Frequently Asked Questions – Windows

What is a replacement window?

A true replacement window is a window that's custom built to fit within the opening of an existing window. It's built to fit precisely and can be installed without disturbing the interior and exterior areas around the window.

Since custom windows are made to fit perfectly, they provide the best energy efficiency and install much easier and with very little mess.  Standard windows typically cost less in the beginning, but other expenses and factors—like additional labor and the disruption to the home—far outweigh the original savings. For example, installing stock windows requires that you add brick or siding to the exterior, drywall or other materials to the interior, or use a fair amount of caulk to make the window fit your home. Custom-made replacement windows allow you to choose the best solution to the problems you want to solve by replacing windows.

Who should I buy windows from?
A consumer should select a window company that manufactures their own energy efficient products, has a great reputation for quality products and outstanding customer service, and provides a comprehensive warranty on every product they sell – including installation and labor.  It also makes sense to work with a company that manufactures their products locally, saving a significant amount on shipping charges.  You will avoid the run-around between the contractor, distributor and manufacturer when you buy windows from Thompson Creek because we control the entire process from beginning to end, and are 100% accountable for providing a top quality product with outstanding customer service.

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

What is low-e glass and why is it important?
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 help 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 efficiency of your windows.  It can also help reduce the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation entering your home, reducing furniture and carpet fading.

Will my new windows make my home more comfortable?
Yes, for several reasons.  Thompson Creek replacement windows reduce noise from the outside.  This means that you don’t have to hear the neighbors barking dog or the trash truck early in the morning.  Your home will be more peaceful.

Our replacement windows will help reduce unwanted heat gain in the summer time.  If some rooms in your home are warmer than others in the summer time, our windows will help to block that unwanted heat gain and make you home more comfortable.

How much do replacement windows cost?
The first step to coming up with the cost is to figure out exactly what you need and want. Make an appointment to have a professional consultation in order to learn about all the options available. Then, you'll get a written proposal that spells out exactly what you would be getting, what the finished price would be, and what financing options are available to you. Then you can make an informed decision.

How long does installation take?
In most cases, our factory-trained crews can replace every window in a typical home in one day. Since each window is custom sized to fit your current opening, there is no need for "wall surgery," so you'll avoid the mess and inconvenience of a lengthy installation process.

When replacing siding, the average job for a typical ranch home, including window and door trim, and soffit/fascia can usually be completed within one to two days. We actually choose to slow this process down a little - whenever possible, we remove all the existing siding first in order to start with a smooth, flat surface to ensure a perfect finished product.

What does AAMA and NRFC certified mean to homeowners?
The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) sets all performance standards, product certification and educational programs for the window industry.  When a product passes AAMA tests, it guarantees reliable performance if properly installed.

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is a non-profit organization created by the Department of Energy and the window and door industry.  The NFRC provides consistent ratings on windows and doors relating to the energy performance of that product.  The NFRC label on a window or door informs consumers about a product’s U-factor, which takes into account a product’s ability to block warming caused by sunlight, light transmittance and air leakage through cracks in the product’s assembly.

What does ENERGY STAR® mean?
ENERGY STAR is an independent U.S. government program establishing a set of guidelines to recognize the energy efficiency of various products.  ENERGY STAR guidelines are used for a variety of building materials including windows and doors.  Over the past 10 years, ENERGY STAR guidelines have helped double the efficiency of the windows they endorse.

What’s the best way to evaluate a window’s energy performance?
The easiest way to compare energy performance in different windows and doors is to read the NFRC label.  The label contains valuable efficiency information about the product including the U-factor, solar heat gain and visible light transmittance values.  When our representative visits your house, they will explain all of these metrics to you and what they mean for your particular application.

How can installing replacement windows save on energy bills?
If you have single-pane windows, upgrading to Thompson Creek windows with energy efficient features like double- or triple-pane glass and low-e coating will result in savings on your energy bills of up to 30%.  Our double-pane windows are 78.57% more efficient than a single pane wood window.  Values are based on U-Factor comparison for clear glass non-metal frame window default values from the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).  

How do I get Warranty Service?
When you buy a product off the shelf, such as you would find at a lumber yard or a home improvement warehouse, you're usually on your own when it comes to getting warranty service. That means you have to contact the manufacturer directly and get them to take action on your behalf.  It's different when you hire Thompson Creek.  As the manufacturer, we warranty every product we sell and install.  We have full-time factory-trained service personnel on our staff to take care of any warranty claim you might have. You can have the peace of mind knowing that there is just one phone number to call: ours.

How can I get an estimate?
Getting an estimate is easy. Just click here (insert link) to fill out and submit an online request and we'll call you right away to schedule a convenient time for a visit. Please be assured that there is no cost and absolutely no obligation to buy anything. We will send out a well-trained, well-informed and courteous representative who will answer your questions, make recommendations, and show you working samples of our products for you to examine. We will provide you with written proposal, which is good for 1 year.

How much energy can I save?
The amount of energy you can save depends on various factors, such as how many windows you currently have, the windows’ age and condition, as well as how you use other items in your home that require energy.  We can greatly increase the energy efficiency of your current windows, which usually translates up to a 30% reduction in fuel consumption.

Will it add resale value to my house?
Almost without exception, new windows, siding, doors and gutters will add significant 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 windows, siding or gutters that will need to be repaired or replaced. Second, studies show that the two most important items on a new homebuyer's list are energy efficiency and less exterior maintenance.

According to the 2009-2010 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, a homeowner can recoup 88.2% of the cost of a typical window replacement project.

Frequently Asked Questions – Gutters

What are the benefits of the Thompson Creek Gutter System over traditional gutters?
The Thompson Creek Gutter System completely encloses and protects your gutters.  Where traditional gutters allow leaves and debris to enter and gutter screens can clog, our Gutter System allows rainwater flows over and around the nose of the gutter system and into your gutters.  Our gutters offer protection against the elements with our exclusive high back system with eight flow reducers, preventing unwanted overflow and completely protecting the fascia.

How does the Gutter System work?
The system works on the physical principle of water tension.  If you hold the lip of a drinking glass under a running tap, the water will follow the contours of the glass, even changing the direction of the flow.  Water curves around the hood of the Gutter System and flows into the gutter portion, while leaves and debris flow over and off, never clogging the system.

How is the Gutter System installed?
We remove your old gutters and downspouts and custom-make a premium aluminum seamless gutter on-site at your home.  We attach our gutter studs every 24” to either the rafter tails or fascia boards of your home.  Installing the gutter studs every 24” makes the system able to withstand heavy loads like ice and snow.  The gutter hoods are anchored to the gutter studs (again, every 24”) making it impossible for the hood to separate from the system or be blown off.  All of the elbows curve, allowing water to flow freely and not collect and angle points.

What is covered under warranty?
The Thompson Creek Gutter System is guaranteed to never clog or pull away from your home for as long as you own it.  You will have peace of mind knowing that you don’t have to climb a ladder or worry about clogged gutters again. 

Frequently Asked Questions – Doors

What type of material is the best choice for my door?
If your entry or patio door is made from wood, both the door and the door frame require regular maintenance including painting every three to five years.  Wood doors expand and contract with seasonal changes in temperature and humidity, resulting in gaps and drafts and leading to higher energy costs.

When you install a door made from fiberglass, steel or vinyl, you don’t experience these issues.  Your door and door frame won’t warp, and you will experience little to no expansion or contraction – making the door more energy efficient.  And fiberglass, steel and vinyl doors require no maintenance.

Why is the quality of the door as important as the material?
No matter what material they’re made from, builder grade doors tend to be much more susceptible to the effects of the elements.  Over time, you’ll see the effects from the sun’s UV rays, fading, cracking and eroding the door and door frame.  These lower quality doors are also less energy efficient than higher-quality doors made of fiberglass, steel or vinyl.

How long does a door installation take?
A typical entry, storm or sliding door installation can be completed in just a few hours.  Once we are finished installation, we clean up the entire job site.  Your entryway looks brand new!

What makes Thompson Creek doors the best choice?
All of Thompson Creek doors – entry, sliding, patio and French doors – are the strongest and most energy efficient doors in the industry.  Available in fiberglass, steel or vinyl, they are custom built to your exact specifications.  With many choices for color, glass style, sidelites, hardware and decorative grids, there are literally thousands of combinations, giving you exactly the door you want.

And Thompson Creek doesn’t just install a new door. We replace the whole entry door system – the door frame and threshold, we cap the wood framing outside to match your home, and replace the casing around the door inside your home.

Like all Thompson Creek products, our doors are backed by our unbeatable Double Lifetime Guarantee.  If you, or the next owner of your home, experience any issues at all with your doors, we’ll come out and fix it at no charge.  We stand behind our products 100%.

Frequently Asked Questions – Roofing

Can I recover my existing shingles instead of replacing them?
If you currently have asphalt shingles on your roof, the possibility exists that you can put another layer of shingles on top of your current roof.  But just because you can doesn’t mean you should.

First, your roof is only as good as the sheathing underneath it.  Unfortunately, it is not always easily visible.  Sometimes visible dips or waves are a simple sign of issues.  Soft spots that sink when stepped on are a sure-fire sign of problems.  And if there has ever been a roof leak, the chance of rot exists.

Why are there streaks on my roof shingles?
Some people are under the misconception that streaks are caused by everything from chimney smoke settling to acorns cracking the surface to tree sap or shingle weathering due to granule loss.  But the fact is, in most cases, the stains are streaks are a form of algae. And black streaking is actually caused by a specific type of living algae known as Gloeocapsa Magma.

The staining is a relatively new occurrence locally.  Cutting back on tree canopy, or forgoing the use of a fireplace will not solve the problem.  The algae spores are airborne, so they’re driven throughout the neighborhood by the wind and settled where they will.  To grow into a visible colony, they need the correct amount of three key elements: humidity, limestone and sunlight.

Once algae has colonized, it feeds on dead organic matter used in the manufacturing process of a shingle.  As the algae breaks down the asphalt shingle, the ceramic granules protecting the surface are loosened and begin to fall off, causing the roof to deteriorate prematurely.

Why is roof moss dangerous to my roof?
Different and more dangerous than algae is moss.  Moss can grow under roofing shingles and act like a sponge, soaking up water after it rains.  Eventually moss can cause roof leaks if not treated.  Roof moss also accumulates on the north side of a home where shade is most prevalent.  Only a professional roofer should attempt to remove moss, as it almost always requires some shingles to be replaced.

If not treated, the roof moss may reduce the life of your roof, diminish your home’s curb appeal and increase your home cooling expenses.

Thompson Creek offers free written quotes as to the cause and recommended cure for all types of roof problems, including roof streaks and moss.

Why is roof ventilation important?
Years of research have proven that properly-installed ridge vent systems are the most efficient and effective way to ventilate your roof.  A balanced system of intake and exhaust throughout an attic provides greater air flow than any other non-powered vent system.  Many homes don’t have the proper ventilation built into their roofing, which can result in costly repairs.  Ridge vents will reduce heat build up in the summer.  They help eliminate trapped moisture than can cause mold, mildew and wood rot.  Ridge vents keep the roof deck cool in winter to help protect against ice dams.  And they extend the life of the shingles.

What are some of the other signs of roof issues?
You might see thermal splitting or cracking, which in most cases is actually a tearing of the shingle.  Tearing is typically observed on the lightest-weight shingles and is typically caused by thermal expansion and contraction.  Splitting or cracking can obviously lead to water infiltration into the sheathing under your shingles and eventually into your home.

Asphalt shingles often show cupping (a concave center), curling (raised edges which curve downwards) or fish-mouthing (raised edge of a shingle tab at its center with little curling).  Although the appearance of these conditions is different, all of them indicate worn, old, fragile roof covering, though the causes and prevention can vary.

Be warned: walking on a cupped/curled or fish-mouthed shingle roof can cause irreparable damage.  An old roof with these issues may not yet be leaking and could last a couple more years depending on its condition.  But if you walk on a roof showing these signs you’ll destroy the roof by breaking shingles everywhere stepped, leading to the need for an immediate roof replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions – Siding

What are the advantages of vinyl siding?
If you choose wood or cement fiber board for your home, both require regular maintenance, including painting every three to five years.  In addition to being expensive, cement fiber board is very difficult to install properly.  Wood or cement fiber board are both very susceptible to moisture if not painted or sealed on a regular basis.

By installing Thompson Creek vinyl siding, it’s an investment that not only instantly improves your home’s curb appeal, it will add to your home’s resale value.

Isn’t all vinyl siding the same?
Not all vinyl siding is created equal.  Builder-grade vinyl siding is susceptible to fading from UV rays.  Because it’s thin, it has a tendency to cup and warp, as well as show the seams where two pieces of siding meet.

Higher-quality vinyl siding like Thompson Creek’s does not fade from the sun. It is made of thicker vinyl, therefore it doesn’t warp and it doesn’t show the seams.  Our vinyl is actually 300% more impact-resistant than ordinary siding.  And Thompson Creek vinyl siding looks more like real wood than inferior products on the market.

And like Thompson Creek’s other products, our vinyl siding comes with a transferable double lifetime guarantee, so you - and the next owners - won’t ever have to worry about painting, maintaining or replacing your siding for as long as your house is standing.

How important is the siding installation process?
Proper installation of vinyl siding is as critical as the quality of the product itself.  The quality of the labor, workmanship and materials ensures your new siding looks great and lasts a lifetime.

There is a right and a wrong way to replace your siding.  Quality companies like Thompson Creek know the best combination of materials and installation processes to ensure the quality of the finished project.  Materials like moisture barriers, quality insulation and non-flammable materials all contribute to a quality finished project.

When Thompson Creek replaces your siding, we first remove all the old siding, inspect your underlayment and wrap the home with a moisture barrier. Then we install the vinyl siding with attached non-flammable foam insulation, whereas most insulation products are flammable.

How long does siding replacement take?
A typical whole-house siding replacement takes about two to three days to complete.  We take great care to inspect the structure during each step of the process, ensuring we are installing the moisture barrier and siding properly.