Is it time to replace your home windows? Before you decide which window you need, here are 3 tips from your friends at Paul Ryan Windows on what to know about windows.

Average Lifespan of a Window.

How do you tell if you need new windows? How often should you replace home windows? If your windows are more than 20 years old, it’s time to replace them. Over time, if your window pane is collecting condensation, ice or frost – it’s time for new ones. Windows that are sealed or painted shut also lose effectiveness when it comes to energy efficiency. Draftiness is a surefire sign that your windows need an upgrade. Paul Ryan Windows makes window replacement an easy task with our years of experience and excellent service in the Houston area.

Inefficiency Increases Cost.

Cut your energy cost by 15% when you upgrade your windows. Statistics show that leaky and inefficient windows, skylights, and doors account for 25% of the average household’s energy bills. Why waste money? Energy efficiency is an extremely important consideration when choosing a window for your home.

New windows may seem like a huge investment of resources, but with helpful financing options, like the ones offered here, there’s actually more long-term saving in store for the average homeowner.

Know Your Type. 

When shopping for windows, do some research. Find out what type of window you’re looking for, and what best fits your budget.  – solid wood, aluminum, clad, vinyl, composites. Each type of windows does a different job, so the material will depend on a variety of different factors such as where you live, type of climate, and much more. Shopping for windows may seem a little overwhelming, but our team knows the right questions to ask and guides you to the perfect windows for your home.

Have more questions? Call 844-372-2155 or contact us online for a free estimate today.

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Kethley attended Pasadena ISD schools Pommeroy Elementary, Southmore Intermediate, and later graduated class of 99’ from Sam Rayburn High School. He started Paul Ryan Windows in 2011 and attributes much of his success to growing up in a community that believes in local-owned businesses.  Paul Ryan Windows, thanks to the support of fellow Texans, has become one of the fastest growing privately owned businesses in the state, as ranked by Inc. 500.

“Pasadena is close to my heart, and I am fortunate to be able to be in a position to help these kids in any way that I can.  Giving back to our community is an important part of our business model at Paul Ryan Windows,” said Kethley. “These children deserve to continue their music programs as we take the time to recover as a city from the aftermath of Harvey.”

Linda Fletcher, Director of Fine Arts for Pasadena ISD said: “I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Mr. Arlin Kethley, of Paul Ryan Windows, in assisting Pasadena ISD Fine Arts in our time of need. Your contribution is not only helping to restore our music programs with the purchase of new instruments, repair donated instruments, and assist our individual students who are unable to afford to rent an instrument because of the effects of Hurricane Harvey, but has restored our souls as we are overwhelmed with the gracious outpouring of kindness from our friends near and far.  Words are often incapable of expressing our true feelings but in His wisdom, God gave us music.  Thank you for helping us keep music alive in our schools

The post PAUL RYAN WINDOWS OWNER DONATES $10,000 TO PASADENA ISD TO AID IN POST-HARVEY RECOVERY EFFORTS appeared first on Paul Ryan Windows.

Many times once a claim is filed an adjuster will come out to assess damages, and give homeowners a quote they deem fair market value. What most homeowners don’t know is that they don’t have to use insurance company vendors, and are able to call in experts to assess damages and offer a second opinion.

Quotes issued by an expert in the field, such as the team at Paul Ryan Windows, are completely valid and make sure that insurance adjusters aren’t paying out the bare minimum. Paul Ryan Windows is here as an advocate for homeowners as well as a resource during these times of need. We ensure that homeowners will get the full amount of window damage and repair. Don’t pay out of pocket for damages caused to your home by Harvey. Let Paul Ryan Windows repair your windows and frame damage. We’re offering this service completely free to our customers, whether you have insurance or not.

Ensure a maximum return on investment after one of the largest natural disasters Texas has ever seen by calling 1-844-372-2155.

Paul Ryan Windows … The Last Windows You Will Ever Need.

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HOUSTON, Texas (August 28, 2017) – Paul Ryan Windows looks assist our neighbors and friends who have been victims of the citywide devastation caused by Harvey.

We ask that any home in the Greater Houston, Katy and Galveston service areas whose windows have been destroyed by Hurricane Harvey contact us at 844-372-2155. Paul Ryan Windows would like to extend our services and replace any windows free of charge, including installation.

Qualifications:
• Windows that were submerged under water and deemed destroyed by a Paul Ryan Window expert
• Offer applies to those homes in Houston and within a 50 mile radius service area

Does Not Cover:
• Broken Glass
• Leaking Windows
• Wood Windows
• Aluminum Entrances and Storefront
• Specialty Windows that Paul Ryan Windows Doesn’t Service or Supply

“Houston has supported us for over six years, and this is a way we can give back to our community,” Arlin Kethley, Owner of Paul Ryan Windows. “We want to help our neighbors in need and let them know that we are thinking of them. We hope they are all as safe as can be under these conditions.”

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Paul Ryan Windows is a team of dedicated professionals that are second generation window experts and self proclaimed “value engineers”. For more than thirty-five years, the Kethley family has delivered undeniable value to homes and businesses all over Texas with high quality windows, doors, and contractor services at discounted prices. Paul Ryan Windows are the last windows you will ever need.

The post HOUSTON BASED WINDOW COMPANY AIDS IN DISASTER RELIEF appeared first on Paul Ryan Windows.

1. Conduct Annual Maintenance Inspection On Your Roof
It is crucial that you maintain yearly repairs to fix any cracks or leaks in your roof.
The roof is the largest and most vulnerable part of the house in a storm, so
exercising diligence in keeping up its maintenance will save you money in the
long run!

2. Check the Seals Around Doors and Windows
It’s inevitable that the seals around your doors and windows will weaken over
time, especially with the hot summer weather that we experience in Texas!
Simply reseal the doors and windows ahead of time. You’ll save yourself the
hassle of mopping up puddles and dealing with damage inside the house after a
nasty storm!

3. Clear the Yard of Any Potential Hazards
Lawn furniture, grills, garden decor, or anything else that might have the potential
to go flying through a window, needs to be stored inside of the house or garage.
And anything that cannot be moved indoors should be tightly secured to the
ground!

4. Install Hurricane/Wind Rated Windows
Protect your family, house, and personal belongings as best as you possibly can
by installing our custom impact hurricane-rated windows. Our high caliber
windows are designed to shelter your home from damage and debris caused by
winds up to 200 mph! To learn more about this weather protection window, click here.

Simply call us or contact us online today to get a free estimate on installing new windows in your home or
business. Or, for more tips and tricks on improving your home, check out some of our other blogs!

The post Preparing Your Home For Hurricane Season appeared first on Paul Ryan Windows.

But all those words really mean is how many movable sashes there are. “Wait, but what are sashes?” Great question! By doing a little studying on the different parts of a window, it’ll help make replacement window shopping a whole lot easier for you.

What are the Parts of a Window I Should Know About

Although it depends on what style of replacement window you’re thinking of buying, there are basic parts to every window that you should know about:

What is a Window Apron?

An apron is decorative trim installed against the wall immediately beneath the stool of a window. It accentuates the look of the window inside the house; almost a like a piece of moulding.

What is a Balance?

A balance is a device in single- and double-hung windows that uses a spring mechanism to help you with the weight of the sash as you open and close your window. Balances sit inside the window frame so they are somewhat hidden.

What is Interior Window Casing? What is Exterior Window Casing?

Casing is a type of moulding used as trim for the perimeter of windows and doors. Just as their names state, interior window casing is installed on the interior walls of a house to frame the window on the inside for aesthetic purposes, and exterior window casing is the trim or molding that frames the window on the exterior of the house.

What is a Window Frame?

The framework that surrounds and supports the entire window system – comprised of the head, jamb and sill. It is what makes up the perimeter of the window.

What is a Grid?

A grid is the framework of spaced bars that form a pattern in a window.

What is Hardware?

Window hardware is all the devices, fittings, or assemblies that are used to operate a window. Window hardware may include catches, cords, fasteners, hinges, handles, locks, pivots, pulls, pulleys, and sash weights.

What is Insulated Glass?

Two or more pieces of glass with a space between them that are hermetically sealed to provide insulating characteristics.

What is a Jamb?

Jambs are the main vertical components that form the sides of a window. A head or head jamb is the vertical component that sits at the very top of the window frame. The window sash seats against it.

What is a Jamb Liner?

A jamb liner is a strip which goes on the sides of a window frame that provides a snug fit for the window sash.

What is a Lift?

A lift is a handle on a single- or double-hung window that is attached to the the bottom of the lower sash to help open and shut the window. Not all windows have a lift.

What are Muntins for Windows?

Muntins are the actual bars that create a grid pattern in windows. They are permanently stuck to the interior and exterior of the window.

What is a Sash? Lower and Upper Sash?

A sash is the part of the window unit inside yet separate from the frame. It is the part of the window you open and shut or it can also remain stationary. On a typical single-hung window, the lower or bottom sash is the one that can be opened or shut while the upper sash on a single-hung window doesn’t move. On a double hung window, you can have two sashes that are functional. The sash consists of the stiles, rails, bars, and muntins.

What is a Window Pane?

A window pane is the plate of glass that fills the sash. When you hear the terms single-pane, double-pane, triple-pane, or even quadruple-pane, it refers to how many plates of glass are built into the window for added insulation. You will also hear these terms interchanged with double-glazed, triple-glazed, or quadruple-glazed. Just know those terms mean the same thing.

What is a Rail?

A rail is the horizontal component that runs at the bottom of the lower sash and the top of the upper sash.

What is a Sash Lock?

A sash lock is the locking device which interacts with the sash to keep the window from rattling. In a double-hung window, it fixes both sashes to a locked position.

What is a Window Sill?

A window sill is the horizontal component forming the bottom of a window frame in the interior of the house or building.

What is a Stile?

While rails are the components that run horizontally at the top and bottom of a sash, stiles are the components that run vertically on the sides of a sash.

What is a Stool?

The window stool is the part of the window commonly called the window sill. However, a stool and a sill are two different things. The sill of the window is the bottom horizontal portion of the window. The stool is the more visible piece of wood, metal or stone attached to the window sill that you might sit your plants on.

What is Weather Stripping?

Weather stripping is a strip of resilient material designed to seal the sash and frame members in order to reduce air and water infiltration.

Take Part in Knowing Your Window Parts

As you can see, there’s a lot to learn about before you have replacement windows installed or if you decide to do it yourself. Most top window contractors in Houston will typically take the time to ensure you understand how a window functions and the benefits that come along with it. But you may come across a replacement window company or two that assumes you know what they’re talking about. They’ll zip right through a presentation filled with wacky wordy window terminology that leaves you in the dark. Don’t get caught like a deer in a headlights.

Start by knowing your window parts so you can confidently make a decision on the right windows to meet your needs. And while you’re at it, read up on the latest replacement window advancements like Low-E and Warm Edge technology. We guarantee you’ll come across these terms while replacement window shopping.

The post Replacement Window Shopping: Getting to Know The Parts of a Window appeared first on Paul Ryan Windows.

It’s not easy keeping an old house warm. The thought of your energy-sucking HVAC system running 24/7 and the possibility of having to use space heaters to warm your drafty bedrooms is crippling your holiday spirit. Instead of worrying about uncomfortable guests and a $500 energy bill, here are some helpful hints on how to keep your house warm, your energy bill down, and your guests happy.

How to Keep Your House Warm During the Winter

#1. Keep your temperatures consistent.
To improve your energy efficiency and keep your bills down, set your furnace at 68°F or lower and your thermostat to 56°F when you leave your house. If you have it in your budget, consider getting a programmable thermostat that lets you pre-set temperatures to prevent costly temperature swings. You can have a Nest installed inexpensively so that you can control the temperatures even when you’re away from the house. Lastly, be sure to have your central heating and cooling duct system tested for leaks.

To give you an idea of how to keep your house warm without zapping your energy spend, here’s a look at the ideal temperature schedule for your home, made possible with a programmable thermostat.

• 6:45am: Program for 68 degrees, so your guests can wake up to a warm house and take baths without turning blue.
• 10am: Set your thermostat to 56 degrees when you leave your house. Plan some activities and sight-seeing out of the house to give your furnace a rest. You can save up to 15% on your heating bill by turning your thermostat 10-15 degrees down for an 8-hour period.
• 5pm: Program your thermostat at 68 degrees for when you get back. Once you’re home, you want your guests to feel cozy. If you have a lot of people, you may have to account for body heat and have to set your thermostat lower, which is a good thing.
• 10:30pm: Most people sleep better in cooler temperatures, so once your guests have gone to bed, your thermostat can be set again to 56°F. Remember, they will have pajamas and blankets to help keep them warm.

If you use your fireplace, be sure to turn down your thermostat to save energy. Also, use a glass front for your fireplace which will keep heat from escaping through the chimney once the fire burns out.

#2. Check your windows and exterior doors for drafts.
Sometimes your windows are a worse enemy than your thermostat. Leaky windows can cause cool air to seep in while allowing warm air to seep out. You can have the best thermostat and furnace in the world, but if you have leaky windows and doors, you’re basically throwing your money out the window. And if you own a home that was built before 2002, there’s a chance that you may be dealing with single pane windows that aren’t the most energy efficient.

Start by checking your windows and doors for drafts, including your garage door. If warm air is escaping, you may want to consider talking to a top window replacement company in Houston for consultation. Some of the best window replacement companies now offer financing specials with no down payments and no initial monthly payments, so you won’t have to worry about spending your holiday cash. Replacement windows of today are typically double pane or triple pane, which means better insulation against outdoor temperatures.

#3. Let the Warmth Inside and Keep the Cool Out
Houston’s winters are very spotty. Some days are true winter days with 40 degree temperatures and other days are like a warm autumn day in the high 60s. One way to keep your house warm without spending on updates is to take advantage of free warmth by opening up your curtains or blinds on warmer days. Let the sunlight in! Believe it or not, natural light has many other benefits like increasing endorphins and improving mood. Your guests will appreciate the natural beauty of sunlight in your home.

On cooler, gloomier days, make sure to keep your curtains or blinds shut, especially at night when the sun sets. If you have it in your budget, heavier curtains will help absorb some of the cool draft coming into your home.

#4. Seal leaks throughout your home
You can find many leaks in your home by conducting a blower door test, which works by depressurizing your home, then have a professional seal your leaks or replace your windows and doors. But if you want an inexpensive way to keep your house warm, you can perform your own inspection to locate leaks coming from holes or gaps throughout your home and seal them with some caulk.

First, check your windows and doors to see if they rattle. Any movement may indicate a possible air leak. On the outside of your home, check exterior corners, outdoor water faucets, areas where siding and chimneys meet, and areas where the foundation and the bottom of exterior brick or siding meet. Inside, you’ll want to look for any cracks and gaps that could cause air leaks in your door and window frames, electrical outlets, fireplaces, attic hatches, cable lines, vents, dryer vent areas, switch plates, baseboards, and window-mounted air conditioners.

#5. Check Your Vents Around Your Home
Unlike modern homes with vents in the ceilings, older homes have vents in the floor or on the walls. Take a look around your house and see if there is anything blocking your vents like furniture, boxes, or other items. If vents are blocked, this can disrupt the flow of heat in your home.

Also be sure to check the air filters in your HVAC system to ensure dust and pollutants don’t clog up the unit. A dirty air filter can reduces airflow and limit your system’s efficiency. Changing your air filters regularly will help your HVAC unit to work at its fullest capacity.

And if you’re wondering how to keep your house warm without that much effort, you can kill two birds with one stone by simply baking and cooking up a storm any time you’re home—using your oven can increase your indoor temperatures about 10 degrees. A warm house with lots of food cannot disappoint over the holidays.

The post How to Keep Your House Warm for Guests: FIVE Energy Saving Tips for Winter appeared first on Paul Ryan Windows.

That’s a lot of people shuffling in and out, so in a house with a regular-sized door leading to your backyard, think about how you can achieve better flow, access, and airiness by installing a new patio door.

But before you decide on what kind of patio door to get, first think about how you use your home, the type of host you are, the type of guests you host, and your vision for the perfect flow for your gatherings.

Which Patio Doors Are Best For You?

As trivial as a patio door may seem, it can make a big difference in how your guests and your gatherings flow, especially if you are the type of person that likes to entertain – and entertain well. There are a handful of patio door styles to choose from.

Are you a once-in-a-while host that enjoys sharing the charm of your home with others from time to time? Are you a frequent partier with a Texas-sized family and lots of friends? Are you the distinguished host that seeks to impress with novelty? Or are you simply wanting to replace your old patio door for more energy efficiency in order to keep your indoor temperature consistent?

Once you decide on which patio door is best for you, ask a door installation company about the most advanced features like Low E, aluminum seals, shatter-proof glass, and hook-over locks to better manage temperature, security, and safety.

What Type of Patio Doors Should I Buy?

Sliding Patio Doors:

If you are the practical, frequent party host with lots of friends and kids in the family, a sliding door may be the right option for you. Because sliding doors glide from side to side as opposed to being swung open, you don’t have to listen to the door slamming every time someone goes from inside to outside.

While a standard door forces your guests into single file lines through the doorway, a sliding door provides a wider entryway for multiple people to travel from inside to outside. And if you’re serving Thanksgiving dinner to a tribe of people out on the patio, sliding doors make it so much easier for a host to move tables, chairs, platters and your 12 lb. turkey outside.

Also, because sliding doors typically have glass panels from top to bottom, your guests inside can easily feel connected to the folks hanging out back. Shatterproof glass is now offered to homeowners for increased safety. For enhanced security, talk to a window or patio door specialist about incorporated gaskets, aluminium seals, fixed leaves, and a hook-over locking mechanism.

Swinging and French Style Patio Doors:

Swinging and French Style doors are perfect for the dainty, charming host. If you want a double-door sized entryway without compromising the charm of your home or your party, these may be the option for you. Because swinging doors open inward and use more space, they are better for hosts of smaller groups who aren’t worried so much about losing space (or the slamming of doors by ten kids on the loose). Swinging, or hinged doors, usually have full view glass panels in doors that are center hung. French doors are also made of two doors but are hinged at the side jambs so that the door panels meet when closed. With French doors, the entire area between the hinges is clear when you open them.

Folding Patio Doors:

If you’re the type of host that likes to wow your guests, a folding patio door will certainly impress even the most discerning of your friends. Just like a California hills style patio soiree, your guests will enjoy a wide panoramic view and full full access to the outdoors. Folding patio doors operate accordion-style with each section that slides on an overhead track and folds away without obstructions. Your guests can gracefully move from your living room – or whichever room you decide to place the folding doors – to the patio. This type of patio door would need a wide installation area to function optimally.

Finally, if you’re a homeowner simply looking to replace your old patio door for better insulation, protection, or energy efficiency to combat local weather, you can consult with a local window contractor in Houston that knows about products made particularly for Houston climate. They can talk to you about today’s most advanced technologies like Low E or storm doors that will keep your home comfortable and protected.

The post Patio Doors for Hosting: the Prim, the Proper, and the Partiers appeared first on Paul Ryan Windows.

Damaged windows

This reason leads to prompt action usually but it depends on the damage. When a window is broken, then repair or replacement becomes a priority. When the seal is broken between a double pane of glass and you’re seeing condensation between the panes, it hampers your view but maybe also affords you some time to look around at your options. Is it time for a change?

Safety

Security is important, whether you’re in your home or away on vacation, it’s nice to know your property is secured. If you feel there is a vulnerability, research the products which will give you back your peace of mind. In the Houston area the weather can also take us by surprise – it’s more fun to watch the storm while you’re safe and toasty indoors.

Energy Efficiency

Times have moved on and technology keeps improving to help with energy efficiency. You get that ‘feel good’ mindset that you’re doing your part, and a translation to lower energy bills is more than welcome. If you have drafts around windows or doors, it’s time to review your options.

Selling your home

If you’re looking to sell, and know how important a first impression is for a potential buyer, windows are high on the list for making or breaking that pivotal moment. Yes, it’s a great way to impact the overall impression of your living space, but really, if you’re prepared to invest in order to sell, why not invest earlier and enjoy the new windows yourself?

Adding Value to your home

Similar to the reason above, the investment you make in new windows carries through to the value of your home. Not only are you investing in a new ‘look’, you’re adding value to one of your most valuable assets.

Ventilation

Fall is a great time of year. The overwhelming heat of the summer is replaced by fresh breezes with the backdrop of falling leaves. If you feel your house is ‘stuffy’ and want to enjoy some of that fresh air, replacing even one or two windows (strategically placed!) will bring the outdoors ‘in’. A new window could be literally ‘a breath of fresh air!’

Maintenance

Older windows with painted frames inevitably require ongoing maintenance. Managing this is time consuming and an ongoing cost. Newer windows are designed with the future in mind and utilize materials which are not only easier to clean in terms of time and money, they look cleaner when compared to their older counterparts. Sleek and modern design offers more than aesthetics, the design lends itself to easy cleaning and maintenance.

Just Because!

Not to be overlooked, another great reason for replacing windows is simply because you want to. Maybe your neighbor is working on their house and you have window envy (!), maybe you’ve been to a showroom or seen a magazine with a ‘look’ that you know will fit your home and sense of style.

Whatever your reason, we have the experience and product range to find your perfect window solution. If it’s time for a whole new design or if it’s time for a replacement similar to your existing window, contact us at Paul Ryan Windows for some inspiration, great value and friendly customer service.

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