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Frequently Asked Questions > All Replacement Window Styles

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 is a custom measured item designed to fit exactly and can be normally installed without removing or disturbing the interior and exterior stops/trim work around the window.

What are various windows made of and what will work best for me?

Basically there are three types of materials used. Aluminum windows, with their easily scratched painted surfaces, conduct both heat and cold, so they're very poor insulators. Wood windows, which require constant painting and caulking, can absorb moisture, making them difficult to open and close. They can even rot. Suburban Construction's solid vinyl windows, however, never need painting and won't show scratches, because the color goes throughout the material. This is why vinyl windows are quickly becoming the most popular choice for both new construction and replacement applications. In addition, you should certainly consider custom-sized windows for the very simple reason that they'll fit better. Stock-sized windows require extensive carpentry work both inside and outside your house. That can be very costly and inconvenient. Suburban Construction's custom-sized windows, on the other hand, are manufactured to fit your existing window opening. You get the style and options you want while maintaining your glass area.

Why do I want a custom measured replacement window system?

Do you want your home "just good enough" or "I think that will work? The answer is of course not! Standard or lumberyard windows are always cheaper, but when you take into consideration, the increased costs of labor and the problems with how to trim or finish out the inside of the window opening. Who wants a stock size window? Custom windows are CUSTOM! These will provide the upmost energy performance, therefore you should see some energy savings and will install with ease. Plus, what is more entertaining that custom designing your own home!

If I do put new replacement windows in my house, will they really improve the value of a home?

Yes, for a variety of reasons. First, you may realize savings on your heating and cooling bills. Second, they're virtually maintenance-free, which eliminates painting costs. And finally, the transferability of one of the strongest warranties in the business may easily add to the resale value of your home. Many of the considerations that future homebuyers look for in a new home are kitchens, bathrooms and windows. Let's face it, curb appeal is very important to your home and by investing in new energy efficient windows will definitely be a great buying tool if you ever want to put your home up on the market.

Can I install just 2 or 3 windows at a time?

Of course - many of our jobs sold are partial orders. Many people can only afford to install a few windows at a time. Suburban Construction will always let you work around your own time frame and within your own budget.

Is there any difference in how windows are made?

There are two basic types of construction: Mechanically fastened windows are screwed together at the corners. And welded windows, becoming more and more popular, that use a chemical or heat process for joining. Suburban Construction's uses mechanically fastened and welded windows. Our mechanically fastened windows feature a unique overlap corner design for extra strength, while our welded versions utilize state-of-the-art heat welding equipment. Beware of windows with mitered corners screwed together or chemically welded corners, as they probably won't perform as well for you.

Can I replace my old windows with different styles or types?

Certainly, since all Suburban Construction replacement windows are part of Suburban Construction Window System. You may want to consult a design specialist to find the type of window that best complements your home's natural design. No matter what style or combination of styles you choose, however, Suburban Construction can custom-manufacture it all for you.

What is the process of getting new windows installed?

Three easy steps and you can have your windows installed from Suburban: 1.Have your appointment date assigned with a Suburban Construction designer to get your detailed project spec sheet. 2.After you have authorized your contract agreement, Suburban Construction will have a measure-man measure each opening, so you know you get a perfect fit designed just for your home. 3.We will contact you to set up your installation date and you can relax and enjoy your new purchase!

Can I have new windows installed in cold or in the hot summer weather?

Yes, that's when most homeowners will experience the best results from new replacement windows.

What about noise reduction?

Homeowners with Suburban Construction Window Systems say there's a noticeable reduction in the amount of noise that enters their homes.

Do Suburban Construction windows require a lot of maintenance?

Because our frames and sashes are made of vinyl, you can say goodbye to painting and caulking. Suburban Construction windows won't stick, and you don't have to remove storm windows in order to clean them. In fact, you can do it all from inside your home. An occasional wipe with a damp cloth will keep your windows looking like new for years to come.

What is more important in saving energy, the frame or the glass?

Since 80% of a window is glass, real heating and cooling savings come from what is known as "improved glass performance," not a high R-value on the frame. Suburban Construction uses the latest technology, known as a Super G insulated glass spacer system. This spacer system helps to improve the performance and the longevity of the insulated glass unit, and is standard on all Suburban Construction windows.

What energy-saving options should I know about?

You should give careful consideration to Suburban Construction's Insulated Glass Package, featuring Stay Clean Glass, Tuff Glass or Tuf Glass, Low E2 glass and argon gas. Low E2 glass is an excellent barrier against ultraviolet rays which fade carpet, furniture, draperies, and even woodwork. Argon gas is colorless, odorless, nonflammable, nontoxic, and above all, a safe, inert gas that is heavier than air. Not only does argon gas help to increase the energy efficiency of a window, but helps to make your home quieter as well. When Suburban Construction windows are equipped with the LoE2 glass and argon gas, they automatically meet or exceed the energy-saving requirements for all three climate zones set forth by the Energy Star Window program.

What is the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) and why is it so important?

The NFRC is an independent, non profit organization made up of representatives from manufacturers, suppliers, builders, specifiers, architects, state code and energy offices, utilities, consumer groups and the federal government. NFRC offers a single, uniform system for standardizing the energy performance of the glass, as well as the entire window. NFRC provides independent, credible and accurate energy performance information that you need to make an informed choice about your windows.

What is the Energy Star Program?

The Energy Star program was created by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy to help consumers in the recognition of energy-efficient products. This program also promotes the environmental and economic benefits of these products through the Energy Star label and other program activities.

Aren't all window warranties practically the same?

Not really. There are as many warranties as there are window manufacturers. Some brand name factory warranties cover just the sash and frame. The rest is left up to the local fabricator who may or may not cover it. Your warranty is only as good as the company behind it. With Suburban Construction's manufacturers, your unit is warranted from the extrusion and parts to the glass and construction by a Lifetime Limited Warranty*, with transferability provisions. It's one of the most comprehensive available, just what you'd expect from an industry leader.

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    Clinton, Dewitt and surrounding 90 mile radius. Copyright © 1997-2009 by Suburban Construction, Inc. All Rights Reserved

    Iowa Illinois Home ImprovementQuad City Vinyl Replacement WindowsIowa Vinyl Siding ContractorsEgress WindowsIllinois Gutter Cap
    Learn the Home Improvement Basics - Frequently Asked Questions Service Area Coverage


    Iowa Illinois Home Improvement Contractors Disclaimer: The replacement vinyl window, roofing contractor and vinyl and steel siding installation information presented within this website is for informational purposes only. Please contact us or see our huge showroom to discuss your particular vinyl window, sunroom or siding needs. Specialists of quality replacement windows, siding, sunrooms, roofing, gutter cap, heater cap, entry doors, storm doors and estimates are always free. Who is Suburban Construction? Brian Girskis launched Suburban Construction in 1985 and the family-owned and operated company is growing strong some 25 years and two generations later. His son, J.R. Girskis, is the company president and the third generation was born a few months ago. The Davenport-based company supplies and installs windows, siding and doors for the residential market. In 25 years, Suburban has completed more than 24,000 jobs. “We are always focused on the customer,” said general manager Darin Wilson. “Without the customer, we don’t have a business.” The company was honored as a 2007 Dealer of the Year by Associated Materials Inc., or AMI. “Suburban Construction is a company that definitely goes over and above servicing their customers,” Wayne Fredrick, executive vice president of AMI Sales, said. Working with a large customer base allows Suburban to purchase and buy goods for substantially less then its competitors, Wilson said. “We’re one of the only companies in the nation that offers a lifetime warranty on the product after we install it,” he said. The company doesn’t make money if things go wrong after the installation so crews make sure the job is done properly, he said. With energy conservation such a huge concern, products offered have the Energy Star rating so homeowners see savings on their energy bills. “With today’s home market being so inconsistent, it’s easier to have someone come in and give you a new home on top of your current home rather than having to pack up all your stuff,” he said. For example, by installing new insulated siding, Wilson added, an older home can essentially be turned into a new residence. Founder Brian Girskis still keeps a hand in the business. He was in the manufacturing and wholesale end of the industry in the 1970s and 1980s and distributed material to companies similar to Suburban. “I saw they weren’t generating any repeat business. I learned what not to do from those other people,” Girskis said. “Most of our business is referral business and that’s what we want to keep.” The office and showroom originally were based in downtown Bettendorf. Girskis relocated the company to Davenport in 1995. His decision to specialize in windows, siding and doors was based on two factors: getting better buying power that is passed onto the consumer and building something of value, Girskis said. “We try to do a Cadillac for the price of a Chevy. I’m very satisfied but we’re always looking to do better,” he said. Products Suburban Construction specializes in: Replacement Windows from AMI – Suburban Construction and quality windows by Associated Materials Incorporated, set the standard by which other replacement windows are measured. Innovation has resulted in a collection of windows that are designed and engineered to provide beauty, performance, ease of operation, virtually no maintenance, and increased energy-efficiency. You want a fair price. Don’t be misled by others offering replacement windows for a cheap price. Often times, this is a low-end window you might use for a garage, not your home. Usually, this cheap price doesn’t include measuring charges, custom sizing, replacing rotten wood, insulating inside weight cavities and around perimeters, or covering the outside window trim with maintenance-free aluminum and sealant. At Suburban, you always get a complete installation without any hidden costs. Gutter Cap is a must for the bitter midwest winters! Ice and snow build up in gutters, causing gutter seams to break! In addition, the weight of heavy snow causes gutters to loosen while the back up of ice behind gutters causes moisture damage to fascia. · The Gutter Cap combines surface tension with “capillary action!” This patented design allows rainwater to adhere to the dome of the cap while leaves and debris blow OFF the roof. · Your existing gutter is a free flowing drainage system with Gutter Cap. · Gutter Cap saves you the time, hassle & DANGER of cleaning Gutters…plus saves you upwards of thousands of dollars in damage each year! Some vinyl siding has a reputation for being flimsy, which not only make is awkard to handle and install, but caused problems with sagging and uneven walls long after installation. The Freedom Vinyl Siding from Suburban Construction is designed to help eliminate wavy lines and uneven walls. This leads to the production of a superior finished quality that really lasts. The Freedom Viny Collection is Designed with optimal performance and outstanding beauty. Loaded with premium features, Freedom Premium Vinyl Siding boasts a premium thickness. Freedom Premium Vinyl Siding from Suburban is the best investment you can make in your home and is perfect for every siding project. Wood doors aren't very energy efficient. They also crack, swell, warp and rot, leading to frequent maintenace. Steel doors are more durable, but they easily dent, ding and rust. And if a door's parts aren't designed as a system, they won't work well together or stand the test of time. A fiberglass door simply outperforms wood and steel doors. It won't crack, swell, rot, dent, ding or rust - so it's virtually maintenance free. And only Therma-Tru fiberglass entryways offer full door systems designed, built and tested to the industry's highest standards. You may consider the addition of storm doors to be an unnecessary expense, and may even believe that adding storm doors will decrease the beauty of your home or bring down its market value. Many realtors agree, however, that the addition of storm doors can actually improve your home’s market value, as storm doors will help, in general, to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Energy zoning with triple pane freedom maxx 10 windows can help save you great money. Sun Clean Glass® is a new self cleaning glass technology created by PPG industries. It uses a durable transparent coating that is fused to the surface of the glass with high temperatures during the production of the glass. This glass is available in almost all Suburban Construction replacement windows with one goal in mind, that you spend less time cleaning your windows and more time doing the things you love.

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