Putnam Windows Blog

What Sets Putnam Windows Apart?

Tyler — Fri, 15 May 2009 19:47:00 GMT

In the day and age of “mega stores,” we at Putnam Windows firmly believe that a family owned business offers clear advantages to the consumer.

One advantage of working with Putnam Windows, an independently owned company, is that we work directly with you the consumer. As an established local business for the past 17 years, we are in a unique position to share our extensive knowledge gained through years of experience. We are continually learning about new window technologies so that we can help you get the most out of your investment. We have an expertise that ‘box store’ salespeople simply do not possess. If issues arise, not only are we more knowledgeable, but you will be talking directly to the owner. Instead of a ‘1-800 good luck policy’ for customer service, we strive for 100% customer satisfaction! Impersonal mega stores do not encourage customer loyalty. At Putnam Windows, not only do we actively promote customer loyalty, we rely on it and highly value your recommendations.

An often unknown or overlooked benefit of working with a family business is that we can actually offer highly competitive pricing. As an independent business owner, we have dealt with the same manufacturers for years and we receive their best discounts. We at Putnam Windows make it a point to pass that along to our customers. ‘Big box’ stores follow established pricing structures and cannot provide discounting flexibility. Neither do they offer quantity discounts. Come to Putnam Windows and we will say ‘yes’ to quantity discounting.

The single biggest perk of working with Putnam Windows is our expert installation. ‘Big box’ stores cannot compete with our installers. Mega stores normally sub-contract or refer out the work to others who may be inexperienced and/or operating on small profit margins. Consequently, they rush and cut corners to make a profit. When our men come out to the job, they are highly motivated and have a personal interest in the success of our company. We take the time to perform the installation correctly. In addition our window installers are also carpenters. In the event we run across structural issues, such as rot, we can make repairs right away, thereby ensuring the completion of the job in a timely and efficient manner. Our men are instructed to perform the job correctly even if there is an extra cost to us.

Let Putnam Windows be your family owned business resource for all your window needs. Get the best advice, products and installation at the best price! Call now: (845) 265-4382 or email us at info@putnamwindows.com

Why not upgrade your existing glass package to a high performance glass package?

Tyler — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:27:00 GMT

Are you like many others who may have purchased a new home only to discover that the builder or contractor installed a good window but one with an inferior or mediocre glass package? Or maybe you bought windows with basic clear insulated glass not realizing or understanding the importance of high performance glass. It‘s a little like buying a sports car with a two cylinder engine!

What do we mean by a mediocre glass package? Simply put, if the glass in your windows is thermal pane but has no “low-e” or argon component, what you have is a very low performance glass. The reason is: “the glass is always the weak link in window performance.” Think of holding a drinking glass, then imagine what would happen if you filled that glass with a hot liquid like coffee? Chances are high that you would drop it! Here’s why: “glass loves to absorb heat energy and move it to cold.” With low performance window glass, this may be exactly what is happening in your home during the winter. Your window glass is absorbing all of your expensively acquired heat and moving it outside.

Of course, once you discover your windows have a non-energy efficient glass, you may feel you have no options. Mistakenly many people conclude that because their windows are new or in great shape they are stuck with what they have. They think high energy costs are inevitable. But did you know most windows can simply have their glass package changed? Oh yes! Now without the expense of a whole new window system you can achieve substantial energy savings and carry a 10 year warrantee on the glass package against premature seal failure.

The solution is simple. Putnam Windows will look at your existing windows and determine their overall condition. Then we will size each window for a new high performance glass package. Once installed, these high performance soft coat “low-e” glass packages maximize the reflection of radiant heat energy. Alternatively in the summer, the sun’s rays will be reflected away in order to keep your home cooler. This is the same technology allowing window manufacturers to meet the new energy tax credit requirements.

An investment in a replacement high energy efficient glass package will ultimately save in heating and cooling expenses for years to come while helping to keep our planet green. Let Putnam Windows be your source for high performance glass packages!

Wondering About the Value of a Window Design Consultant?

Tyler — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:06:00 GMT

Putnam Windows serves one of the most unique regions in the state of New York. Distinctive, significant historical architecture, as well as contemporary designs, can be found throughout Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties in NY. When it comes to window design, each style requires individual consideration for beauty, consistency and function. Window s are an integral component of both residential and business structures. With a vast array of choices in all price ranges, decisions can be overwhelming. The expertise of an experienced window design consultant is, therefore, essential to the success of the architectural design of any home or business.

One of the first and most important responsibilities of a window design specialist is to evaluate the entire project. In addition to the actual design plans, an important part of that evaluation includes a knowledge of the neighborhood - taking into account the surrounding landscape, climatic conditions and existing dwellings and structures. Whether it is a residential or commercial building, the window design phase is crucial to the eventual outcome. Badly proportioned or poorly styled windows will ruin the overall appearance and lead to a decrease in property values. Costly mistakes can be easily avoided by taking advantage of a specialist in window design.

Windows define the facade of any home - they are by far the most critical design element. At Putnam Windows we are masters at sizing and positioning windows to create the desired effect and enhance the character of the home. We recently finished a project in Garrison, NY where our challenge was to work on a home that was very small and poorly designed. Using the same footprint, we transformed it into a wonderful Greek Revival. We specked large decorative features with extra-large window proportions to create the appearance of a much larger home.

Now more than ever, people in Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess, NY realize that energy efficient, green window systems are essential. As your window design professionals, we will recommend the best products to meet your needs. Large energy savings can be reaped by installing the correct products. Unfortunately, many people think they have to sacrifice function for style and without expert advice they may opt for an inappropriate window system. The use of commercial windows or clear insulated glass windows offers almost no energy saving value. They leave the home hot in the summer and cold in the winter resulting in unnecessarily large heating and air conditioning bills. The services of a professional window design consultant will ensure that the correct window system is chosen. In the long run, this means savings in time and money as well as increased value of any residence or business property.

In other words, why use a window design consultant? Because, we are a valuable, necessary and crucial member of your team! Increase the value of your investment by choosing the best that Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess has to offer – Putnam Windows.

Replacement Window System vs. New Construction Window?

Tyler — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:53:00 GMT

Why would a customer choose to use a replacement window system over a new construction window?

What are the pros and cons of going with a replacement window over a new construction window?

1. First, you need to understand the difference between the two. Any style or type of window can come as either a new construction window or a replacement window. It has nothing to do if it is a vinyl window or a wood window system. Nor does it matter if it is a double hung or a casement. A new construction window normally comes with a nailing fin. This is a fin that surrounds the outside of the window. The fin or nail flange allows someone to install the window into a prepared opening. Normally the fin works very well for new construction. A replacement window has no fin or nail flange. The replacement window is normally 3¼” thick at the main frame. The purpose for a 3¼” wide frame is so it fits into an existing window system.

2. The benefits of the replacement window system: You do not need to remove the entire existing window. The 3¼” frame on the replacement fits inside the existing window where the operable parts are. Replacement windows only require half the labor of a full extraction method. You can still retain any existing trim you have around the original window frame. A replacement window is just as energy efficient as a new construction window.

3. The drawbacks of replacement windows: You lose actual glass size because of having a window inside another window frame. If the original window frame is in bad condition it makes the new replacement window inside look bad. If there is any water damage or leakage behind the original window frame you may not find it by just installing a replacement window.

4. The benefits of new construction windows: The entire window system looks new because it requires new trim inside and out. If there is any water leakage or other hidden damage, you now have a chance to repair. You have the option of increasing or decreasing the original opening. You have a chance to insulate around the entire window system.

5. The drawbacks of new construction windows: It requires lots of carpentry if you are removing old window systems. You must use all new trim inside and out. If they are not flashed properly you will get water infiltration. Not recommended for first time carpenters. Extra labor and materials equals much more money.

www.putnamwindows.com/guarantee

Please feel free to post comments or questions, we would like to hear from you.

Welcome to our blog

Tyler — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 21:09:00 GMT

We here, at Putnam Windows, felt it was important to start this blog because of the many new and technical features offered in the window and door industry as well as the many other general questions that come up about windows, door and patio door systems.

Key items that must be address when purchasing windows, doors and patio doors are: soft-coat high performance low-e coatings like ZO-E-SHEILD and HEATSHIELD; these are the features to making a truly high performance and GREEN window system.

The type of materials used to make up new window systems are: pre-primed pine all wood windows, aluminum clad over wood window systems, vinyl clad over wood window systems, solid vinyl window systems and the newest of materials like cellular composite window systems and even fiberglass.

There are many different styles that new windows come in: casements, double hung, awnings, sliders, bays, bows, picture windows, custom shaped windows, even patio door styles, French patio doors, center hinged patio doors, French sliding patio doors, narrow stile patio doors, and the list goes on.

The main focus should also address installation. There are many different ways of installing all the above mentioned windows, door and patio door products. Your application of use will ultimately direct you in your final product choice.

Please feel free to post comments or questions, we would like to hear from you.