Installation key to safety
When the time comes to pick a company to install new windows and doors at home, Hawaii homeowners remember installation is key. Anyone can buy the best window product but if it’s 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 us cool and comfortable but blow the salt air on our home. Our Islands are surrounded by heavy salt air from the Pacifi c Ocean. The salt air is constantly blowing at our homes, rusting and corroding almost everything in sight. The humidity and ultra violet rays are here daily in Hawaii to remind us we live in paradise. But the UV rays and humidity deteriorate our homes, also. And, with hurricane season here we all know we are overdue for a hurricane. Be ready for any hurricane by having the best installed, impact resistant windows and doors that will make a real difference during a storm.
When protecting our homes by installing new windows and doors installation is the key. When researching the issues of window installation in Hawaii I asked the foremost expert in Hawaii, owner of Tropical Windows and Siding, Matthew Houar. Mr. Houar owned the fi rst vinyl window factory in Hawaii and has been installing windows and doors in Hawaii for over 30 years. When asked what the keys are to the best window installation 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 times, salesmen sell windows in Hawaii; they 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. These shortcut techniques are 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 their 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 fi gure out the right way to install your new windows and doors.
The tip of the day from Mr. Houar is to “buy local.” Tropical is the oldest window and siding company in Hawaii. It has a showroom at 1351 S. Beretania St., open Monday through 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 in Hawaii trust your home to Tropical. Call the company at 593-2000.
