Picture Windows in Meridian, ID
We measure, supply and fit picture windows in homes across Meridian, Idaho.
- Quotes in writing
- 16 areas covered
Meridian Window Pros fits picture windows in homes across Meridian. We measure each opening and make the new window to fit it.
ENERGY STAR says fixed or picture windows do not open at all. The picture windows we fit are glass set solid in a frame, with no handle, hinge or track.
Where we fit picture windows
We put picture windows where you care more about the view than the air, such as a living room that looks out on the yard, a stairwell, or a high window above a door.
There are no moving parts in the picture windows we fit, so we can make each one as a single large piece of glass with a slim frame around it. We fit them with vinyl frames and with fiberglass frames.
Pairing a picture window with windows that open
ENERGY STAR says fresh air on a nice day, or on a cool evening after a hot day, can reduce energy costs, and windows that do not open stop you from enjoying it. That's why we often fit a picture window with a window that opens on each side.
ENERGY STAR groups three window types that push out from the wall, often opening with a crank. It says casements open from the side, awning windows from the bottom and hopper windows from the top. We use casement windows beside a picture window when you want the most air. Next to a patio, where a casement would swing out into the path, we use sliding windows or double-hung windows instead.
Glass for a big window in Meridian
A picture window is mostly glass, so your quote from us lists two numbers for every window.
The first rating, the U-factor, tells you how fast heat passes through a window. The lower the U-factor, the less heat gets through, so you want it low.
The solar heat gain coefficient, or SHGC, is a rating for how much of the sun's heat gets through the glass. The lower the number, the less heat comes in.
ENERGY STAR says a standard double-pane window allows approximately 75 percent of the sun's heat into your home. The National Weather Service office in Boise calls the Treasure Valley a high desert, where nights cool down fast and days heat up fast. For the Northern part of the U.S., ENERGY STAR recommends windows with a U-factor of 0.22 or less. ENERGY STAR's advice for colder climates is a low U-factor and a higher SHGC on a south wall, a low SHGC or shade on east and west walls, and the lowest U-factor you can afford on north walls. So a big west-facing picture window gets different glass from us than one facing north.
What picture windows cost
We use ENERGY STAR's double-hung price as a rough guide for picture windows.
| Double-hung window, 3 ft. by 5 ft., installed | Price per window (ENERGY STAR) |
|---|---|
| Simple and energy-efficient | From about $400 |
| Same window with premium options | About $1,600 or more |
ENERGY STAR lists the premium options as specialty wood finishes, historically accurate designs, laminated glass for impact resistance and extra-strength frames.
We price picture windows for your house once we've measured, and you get that quote in writing.
Older homes and lead paint
If your home was built before 1978, ENERGY STAR says the installer will likely have to take precautions because of possible lead paint. Under the EPA's lead paint rule for renovations, window replacement in those homes is always covered, and the firm doing the work must be certified.
What to get in writing
Ask for these in writing, whoever you hire:
- The exact U-factor and SHGC of each window, written into the contract.
- A line saying the windows are ENERGY STAR certified for where you live.
- The product warranty and the installation warranty. ENERGY STAR says a decent product warranty should be at least 10 years, and preferably 20 years or lifetime. It says installation warranties are typically less than 5 years.
Questions about picture windows in Meridian
Can you make a picture window bigger than my old window?
Yes, we can, though it means changing the opening in the wall. The City of Meridian's handout on residential projects lists window size changes among the jobs that need a permit. We tell you before we start if your job needs one.
Can a picture window have grids?
Yes, we can fit picture windows with or without grids. ENERGY STAR says grids today often come between the glass, which makes the windows much easier to clean.
Why does my big window get wet on the inside in winter?
ENERGY STAR says water forms on the inside of a window when the glass gets cold enough for the damp air in the room to turn to water on it. It says certified windows resist this better but can still get it in cold weather. ENERGY STAR advises insulating the space between the window frame and the wall opening during installation, and keeping indoor humidity in check.
Will a new picture window lower my energy bill?
ENERGY STAR says upgrading to ENERGY STAR certified windows lowers household energy bills by an average of 12%.
How long does it take to get a new picture window?
ENERGY STAR says it is typical for high-performance windows to take 6 to 8 weeks, or even 12 weeks, to arrive after ordering, because each one is made to order. We give you a date when you order.
Is it cheaper to replace several windows at once?
ENERGY STAR says that to get the best price per window, it helps to plan to buy at least 10 windows to reduce installation costs. If you only need one picture window, we'll still fit it.
Get a quote for picture windows
Call us, or send the quote form with your ZIP code and how many windows you need. We'll measure, go through frame and glass options with you, and give you a written quote. To see the other windows we fit, go to the Meridian Window Pros home page.
Ready to talk about your window job?
Send the quote form with your ZIP code and what you need. We will get back to you with a written quote.