Insight on key aspects of window installations
When the time comes to pick a company to install new windows and doors at home, Hawaii homeowners should remember that installation is key. Anyone can buy the best window product, but if it is not installed correctly, then you might as well have just kept the old windows.
Hawaii has very unique weather conditions, such as strong trade winds, humidity, and even hurricanes. The trades keep the islands cool and comfortable but blow salt air on homes. And, the islands are surrounded by heavy salt air from the Pacific Ocean. The salt air constantly blows on homes, rusting and corroding almost everything in sight. The humidity and UV rays are here daily in Hawaii to remind residents that they live in paradise, but the UV rays and humidity deteriorate homes as well.
With hurricane season coming up, the islands are overdue for one. Be ready for any hurricane by having the best installed, impact-resistant windows and doors that will make a real difference during a storm. So when protecting your home with newly installed windows and doors, installation is key.
When researching the issues of window installation in Hawaii, go with the foremost expert in Hawaii, Matthew Houar, owner of Tropical Wholesale. He owned the first vinyl window factory on island, and has been installing windows and doors for more than 30 years.
When asked what is key to having the best window installations in Hawaii, he said.
• Use the best materials. We have a lot of logistical issues getting materials to Hawaii, but always start with the best materials available; do your research.
• Most of the time salesmen who sell windows in Hawaii will tell you anything to make a sale. Talk to the contractor or the owner of the company directly. Be sure to ask about installation techniques.
• There are a lot of shortcut installation techniques that save money on labor and materials, but it’s a recipe for failure. Be careful because Hawaii only requires a one-year workmanship warranty. If you received a shortcut job, the work may last only a year. But nine out of 10 times after that, you will be sorry. Having to redo your windows five years later can get real expensive.
• Find a company that takes pride in its work and will do the job right. Do your research on different installation techniques. Today with the internet, there is YouTube and a lot of other easy ways to figure out the right way to install your new windows and doors. Do the research because installing any product today is a big investment.
The tip of the day from Houar is to “buy local” and call Tropical Wholesale, the oldest window and siding company in Hawaii. Visit its showroom at 1351 S. Beretania St., which is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. With more than 10,000 Hawaii customers and hundreds of thousands of windows installed, trust your home to Tropical Wholesale.
