Your Window and Siding Questions Answered

Clean the tracks and the small drain holes at the bottom of each frame every spring. Check the outside caulk once a year and fill gaps. Keep gutters clean so water does not pour over the windows. Close blinds on the hottest afternoons to cut heat stress on the seals. Call a provider early if you see fog or water marks.

Wash it once or twice a year with a soft brush and a hose. Trim shrubs back from the walls. Point sprinklers away from the house. Keep grills away from vinyl. After a big storm, walk around and look for cracks or loose pieces so they can be fixed early.

Your request goes to an independent provider who serves your area. They contact you, ask what you noticed and set up a visit. At the visit, they measure, look at the frames or walls and explain your options. Then you get a written estimate. You decide if and when to move ahead, with no obligation at any point.

A typical window job takes one to three days once the windows arrive, and custom windows often take a few weeks to come in. Siding on an average home takes three to seven work days. Rain, repairs and extra layers of old siding can add time. Ask for the schedule in writing.

Ask for proof of license and insurance, a written estimate and a clear warranty on the product and labor. Ask how long they have worked on homes like yours. Compare two or three quotes. A good provider answers questions plainly and gives you time to decide.

Be careful if someone wants a big cash deposit, offers a price that is only good today, will not put anything in writing or cannot show insurance. Door-to-door offers right after a storm deserve extra care.

Some policies may cover sudden damage from hail, wind or falling limbs. It depends on your policy and your insurer. Call your insurer or agent first. A provider can often help document the damage for a claim.

Usually not. Most policies treat wear and tear as normal upkeep, so replacing old or drafty windows is up to the homeowner. If a storm broke the glass or tore the frame, that may be different, so ask your agent. Some utility companies offer rebates on energy efficient windows, which can help with the cost. Check with your utility before you buy.