Quality windows, installations are key
When the time comes to pick a company to install new windows and doors at home, Hawaii homeowners remember that 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 Hawaii residents cool and comfortable, but, unfortunately, blows the salt air on their homes. Remember, the Islands are surrounded by heavy salt air from the Pacific Ocean and the salt air is constantly blowing on Hawaii homes, rusting and corroding almost everything in sight. It is key to have windows installed correctly to combat Hawaii’s salt air conditions.
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 their homes also. The right Energy Star rated glass will take care of most UV and humidity issues. But, if the windows and doors are not installed correctly when a storm hits, there will be problems. Having the best-installed, impact-resistant windows and doors will make a real difference during a storm. So, when protecting your home by installing new windows and doors, installation is key.
When researching the issues of window installation in Hawaii, the best place for answers is from the foremost expert, Matthew Houar, owner of Tropical Wholesale. He owned the first vinyl window factory in Hawaii and has been installing windows and doors for more than 30 years. When asked what the keys are to the best window installation, Houar said:
• Use the best materials. We have a lot of logistical issues getting material to Hawaii, but always start with the best materials available; do your research.
• Most of the time, salesmen who sell windows 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 and factory warranties.
• 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 the state of Hawaii only requires a one-year workmanship warranty. If you received a shortcut job, the work may last only a year. Use shortcut installation techniques and you will be sorry. Having to do your windows again a short time later due to leaks from shortcut installation techniques can get really 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 figure out the right way to install your new windows and doors. Do the research because installing any window 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. Tropical Wholesale has a showroom at 1351 S. Beretania St. that’s open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. With more than 10,000 customers and hundreds of thousands of windows installed in Hawaii, trust your home to Tropical Wholesale.
