a-TaylorMade upgrade for your home affordable, high-tech energy-efficient windows and doors
Answers to frequently asked questions.

Your A-Taylor Made Window consultant will be happy to give you summary or detailed answers to any questions you may have. In the meantime, we offer this list of answers to commonly asked questions, organized by type of subject matter.

Why is window condensation a cause for concern?

On single-pane windows, condensation can form on the interior of the glass when excessive moisture is present. It is worrisome because condensation, either excessive or constant, leads to mildew, mold and dry rot. Mold is associated with asthma and other respiratory illnesses. This is in addition to single-pane glass being a major loss of heat in a home. If you already have dual-pane windows and condensation forms between the two pieces of glass, it doesn’t cause the problems of condensation being on the inside of the house, but aesthetically it is very unpleasing, and you may want to replace the dual-pane unit.

What makes gas-filled windows superior?

In conventional dual- or –triple pane window, air fills the spaces between glass elements. The heat conductivity of clear, odorless argon gas is about 30 percent less than that of air, which thereby improves the insulation capabilities of the window. Argon gas is non-toxic, and it works so well that the cases holding precious documents at the U.S. National Archives are immersed within protective argon, as the PBS program NOVA describes.

Does a-TaylorMade Window work on commercial properties as well as residences?

We are residential property specialists. We work on single-family homes, duplexes, condominiums, townhomes, apartment buildings, and non-high-rise student dormitories and residence halls.

What should I look for in a window or door installation contractor?

That’s a good — and important — question. To assure that the job will be done by technically competent workers, and that the project will be completed, make sure that the contractor you select is licensed, bonded and insured, as a-TaylorMade Window is. The reputation of brand name products a contractor is authorized to sell is a reflection of the professionalism of an installation company. Certification from individual window and door manufacturer further attest to the expertise of a contractor. To further protect yourself, ask contractors to specify the workmanship warranty they offer as well as the terms of manufacturers’ product warranty.

Also examine contractors’ ratings and reviews with:

  • Angie’s List, on which a-TaylorMade Window has earned top ratings in quality, responsiveness, price and professionalism.
  • Better Business Bureau, which classifies a-TaylorMade Window a BBB Accredited Business, with an A+ rating.
  • Yelp, on which a-TaylorMade Window has more than three dozen five-star reviews by satisfied customers.

How can I tell if a contractor has a valid license?

What questions should I ask a prospective contractor?

Ask about the contractor’s recent experience with window installations such as yours. Find out the terms of the contractor’s installation warranty, distinct from the manufacturer’s product warranty. Inquire if work on your home will be done by the contractor’s own employees or by subcontractors. And ask the contractor to describe the installation process for the types of windows and doors you are discussing.

Does a-TaylorMade Window offer a warranty on window and door installation in addition to manufacturers’ product warranties?

Yes, a-TaylorMade Window customers are protected by our 10-year workmanship warranty covering installation of windows and doors. That’s in addition to manufacturers’ product quality warranty.

Should workers’ compensation insurance be a concern of mine?

Yes it should — particularly for a homeowner who hires an unlicensed contractor whose worker is injured while working on your property. If that contractor lacks workers’ compensation insurance, the injured employee may sue you, the homeowner, for liability. You’re protected, however, when working with contractors who have valid licenses and workers’ compensation for their employees (as a-TaylorMade Window does). Make certain also that any subcontractors are licensed and covered under workers’ compensation (a-TaylorMade Window normally does not use subcontractors).

How can I verify if a contractor has workers’ comp and other insurance?

Ask your contractor to show you a Certificate of Insurance that lists all of the company’s insurance policies and insured amounts that are currently in effect.

Will I need a building permit and, if so, can a-TaylorMade Window help me with that?

Nearly all jurisdictions — municipal governments or counties in unincorporated areas — require building permits.

How can I make determinations about window quality?

You can take confidence in evaluation and rankings performed collaboratively by two nationally recognized nonprofit consumer protection organizations: the Window & Door Manufacturers Association and the National Fenestration Rating Council. An NFRC label indicates product performance in several important criteria: U-factor (a measurement of insulation capabilities); solar heat gain (a window’s resistance to warming caused by sunlight); visible light transmittance (measurement of how much light passes through a window); and air leakage.

What do I need to do to prepare my home for window installation?

Kindly remove any draperies, curtains or blinds, and move any furniture and hanging photos or paintings away from the vicinity of the window(s) to be replaced. Our installers can help you with that, if you wish, and they will place dropcloths and runners to protect your floors. Trimming shrubbery to improve access to window openings from the exterior is helpful.

How much of a mess will the installers make?

The process of installing windows and doors is surprisingly neat for most installation types. Our installation crew members will do any necessary sawing on your driveway or other outdoor area to minimize sawdust and particle dispersion within your home. They’ll vacuum particle debris as they proceed, and they’ll tidy up after themselves when they job is done.

Do you sell and install ADA-compliant windows and doors?

Yes, many of the windows and doors from manufacturers we represent have ADA accessibility options available to meet standards established under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. These products are designed and manufactured in compliance with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) regulations for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities. We’ll be glad to discuss how to best meet your needs.

Does a-TaylorMade Window install locking hardware and security peepholes on the doors you sell?

Yes, of course. You can select from our manufacturers’ extensive catalogs of decorative hinges, handles, locks and security viewers, or choose your own, and we’ll mount them as part of any door installation.

Our experts will gladly tell you all you want to know about materials, configurations, durability, energy-saving characteristics, and installation of windows and doors. This online resource section is a good place to start.

Can windows help me reduce noise?

Dual-pane windows will reduce noise by about 50%. There are additional ways to reduce even more noise by using different thicknesses of glass, laminated glass, or a sound-control window.

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  • We were very impressed with the installation crew. They were diligent workers. The experience was pleasant, from Steve to Cathy...
    Virginia C., Walnut Creek
  • I am very impressed with your company. Your professional approach to the planning and administration of my window and door...
    Tom P., Oakland
  • We are quite happy with the quality of your installers and their workmanship. Their attention to details was excellent. We...
    Frank K., El Sobrante
  • Excellent in all respects. Windows look like they were originally designed for the house. Installers were pros, on top of...
    Richard B., Oakland
  • Your crew did a great job — on time, worked very hard. Cleaned up [after] themselves, polite and professional! They...
    Becky G., Point Richmond
  • I really appreciate talking with Cathy on the phone. I enjoy her consistency, follow-through, and friendly voice and manner. Also...
    Margret E., Oakland
  • The a-TaylorMade Window installers were very professional in their work and knew their products, tools and equipment. We enjoyed having...
    Russ M., Fremont
  • Love your team. The whole crew has been professional, courteous, prompt, knowledgeable, and just downright nice. We had a few...
    Kim F., Oakland
  • The installation crew was very courteous and clean. They were very considerate, especially with children.
    Hilary T., El Cerrito
  • Fast and fabulous, as usual.
    Penny W., Petaluma
  • Excellent work crew! We are very satisfied with the work done and are eager to share with the neighbors. Courteous...
    Michael F., Concord
  • The staff was very good at checking and keeping our home very clean. We are happy with the quality of...
    Isabel G., Richmond
  • Fantastic service. Very clean, professional, and on time. Great team – all very friendly and courteous. We are so happy...
    Michelle S., Alameda
  • Excellent job. The foreman and workers were outstanding and very considerate. They kept everything clean and explained everything that they...
    Elaine G., Oakland
  • Thank you. Love the windows – love the attention to detail and care with our home and our possessions.
    Kay R., Oakland
  • Thank you for making the experience such an outstanding positive. The courtesy and exemplary customer service that was provided was...
    Derek L., Albany
  • Installers were very considerate and patient with the animals in both units.
    Kathleen M., Albany
  • The experience with your company was excellent from the initial phone call, scheduling the contacts for the estimate and the...
    Shirley M., Orinda
  • This was a complicated job, but I think you’ve been able to make it work very well. The window looks...
    Gail F., Kensington
  • I love my windows. The crew was courteous and cleaned up after finishing for the day. The house was a...
    Betsy L., Piedmont
  • What a wonderful owner, office staff, crew. Everyone was so kind to me. Thank you to each and everyone of...
    Jackie H., El Cerrito
  • Great install, and those who did the install were extremely friendly. I love the new windows, and all the service...
    Christine R., San Francisco
  • Very pleasant workers. Did a great job! Bill was also great to work with and was sure that I understood...
    Wilma W., Pinole
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