Thompson Creek Tips & Blog

How well are your windows protecting your home? Is your home older? Do you have original windows? Are you seeing signs that they are not doing their job efficiently? If you are thinking about replacing the windows in your home, consider the following:

If you look at most home improvement and replacement projects, “energy-efficient” is at the top of the list of features most manufacturers tout.  But what does energy-efficient mean when it comes to replacement windows? When properly selected and installed, energy-efficient windows can reduce your heating, cooling and lighting costs. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends that to achieve improved window performance you need to pay attention to three areas:

With the incredible spring-like temperatures we’ve been experiencing over the last couple of weeks, many homeowners in the mid-Atlantic area are paying attention to their windows. Looking outside at the trees beginning to bud and the bulbs starting to bloom, maybe even opening your windows to let in some of that glorious fresh air.

They say March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. This month, why not set a goal to have your home cleaned up and ready to welcome spring?

A window serves many functions. It keeps you comfortable inside your home by keeping the summer heat and winter cold outside. It protects you from rain, snow and wind. It lets in natural light. It blocks noise from the outdoors. But a window can be a thing of beauty. Think about how your house looks from the street – it’s “curb appeal.” A window with a unique shape, decorative grills, designer colors – today’s window options give you lots of choices to improve or change the look of your home.

Crisp, clear winter mornings are so peaceful in my quiet neighborhood.  A hot cup of coffee in my hand, I gaze out of my kitchen window, bright sunlight pouring in.  And then reality sets in. On bright winter mornings like this, I  realize that my window panes are far from sparkling.

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.

Jason and Christine from Alexandria, Virginia, met with various replacement window companies to replace most of the windows in their home. Their old windows were aged, leaky and drafty. They ultimately decided to work with Thompson Creek, and they are more than pleased with the decision. Vinyl replacement windows are virtually maintenance free, and do not require painting or other time consuming maintenance. The new windows will help improve this home's energy efficiency.

Jason tells us, "Their response to our initial visit as well as the installation was immediate and professional. After filling out an online home-consultation request, I had a call back to set up an appointment within 4 hours. I wish all contractors valued their customers as much as Thompson Creek."

The heat waves experienced last month from Severna Park to Bethesda to Fairfax won't soon be forgotten. The Washington DC/Baltimore metro area experienced record-setting high temperatures throughout the month and was tied for the fifth-hottest month ever. The high on July 22 of 106 degrees at BWI Airport was the second-hottest temperature in Baltimore's records. And on that same day, the heat index (a measure of the combined heat and humidity) reached 121 degrees, which is the highest it's been since July 18, 1980, when it reached 122 degrees.

With all this record-breaking heat, how did the inside of your house feel? Did your windows and siding do a good enough job at keeping the heat out and your cool air in? Or did it feel like your AC couldn't keep up with the heat of the sun pounding down upon your house?

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.

Marcus and Katanya had replacement windows installed in their Windsor Mill, Maryland, house. Thompson Creek windows were installed to replace their old wood windows that had were damaged and let in drafts. Vinyl replacement windows from Thompson Creek Window Company are virtually maintenance free, and do not require painting or other time consuming maintenance. The new windows will help improve this metro DC home's energy efficiency.

The couple was more than pleased with their decision to use Thompson Creek: "My experience with Thompson Creek was one of the best with any of the companies I have ever dealt with. No nonsense, straight forward, and honest. A++."

Donald and Mary Ellen from Crofton, Maryland, met with various replacement window companies to replace most of the windows in their home. Their old wood windows were aged, drafty, and had a lot of condensation making it difficult to see out of them. They ultimately decided to work with Thompson Creek Window Company, and they are more than pleased with the decision. Vinyl replacement windows are virtually maintenance free, and do not require painting or other time consuming maintenance. The new windows will help improve this Anne Arundel County home's energy efficiency.

They chose Thompson Creek because they liked the fact that they were a local manufacturer, and went on to say, "We were impressed with Thompson Creek. They guarantee all of their products for life. Their presentation sold us - we saw a cross section of a window and got to see how it was put together. All of their employees were polite, took their time to answer all our questions, and cleaned up all the debris. We are very happy with our new windows!"

When researching replacement windows for your home, you’ll soon come to realize there’s a lot of science that goes into manufacturing and installing quality windows.

You can tell almost everything you need to know about a window's performance by looking at its NFRC ratings. Adopted by the National Fenestration Rating Council in 1998, window manufacturers who are concerned about energy efficiency voluntarily go through NFRC testing to obtain the performance ratings. If a window does not have NFRC data, chances are you're not dealing with a reputable manufacturer.

With the heat waves we're experiencing this summer in Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC, you want to be sure to pay attention to how well a replacement window deflects the sun and keeps heat outside of your home. Three key ratings to look at are:

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): The SHGC tells you how much heat radiation from sunlight a window lets in. In warmer climates, where air-conditioning costs are a bigger factor, look for a lower number.

U-Factor: The inverse of "R-Value" (which measures insulating value), the U-Factor measures how easily heat flows through the product. The lower the number, the better it keeps heat where you want it.

Air Leakage (AL): The Air Leakage rating refers to the amount of air that can infiltrate cracks in the window assembly. The lower the number, the less infiltration. Look for windows with an AL rating of 0.30 or less.

Frank and Jennifer from Trappe, Maryland, needed to replace most of the windows in their home. Their old windows were drafty and not energy efficient. Frank is in the building industry and knew the importance of working with a reputable company with a quality product. That's when they decided to work with Thompson Creek, and they are more than pleased with the decision. Vinyl replacement windows are virtually maintenance free, and do not require painting or other time consuming maintenance. The new windows will help improve this Eastern Shore home's energy efficiency.

Frank commented, "I am a builder and developer by profession. I've built around 7,000 houses in my career. You're one of the few companies that followed through on when you were going to do it and how you were going to do it."

Bonnie and her daughter Shannon needed to replace most of the windows and a patio door in their condo in Germantown, Maryland. Their old windows were aged and were leaky and not energy efficient. They ultimately decided to work with Thompson Creek, and they are more than pleased with the decision. Vinyl replacement windows are virtually maintenance free, and do not require painting or other time consuming maintenance. The new windows will help improve this Montgomery County home's energy efficiency.

Bonnie commented, "I found all staff to be knowledgeable of their products and their presentation is what helped me in making the best decision for my needs. The installation crew respected my property and when they left all I had to do was admire the beautiful new windows and sliding glass door. I am very satisfied and look forward to enjoying my windows for many years to come."

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.

John and Patricia K. of Glen Burnie, Maryland, needed to replace their entry door which was old, drafty, and not at all energy efficient. They had a new front door installed by Thompson Creek Window Company in their Anne Arundel County home. Thompson Creek installed a new door to replace the drafty wood door in this Maryland home. Their new door helps to reduce drafts and improves energy efficiency.

John and Patricia were quite satisfied with the results and were quick to sing the praises of Thompson Creek. "They provided courteous service throughout. They did exactly what they said they would do. They did everything well. Really, they were perfectionists. My foyer is now cleaner than it's been in years. We're very happy. If anything comes up I'm sure we can rely on them to address it well."

The National Weather Service in Sterling, VA, has issued a Flash Flood Watch for most of Maryland, northern Virginia and Washington DC for today. Forecasters are predicting numerous heavy thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. Cities such as Rockville, Fairfax, Ellicott City, Baltimore and Towson can expect rainfall to exceed two inches in less than an hour.

How will your windows hold up to all this rain?If your home has replacement windows from Thompson Creek Window Company, you'll have no worries. Thompson Creek’s double hung windows can withstand over 11" of rain per hour. The highest rainfall recorded in the Baltimore area was 6.39" in one day. With the storms hitting our area later today, Thompson Creek windows will keep you and the inside of your house dry with windows that won’t leak.

Now that the mid-Atlantic area is well into the dog days of summer, do some of your rooms feel like a sauna? A typical double-paned, clear-glass window allows approximately 75 percent of the sun’s heat into your home. Are your windows keeping the heat out?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, installing high-performance windows will improve your home's energy efficiency. In addition to utility bill savings, the benefits of added comfort and improved aesthetics and functionality may make the investment worthwhile. Many window technologies are available that are worth considering, including 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 energy efficient. This is important when the weather is very hot and sunny. Low-e coating helps reflect heat away from the surface, keeping unwanted heat out in the summer. Low-e glass is the most cost-effective way to increase the efficiency of your windows. It can also help reduce the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation entering your home, reducing furniture and carpet fading.

If you have single-pane windows, installing Thompson Creek vinyl replacement windows with double-pane glass and low-e coating can result in savings on your energy bills of up to 30%.

Susan and Patrick from Bristow, Virginia, met with various replacement window companies to replace most of the windows in their home. Their old wood windows were aged, had cracked caulking, were leaky and drafty. They ultimately decided to work with Thompson Creek, and they are more than pleased with the decision. Vinyl replacement windows are virtually maintenance free, and do not require painting or other time consuming maintenance. The new windows will help improve this Prince William County home's energy efficiency.

Patrick tells us, "I thought the staff was very professional. Everyone I worked with was great. The quality of the product is outstanding, and their demonstration was wonderful. I would recommend Thompson Creek to anyone."

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!

James and his wife Anita from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, met with various replacement window companies to replace the windows in their home. Their old wood windows were had condensation on the glass and were missing the glaze. Because of this, they were drafty and not energy efficient. They ultimately decided to work with Thompson Creek Window Company, and they are more than pleased with the decision. Vinyl replacement windows are virtually maintenance free, and do not require painting or other time consuming maintenance. The new windows will help improve this Prince George's County home's energy efficiency.

James commented on his positive experience, "Thompson Creek has made me a very satisfied customer. I would recommend Thompson Creek to others. They're willing to work with you and also do very professional work. The installation crews are polite and professional."

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.

Frank and Betty from Rockville, Maryland, needed to replace most of the windows in their home. Their old wood windows had paint issues, and drafty and caused their home to be very warm in the summer and cold in the winter. They decided to work with Thompson Creek Window Company, and they are more than pleased with the decision. Vinyl replacement windows from Thompson Creek are virtually maintenance free, and do not require painting or other time consuming maintenance. The new windows will help improve this Montgomery County home's energy efficiency.

Frank tells us, "We were pleased with everything from the time Thompson Creek came, to the time they left." Call us today and see why Frank and thousands of your neighbors trust their homes to Thompson Creek!

Glenn and his wife from Fairfax, Virginia, met with various replacement window companies to replace most of the windows in their home. Their old wood windows were drafty, and a few were even stuck shut. They ultimately decided to work with Thompson Creek Window Company, and they are more than pleased with the decision. Vinyl replacement windows are virtually maintenance free, and do not require painting or other time consuming maintenance. The new windows will help improve this northern Virginia home's energy efficiency.

Glenn commented on his positive experience, "We're very fond of the windows and with how the job was done. We're surprised it was done so easily and efficiently. We would definitely recommend [Thompson Creek] to others looking for windows."

Today we are wrapping up our discussion on the different energy efficiency ratings (U-Factor, SHGC, and Visible Transmittance) of a window. We learned that the U-factor is what measures how well your window insulates. And SHGC, or Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, measures the amount of heat that passes through your window. The last component, Visible Transmittance, goes right along with U-factor and SHGC.

Visible Transmittance measures the amount of light your window lets through. Most people have windows so that light can come through and brighten up a living space. Visible Transmittance is measured on a scale from 0-1 and the higher the number, the more light you see. If you install a window that has a low U-factor and SHGC number and high Visible Transmittance number, you are getting the most bang for your buck!

Fun Fact: Thompson Creek TC 900 Series windows range from .47 to .55 on the Visible Transmittance scale. Brighten up your home today!

Yesterday we started to talk about what components make an energy efficient window and assist in protecting your home. To recap, U-factor measures how well your window insulates. Today, we will discuss the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, abbreviated SHGC, and how it keeps your home cool during the hot mid-Atlantic summers.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient measures how the amount of heat that passes through your window. It is measured on a scale from 0-1 and research shows that windows generally range from .25 to .80. But what end of the scale indicates that your window or replacement window is energy efficient? The lower the SHGC number means it has better energy efficiency. The lower the SHGC the less heat the window is allowing to enter your home.

Fun Fact: Thompson Creek TC 900 Series windows range from .24-.30 on the SHGC scale. Efficiency at its best!

With school coming to an end and summer upon us, it is easy to figure out how to protect yourself and your children from the harmful UV rays while outside. Apply sunscreen! But what about on the days that it is too hot to stay outside for a substantial length of time? Your home needs to be able to protect you and your family.

Your windows are a main source of light for your home and, depending on the size and placement, let in a lot of sunshine. Over the next few days we are going to talk about the components U-factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, and Visible Transmittance that contribute to the energy efficiency of a Thompson Creek window and allow the residents of Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. to reside comfortably in our homes.

Today we will discuss U-factor. This number indicates how energy efficient a window can make your home by measuring how well your window insulates. With the hot summers of the mid-Atlantic region, this means keeping the hot air out and cool air inside your home. The scale ranges from .25-1.25 and the lower the number, the more energy efficient your window.

Fun Fact: Thompson Creek TC 900 Series windows range from .26-.30 on the U-factor scale. Now that’s efficient!

Kristen and Ben had replacement windows installed in their NE Washington, DC, house. Thompson Creek windows were installed to replace their old wood windows that had wood rot and let in drafts. Vinyl replacement windows from Thompson Creek Window Company are virtually maintenance free, and do not require painting or other time consuming maintenance. The new windows will help improve this metro DC home's energy efficiency.

Kristen and Ben were very pleased with the quality of Thompson Creek windows and the customer service they received. They said, "I have had a very good experience with Thompson Creek. The quality of work exceeded my expectations for the price that I paid and we are very pleased with our new windows."

Thompson Creek Window Company knows what goes into creating the most functional, energy-efficient and beautiful window on the market.  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.  We use low-e glass, which is short for low-emissivity glass.

Another happy new replacement window customer for Thompson Creek, www.thompsoncreek.com, from Baltimore, Maryland loves the quality.  Read more about Thompson Creek and their new replacement windows...

"The replacement windows are wonderful; even before waiting to see results on our power bill; the cold, drafty feeling that our upstairs bedrooms had is completely gone!  Everybody we have dealt with from Thompson Creek has been very friendly." Replacement Window Customer - Baltimore, Maryland

Thompson Creek Window Company offers the beauty, comfort and reliability that you want for all your home improvement needs in the Washington DC metro area including Maryland, and Northern Virginia.

For more information about Thomspson Creek and their new replacement windows please visit www.thompsoncreek.com.

Thompson Creek Window Company knows what goes into creating the most functional, energy-efficient and beautiful window on the market.  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.  We use low-e glass, which is short for low-emissivity glass.

Another happy new replacement window customer for Thompson Creek, www.thompsoncreek.com, from Gaithersburg, Maryland loves the quality.  Read more about Thompson Creek and their new replacement windows...

"All of the replacement windows are beautiful, I love them and I have had lots of compliments from neighbors." Replacement Window Customer - Gaithersburg, Maryland

Thompson Creek Window Company offers the beauty, comfort and reliability that you want for all your home improvement needs in the Washington DC metro area including Maryland, and Northern Virginia.

For more information about Thomspson Creek and their new replacement windows please visit www.thompsoncreek.com.

Thompson Creek Window Company knows what goes into creating the most functional, energy-efficient and beautiful window on the market. 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.  We use low-e glass, which is short for low-emissivity glass.

Another happy new replacement window customer for Thompson Creek, www.thompsoncreek.com, from Germantown, Maryland loves the quality. Read more about Thompson Creek and their new replacement windows...

"The quality!!! The windows have actually EXCEEDED my expectations for functionality and attractiveness - I'm so excited about them! And I'm very impressed with the excellent customer service I received: immediate follow-up for each step in the process, ongoing progress reports, and follow-up after the installation. "That made me feel like a valued customer." Replacement Window Customer - Germantown, Maryland

Thompson Creek Window Company offers the beauty, comfort and reliability that you want for all your home improvement needs in the Washington DC metro area including Maryland, and Northern Virginia.

For more information about Thomspson Creek and their new replacement windows please visit www.thompsoncreek.com.

Thompson Creek Window Company knows what goes into creating the most functional, energy-efficient and beautiful window on the market.  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.  We use low-e glass, which is short for low-emissivity glass.

Another happy new replacement window customer for Thompson Creek, www.thompsoncreek.com, from Arnold, Maryland loves the efficiency. Read more about Thompson Creek and their new replacement windows...

"I had two different crews - one for the window replacement and the other for the door replacement. They were all extremely professional and efficient. I recommend them to anyone and I would like to have them back for my next project." Replacement Window Customer - Arnold, Maryland

Thompson Creek Window Company offers the beauty, comfort and reliability that you want for all your home improvement needs in the Washington DC metro area including Maryland, and Northern Virginia.

For more information about Thomspson Creek and their new replacement windows please visit www.thompsoncreek.com.

Kim and Lisa from Silver Spring, Maryland, met with various replacement window companies to replace most of the windows in their home. Their old wood windows were aged, nailed shut and drafty. They also had a bay window that needed to be replaced. They ultimately decided to work with Thompson Creek Window Company, and they are more than pleased with the decision. Vinyl replacement windows are virtually maintenance free, and do not require painting or other time consuming maintenance. The new windows will help improve this Montgomery County home's energy efficiency.

Kim and Lisa tell us, "It was a very positive experience from start to finish. They are very professional and knowledgeable. I never had to worry about anything. If there were any concerns they were addressed. We felt like it was the best product. When spending that kind of money it's great to have a positive experience. We have recommended Thompson Creek to a number of friends and co-workers."

Thompson Creek Window Company knows what goes into creating the most functional, energy-efficient and beautiful window on the market. 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. We use low-e glass, which is short for low-emissivity glass.

Another happy new replacement window customer for Thompson Creek, www.thompsoncreek.com, from Washington, DC loves the energy savings. Read more about Thompson Creek and their new replacement windows...

"I would recommend Thompson Creek to anyone. I saw a serious savings on my energy bill from my new replacement windows. If something else comes up, Thompson Creek will definitely be my first choice." Replacement Window Customer - Washington, DC

Thompson Creek Window Company offers the beauty, comfort and reliability that you want for all your home improvement needs in the Washington DC metro area including Maryland, and Northern Virginia.

For more information about Thompson Creek and their new replacement windows please visit www.thompsoncreek.com.

Thompson Creek Window Company knows what goes into creating the most functional, energy-efficient and beautiful window on the market. 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. We use low-e glass, which is short for low-emissivity glass.

Another happy new replacement window customer for Thompson Creek, www.thompsoncreek.com, from Gaithersburg, Maryland loves the craftsmanship. Read more about Thompson Creek and their new replacement windows...

"I am most pleased with the quality and craftsmanship of the new replacement windows. Thompson Creek was very punctual throughout the whole process. The installers were great, they answered all my questions, and knew a lot about the replacement windows. The whole experience was just super." Replacement Window Customer - Gaithersburg, Maryland

Thompson Creek Window Company offers the beauty, comfort and reliability that you want for all your home improvement needs in the Washington DC metro area including Maryland, and Northern Virginia.

For more information about Thompson Creek and their new replacement windows please visit www.thompsoncreek.com.

Thompson Creek Window Company knows what goes into creating the most functional, energy-efficient and beautiful window on the market. 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. We use low-e glass, which is short for low-emissivity glass.

Another happy new replacement window customer for Thompson Creek, www.thompsoncreek.com, from Bel Air, Maryland loves their new windows. Read more about Thompson Creek and their new replacement windows...

"Now that the replacement windows are in, I really like the look of the new windows. The double pane glass also cuts down on the outside noise." Replacement Window Customer - Bel Air, Maryland

Thompson Creek Window Company offers the beauty, comfort and reliability that you want for all your home improvement needs in the Washington DC metro area including Maryland, and Northern Virginia.

For more information about Thompson Creek and their new replacement windows please visit www.thompsoncreek.com.

Thompson Creek Window Company knows what goes into creating the most functional, energy-efficient and beautiful window on the market. 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. We use low-e glass, which is short for low-emissivity glass.

Another happy new replacement window customer for Thompson Creek, www.thompsoncreek.com, from Baltimore, Maryland loves their new windows. Read more about Thompson Creek and their new replacement windows...

"With the exception of 7 windows, all the windows in my home have been replaced with Thompson Creek. The new replacement windows look great (inside and out), are easy to operate, have made a difference in my BG&E bills, and reduced the noise level in my home. The transferable warranty on the replacement windows is very important since I will be moving in the next year or two." Replacement Window Customer - Baltimore, Maryland

Thompson Creek Window Company offers the beauty, comfort and reliability that you want for all your home improvement needs in the Washington DC metro area including Maryland, and Northern Virginia.

For more information about Thompson Creek and their new replacement windows please visit www.thompsoncreek.com.

Thompson Creek Window Company knows what goes into creating the most functional, energy-efficient and beautiful window on the market. 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. We use low-e glass, which is short for low-emissivity glass.

Another happy new replacement window customer for Thompson Creek, www.thompsoncreek.com, from Damascus, Maryland loves the energy savings. Read more about Thompson Creek and their new replacement windows...

"My new replacement windows and doors increase the value and energy savings of my house." Replacement Window Customer - Damascus, Maryland

Thompson Creek Window Company offers the beauty, comfort and reliability that you want for all your home improvement needs in the Washington DC metro area including Maryland, and Northern Virginia.

For more information about Thompson Creek and their new replacement windows please visit www.thompsoncreek.com.

Summer is closing in on us quickly and Thompson Creek Window Company would like to assist you in figuring out what exterior home improvement projects will maximize your home's energy efficiency. Today, our focus is on our best-selling window, the TC 900 series double-hung window and what makes them efficient.

Being a local company, Thompson Creek recognizes the needs of our consumers and we tailor our windows to match weather conditions found in the climate zone in the mid-Atlantic area.  Summers in the DC metro area are brutally hot and humid, and winters in Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC are equally brutal with cold temperatures, wind and snow.

All of our windows are made of low-emissivity glass and are coated with a glaze. This glaze, virtually invisible, controls heat transfer through the window. Energy Savers states that by installing vinyl replacement windows with glazed low-e glass, you can reduce energy loss by up to 30-50%.

Saving energy by installing Thompson Creek windows will help to lower your heating and cooling costs and will be a great investment for years to come.

Ever wonder how your windows are tested to compute the maximum rainfall and wind load they can withstand? At Thompson Creek Window Company, we put our double hung, slider, casement and fixed replacement windows through vigorous testing to figure out exactly what extreme weather conditions they can handle.

Testing the amount rainfall a window can endure in an hour consists of spraying a continuous stream of pressurized water on the window until failure is achieved. Thompson Creek’s double hung windows can withstand over 11" of rain per hour. The highest rainfall recorded in the Baltimore area was 6.39" in one day. With the rainy season still very active, Thompson Creek windows will keep you and the inside of your house dry with windows that won’t leak.

The amount of wind pressure that a window can handle is measured in a similar way. Wind is blown toward a window until the breaking point is met. Thompson Creek windows average a wind load of 153 mph which is comparable to a strong Category Four hurricane.

Figuring out what window suits your needs can be difficult but Thompson Creek assists you every step of the way. Knowing your home is protected by windows that can withstand extreme wind and rain conditions gives you that peace of mind. And Thompson Creek backs up that promise with our double-lifetime warranty and guarantee of 100% customer satisfaction.

Carole H. from Woodbridge, VA, met with replacement window companies to research new windows for her home. She ultimately decided to work with Thompson Creek Window Company, and she is more than pleased with the decision. Vinyl replacement windows are virtually maintenance free, and do not require painting or other time consuming maintenance. The new windows will help improve this Prince William County home's energy efficiency.

We asked Carole what area she was most satisfied with She responded, "There was no one particular area that can be singled out - throughout this process EVERYONE was extremely knowledgeable and professional. This was a truly stress-free, no-pressure experience."

She went on to add, "This was a great experience from start to finish - I have no complaints. In comparison to the other window company that I researched, Thompson Creek was definately the right choice. Thank you Thompson Creek for making great windows - we are thoroughly enjoying having our house more energy efficient!"

See why Carole and thousands of other homeowners in the mid-Atlantic trust Thompson Creek Window Company.

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).

Margaret S. from Ellicott City, MD, met with various replacement window companies to replace most of the windows in her home. She ultimately decided to work with Thompson Creek, and she is more than pleased with the decision. Vinyl replacement windows are virtually maintenance free, and do not require painting or other time consuming maintenance. The new windows will help improve this Howard County home's energy efficiency.

Margaret tells us, "The windows in my home have been replaced with Thompson Creek. They look great inside and out, are easy to operate and have made a difference in my [electricity] bills and reduced noise level in my home. The transferable warranty is very important since I will be moving in the next year or two."

See why Margaret and thousands of other homeowners in the mid-Atlantic trust Thompson Creek Window Company.

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.

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?

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).

Along with longer days, melted snow and warm breezes, this time of year also brings to mind thoughts of spring cleaning.

One area of your home that takes a beating over the winter are your windows. How easy is it to clean the windows in your home? Are they made of wood or aluminum, making it tough to open? Are they single hung, making it difficult to get to both sashes to clean? Do you have to climb a ladder to get to the outside of the windows on upper floors of your home?

If your windows were manufactured and installed by Thompson Creek Window Company, spring cleaning your windows is a breeze. Thompson Creek windows have an easy-to-clean, tilt-in window feature, which allows for effortless cleaning both inside and outside. In addition to the tilt-in feature, our vinyl replacement windows are made with the strongest frame, the highest-quality materials and a glass package designed for maximum energy efficiency, while the built-in safety and security features give you peace of mind knowing that your loved ones are safe.

Thompson Creek windows are custom designed to your home’s specifications and built right here in our Maryland factory. We use only the best American-made materials available. All Thompson Creek windows are backed by an unbeatable Double Lifetime Guarantee.

Sean had replacement windows installed in his Silver Spring, MD, home. Thompson Creek windows were installed to replace his old wood windows that were warped, leaked, and were not energy efficient. Vinyl replacement windows are virtually maintenance free, and do not require painting or other time consuming maintenance. The new windows will help improve this Prince George's County home's energy efficiency.

Sean was very pleased with all aspects of the process with Thompson Creek Window Company. He said, "I like the fact that the windows are made right here and are backed by an ironclad lifetime warranty. We liked knowing that only one company had its hands on the project from fabrication through installation, ensuring things were done right and no one could pass the buck to another party should something have gone wrong. That gave us great peace of mind in our decision."

Ralph had replacement windows installed in his Accokeek, MD, house. Thompson Creek windows were installed to replace his old wood windows that were warped, leaked, had deteriorating runners and were not energy efficient. Vinyl replacement windows are virtually maintenance free, and do not require painting or other time consuming maintenance. The new windows will help improve this Prince George's County home's energy efficiency.

Ralph was very pleased with the quality of Thompson Creek windows. He said, "The product is extremely well built. It works fine and looks great." He went on to praise the high level of customer service he received. "Everyone I dealt with was very professional and helpful and I was impressed by the crew. I was surprised they could do all that work as well as they did in just one day."

Ann had replacement windows installed in her Fairfax, VA, house. Thompson Creek windows were installed to replace her old wood windows that had condensation, wood rot, and were not energy efficient. She also found it very difficult to clean them and wanted windows that were easy to open. Vinyl replacement windows are virtually maintenance free, and do not require painting or other time consuming maintenance. The new windows will help improve this northern Virginia home's energy efficiency.

Ann was very please with the exceptional service she received, especially during the installation. She said, "The installation crew was the best! They certainly are professionals - from the time they drove up to when everything was installed, cleaned up and they left."

Last week, the Environmental Protection Agency announced a new "top tier" Energy Star program to be rolled out later in 2011. Designed to identify highly efficient products and encourage advancement in energy efficiency, the EPA is implementing the program this year for a few key categories. Products eligible for the pilot program in 2011 will include clothes washers, heating and cooling equipment, televisions and refrigerator-freezer units. Later this year, the EPA will evaluate this pilot program and consider additional categories for inclusion in 2012, including windows.

Ann Bailey, Director of Energy Star Product Labeling, said that the purpose of this program is to encourage "truly exceptional efficiency performance. Energy Star qualified products recognized as 'Most Efficient' must represent more than an incremental improvement in energy efficiency. They must demonstrate efficiency performance that is truly exceptional, inspirational, or leading edge—consistent with the interests of environmentally-motivated consumers and early adopters."

Thompson Creek Window Company is looking forward to meeting eligibility requirements set forth by the EPA for top tier "Most Efficient" windows in 2012. In the meantime, Thompson Creek is proud that our locally-manufactured vinyl replacement windows not only meet the current EPA guidelines for ENERGY STAR efficiency, they actually exceed the new guidelines set for implementation in 2013.

Finally – it’s spring! Warmer temperatures encourage us to turn off the heat and let in the fresh air through open windows. But in some homes, opening your windows in the spring is easier said than done.

Years of the harsh effects of weather on wood windows can make it virtually impossible to open them. Over time, wood windows can warp, crack, and even rot from water damage. And if you’ve repainted your wood windows, sills or trim, your windows could literally be painted shut.

Aluminum windows don’t age gracefully either. Homes in Maryland, Washington DC and northern Virginia experience wide temperature and humidity swings over the course of a year. Over time, the metal window oxidizes which makes opening aluminum windows very difficult. When the outside temperatures are cold, many aluminum windows "sweat" or develop condensation. This moisture can wreak havoc on the moving parts of the window. Many aluminum windows have steel hinge pins that rust, or plastic inserts that break down through the years.

Your best choice for replacement windows that truly stand the test of time are vinyl windows. 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. Vinyl replacement windows are virtually maintenance free, and do not require painting or other time consuming maintenance. The new windows will help improve a home's energy efficiency. And many are manufactured to be easy to open, tilt in and clean.

And if the replacement windows meet the standards of ENERGY STAR certification and meet minimum efficiency requirements, then you are able to claim an energy tax credit on your federal return (speak with your tax advisor for details). All of Thompson Creek’s replacement windows exceed these minimum requirements, and are manufactured, installed and serviced locally from our factory in Landover, Maryland.

Replacement windows were installed in Peter's Bowie, MD, townhouse. Thompson Creek windows were installed to replace his old wood windows that were drafty and were not energy efficient. Vinyl replacement windows are virtually maintenance free, and do not require painting or other time consuming maintenance. The new windows will help improve this Prince George's County home's energy efficiency.

Peter was very please with the exceptional service he received. He said, "I would like to recognize the entire installation crew for the excellent job their did." He said he chose Thompson Creek Window Company because of the "price and product quality... The price was more affordable than the other quotes I received."

Replacement windows were installed in Olga's Sterling, VA, townhouse. Thompson Creek windows were installed to replace her old wood windows that were drafty and had rotting sills and frames. Old windows like hers are not energy efficient. Vinyl replacement windows are virtually maintenance free, and do not require painting or other time consuming maintenance. The new windows will help improve this northern Virginia home's energy efficiency.

When asked where she was most satisfied, Olga praised the level of customer service from the entire staff. "Customer service, beginning with our salesman, was great. He was very knowledgeable about the product and took the time to demonstrate the various features of the windows. He was responsive to my calls and answered all my questions."

Olga went on to say, "Thompson Creek exceeded my expectations. They were prompt, courteous, and very professional. I was impressed with the quality of the windows and the lifetime warranty. Great company to work with. Thank you for making the whole experience so positive!"

Replacement windows  were installed in Russell's Lovettsville, VA, home. Thompson Creek windows were installed to replace his old wood windows that were drafty and not energy efficient. Vinyl replacement windows are virtually maintenance free, and do not require painting or other time consuming maintenance. The new windows will help improve this northern Virginia home's energy efficiency.

When asked where he was most satisfied, Russell praised the knowledge and professionalism of our sales people. "Every aspect of my dealings with Thompson Creek has been great, from the demonstration and price quote process, all the way through to installation." He was also pleased with the installation process and the installation crew, commenting, "They did a fantastic job and worked their tails off from the time they showed up until they were finished. Absolutely top quality work."

Replacement windows were installed in Olestine's Baltimore, MD, home. Thompson Creek windows were installed to replace old windows that were drafty and not energy efficient. Vinyl replacement windows from Thompson Creek Window Company are virtually maintenance free, and do not require painting or other time consuming maintenance. The new windows will help improve this Baltimore home's energy efficiency.

When asked where she was most satisfied, Olestine praised the knowledge and professionalism of our sales people. "He showed me the difference between the windows I got two years before and the windows manufactured by Thompson Creek. He was very knowledgable about the product." She was also pleased with the installation process and the installation crew, commenting, "My husband said how good they were at cleaning up everything."

We asked Olestine if she was satisfied with the quality of materials and workmanship. She replied, "Very much so!"

Replacement windows were installed in Judy's Dumfries, VA, home. Thompson Creek windows were installed to replace old wood windows that had rotting seals and were drafty. Thompson Creek installed new windows to replace the original windows in this Virginia home. Vinyl replacement windows are virtually maintenance free, and do not require painting or other time consuming maintenance. The new windows will help to make this Northern Virginia home more energy efficient.

When asked where she was most satisfied, Judy replied, "The professionalism and friendlieness of the staff and the quality of the product." We asked Judy what was the main reason for choosing Thompson Creek, and she replied, "Quality. My daughter does her studyinging in the dining room at the front of the house. It has always been coldest there in the winter. She commented after the front windows were completed how much warmer it was. And this was during the coldest stretch we have had this winter. I also love the half screens so I can have an unobstructed view out the top half of the windows."

Judy closed her comments by saying, "I wish I had contacted Thompson Creek before having [another company] replace my front door. Quality comparisons and customer service can't compare, Thompson Creek wins hands down."

Replacement windows were installed in John's Springfield, VA, home. Thompson Creek windows were installed to replace old wood windows that were rotting and chipping, as well as condensation between the panes. Thompson Creek installed new windows to replace the picture windows in this Virginia home. Vinyl replacement windows are virtually maintenance free, and do not require painting or other time consuming maintenance. The new windows will help to make this Northern Virginia home more energy efficient.

When asked where he was most satisfied, John replied, "Superior product and first-rate customer service. I am completely satisfied and would recommend this company to all of my friends and family." He went on to recognize the installation process, "The installation crew was very efficient and courteous. The service manager who came to check on the job was also very friendly and made sure that I was completely satisfied before he left the work site."

John closed his comments by saying, "Our goal is to have everyone in our office replace their windows with Thompson Creek!"

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?

Thompson Creek Window Company manufactures and installs 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.

Kay had new windows and doors installed by Thompson Creek Window Company in her Burke, VA, home. Thompson Creek windows were installed to replace had the old, original windows that were inoperable and wouldn't open. Thompson Creek installed double hung windows to replace aluminum windows in this Virginia home. Vinyl replacement windows are virtually maintenance free, and do not require painting or other time consuming maintenance. She also had a new sliding glass door installed. The new windows and doors will help to make this Northern Virginia home more energy efficient. The new patio door helps to reduce drafts and improve energy efficiency.

We asked Kay why she chose Thompson Creek. She replied, "It was the fact that they are a local manufacturer not having to come in from somewhere else. We also chose them because of their lifetime warranty. Tthe next owner can still have the windows replaced. Those were all selling factors for us." Kay is very pleased with her decision: " I am satisfied with the quality of materials and workmanship. Everything was above and beyond what I expected. In the winter my house stays warmer. The heater is set the same but it always cuts off early because it's keeping in the heat." She summed up her experience, "I am very happy with the whole experience with Thompson Creek and so glad I chose them."

If you can see fogged glass, condensation between the glass panes, or discoloration of the glass in your home’s windows, this could be a good indication that the seal has failed.

In a double-pane window, seal failure occurs when the sealant between the panes of glass breaks, subjecting the airspace to the surrounding environment. When the seal breaks, the insulating matter between the panes escapes and is replaced by air, causing less energy efficiency. Since the sealant acts as the moisture barrier, if the seal breaks, condensation can develop in the airspace of the insulated glass window.

Besides being unsightly, seal failure will make your windows less energy efficient, letting precious warmth escape in the winter. And if your windows are the same age, a few that are showing signs of seal failure probably means most or all of your remaining windows will experience seal failure in the near future.

Thompson Creek windows

were installed in Lee’s home in Catonsville, Maryland. The old windows James had were drafty and not energy efficient. Thompson Creek Window Company replaced windows in his Maryland home with double hung windows. His new replacement windows are extremely energy efficient. And vinyl windows are virtually maintenance free. Lee said he liked the "no pressure sales" during the process. He was so impressed with the quality of Thompson Creek’s custom manufactured windows that are manufactured locally in Maryland, that he ultimately chose to have Thompson Creek perform this home improvement project in his Baltimore County home.

We asked Lee what he was most satisfied with in dealing with Thompson Creek. He replied, "Everyone I worked with was exceptional!"

When we asked Jim why he chose Thompson Creek, he replied, "I’ve been familiar with them over the years. I chose them because of the no pressure sales and the Code 99 customer service policy." Thompson Creek has always had this company-wide policy called Code 99, which encourages our customers to call in if they ever feel that they are not getting the products or service that they feel they deserve. We instruct them to mention "Code 99" when calling, which will automatically get them transferred to the owner of the company.

Thompson Creek windows were installed in Jim’s home in Bethesda, Maryland. The old windows James had were drafty and not energy efficient. Thompson Creek Window Company replaced windows in his Maryland home with double hung windows. His new replacement windows are extremely energy efficient. And vinyl windows are virtually maintenance free. James was so impressed with the quality of Thompson Creek’s custom manufactured windows that are manufactured locally in Maryland, that he ultimately chose to have Thompson Creek perform this home improvement project in his Montgomery County home.

We asked Jim what he was most satisfied with in dealing with Thompson Creek. He replied, "I was most satisfied with Thompson Creek's punctuality, cleanliness, and knowledge of product."

When we asked Jim if there was anyone at Thompson Creek he would like to recocnize for exceptional service he replied, "The crew was very knowledgeable and went about their business. I would recommend any of them."

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.

Residents of Maryland, Washington DC and northern Virginia need to prepare for the possibility of higher utility bills this month. The higher bills may come as a result of a colder-than-normal January.

The National Weather Service reports that the Washington DC area experienced a second straight month of below normal temperatures in January. Daily temperatures failed to reach 40 degrees 19 times in January, which is the highest number of sub-40 degree days in January since 2004.

According to Energy Star, as much of half of the energy used in your home goes toward heating and cooling. Old and inefficient windows can allow heat to escape, and cold drafts to enter your home. Replacement windows are a great way for homeowners throughout the DC metro area to minimize heat loss due to inefficient windows. Vinyl windows are virtually maintenance free and energy efficient. Energy Star rated replacement windows allow you to set your thermostat lower and save energy because your heat is not escaping through inefficient windows. Maryland, DC and Virginia homeowners should consider replacement windows to help them stay comfortable when the temperature drops. Thompson Creek windows are Energy Star rated and extremely energy efficient. Thompson Creek manufactures their windows locally in Maryland and they have created jobs for Maryland residents.

Replacement windows were installed in John's Annapolis, MD home. Thompson Creek windows were installed to replace old windows with draft problems in this Maryland home. Vinyl replacement windows are virtually maintenance free, and do not require painting or other time-consuming maintenance. The new windows and doors will help to make this Anne Arundel County home more energy efficient, reducing drafts and improving energy efficiency.

When we asked John why he chose Thompson Creek Window Company, he replied, "Reputation, price, and they were local guys who knew people I knew. I felt that I could pick up the phone and call someone if something went wrong. Nothing did go wrong, but it was comforting to know." When asked what area he was most satisfied, John commented on the fact that Thompson Creek’s custom manufactured windows are manufactured locally in Maryland: "They made and installed the windows so they knew what they were doing in all aspects of the project."

Thompson Creek windows were installed in James’s home in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The old windows James had were drafty and not energy efficient. Thompson Creek Window Company replaced windows in his Maryland home with double hung windows. His new replacement windows are extremely energy efficient. And vinyl windows are virtually maintenance free. James was so impressed with the quality of Thompson Creek’s custom manufactured windows that are manufactured locally in Maryland, that he ultimately chose to have Thompson Creek perform this home improvement project in his Montgomery County home.

We asked James what she was most satisfied with in dealing with Thompson Creek. He replied, "They were very professional from the initial contact. They were extremely responsive and professional. They didn't try to sell me anything that I didn't want. I had an intelligent choice of the products. Everybody that I was in contact with did the job they were supposed to in a professional and competent way. All of them did an excellent job."

When we asked James why he chose Thompson Creek he replied, "It was the product. It was the reputation. I felt like I wasn't going to get anything any better regardless of the price. Thompson Creek had the product I wanted and it was demonstrated to me in a very positive way."

Replacement windows were installed in Christine’s Alexandria, VA home.  Thompson Creek windows and doors were installed to replace old wood windows with draft problems.  Thompson Creek installed double hung windows to replace casement windows and double hung windows in this Virginia home.  Vinyl replacement windows are virtually maintenance free, and do not require painting or other time consuming maintenance.   The new windows and doors will help to make this Northern Virginia home more energy efficient.  A new entry door helps to reduce drafts and improve energy efficiency. 

When asked where she was most satisfied, Christine replied “From beginning to end, it was the single most pleasurable sales experience and home improvement installation we have ever had. Every promise was delivered. The product is of the highest possible quality. There was not a single problem on installation day. We have had numerous compliments from our neighbors about how wonderful our new windows and doors look.”

The reason they chose Thompson Creek was because “We were impressed that Thompson Creek is a locally owned company, manufacturing to our climate, and installing with your own personnel a product that is of incomparable quality. You stand behind your product 100%. And to a man, you had the most professional workforce we have ever seen. They worked a solid 12-hours at our home and were as methodical on the last window as they were on the first.”

She closed in saying, “Here's my final comment: Thompson Creek has figured it out --- when you make the best product and let the best people sell it and install it--the end result is 100% customer satisfaction. If only more companies had the same philosophy! Congratulations on being simply the best!

Thompson Creek windows were installed in Mary’s Manassas, VA home.  The replacement windows were installed to replace old wood windows with draft problems.  Thompson Creek installed double hung windows in this Virginia home.  Vinyl windows are energy efficient and virtually maintenance free.  They do not require painting or other time consuming maintenance.   The new windows will help to make this Northern Virginia home more energy efficient. 

When asked where she was most satisfied with her replacement windows and her experience with Thompson Creek Window Company, Mary replied “Sales representative, customer service and installation crew. All were professional, helpful and considerate. I love my windows!”

Thompson Creek recently installed a new entry door in Richard’s Annandale, VA home.  Richard is a previous customer who also had Thompson Creek windows installed in his Virginia home.  Thompson Creek Window Company installed double hung windows in this Fairfax County home. The vinyl windows are extremely energy efficient windows.  Our replacement windows are virtually maintenance-free. 

When asked where he was satisfied, Richard replied “All of the representatives we dealt with, whether on the phone or in person, were courteous, professional, and provided exemplary customer service.”  He added, “Thompson Creek replaced all of the windows at this residence in March 2006. I have always been impressed with their overall approach to customer service and the quality of their products.”

Thompson Creek windows were installed in Herve’s Ashburn, VA home.  The replacement windows installed in this Virginia will help to improve energy efficiency.  Vinyl windows are virtually maintenance free, and do not require painting or other time consuming maintenance.   The new windows will help to make this home more energy efficient.  Thompson Creek installed double hung windows, casement windows, and a picture window in this Loudoun County, Virginia home. 

When asked where he was most satisfied, Herve replied “I was thoroughly satisfied with Thompson Creek before the sales and am even more satisfied with them now that the windows are in. It was worth every penny.”   He added, “I am most satisfied with the installation crew. They were efficient, clean, and also through. The windows are far better than I expected.”

Thompson Creek windows were installed in Jane’s Arlington, VA home.  The new windows replaced old windows with draft problems, and they were not energy efficient.  Thompson Creek Window Company installed double hung windows and a picture window in this Virginia home. The new vinyl windows are extremely energy efficient windows.  Our replacement windows are virtually maintenance-free.  Thompson Creek also installed a new sliding glass door in this Arlington home. 

When asked where she was satisfied, Jane replied “Everything. It was a very positive experience.”  She added “the installers were outstanding.”  Thompson Creek installs thousands of replacement windows in Virginia every year.

Thompson Creek windows were installed in Ms. B’s Reston, VA home.  The new windows replaced old wood windows that were original to the home, warped, and not energy efficient.  Thompson Creek Window Company installed double hung windows in this Virginia home. The new vinyl windows are extremely energy efficient.  The replacement windows are virtually maintenance-free.  Thompson Creek also installed new doors in this Fairfax County home. 

When asked where she was satisfied, Ms. B replied “The personnel were all friendly and nice, respectful of my property and carefully about their work. The total job certainly has improved to look and value as well as the comfort of my home.”  The reason she chose Thompson Creek for her home improvement project was “product quality was the #1 consideration.”

Thompson Creek windows were installed in Christie’s Elkridge, MD home.  The replacement windows installed in this Maryland will help to improve energy efficiency.  Vinyl windows are virtually maintenance free, and do not require painting or other time consuming maintenance.   The new windows will help to make this home more energy efficient.  Thompson Creek installed double hung windows, and a sliding glass door in this Howard County, Maryland home. 

When asked where she was most satisfied, Christie replied “Great product and the people that we dealt with were great. Very nice, knowledgeable, and did a good job.”  Christie chose Thompson Creek Window Company based upon “Price/Product.”

Thompson Creek windows were installed in Jane’s Arlington, VA home.  The replacement windows were installed to replace old windows with draft problems.  Thompson Creek installed double hung windows, a picture window and a sliding glass door in this Virginia home.  Vinyl windows are virtually maintenance free, and do not require painting or other time consuming maintenance.   The new windows will help to make this Arlington County home more energy efficient. 

When asked where she was most satisfied, Jane replied “Everything. It was a very positive experience.”  She wanted to recognize the outstanding job done by the window installers.  She said, “Brandon and Andrew were the two installers and they were just great. I have not had a chance to write a letter to the company President yet about them, but I am planning on it, they were great!”

Thompson Creek recently installed a new entry door in Richard’s Annandale, VA home.  The front door replaced an original wood door that was not energy efficient.  Thompson Creek Window Company installed a steel door with a storm door to replace the original door in this Virginia home.  Richard is a repeat customer who has already had Thompson Creek windows and a sliding glass door installed in his northern Virginia home. 

Thompson Creek reviews every customer survey.  When asked where he was satisfied, Richard replied “All of the representatives we dealt with, whether on the phone or in person, were courteous, professional, and provided exemplary customer service.”  The reason he chose Thompson Creek to replace the door was because “We are repeat customers. Thompson Creek replaced all of the windows at this residence in March 2006. I have always been impressed with their overall approach to customer service and the quality of their products.”

Thompson Creek windows were installed in Claire’s Ellicott City, MD home.  The replacement windows were installed to replace original wood windows that required regular paint maintenance, and were not energy efficient.  Storm windows were also used to try to improve the energy efficiency of her old windows.  Vinyl windows are virtually maintenance free, and do not require painting or other time consuming maintenance.   The new windows will help to make this home more energy efficient.  Thompson Creek installed double hung windows, in this Howard County, Maryland home. 

When asked where she was most satisfied, Claire replied “The quality of the product and the installation crew were professional and polite.”  Claire chose Thompson Creek Window Company based upon “Reputation, Recommendation, and Price.”

Thompson Creek windows were installed in Sharon’s Gaithersburg, MD home.  The new windows replaced old aluminum windows that were original to the home, and not energy efficient.  The old windows caused condensation and heat loss because they were not energy efficient.  Thompson Creek Window Company installed double hung windows in this Maryland home. The new vinyl windows are extremely energy efficient and help to reduce noise from entering this Montgomery County home.  The replacement windows are virtually maintenance-free. 

When asked where she was satisfied, Sharon replied “I was most satisfied with the price, the fact that they were a local company, and also that they have been in business a long time.”  She added “I love my windows. They are so easy to use.”

Thompson Creek windows were installed in David’s Parkville, MD home.  The new windows replaced old wood windows that were original to the home, and not energy efficient.  Thompson Creek Window Company installed double hung windows in this Maryland home. The new vinyl windows are extremely energy efficient and help to reduce outside noise from entering this Baltimore County home.  The replacement windows are virtually maintenance-free. 

When asked where he was satisfied, David replied “The clean up was very well done.  My questions were answered in facts.  My neighbor commented on how well the job looked and was done.”  He also mentioned “I was impressed with the product.”

Thompson Creek windows were installed in Josh’s Essex, MD home.  The new windows replaced old windows that were not energy efficient.  Thompson Creek Window Company installed double hung windows, an awning window, and a bay window in this Maryland home. The new vinyl windows are extremely energy efficient and help to reduce outside noise from entering this Baltimore County home.  The replacement windows are also virtually maintenance-free.  Thompson Creek windows qualify for the tax credit.

When asked where he was satisfied, Josh replied “the price and the speed of the work.”  He also indicated “the installers were very good.”

Thompson Creek windows were installed in Carol’s home in Frederick, MD.  Her old wood windows were 15 years old.  Old wood windows are much less energy efficient than vinyl windows.  Carol’s windows were leaky, causing her lots of problems when it rained.  And wood windows require a lot of maintenance with the need to scrape and repaint them frequently.  Her new double hung vinyl replacement windows from Thompson Creek Window Comapny are much more energy efficient than her old ones, and keep unwanted cold winter air outside where it belongs.

Carol said she chose Thompson Creek for her new vinyl replacement windows because of the price, product, and recommendation.  When we asked Carol what areas she was most satisfied with, she said, “The installation team that put the windows in were professional and enjoyable to work with. The two sales people were friendly, professional, and knew about their products.”

The  tax legislation that was released last week includes a reduced tax credit for windows, doors, and skylights, including a 10% tax credit of up to $200.00 for Energy Star windows and skylights and 10% credit up to $500.00 for Energy Star exterior doors. This reduction is due to a reluctance to continue the 25C tax credits made in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Homeowners in Maryland, DC, and Virginia will be able to claim a 10% tax credit for installing energy efficient windows and doors.  Replacement windows will improve energy efficiency.  New Entry doors, French doors, and sliding glass doors will also improve energy efficiency and qualify for the new tax credit. 

Thompson Creek windows were installed in Rev. Roy’s Washington, DC home.  The new windows replaced old wood windows that were not energy efficient.  The old windows were single pane, and Thompson Creek Window Company installed double hung windows to replace them.  The new vinyl windows are extremely energy efficient and help to reduce outside noise from entering this DC home.  The replacement windows are also virtually maintenance-free.  Thompson Creek windows qualify for the tax credit.

When asked where he was satisfied with this vinyl replacement window project, Rev. Roy replied “The promptness and business-like manner they carried themselves, and their professionalism, and not only would I recommend them to do other jobs in the community I need them to do some more work for me.”  Rev. Roy said he chose Thompson Creek because “They did a few windows for me before, I was so impressed with that job that I had 27 more windows done. I asked them about Thompson Creek and everyone said they were number 1.”

Thompson Creek windows were installed in Theresa’s Columbia, MD home.  The new windows replaced old wood windows that were not energy efficient.  The old windows were falling apart, and Thompson Creek Window Company installed double hung windows to replace them.  A sliding glass door was also installed in this Columbia, MD home.  The sliding patio door is also maintenance-free.  The new vinyl windows are extremely energy efficient and help to reduce outside noise from entering this Maryland home.  The replacement windows and doors are virtually maintenance free. 

When asked where she was satisfied, Theresa replied “I was most satisfied by their customer service. They did everything right.”  Theresa received other estimates, but ultimately chose Thompson Creek.  The reason she chose Thompson Creek came down to “quality and service.”

Thompson Creek windows were installed in Edna’s home in Oxon Hill, MD.  She knew she needed to replace her old windows which were cracking and drafty.  By replacing the old windows in this Maryland home with vinyl replacement windows from Thompson Creek Window Company, Edna’s home will be much more energy efficient, saving her money on her utility bills this winter.  The replacement windows are also virtually maintenance free.

When we asked Edna what she was most satisfied with in working with Thompson Creek, she said, “I loved the installation process - you worked with my schedule and made it very easy to get my windows installed in a timely manner.”  She went on to comment about the windows themselves: “I love the windows. I had six more windows to replace and they really make a difference. I saw your product at my neighbor’s house and had to have them – the quality of work is great and stands out.”

The windows in your home can leak for a variety of reasons.  The flashing could be installed incorrectly around the outside of the window.  Your gutters could be inadequate or your roof could be faulty, causing water to run down behind the siding and into your home.  Your windows could be manufactured without adequate j-channels to direct water around and away from the window.  During the winter months, ice dams can develop on your roof, causing water to leak behind the siding and into your home through a window.  Or your windows could simply be leaking somewhere around the frame or glass itself.

Leaky windows can cause many problems in your home, and are compounded the longer you let the problem go.  Wood frame rot, mold, damaged siding and the sheathing underneath, are all problems associated with water leaking in through your windows.

To eliminate the leaks you have to identify the root of the problem.  Replacing gutters, repairing window flashing, or preventing ice dams from forming can all help solve the leak. You may have to replace the faulty windows themselves.  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.

Thompson Creek windows are manufactured using the best materials and techniques in order to guarantee you a lifetime of maintenance-free efficiency.

Chris L. of Upperco, MD, needed to replace some windows in his home.  He knew that he would need custom sizes built for his house and couldn’t just go purchase some off-the-shelf replacements.  That’s why he decided to trust his home to Thompson Creek.

Chris said, “I was most satisfied with the quality of the windows and with the expectations of having such a great double-lifetime guarantee - I hope to never have to use the warranty but it is always nice to know it is there if a mishap happens. I am also very satisfied in the ability to be able to talk to the owner.”  When asked why he chose Thompson Creek he said, “We went with them after hearing that the windows would be made to fit our house and that the warranty covered everything.”

Thompson Creek reviews all surveys we receive from customers after their job is completed.  Customer feedback continues to be what drives us to want to better serve every one of our customers.

Thompson Creek windows were installed in Mary's home in Silver Spring, MD.  She chose Thompson Creek Window Company since they custom manufacture every window they install.  Vinyl windows are virtually maintenance free, and do not require painting or other time consuming maintenance.   The new windows will help to make this home more energy efficient. 

Mary said the reason for her choice was, “the overall experience of working with Thompson Creek - professional, on time and beautiful work. I love the windows!”

See why Mary and many other homeowners in Maryland trust their homes to Thompson Creek!

Thompson Creek windows were installed in Mark B's townhome in Arlington, VA.  Mark had 15 metal, double-hung windows that were over 20 years old.  Metal windows conduct heat, so they do a poor job at keeping precious warmth inside the house when it's cold, and the summer heat outside.  Vinyl replacement windows will help to make this home more energy efficient.  Vinyl windows are also maintenance-free.  Marks new windows will save energy and make his home more comfortable.  Replacement windows manufactured by Thompson Creek Window Company will also help to substantially reduce the noise entering his home from outside, making it more peaceful.
After meeting with other replacement window companies to work on his Virginia townhouse, Mark chose Thompson Creek to do the job.  And he doesn’t regret the decision – he commented, “We were especially pleased with all the service Thompson Creek provided in every aspect from sales to delivery.”

Thompson Creek reviews all surveys we receive from customers like Mark after their job is completed.  Customer feedback continues to be what drives us to want to better serve every one of our customers.

Winter weather is upon us and high utility bills are right around the corner.  If your windows are old and drafty, they can send your utility bills through the roof.

Even if you can’t necessarily feel the air leaking in from your windows, there’s a simple way to check if they are drafty.  On a breezy day, take a lit candle and hold it around the perimeter of your windows.  If the flame flickers, you are throwing more money than you should at your utility bills. 

Covering your windows with plastic really won’t make them more energy efficient, but replacing them will.  Vinyl replacement windows are air-tight, keeping out drafts as well as outside noise and pollution.  Vinyl replacement windows are maintenance-free so you don’t need to regularly sand and paint them like wood windows.  New windows will keep the heat inside your home this winter.

Thompson Creek windows were installed in Erasmo’s Baltimore, MD home.  The new windows replaced old wood windows that were not energy efficient.  The old windows were single pane windows, and Thompson Creek Window Company installed double hung windows to replace them.  The new vinyl windows are extremely energy efficient and help to reduce outside noise from entering this Maryland home.  The replacement windows are also virtually maintenance free. 

When asked where he was satisfied, Erasmo replied “I was most satisfied with the day of the inspection. The crew was very professional.”  The reason this Maryland family chose Thompson Creek was because “The salesperson was good and the product seemed good too.  We had other options but we decided on Thompson Creek because the customer service administration included seemed very good.”

Thompson Creek windows were installed in Bob’s Annapolis, MD home.  The replacement windows were installed to replace original wood windows that required regular paint maintenance, and were not energy efficient.  Vinyl windows are virtually maintenance free, and do not require painting or other time consuming maintenance.   The new windows will help to make this home more energy efficient.  Thompson Creek installed double hung windows, picture windows, a side entry door, a front door, and sliding glass doors in this Maryland home. 

When asked where he was most satisfied, Bob replied “Professionalism of all Thompson Creek personnel was superb. We were amazed at the relative ease with which installation crew completed an extensive installation in the advertised time and manner.”  Bob chose Thompson Creek Window Company based upon “reputation and quality product.”

Thompson Creek windows were installed in Chase’s Bethesda, MD home.  The replacement windows were installed to replace old wood windows that were painted shut and extremely hard to open and close.  Vinyl windows are virtually maintenance free, and do not require painting or other time consuming maintenance.   The new windows will help to make this home more energy efficient.  Thompson Creek installed double hung windows and picture windows in this Maryland home.

When asked where he was most satisfied, Chase replied “Install crew was professional, polite and did an excellent job cleaning up after themselves. They continued working well into the evening (after dark) to complete the job and quality did not suffer.”  Chase chose Thompson Creek Window Company based upon “Price, reputation for quality product.”

Donna M. decided to replace the windows in her home in Upper Marlboro, MD.  They were old, creaky and did a poor job at insulating her home from the noises outside.  After hearing about Thompson Creek Window Company on the radio and meeting a representative from the company, she trusted them to perform the job.

Donna was very pleased with the installation crew and had no problems during the project.  She said, “I've been pleased with the reduction in noise from outside.  I had some windows that have been creaking and now they don't.”  She went on to comment about the energy efficiency of her new Thompson Creek windows: “It’s definitely warmer in front of the windows.  Everything is great and how I hoped it would be!”

Thompson Creek reviews all surveys we receive from customers after their job is completed.  Customer feedback continues to be what drives us to want to better serve every one of our customers.

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.

Thompson Creek windows were installed in Mary’s Silver Spring, MD home.  He home is approximately 60 years old, and Thompson Creek replaced vinyl windows and wood windows that were installed approximately 30 years ago.  Part of this project consisted of taking two casement windows and a picture window, and replacing them with a slider window.  Mary's new windows are energy efficient.

Many homes that were built prior to 1978 may contain lead-based paint.  Paint containing lead is a potential health hazard.  Beginning in 2010, new federal regulations require home improvement contractors to follow specific guidelines for any installation involving lead paint.  Thompson Creek has EPA certified installers to follow the guidelines outlined by the Environmental Protection Agency. 

When asked where she was most satisfied, Mary replied “The overall experience of working with Thompson Creek - professional, on time and beautiful work. I love the windows.”  She added, “The people on the phone and in person were friendly and knowledgeable.”

Thompson Creek windows were installed in Elizabeth’s Fairfax, VA home.  New windows were installed to replace original windows in this Virginia home.   This window installation consisted of double hung windows, a slider window and a picture window.  The new vinyl windows are virtually maintenance-free and covered by a transferable lifetime warranty. 

The reason Elizabeth said she selected Thompson Creek was, “Reputation, and I really like having one-stop shopping and the idea that we buy it from are the people that put it in. That to me was priceless. I know who to call when I have an issue and I like that.”

Tom E. needed to replace the windows in his home in Bowie, MD.  After reviewing options from other replacement window companies, Tom chose Thompson Creek, "because of their reputation and their product."  He commented, "All expenses were explained up-front, there were no hidden fees (e.g.: lead paint). The sales presentation was outstanding and was the primary reason I bought Thompson windows and am satisfied I got the best designed and manufactured product. Installation was fast and they were able to accommodate my schedule."

A window is a window, right?  It lets in sunlight, it gives a view of your yard, it can open to enjoy nice weather, it provides security and it keeps the cold air outside and the heat inside.  But are all windows created the same?

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).  Thompson Creek windows pass the rigorous water leakage and wind pressure tests and are certified by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). 

When researching replacement windows, see how the others stack up to these stats.

You know the importance of educating yourself about a window’s performance when looking to replace the windows in your home. The NFRC ratings list the important factors for a window’s energy efficiency.  In addition to the U-factor and SHGC, there are two other areas you'll want to pay attention to on the NFRC label - Visible Transmittance and Air Leakage.

Visible Transmittance (VT):  The Visible Transmittance number indicates the amount of light that passes through the glass (refers to brightness, as opposed to heat). A higher number means a brighter room.

Air Leakage (AL):  The Air Leakage rating refers to the amount of air that can infiltrate cracks in the window assembly. The lower the number, the less infiltration. Look for windows with an AL rating of 0.30 or less.

We wrote yesterday about the importance of educating yourself about a window’s performance when looking to replace the windows in your home. The NFRC ratings list the important factors for a window’s energy efficiency.  Two significant numbers to pay attention to are the U-factor and SHGC.

U-factor: The inverse of "R-Value" (which measures insulating value), the U-factor measures how easily heat flows through the product. The lower the number, the better it keeps heat where you want it.  When replacing your windows, choosing windows with lower U-factors will reduce the amount of heat that escapes from inside your house. In cold climates, look for a U-Factor of 0.35 or lower.

SHGC: The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, also know as SHGC, measures the rate of heat gain through a product. Therefore, the lower the SHGC, the lower the amount of solar heat gain. In hot climates where air-conditioning bills are a major concern, choosing windows with lower SHGC will reduce the amount of heat that comes in from the outside.

When researching replacement windows for your home, you’ll soon come to realize there’s a lot of science that goes into manufacturing and installing quality windows. 

You can tell almost everything you need to know about a window's performance by looking at its NFRC ratings. Adopted by the National Fenestration Rating Council in 1998, window manufacturers who are concerned about energy efficiency voluntarily go through NFRC testing to obtain the performance ratings. If a window does not have NFRC data, chances are you're not dealing with a reputable manufacturer.

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.

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.

Thompson Creek windows are manufactured using the best materials and techniques in order to guarantee you a lifetime of maintenance-free efficiency.
 

Thompson Creek windows were installed in Faith’s Columbia, MD home.  She was looking to upgrade her old wood windows to a maintenance-free solution for her Maryland home.  Thompson Creek installed energy efficient replacement windows to solve the problem.  The new windows are virtually maintenance-free and don’t need to be sanded and painted like wood windows.  Vinyl windows do not swell in extreme weather conditions like wood windows.

When asked where she was most satisfied, Faith responded “The installation crew was extremely competent, efficient and professional. They completed the project in no time.”  She concluded by saying “My friend recommended Thompson Creek. The windows seemed to be very high quality.”

When you decide to upgrade your home with replacement windows, you have many choices available.  You need to decide if you want to replace your old window with a similar style, or change the style to give your home a facelift, both inside and out.

Basic window types available include:

Single hung – only the bottom sash moves up and down, while the upper sash remains fixed.

Double hung – both the top and bottom sashes move; many have a tilt-in feature for easier cleaning.

Slider – windows open side to side; allow maximum visible light when closed and maximum ventilation when opened.

Casement – windows that swing open to the sides fully for ventilation; can be installed singly or in combination to build a bay window.

Awning – windows that swing out from the bottom; good ventilation while keeping rain out.

Hopper – windows that swing in at the top; often used for basement light and ventilation.

To learn more about the beautiful window options Thompson Creek offers, visit http://www.thompsoncreek.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=54&Itemid=53

Winter weather is upon us and high utility bills are right around the corner.  If your windows are old and drafty, they can send your utility bills through the roof.

Even if you can’t necessarily feel the air leaking in from your windows, there’s a simple way to check if they are drafty.  On a breezy day, take a lit candle and hold it around the perimeter of your windows.  If the flame flickers, you are throwing more money than you should at your utility bills. 

Covering your windows with plastic really won’t make them more energy efficient, but replacing them will.  Replacement windows are energy efficient, keeping out drafts as well as outside noise and pollution.  Vinyl replacement windows are maintenance-free so you don’t need to regularly sand and paint them like wood windows.  New windows will keep the heat inside your home this winter.

Almost without exception, replacement windows, will add value to your property. This happens in two ways.  First, when it's time to sell your home, the new buyer will negotiate your asking price downward when they factor in the cost of replacing old windows.  Second, studies show that the two most important items on a new homebuyer's list are energy efficiency and less exterior maintenance.  New windows will improve the energy efficiency of your home, and give you a maintenance-free solution. 

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 windows 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.

Thompson Creek installed replacement windows and doors in Tammy’s Woodbridge, VA home.  She wanted to improve the builder-grade windows in her Virginia home.  She also replaced her entry door, and sliding patio door as well.  Her Thompson Creek windows are made of vinyl and all qualify for the tax credit. 

When asked where she was satisfied, Tammy responded “Prompt, courteous, and professional personnel.  Superior customer service!  A++”.  She also mentioned “Chris and crew were on time, courteous and completed my doors and windows when they stated.  As promised cleaned all areas and took all debris with them.”

Thompson Creek installed energy efficient windows in Martha’s Sterling, VA home.  The replacement windows consisted of double-hung windows and a bay window.  These new windows replaced metal windows in her Virginia home.

When asked if she wanted to recognize excellence, Martha noted “The installation crew, and the salesman. Very knowledgeable, explained everything in detail, and answered all of my questions.”  She also noted “The installation process. They explained everything and they did it in a timely manner.”

And Martha indicated the reason she chose Thompson Creek was, “I've heard good things from other people and it seemed like a fair value. Also they're local which I like.”

Thompson Creek windows were installed in Nettie’s Waldorf, MD home.  She wanted new windows to replace the drafty windows in her Maryland home.  Thompson Creek installed energy efficient replacement windows that qualify for the tax credit.   Thompson Creek installed double-hung windows and a picture window to eliminate the draft problem.

When asked where she was satisfied, Nettie replied “The in-home consultation went smoothly. No high-pressure sales tactics. When we had to schedule the installation, they were able to accommodate our schedule. We love the new windows. The looks, the sound, the ease of use are all the things we wanted in new windows.”

Joe B had Thompson Creek install replacement windows in his Washington, DC home.  His home was built in 1907 and he wasted to eliminate the drafts and make his home more energy efficient.   His new Thompson Creek windows have eliminated the draft problems in his NW DC home. 

When asked where he was most satisfied, Joe replied “The consistency and follow-up with the order and the timing.  It took much less time than I expected.”  He also mentioned, “I talked to other friends of mine who told me what I would essentially pay for a window, and Thompson Creek was very competitive.”

Thompson Creek windows were installed in Merlin’s Arlington, VA home.  He contacted Thompson Creek because his windows were not energy efficient.   We installed 26 replacement windows in Merlin’s Virginia home.  These vinyl windows meet all requirements for the 2010 tax credit under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. 

When asked where he was most satisfied, Merlin replied, “Robbie, the sales manager, and Mike, the project manager recommended alternatives to our original order that greatly improved the final product without any additional cost to us.”

He closed in saying, “We were very pleased with the process and the final product.  With some prior notice, we would be willing to let prospective customers view the window installation in our house.”

You’ve been hearing about it everywhere. The federal government is offering tax credits to homeowners who replace their old windows.  But do your homework – not every window qualifies.

 “The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act” allows you to claim up to $1,500 on your tax return for replacing your windows with energy-efficient windows.  The replacement windows must have a U-factor of 0.30 or less.  U-factor measures how well a window prevents heat from escaping from your home.  To qualify for the tax credit, the window must also have a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.30 or lower.  The lower a window's SHGC, the less solar heat it transmits.  All of Thompson Creek’s replacement windows exceed these minimum requirements, and are manufactured, installed and serviced locally from our factory in Landover, Maryland.

The tax credit is 30% of the amount paid, up to $1,500.  The tax credit is for the cost of the windows only and does not include installation costs.

To claim your credit, your replacement windows must be placed in service by December 31, 2010.  You have to include your receipt and the window performance certification with your 2010 tax return documents. 

Thompson Creek windows were installed in Scott’s Manassas, VA home.  Scott wanted to install new windows in a cut-out opening where no window existed previously.  Thompson Creek installed vinyl windows into the new openings in Scott’s Virginia home.  The replacement windows qualify for the tax credit under the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment act of 2009.

When asked why he chose Thompson Creek, Scott replied “It was because I respect the business model that everything is custom made. They don't carry a big inventory of what they’re trying to get rid of. They just give the customer what they need.  I could get a higher quality product plus installation for the price of other places.”

Now that the heat of summer is all but gone, you may want to open your windows to let in some fresh clean fall air.  But are old windows preventing you from doing that?

Old windows can be stuck for a variety of reasons.  Wood windows can swell from excess moisture or humidity.  Sometimes windows are literally painted shut.  Window tracks can become dirty or corroded over time.  In some cases, the house’s foundation could be settling or shifting, forcing the window frame out of square.

There are certainly some options you can do to attempt to open your stuck windows, including using a utility knife to cut through a painted-shut sash, applying a lubricant, using a pry bar or hammer.  While some of these methods may get a stuck window open, they don’t necessarily address the source of the problem.

With the engineering and manufacturing advances for replacement windows, your best decision in the longer term could be to replace your old, warped or rotted windows.  Not only will they be easy to open, your house will stay warmer this winter, you will see up to a 30% savings on your energy bills, you will get back nearly 80% back for every dollar invested when you sell your home, and your replacement windows will protect your furniture and carpet from the sun’s damaging UV rays.

 

Thompson Creek windows were recently installed in Kim’s Herndon, VA home.  Kim wanted new windows to replace the drafty 21 year-old windows in her Virginia home.   Thompson Creek Window Company replaced the drafty windows with energy efficient vinyl windows.  The window installation included 8 double-hung windows and 1 picture window.  Our replacement windows qualify for the tax credit. 

When asked where she was most satisfied, Kim replied “The installation, we were very satisfied with that.  They were a good crew, worked quickly and did a good job.”  In closing, Kim noted “The product was a good product, and the price was reasonable.”

Thompson Creek enlarged a window opening in Linda’s Falls Church, VA home to install a larger replacement window.  Linda installed Thompson Creek windows because she wanted to enlarge an opening so that she could see more of the scene outside her Falls Church, VA home.  Thompson Creek enlarged the opening and installed an energy efficient vinyl windows in her home. 

When asked where she was most satisfied, Linda replied “I was most satisfied with the quality of the work and of the people coming by. I felt they were responsible and would do a good job and it would be backed up if there were any problems.”

Linda said she decided to install Thompson Creek windows because “I chose Thompson Creek because of their quality and the fact that they've been around for a long time. I also went with them because they have their own crew leaders instead of day workers because generally you can count on better service and workmanship.”

Thompson Creek windows were recently installed in Carol’s Frederick, MD home.  This home in Maryland had 17 year old leaky wood windows that required maintenance.  We installed 15 replacement windows to improve the energy efficiency of this home.  Our new windows are maintenance-free and come with a transferrable lifetime warranty.  Vinyl windows do not require maintenance like wood windows.  Additionally, Carol was able to take the maximum tax credit for installing energy efficient windows.

When asked where she was most satisfied, Carol replied “the installation team that put the windows in was professional and enjoyable to work with. The two sales people were friendly, professional, and knew about their products.  The installation team impressed me and the sales team was awesome.”

Carol concluded by saying “I am very happy and I will advertise your product to anyone who asks.”  

Thompson Creek windows were recently installed in a 48 year-old home in Silver Spring, MD.  This customer had 15 year old aluminum windows and made the smart choice to upgrade to energy efficient Thompson Creek Windows that qualify for the tax credit.

When asked where they were most satisfied, they responded, “They were friendly at all times when I called. They kept me informed. Our project manager was great. He answered all my questions quickly. The crew was just fantastic. Jamie was particularly meticulous and cleanly. They really went above and beyond on the installation. They had to do extra form work because the house is old and they did a great job about it. I have no complaints. The product looks really good.”

He added, “Josh was very charismatic, helpful, and nice.  John the project manager followed up with my questions, which is a rare thing nowadays. Chris, Jamie and the other installer were great. They were there promptly and pulled in a full day’s effort. Jamie was very thorough. She walked with me through the house to make sure everything was clean.”

Thompson Creek installed replacement windows in Tracy’s home in Baltimore, MD.  The new windows replaced 60 year old wood windows suffering from wood-rot.  Tracy’s new energy efficient Thompson Creek windows are maintenance-free and qualify for the tax credit.

When asked why he chose Thompson Creek, Tracy responded “When I was getting quotes, I started with the price first.  They’re very competitive.  From there, I gave them the chance with the product.” 

When asked where he was most satisfied with the window installation in his Baltimore home, Tracy responded “They were prompt, and followed through on what they said would be done.  They were very professional.”

Thompson Creek installed replacement windows in Mary’s home in Hyattsville, MD.  Her home had 20 year old windows that were not energy efficient.     

When asked where she was most satisfied, Mary replied “Overall we were very satisfied.  We are very pleased with the quality of the windows.  Everyone we dealt with was very professional, and they were always on time or early.  The crew worked in 100 degree heat and they couldn’t have installed the windows any faster.  The windows look beautiful.  We are very, very pleased.   

You’ve been hearing about it everywhere. The federal government is offering tax credits to homeowners who replace their old windows.  But do your homework – not every window qualifies.

“The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act” allows you to claim up to $1,500 on your tax return for replacing your windows with energy-efficient windows – those that achieve ENERGY STAR certification and meet minimum efficiency requirements.  All of Thompson Creek’s replacement windows exceed these minimum requirements, and are manufactured, installed and serviced locally from our factory in Landover, Maryland.

But time is running out. Your energy-efficient replacement windows must be INSTALLED by the end of this year to claim the tax credit, which is 30% of the amount paid for the replacement windows, up to $1,500.

So don’t put it off any longer – contact Thompson Creek and schedule your free in-home consultation.

Thompson Creek recently installed 26 vinyl replacement windows in Scott’s home in Springfield, VA.  He will be able to claim the full $1,500 tax credit for installing energy efficient windows in his home thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  Scott originally had Thompson Creek install new windows in his Burke, VA home in 2004. 

Scott said, “We had Thompson Creek windows installed in our townhouse about 6 years ago and we’ve recently moved into a single family house and had all of the windows upgraded to Thompson Creek.”  He also said that “your representative was very knowledgeable and helpful during the initial meeting.  The Project Manager was on time and fast.  The customer service group kept me informed of the status of my order and all time commitments were met or exceeded.  The day of the window installation, the team worked professionally and efficiently.  They were respectful of our home and yard.”  He closed in saying “This was our 2^nd time using Thompson Creek and when the time comes that we buy a retirement home we will use them again!”

Thompson Creek windows were installed in David J’s Fairfax, VA home.  He had Thompson Creek install 14 vinyl windows in his home to replace 20 year old windows that had bad drafts and problems with heat loss.  He will be able to take the full $1,500 tax credit this year thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

When asked where he was most satisfied, David replied “All Areas.  Thompson Creek passed with flying colors from the initial contact to the installation.  Thompson Creek windows are the best that I’ve seen.  To this day, my neighbors complement me on the new windows.  They are the best looking, most quiet, energy-efficient windows.  I’ve noticed the difference the day Thompson Creek installed them.  Thompson Creek installed the windows on time and they did not leave until they made sure that I was satisfied.  Not to mention that they cleaned everything before they left.  They even cleaned around the bushes and swept the driveway.  This is the best service I’ve seen.  Thank you Thompson Creek!

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.

Have you ever considered adding a new window in a wall where no window exists?  Adding a new window will increase the amount of natural light coming in to the room and make the living space appear larger.    Thompson Creek can install a new window in most exterior walls.  Thompson Creek windows are custom made to the exact specifications of your home.  Choose from many window styles including double hung, slider, casement, bay, bow, and garden.  Our replacement windows are backed by our double lifetime guarantee.  Thompson Creek vinyl windows are eligible for the 2010 tax credit. 

Please invite Thompson Creek to your home today to see if we can add a new window in one of your exterior walls.  We will assess the situation, and provide you a written quote to perform the work.

Michael I. chose Thompson Creek Window Company to replace the windows in his Catonsville, MD, home.  We asked him what impressed him most about dealing with Thompson Creek: “The cost is very reasonable [and] the quality of the product is outstanding. The staff was helpful.”

When asked why he chose Thompson Creek, he replied, “Price, product, being able to see the quality of work on friends home after our first quote.”

John W. from Edgewater, MD, purchased vinyl replacement windows from Thompson Creek and was very pleased with the decision.

We asked John what areas he was most satisfied with and he said, “The installation and the crews performed their work in a good manner, they knew what they were doing and did a very good job.”  He told us his reason for choice was, “Because it's a locally owned company. I like the idea of it being family owned, and they have a good reputation for quality.”

You’ve been hearing about it everywhere. The federal government is offering tax credits to homeowners who replace their old windows.  But do your homework – not every window qualifies.

“The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act” allows you to claim up to $1,500 on your tax return for replacing your windows with energy-efficient windows – those that achieve ENERGY STAR certification and meet minimum efficiency requirements.  All of Thompson Creek’s replacement windows exceed these minimum requirements, and are manufactured, installed and serviced locally from our factory in Landover, Maryland.

But time is running out. Your energy-efficient replacement windows must be INSTALLED by the end of this year to claim the tax credit, which is 30% of the amount paid for the replacement windows, up to $1,500.

So don’t put it off any longer – contact Thompson Creek and schedule your free in-home consultation.

Michael K. needed to replace the windows and gutters in his home in Annandale, VA.  He met with other companies but ultimately trusted the job to Thompson Creek.

When asked why he chose Thompson Creek he said, “The products seemed to be of high quality, and the price was reasonable.”  We asked him what he was most satisfied with, he responded, “Thompson Creek seemed very interested in the customer satisfaction end of the transaction, and were very responsive to concerns.”

See why Michael and thousands of other homeowners choose Thompson Creek for vinyl replacement windows, gutter systems and more!

Ann R. of Arlington, VA, used Thompson Creek Window Company to install vinyl replacement windows in her home.  From the salesperson’s visit to the installation crew, she was extremely pleased with the products and service.

Ann said her salesperson, “was very patient with me and explained everything. He was really nice and he really sold me on them. When I looked on the website I was able to find pretty much everything I needed.”

She went on to say, “I was also very impressed with their BBB rating, which was A+. Their rating with the BBB was very important to me and [I liked] the fact that you can call the president of the company if you have an issue. Also because they are an established company in the area that has proven to do good work.”

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 does it still have the original windows.  You also need to evaluate the condition of your windows – do they show signs of wear, rot, warp, have difficulty opening 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 extremely energy inefficient, so upgrading to double pane windows will lessen chilly winter drafts, condensation, and heat loss during the winter months.  During the heat of summer, you’ll notice your home is much cooler.  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 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These windows will make your house more energy efficient, and you can claim a tax credit of up to $1,500 for 2010 if you have new windows installed by December 31, 2010.  See tax advisor for details.

Steve C. chose Thompson Creek Window Company to replace the windows in his Abingdon, MD, home.  He said he chose Thompson Creek for replacement windows because of the double-lifetime warranty, the quality construction of the windows, and price.

He was pleased with every aspect of the process. He said the salesman “was very thorough with showing us all the features of the window - construction, window coating, and [how to operate] the windows. Definitely helped in our decision to go with Thompson Creek.”  He went on to praise how thorough the installation crew was. 

Now that Steve’s windows are installed, he notes, “I really like the look of the windows. The double pane glass also cuts down on the outside noise.”

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.

Wildred E. from Fairfax, VA, was looking to replace her two picture windows and a sliding glass patio door.  Although she received various estimates, a friend recommended Thompson Creek.  She met with them and was sold on the quality of the products and professionalism of the employees.

Wildred told us, “The overall experience was very professional and I would come back to them again.”  In fact, she was so pleased with the whole process that she’s now looking to replace her front entry door and side door with Thompson Creek doors.

Your home is most likely your largest investment.  Right now is a great time to consider replacing the old inefficient windows in your home.  According to a recent study titled "Cost vs. Value" by Remodeling magazine, homeowners in the Washington, DC, area that install vinyl replacement windows will recoup 88.2% of their investment when they sell their home.  The research for this report comes from the National Association of Realtors, and HomeTech Information Systems.  There is currently a federal tax credit, available to homeowners until the end of the year, for 30% of the window purchase for qualifying replacement windows. The credit is capped at $1500.

So, according to the Cost report, if you spend $9,000 on vinyl replacement windows this year, you can expect to recoup $7,938 of your investment when you sell your home.  Additionally, you can receive a tax credit of $1,500 on this purchase.  Currently, the $9,000 price of the windows will only cost you $7,500 after you receive your tax credit thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.   Cost vs. Value reports this investment will be worth $7,938 when you sell your home.

Top this off with the energy savings you will receive on your utility bills all year long, and vinyl replacement windows are a sound investment.  Add in the comfort you get when you reduce drafts in your home. Replacement windows will also help to minimize temperature fluctuations as you move from room to room.

All of these factors make right now the best time to install new windows and improve the energy efficiency of your home, as well as your comfort.

When researching replacement windows for your home, you’ll soon come to realize there’s a lot of science that goes into manufacturing and installing quality windows. 

You can tell almost everything you need to know about a window's performance by looking at its NFRC ratings. Adopted by the National Fenestration Rating Council in 1998, window manufacturers who are concerned about energy efficiency voluntarily go through NFRC testing to obtain the performance ratings. If a window does not have NFRC data, chances are you're not dealing with a reputable manufacturer.

Here are a few key technical terms you should know:

U-Factor:  The inverse of "R-Value" (which measures insulating value), the U-Factor measures how easily heat flows through the product. The lower the number, the better it keeps heat where you want it. In cold climates, look for a U-Factor of 0.35 or lower. 

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): The SHGC tells you how much heat radiation from sunlight a window lets in. If heating your home is your main concern, a higher SHGC can help offset some of the heating costs. In warmer climates, where air-conditioning costs are a bigger factor, look for a lower number.

Visible Transmittance (VT):  The Visible Transmittance number indicates the amount of light that passes through the glass (refers to brightness, as opposed to heat). A higher number means a brighter room.

Air Leakage (AL):  The Air Leakage rating refers to the amount of air that can infiltrate cracks in the window assembly. The lower the number, the less infiltration. Look for windows with an AL rating of 0.30 or less.

Res/Non-Res:  The NFRC label contains data for "Residential" and "Non-Residential" (industrial) windows. When shopping for windows for your home, be sure to compare the "Res" numbers.

John E from Arlington, VA contacted Thompson Creek to replace the original windows in his home.  His old windows were not energy efficient and he contacted us for a free window upgrade assessment.  John replaced all of the windows in his Arlington home with new Thompson Creek windows.  By doing this, he was able to take advantage of the $1,500 tax credit for installing energy efficient windows. 

When asked where he was most satisfied, John replied “The quality of the windows and the price and we also liked the fact that the windows were manufactured, installed and serviced by employees of the company, not a third party. The company is a family business that has been around for over thirty years.”  The reason he chose Thompson Creek was because “It appeared to be a good value compared to other products and it was one stop shopping. Also, the turnaround was very quick enabling me to get the tax credit for 2009.”

Eric P from Rockville, MD recently replaced his 45 year old wood windows with energy efficient Thompson Creek windows.  He will never have to worry about the maintenance that wood windows require again because all Thompson Creek replacement windows are maintenance-free.

When asked what satisfied him the most, he replied “All the scheduling aspects were well handled. I received several phone calls with respect to scheduling and received follow-up calls. Most companies tend to disappear on you and leave you guessing.”  He closed in saying, “All that I dealt with were highly professional, polite and seemed to enjoy their jobs.”

After meeting with other replacement window companies in the area, David R. of Germantown, MD, chose Thompson Creek Window Company to replace the windows in his home.  When asked why he was so satisfied with the process, he said, “They were quick on finishing the product. They were prompt on installation. It was easy to set up the appointments. The quality of the products is very good.”

We asked him his reason for choosing Thompson Creek and he replied, “Reputation, guarantee and prompt service.”

Sue B from called Thompson Creek to replace the 50 year old windows in her home in Silver Spring, MD.  She wanted to eliminate the draft and condensation problems that often occur with old windows.  Thompson Creek installed new windows which solved the problem, and made her home more energy efficient. 

Sue was very pleased with the customer service she received.  She said, “I was most satisfied with their customer service. I had to reschedule a few times and they were able to work with me. I really appreciated that.”  She also said “The installation guys were very good.”

Charles L from Falls Church, VA met with a number of companies to install new windows in his home.  He made the smart choice to install Thompson Creek windows.  He said “the project manager did a good job and was very effective in communicating” and “the entire install team was very efficient.  They went above and beyond on the cleanup.” 

When asked why he chose Thompson Creek to install replacement windows, he replied “I appreciated the local value. I liked the local hook vs. the big national chains, someone who is in the area for support. I like the lifetime warranty and will come out when I need them.”

He finished with “I'm very happy, it was a great experience.”

Margaret S. from Ellicott City, MD, met with various replacement window companies to replace most of the windows in her home.  She ultimately decided to work with Thompson Creek, and she is more than pleased with the decision.

Margaret tells us, “The windows in my home have been replaced with Thompson Creek. They look great inside and out, are easy to operate and have made a difference in my [electricity] bills and reduced noise level in my home. The transferable warranty is very important since I will be moving in the next year or two.”

See why Margaret and thousands of other homeowners in the mid-Atlantic trust Thompson Creek Window Company!

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. 

If you can see fogged glass, condensation between the glass panes, or discoloration of the glass in your home’s windows, this could be a good indication that the seal has failed.

In a double-pane window, seal failure occurs when the sealant between the panes of glass breaks, subjecting the airspace to the surrounding environment.  When the seal breaks, the insulating matter between the panes escapes and is replaced by air, causing less energy efficiency. Since the sealant acts as the moisture barrier, if the seal breaks, condensation can develop in the airspace of the insulated glass window. 

Besides being unsightly, seal failure will make your windows less efficient, letting heat into your home in the summer and precious warmth escaping in the winter.  And if your windows are the same age, a few that are showing signs of seal failure probably means most or all of your remaining windows will experience seal failure in the near future.

Joseph R. trusted Thompson Creek to replace the windows in his Gaithersburg, MD, home.  When asked why he chose Thompson Creek, he responded, “Because it is a local company and they have a quality product for a fair price.”

Joseph went on to say, “The professionalism and speed of the installation was impressive. I was pleasantly surprised. I thought it would take most of the day, but they were done in about four hours. I am very happy with the quality of the windows and the craftsmanship of the installation crew.”

Mahnaz I. from Great Falls, VA, recently had Thompson Creek replacement windows installed in his home.  He couldn’t be more pleased with the decision: “The staff of Thompson Creek are simply professional, precise and fast. Unbelievable!”  Thanks, Mahnaz!

After meeting with a number of other replacement window companies, Ron from Montgomery Village, MD, chose Thompson Creek Window Company to replace the windows in his home. And apparently, he’s quite satisfied with the decision – he tells us: “The professionalism and level of knowledge by (the installers) Chris and Marvin was outstanding. We love these windows! We had a power outage yesterday and they are so airtight that even though we were several hours without AC, the house remained cool.”

Contact Thompson Creek to learn more about how our energy-efficient replacement windows can improve the beauty of your home and reduce your energy costs.

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.

Thompson Creek windows are manufactured using the best materials and techniques in order to guarantee you a lifetime of maintenance-free efficiency.

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. 

Customer Peter from Sterling, VA, has been pleased with the quality of the new vinyl replacement windows installed by Thompson Creek Window Company.  He also commented that, “they have made an enormous difference in the quality of the room’s heat.”

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.

When asked why he chose Thompson Creek for his new windows, Brian from Columbia, MD, said, “The windows are high quality, it’s a local company, and they had good reviews. Also the price was right...”

See why people like Brian select Thompson Creek Window Company for energy-efficient vinyl replacement windows!

When you decide to upgrade your home with replacement windows, you have many choices available.  You need to decide if you want to replace your old window with a similar style, or change the style to give your home a facelift, both inside and out.

Basic window types available include:

Single hung – only the bottom sash moves up and down, while the upper sash remains fixed.

Double hung – both the top and bottom sashes move; many have a tilt-in feature for easier cleaning.

Slider – windows open side to side; allow maximum visible light when closed and maximum ventilation when opened.

Casement – windows that swing open to the sides fully for ventilation; can be installed singly or in combination to build a bay window.

Awning – windows that swing out from the bottom; good ventilation while keeping rain out.

Hopper – windows that swing in at the top; often used for basement light and ventilation.

To learn more about the beautiful window options Thompson Creek offers, visit http://www.thompsoncreek.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=54&Itemid=53

You’ve been hearing about it everywhere. The federal government is offering tax credits to homeowners who replace their old windows.  But do your homework – not every window qualifies.

“The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act” allows you to claim up to $1,500 on your tax return for replacing your windows with energy-efficient windows – those that achieve ENERGY STAR certification and meet minimum efficiency requirements.  The replacement windows must have a U-factor of 0.30 or less.  U-factor measures how well a window prevents heat from escaping from your home.  To qualify for the tax credit, the window must also have a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.30 or lower.  The lower a window's SHGC, the less solar heat it transmits.  All of Thompson Creek’s replacement windows exceed these minimum requirements, and are manufactured, installed and serviced locally from our factory in Landover, Maryland.

The tax credit is 30% of the amount paid, up to $1,500.  The tax credit is for the cost of the windows only and does not include installation costs.

To claim your full credit, you must purchase and install your replacement windows by December 31, 2010.  You have to include your receipt and the window performance certification with your 2010 tax return documents. 

Herve from Ashburn, VA installed Thompson Creek energy efficient windows in his home.  He had this to say about his experience, “I was thoroughly satisfied with Thompson Creek before the sale and I am even more satisfied with them now that the windows are in.  It was worth every penny.”

His decision to use Thompson Creek for this project came down to this, “I chose them because I thought I was getting the most for my dollar.”

Al from Fairfax, VA upgraded to Thompson Creek energy efficient windows.  Al said, “They were very professional, punctual and respectful of my house during installation.”

He said that he would like to recognize everyone involved for their excellent service.  “They were very professional.”

Al said that he chose Thompson Creek because “I heard of their stellar reputation and excellent quality products.”  He closed in saying, “I would highly recommend Thompson Creek to anyone looking for high quality windows from a company you can trust to do a superb job.”

We’ve recently installed 14 energy efficient replacement windows for Sandra in Laurel, MD.  She will be able to claim the $1,500 tax credit for windows.  She found it very easy to schedule her price quote.

When asked where she was most satisfied, she replied “the way the windows look.”  She also indicated that the reason she chose Thompson Creek Window Company for this project was because “the price was the least expensive and the quality looked good.”

Charlene from Alexandria, VA recently had new energy efficient windows installed in her home.  These windows all qualify for the 2010 window tax credit. 

When asked about her satisfaction, she replied “The salesperson very knowledgeable, friendly, and down to earth. He sold us on the company immediately. He explained everything very well.”

She also mentioned, “I'm so pleased with the windows that I haven't placed anything on them because I've been enjoying just looking out of them.”

Evelyn from Silver Spring, MD found it very easy to schedule her in-home consultation.  We recently installed energy efficient replacement windows and a sliding glass door.  She indicated that she would refer Thompson Creek Window Company to a friend, and when asked what satisfied her the most, she replied, “QUALITY PRODUCT!”

Beth from Derwood, MD recently had Thompson Creek install energy efficient windows in her home.  Here’s what she had to say about her experience: “Everyone I spoke to and worked with were friendly, efficient, professional, and extremely hardworking!”. 

She also said “The amazing three workmen who installed my windows - on a SUPER HOT day. I wish I knew their names - they really went above and beyond”

Paula from Laurel, MD recently upgraded to Thompson Creek energy efficient windows for her home. 

When asked where she was most satisfied, she replied “The windows are wonderful, and the house is cooler. I was looking for a window that is easy to open, and I was intrigued with the idea of sun blocking windows. I didn't realize HOW MUCH COOLER our upper floor is.”

When asked where Thompson Creek could make improvements, she replied “there were no short-falls. None.”

Now that the mid-Atlantic area is well into the dog days of summer, do some of your rooms feel like a sauna? A typical double-paned, clear-glass window allows approximately 75 percent of the sun’s heat into your home.  Are your windows keeping the heat out?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, installing high-performance replacement windows will improve your home's energy performance. The benefits of added comfort and improved aesthetics and functionality may make the investment worth it to you. Many window technologies are available that are worth considering, including 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.  Low-e coating helps reflect heat away from the surface, keeping unwanted heat out in the summer.  Low-e glass is the most cost-effective way to increase the efficiency of your windows.  It can also help reduce the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation entering your home, reducing furniture and carpet fading.

If you have single-pane windows, installing new energy efficient windows can result in savings on your energy bills of up to 30%.
 

Beth from Gaithersburg recently had replacement windows installed by Thompson Creek.  She is a previous customer who already had our energy efficient windows in her home.  She said, “I was most satisfied with their customer service. Everyone is very friendly.” and “Thompson Creek is a local, family run business. That appealed to me.”