Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What services does Century Custom Windows offer?
A. Century Custom Windows offers sales and professional installation of brand-name replacement windows, doors, and patio doors - all at everyday affordable prices.

Q. Is Century Custom Windows a registered contractor in the State of Pennsylvania?

A. Yes we are. Our registration number is: PAOAGHIC155    

Q. Are you members of the Better Business Bureau?
A. Yes, we have been accredited members of the Better Business Bureau since 2005.

Q. What areas are served by Century Custom Windows?
A. We serve Metropolitan Pittsburgh and all of Western Pennsylvania area including Erie and Greene counties.

Q. Do your salesman work on commission?

A. No, we have everyday low prices!

Q. What name-brand replacement windows, doors, and patio doors do you carry?
A. We offer vinyl windows by Polaris Technologies and fiberglass windows by Pella Impervia. Our entrance and patio doors are by Polaris, Pella Impervia, and Therma-Tru. We also carry the complete line of Nu-Wood and Fypon window and door trim.

Q. Why should I buy replacement windows from Century Custom Windows instead of a large retail chain?
A. When it comes to replacement windows too many companies today use high-pressure sales tactics, phony pricing gimmicks, or charge too much. At Century Custom Windows, we take a no-nonsense, honest approach by offering you the highest quality, brand-name replacement windows available at down-to-earth prices every day. Take the time to compare our custom windows and doors to any major dealer in the Western Pennsylvania area and you will see how we make quality more affordable.

Q. What are your best vinyl replacement and patio windows?
A. Our UltraWeld line of vinyl replacement windows and patio doors with Energy Smart Supreme glass are superior to vinyl windows and patio doors sold by major dealers and are affordably priced. Ultraweld windows are available with many options and colors. Click the green UltraWeld box in the left margin for additional information.

Q. Do UltraWeld windows qualify for the 2009 Energy Tax Credit?

A. Yes! All UltraWeld, ThermalWeld and Dynatech windows now come with PPG Solarban 60XL glass and meet the new standards set for Low-E glass under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009.    

Q. Will all windows with Low-E Argon glass qualify for the 2009 $1,500.00 energy tax credit?                                                                                 

A. No! To qualify for the tax credit, windows, doors, and skylights placed in service after February 17, 2009 must have a U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) less than or equal to 0.30. You can find the U-factor and SHGC on the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label.  As-of March 29, 2009 many brand name manufacturers windows do not meet the new standards and will not qualify for the tax credit.  Click the orange box located on our website for additional information.    

Q. What do UltraWeld vinyl replacement windows cost?
A. UltraWeld white double-hung vinyl replacement windows with Energy Smart glass (Low-E argon) start at *$389.00 each, completely installed. Price includes aluminum wrap, silicone caulking, screens, and disposal of your old windows. Ultraweld windows are Energy Star Certified, have a heavy-duty vinyl frame, and they come with a lifetime warranty on the frame and 30 years on the glass for seal failure. UltraWeld vinyl replacement windows are comparable to vinyl windows sold by large retail dealers at more than twice the price! * Minimum purchase required.

Q. Do I have to purchase a minimum number of windows to get the low advertised price?
A. Yes, due to our low prices we require a minimum purchase of 5 windows.

Q. What is the normal lead time on custom replacement windows?
A. Depending on the time of year, the average custom replacement window order takes 4 to 8 weeks.

Q. Are your custom replacement windows and doors Energy Star Certified?
A. Yes. All custom replacement windows and doors sold by Century Custom Windows are tested by the National Fenestration Ratings Council to ensure that they meet Energy Star Certification requirements.

Q. How much money will I save on my utility bills by replacing my old windows?

A. The average is about a 25% annual savings with Low-E Argon glass. Your individual results may vary.

Q. What is involved during the in-home consultation?
A. We will meet with you and discuss all the various window styles, colors, and options available to you. We will show you product samples of our replacement windows and answer all of your questions. We will take the time to educate you about replacement windows so that you can make an informed decision. We will take measurements and then give you a price based on your individual requirements. At no time will we ever pressure you, so please relax and take your time. Your total satisfaction is our number one priority!

Q. How long does it take to install custom vinyl replacement windows?
A. The average home takes our installers about one day from start to finish.

Q. What is included with normal installation?
A. Our normal installation includes the following: aluminum wrap, Low-E glass, insulation, silicone caulking, and removal and disposal of the old windows. Some other dealers are charging extra for these items which should be included with a normal installation.

Q. How long do you guarantee your work?
A. All work performed by Century Custom Windows comes with a two-year warranty from the original date of installation.

Q. Do your vinyl replacement windows come with a transferable warranty?
A. Yes they do! Please refer to the warranty information located on each manufacturer’s website for complete details or request a copy of the written warranty from us.

Q. Who do I contact if I need repairs?
A. You may contact us or the manufacturer’s customer service phone number provided with your warranty information if you need parts or service.

Q. Will Century Custom Windows do a heat lamp demonstration with their windows during the in-home consultation?
A. No! Don’t be fooled by the “Heat Lamp” demonstration! This type of demonstration is typically used by dealers selling overpriced vinyl windows. The demonstration results are real, but what they don’t tell you is this - all soft coat Low-E glass has a rating of R-4 and will perform equally well in the heat lamp demonstration. Don’t fall for this gimmick or you will spend from $700.00 to $1,000.00 per window.

Q. What is the typical mark-up on a vinyl replacement window sold by the large retail window dealers?
A. Depending on the time of year, window style, options, and color the mark-up can range from $400.00 to $800.00 or more over the dealer’s cost for labor and materials.

Q. How important is “The Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval” when shopping for replacement windows?
A. The Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval is only given to products that are tested by Good Housekeeping. Only companies who advertise their products in Good Housekeeping Magazine on a regular basis are eligible to earn the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. Replacement windows that have the seal are no better than other high-quality windows, including ours, just more expensive. Certification by industry leading testing agencies like AAMA and NFRC along with Energy Star Certification are more important than the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval when you are shopping for replacement windows.

Q. If I give you my window measurements can you give me a quote over the phone?
A. Yes we can! Please E-mail or fax us your window sizes. Our fax number is 412-429-0142 please be sure to indicate what style window you want us to price. Include the width and height of your windows along with your telephone number.

Q. Can I buy my custom replacement windows from you and install them myself?
A. No! Many people believe that they can save money by installing their own replacement windows. Manufacturers will not honor their warranty if the windows are not installed correctly. Unless you are an experienced window installer this job is not for the average homeowner.

Q. Can they really install a double hung vinyl window for only $189.00 each, what’s the catch?                                                                                     

A. Yes they really can install a double hung vinyl window for $189.00 but not every home will qualify for the ultra-low price. The $189.00 price applies only to double hung windows installed into an existing wood double hung window frame. Additional charges will apply for other window styles like awning, slider, casement or metal windows. As advertised these windows are sold a la carte! You get a generic vinyl window for $189.00 but required items like aluminum trim, screens, Low-E Argon glass, clean-up and disposal of your old windows are all extra. These windows have a long list of extra charges so don’t be surprised when your written estimate is $400.00 or more per window. The good news is that our UltraWeld vinyl window is superior to all windows advertised in the $180.00 price category and starts at $379.00 completely installed.

Q. I saw an advertisement with two grown men standing on top of their window glass. How is that possible?
A. The picture is real! What the ad fails to mention is this - - the glass inside the window featured in the advertisement is made with Tempered Glass that is five times stronger than regular glass and can easily support the weight of two people. Tempered Glass also adds an extra $150.00 to the cost of the window.

Q. What is the difference between Tempered Glass and regular window glass?
A. Tempered glass is five times stronger than regular glass window glass. Tempered glass cannot be cut with a glass cutter and has enough strength to withstand 24,000 pounds of force. It is strong enough to easily hold the weight of an adult man. If broken, Tempered Glass crumbles into harmless pellets with blunt edges that cannot cut your skin.

Q. What is the difference between replacement windows made from 100% virgin vinyl and windows made from recycled vinyl, a.k.a. vinyl regrind?
A. Durability and price. Replacement windows made with recycled vinyl look identical to windows made with premium virgin vinyl when new, but can warp after a few years and start leaking.

Q. Are all Energy Star Certified vinyl replacement windows the basically same quality?
A. No! Even lower-quality replacement windows made from recycled vinyl will meet Energy Star Certification when they are brand new. The problem is bargain windows made from recycled vinyl will warp in two or three years and start leaking. Quality construction with 100% virgin vinyl is paramount when buying new windows. Always ask to see a cross-section or corner cut and look closely at the interior frame. Higher-quality vinyl replacement windows will have fully-welded, heavy-duty vinyl frames with multiple air chambers inside for improved energy efficiency and added strength.

Q. Are the installed vinyl replacement windows advertised for $189.00 Energy Star Certified?
A. NO! As advertised, these vinyl windows come with plain insulated glass and do not qualify for the $1,500.00 Energy Tax Credit. Soft coat Low-E argon glass, required for Energy Star Certification and energy efficiency, is an additional charge.

Q. Is all Low-E argon glass the same?
A. No! Our Energy Smart Supreme glass has a “soft coat” Low-E coating that is applied to the inside glass surface. It is suited to climates with both heating and cooling concerns. Soft coat Low-E, or sputter coating, is applied in multiple layers of optically transparent silver sandwiched between layers of metal oxide in a vacuum chamber. This process provides a superior level of performance and a nearly invisible coating. Hard coat Low-E, or pyrolytic coating, is a coating applied at high temperatures and is sprayed onto the glass surface when the float glass is manufactured. Soft coat Low-E glass has better clarity and greater energy efficiency when compared to hard coat Low-E glass and is the best choice.                 

Q. What is the difference between plain insulated glass and Low-E argon glass?
A. The major difference between the two types of glass is energy efficiency! Soft coat Low-E argon glass has a rating of R-4; plain insulated glass has a rating of only R-2. Soft coat Low-E saves you more money on heating and cooling costs. It is superior to plain glass alone.

Q. How much more does Soft coat Low-E argon glass add to the cost of an average window?
A. Depending on the size of the window, soft coat Low-E argon costs the dealer around $15.00 to $25.00 per window. Some dealers charge $60.00 per window or more for this option.

Q. Does the brand name Low-E glass found in some expensive replacement windows outperform soft coat Low-E argon glass found in a majority of replacement windows today?
A. No! Regardless of what a manufacturer calls their insulated glass units, all soft coat Low-E argon glass has a rating of about R-4. Only “Heat Mirror” windows or triple pane windows will have a higher efficiency rating. The efficiency rating of these types of insulated glass units range from R-5 to R-10 and require more of an investment by the homeowner. As-of March 29, 2009 not all Energy Star Certified windows with Low-E Agron glass meet the new standards set in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 are eligible for the $1,500.00 Energy Tax credit.

Q. What are Heat Mirror windows?
What are the advantages over Low-E glass?
A. Heat Mirror windows have an additional piece of  Low-E film suspended inside the glass giving the insulated glass unit two air spaces. Heat Mirror windows can have an R- rating up to 10. They block 99.9% of damaging UV light. Heat Mirror windows are more than twice as energy efficient and block more UV light than Low-E glass alone.

Q. What is the difference between “Heat Mirror” and triple pane insulated glass units?
A. The main difference is weight. Triple pane sashes weigh more since they use three panes of glass and Heat Mirror uses only two panes of glass and a lightweight Low-E polyester film. Heat Mirror and triple pane windows both have similar energy efficiency ratings.

Q. What window brands offer Heat Mirror glass?
A. Heat Mirror glass is available on the Polaris UltraWeld, ThermalWeld, and DynaTech windows. It is also available on the TRACO Power Two window.

Q. Do storm windows cost less than vinyl replacement windows?
A. No! Our vinyl replacement windows cost less than custom storm windows and are much easier to clean.

Q. Are storm windows Energy Star Certified?
A. No! Storm windows are plain glass and do not meet Energy Star guidelines.

Heat Mirror® is a registered trademark of Southwall Technologies. Content used with permission.