind pressure tests and are certified by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA).

For over 31 years, Thompson Creek Window Company has manufactured and installed vinyl replacement windows that are designed specifically for homes in Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC.

Why is it important to purchase replacement windows from local manufacturer? A previous article talked about the fact that Thompson Creek windows are manufactured specifically for the weather extremes experienced in the mid-Atlantic area. But it also provides another environmentally-consicious benefit: windows that are built and installed locally cut down significantly on the amount of time they spend on trucks. Being close to the customer eliminates long-distance shipping, reducing the amount of pollution and cutting down on our carbon footprint.

For over 31 years, Thompson Creek Window Company has manufactured and installed vinyl replacement windows that are designed specifically for the mid-Atlantic area. Homeowners in Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C. aren't forced to purchase a "one type fits all" window made for homes all across the nation - Thompson Creek windows are designed for our weather extremes. The window design decreases the amount of heat lost in the winter, and insulates homes in the summer to keep the cool air in and the sun’s heat out.  Our energy efficient windows, engineered to withstand the weather in our area, add up to savings on your energy bills.

Over the past 31 years, Thompson Creek Window Company has become the mid-Atlantic’s premier home improvement replacement products company. Replacement windows and doors, clog-free gutters, vinyl siding – custom-manufactured, installed and serviced from our family-owned and operated facilities in Landover, Maryland.

 Thompson Creek knows that our customers want replacement home improvement products that beautify their home, increase their home value and return on investment, save them money in energy costs, and will incur no additional maintenance or costs in the long run.

And even on holiday weekends, Thompson Creek is open to make it as easy as possible to get a no-obligation price quote.  Call 866-57-CREEK to schedule your appointment.

Do you have old windows in your home? Are they drafty, have warped or rotting frames, or fogged window glass? There are many reasons why the windows in your home could be failing.

One of the major causes of window failure is weak corner joints in vinyl and wood frame windows. When corner joints are screwed together, over time they can become misaligned or warped, causing gaps and allowing in drafts. This can even cause a leak in the seal of the glass in double-pane windows, with the telltale signs of cloudy glass and condensation between the two panes.

When looking at replacement windows, you want to be sure they’re manufactured with vinyl sashes that are welded together rather than screwed together. Also look for drainage holes and spaces for air circulation to avoid moisture accumulation in window frames and sashes.

You'll have peace of mind when you work with a reputable company like Thompson Creek Window Company.  Thompson Creek windows are locally manufactured for mid-Atlantic homes, using the best materials and techniques in order to guarantee you a lifetime of maintenance-free efficiency.

If you’re trying to decide whether or not to get rid of the old, inefficient windows in your home and add new replacement windows, there are a few things to consider:

- Consider how much you can save in energy bills each year. Replacing old windows with new models increase energy efficiency and can save you up to 30% per year on your energy costs.

- You need to think about how much value you put on the increased comfort and better appearance new windows will provide. Replacement windows increase the curb appeal of your home.

- Think about the resale value of your home. When updating to energy efficient replacement windows, you will get back nearly 80% back for every dollar invested when you sell your home.

- Look at the warranty for the windows. Is it a lifetime warranty? Is it offered by the manufacturer or installer? Who will service your window should a problem arise in the future? Are any problems not covered by the warranty?

Your best choice is Thompson Creek Window Company. We manufacture and install energy efficient replacement windows to save you money on your utility bills. Best of all, Thompson Creek controls all of the raw materials that go into the product and we install every window we sell. We are 100% accountable to our customers should any warranty issues ever arise.

Thompson Creek Window Company

is open for business this Presidents' Day! We'll have plenty of staff on hand through the 3-day weekend to take your calls, answer your questions, and schedule a free in-home consultation.

If you're considering a home improvement project to increase the energy efficiency and improve the curb appeal of your home, call Thompson Creek today. Call to learn more about our vinyl replacement windows, siding, doors, rain gutters and to learn more about our award winning customer service. Thompson Creek windows qualify for the new 2011 energy tax credit. Our gutter system is guaranteed never to clog or pull away from your home. Our vinyl siding will insulate your home and block up to 45% more noise than regular siding. You will increase the curb appeal of your home with a new entry door, sliding glass door, or French doors.

Call Thompson Creek at 866-57-CREEK to schedule an appointment.  Time slots are filling up fast, so call today!

Do you have old windows in your home? Are they drafty, have warped or rotting frames, or fogged window glass? There are many reasons why the windows in your home could be failing.

One of the major causes of window failure is weak corner joints in vinyl and wood frame windows. When corner joints are screwed together, over time they can become misaligned or warped, causing gaps and allowing in drafts. This can even cause a leak in the seal of the glass in double-pane windows, with the telltale signs of cloudy glass and condensation between the two panes.

When looking at replacement windows, you want to be sure they’re manufactured with vinyl sashes that are welded together rather than screwed together. Also look for drainage holes and spaces for air circulation to avoid moisture accumulation in window frames and sashes.

Since 1980 Thompson Creek has been helping people feel more at home, with custom made quality replacement windows and doors, maintenance free gutters, and siding.  We’ve installed energy efficient windows, entry doors, French doors, sliding glass doors, patio doors, clog-free gutters and downspouts, and siding throughout Maryland, DC and Northern Virginia.  We have to do a better job, because this is our home too.

When researching where to purchase replacement windows for your home, consumers should consider a number of factors.  Look for a window company that manufactures their own energy efficient products, has a great reputation for quality products and outstanding customer service, and provides a comprehensive warranty on every product they sell – including installation and labor.  It also makes sense to work with a company that manufactures their products locally, saving a significant amount on shipping charges. 

Consumers that work with Thompson Creek avoid the run-around between the contractor, distributor and manufacturer when you buy windows from Thompson Creek because we control the entire process from beginning to end, and are 100% accountable for providing a top quality product with outstanding customer service.

Additionally, more reputable companies participate in the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) certification and labeling process and the ENERGY STAR® program.  This is a good indication that the manufacturer who is concerned about the quality of their products and their energy efficiency.

Higher quality replacement windows have low-e glass.  Low-e stands for low-emissivity glass, which is a very thin coat of material on the glass to make it more efficient.  This is important when the weather is very hot and sunny, as well as the during the cold of winter.  Low-e coating helps reflect heat away from the surface, keeping unwanted heat out in the summer and desired heat inside in the winter.

Low-e glass is the most cost-effective way to increase the energy efficiency of your windows.  It can also help reduce the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation entering your home, reducing furniture and carpet fading.

We live in a big country and there an awful lot of different climate regions. The Energy Star has been designed in a way that recognizes those regions. If we were building a window for the desert we might not be worried about rain and rain penetration or high winds. If we were up in Fargo, ND we would be worried about the extreme cold climate. Here in the Mid Atlantic we can have hurricanes, we get Nor’easters, we got three feet of snow this winter, we’re dealing with some record rain falls right now. So we have to incorporate both the design of the window that will withstand the high winds and the heavy rains that we get occasionally, but also take into account the climate. We’re going to want a certain amount of solar heat gain so we get some free heat in the winter, but we also spend a lot of money cooling our homes in the summer. We select a glass package that is tailor made for the market, the geography that we serve and we design the window in a way that is made to withstand the rigors of our unique climate zone.  First, we are manufacturing a window that is truly designed for our region, we’re not t trucking them in from across the country, our customers are going to get a window that is going to give them more value. When these windows come off our factory line, they go right into the installation truck and right to their home. What can be more stream lined than that process? So really it’s the value. We can put the best parts and the best products in and the customer’s not paying for anything that they’re not getting.

My family moved to MD when I was 13 years old back in 1980 to start a window manufacturing company. That was the beginning, we actually lived in the window factory, parents had invested everything into this start up for their business. I started out sweeping the floors, graduated to window builder, truck driver, service repair man, window installer and eventually got to run the show. My little glass scar from my early days as a window builder as I mentioned. Spent a lot of time growing up in a window factory and growing up through the business and one of the ways we used to have to handle glass was it would come in crates and sometimes trying to be a little more efficient in my production I’d carry more than one piece of glass at a time, and that was one that got away from me. I learned my lesson, a couple lessons. I learned a little about safety and you see that everyone that’s working here is wearing the proper safety equipment. I don’t know how I got away with that, but don’t tell my dad.

One of the neat things about the way that we approach window manufacturing being a replacement window manufacturer and a regional one is you can see with the equipment that we’ve got here in this building we don’t make thousands of windows the same size every day. We don’t manufacture a window until we have a house to put it in, so every window you see in this place right now already has a home that it belongs to, but because we’re not manufacturing thousands of windows a day we’ve got the flexibility to make changes and incorporate newer technologies as they  becomes available. So we’re able to stay ahead of the technology or are current with it, and I think that that translates into the most technologically advanced products for our customers. We spend a lot of time up at the testing laboratories putting the windows that build on test walls and testing them to their failure point and finding a weak spot so that we can continue to improve and stay up to date on our technologies. We’ve been through many variations of windows. I like to refer to the upstairs of our window factory as sort of the museum. I’ve got windows that we’ve manufactured early on that were screwed together when the vinyl welding technology came about we incorporated that, we’ve seen lots of innovations in the way we seal glass, the way we manufacture windows, the hardware that goes into it and this newest window that were manufacturing now is another extension of that. We’ve incorporated the latest hardware, the performance characteristics of this window. It’s designed to stand up the highest levels of wind load and rain water that we can, so we’ve got improvements there, the aesthetics of the window. We’ve incorporated some features that make it more beautiful, much more airtight so a lot of really exciting new features in the product. And it’s just the next generation of window.

So energy efficiency is one of the main reasons that people decide to replace their windows. The window itself cannot be the most energy efficient on the planet and if it’s not installed properly you’re not going to get all the benefit that you should. Our window is designed to reduce air infiltration, its designed to reflect heat to the side its radiating from and our installation processes our specified and controlled in a way that were sure that we’re not going to have heat escaping around that window so the insulation that we put around the window and the insulating qualities of the window are all part of what make this process so energy efficient for our customers. Today when we’re deciding on the parts that go into the windows that we’re manufacturing of course we put a lifetime guarantee on everything, if it breaks we’ve got to spend the time and money to go and fix it for our customers. It’s going to inconvenience them but they are not going have to pay anything for this service, but it’s going to have to cost us quite a bit to go out. I’d rather spend more time and energy designing and incorporating better materials into our windows so that we don’t have to go and fix it, and that’s the approach that we take today.

Many people are amazed at some of the unbelievably low prices offered by big box retailers on vinyl replacement windows.  But things aren’t necessarily what they seem.  The best energy efficiency is not created by taking a pre-made replacement window off the shelf and trying to force your home to fit this window.  A much better option is having a custom built window manufactured for the specific window size openings in your home.  A custom fit window will require much less caulk and installation material between the replacement window and your home, giving you a much better solution.  All Thompson Creek windows are manufactured for the exact window opening.

We recommend that you thoroughly check the warranty of whatever windows you are considering.  In particular, it’s very important to review the exclusions.  Many window companies will not cover a window under warranty that has been improperly installed.  Window installation is a major factor in how well your new windows will perform. 

Some big box chains advertise that their windows will be installed by “licensed and insured independent professionals.”  So who is responsible when there is a warranty issue?  The manufacturer will most likely tell you that the window was fine when it left the factory.  Quite often, they will tell you to contact the dealer where you purchased the windows.  The dealer will have to track down the installer, who will have to report their findings back to the dealer, who in turn will try to work it out with the manufacturer.  The manufacturer may ship a new window or parts to the dealer, who will coordinate with the installer to have the problems fixed.  The circle keeps going.

There are too many people involved, and you are much better off dealing with a window manufacturer that installs every window they make.  With Thompson Creek, all of our work - including installation - is covered by our transferrable double-lifetime guarantee.  From price quote, to manufacturing, to installation, to warranty work - you only deal with Thompson Creek, without the run around.

Windows can be one of your home's most attractive features.  If they’re not installed correctly, they can also be one of your worst nightmares. The proper installation of your new windows is as important as the quality of the window itself.  For example, if a window isn’t installed with adequate or proper flashing, or is manufactured in such a way that water is not channeled around and off the window properly, this can allow avenues for water to enter your home and cause significant damage.  Improperly installed windows can also sacrifice energy efficiency. 

When you’re replacing the windows in your home, make sure you ask questions about the window installation procedure and the materials used to protect against the elements.  Also be sure to ask about who handles warranty claims should problems arise.  Many window warranties do not cover the installation for the life of the product. 

The pictures below show what can happen over time from windows that are not installed properly. 

When it comes to installing replacement windows in your home, one size does not fit all.  If you’re replacing old windows in your home with new, energy efficient windows, it’s important to get a custom fit.

Many window companies offer a finite number of window sizes, so there’s a good chance you’ll be forced to choose a size that’s not an exact match to your window opening.  If it’s not an exact fit, the installers must use a smaller window, adding 2x4’s, wood shims, insulation and caulk to make it fit.  This increases the risk of the windows letting in rain water, drafts, and causing wood rot on the surrounding window frame.  This method will also decrease the window opening, reducing the glass area and letting less light into your home.

Thompson Creek custom manufactures our windows to fix the exact measurements of your home, giving you the best possible solution. We’ll never try to sell you a generic or prefabricated window – we don’t force your home to fit our window.  With 12 colors to choose from, you’ll get the ideal look, color and fit for every window in your house. 

So you’ve decided to replace your old, inefficient windows with new replacement windows.  You have a variety of choices available when it comes to the materials are used to manufacture the windows.  All windows are available in many different materials, including vinyl, wood, fiberglass and aluminum.  The materials have different pros and cons based on energy efficiency, maintenance, appearance and cost.  Regardless of material, the biggest difference in window quality is how well they are constructed.  A cheaply made wood frame will not hold up nearly as well as a top-quality vinyl replacement window.

Vinyl – Today’s vinyl formulations have virtually eliminated expansion and contraction that first-generation vinyl windows had. Vinyl replacement windows with welded corners are the strongest as well as the most energy efficient.

Wood – Windows made with wood frames tend to provide good natural insulation.  But you also have the drawbacks of wood windows – scraping and painting maintenance, warping over time due to the elements, and eventual wood rot.  Wood windows are also more expensive than vinyl replacement windows.

Fiberglass – Windows made from fiberglass can be a good choice for large panes of glass and assemblies of several windows.  But fiberglass replacement windows are by far your most expensive option when it comes to replacement windows.

Thompson Creek vinyl replacement windows will provide a lifetime of maintenance-free beauty, comfort and reliability.  Our state-of-the-art window design is manufactured using the best American-made materials available, including the most durable and long-lasting vinyl in the industry.  The multi-cavity inner core frame gives our windows maximum strength and efficiency without sacrificing beauty.

If you’re trying to decide whether or not to get rid of the old, inefficient windows in your home and add new replacement windows, there are a few things to consider:

-          Consider how much you can save in energy bills each year.  Replacing old windows with new, energy efficient models can save you up to 30% per year on your energy costs.

-          You need to think about how much value you put on the increased comfort and better appearance new windows will provide.

-          Think about the resale value of your home.  When updating to energy efficient replacement windows, you will get back nearly 80% back for every dollar invested when you sell your home.

-          Look at the warranty for the windows.  Is it offered by the manufacturer or installer?  Who will service your window should a problem arise in the future?  Are any problems not covered by the warranty?

Thompson Creek manufactures and installs energy efficient replacement windows to save you money on your utility bills.  Best of all, we control all of the raw materials that go into the product and we install every window we sell.  We are 100% accountable to our customers should any warranty issues ever arise.