St. Louis Window Buying Guide

Everything you need to know about replacement windows can be found on this page. We created this guide to help homeowners make better window buying decisions. If at ANY time you have a question, call us 24/7. We’re here to help!

Your Step-by-Step Guide for Replacing Your Windows

Our goal is to provide all the information you need to make the best possible decision when it comes to buying windows, even if that means you DON’T purchase replacement windows from us! We set up this page as a guide to walk you through the steps you need to take to get the result you want — high-quality window installation at a great price.

On each of the tabs, we also link to more in-depth articles about our windows, the difference between vinyl windows and other materials, and much more. We try to answer every question you could possibly have about buying replacement windows.

For those of you who prefer to talk through your questions rather than research them on your own, feel free to call us anytime. We’re here seven days a week to answer ANY questions you may have about the window buying process, our window company, and more.

We’re straight shooters, and often that may mean we miss out on a sale but being HONEST with our customers is more important than “hard closing” every potential sale.

Here’s an overview of each of the steps you need to take to get your St. Louis home’s windows replaced:

Step 1: Determine How Many Windows You Need To Replace

The first step in any window replacement project is determining how many new windows you need. You also want to note the TYPE of windows you need. But don’t worry, we provide images you can reference as you walk around your house taking notes.

Check out the replacement window styles we install and get step-by-step instructions for making your notes.

Step 2: Pick Your Replacement Window Material, Color & Grid Style

Once you know how many of each type of window you need, you need to determine what material to use, what color you want on the inside and outside of your windows, and a grid style.

At Zen Windows, we offer a wide variety of options for you to pick from. So whether you’re after a standard white vinyl window or a woodgrain finish, we’ve got you covered.

View our window options to pick your materials, colors, and grid styles.

Step 3: Choosing a Window Installer

Once you get to this point, you know how many windows you need, and you have a good idea of what colors/grids you want (don’t worry, if you need some help picking from the many options available, we can help). Now, it’s time to choose the best company to install your windows.

You’re looking for someone who can install high-quality replacement windows at a fair price. Read about how we differ from other local window replacement companies in St. Louis and the things you need to look out for when shopping around.

Step 4: Get Quotes

Notice we say “quotes”… plural. Yes, we encourage you to put us up against some of the leading “big brands.” We’re confident we can compete not only on price but service and warranty as well.

After working with thousands of clients across the country, we hear the same thing over and over — it’s refreshing to NOT be pressured into buying windows.

So go ahead, get a couple of quotes and see how we compare to the other window companies in St. Louis.

Get a quote when you’re ready to start your window replacement project!

Determine What Type of Replacement Windows You Need

The first step in replacing your windows is simple — you need to determine what type of windows you need AND how many you need. Below, you’ll find all the different replacement window styles we carry. Use the images as a reference as you make your notes.

We recommend walking around your house with a notepad and jotting down how many windows you have, plus a count of each type of window. You will also want to note if you have any oversized windows (windows that measure larger than 17 sq. ft. — 101 unified inches, e.g., 41″ X 60″ = 101″).

We ask that you note any oversized windows because those windows cost us slightly more in terms of materials. Windows under this size are pretty much the same cost in terms of glass and vinyl. We keep things simple with this standard vs. oversized pricing model.

Here’s an example of what your notes might look like once you’re done walking around your home:

  • Double-Hung Windows: 11 (one oversized)
  • Casement Windows: 2
  • Picture Windows: 3 (one oversized)
  • Slider Windows: 2
  • Total Number of Windows = 18

Notice that in the list above, we know how many replacement windows we need, what type of windows they are, and that two windows would be considered oversized.

Once you have this list, you’re ready to proceed to the next step.

Here are the window types for your reference (you can click on any of the window names to read more about that type of window):

Pick Your Colors, Woodgrains & Grids

So, you have your list of windows — awesome! Now, it’s time to pick out colors, woodgrains, and grids.

If you have trouble choosing what style you want, call us. We can tell you what’s most popular and help guide you through the process.

Honestly, MOST windows are “white inside, white outside,” meaning they’re your standard white vinyl windows inside and out. You really can’t go wrong with this timeless look. However, feel free to choose from any of the colors below. You’ll want to determine your inside AND outside color.

Here are your options, and note that we offer custom colors, too!

All vinyl replacement windows are available in white (standard) and beige colors. Select window models are available in brown.
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Maintenance-Free Grids

Choose from a variety of decorative grid patterns for your vinyl replacement windows to enhance the architecture of your home. Our decorative grids are sealed between the panes of glass in the insulating glass units. Select from the following options.

Once you get to this point, you know how many windows you need and you have a good idea of what colors/grids you want (don’t worry, if you need some help choosing from the many options available, we’re here to help). Now comes the part everyone struggles with… picking out the BEST St. Louis window company for the installation.

But you’re not just selecting a window company — you’re selecting a company AND their line of windows, so you need to “grade” the companies on these criteria:

  • Type of company (big brand vs. local)
  • Reputation (online reviews, BBB membership, etc.)
  • Quality of windows (check third-party quality and energy-efficiency ratings)
  • Price of windows

After you grade each company on the above criteria, you should have a shortlist comprised of two to three companies to get a window installation quote from.

We’ve written in-depth about each of the four criteria above. Keep reading below, and if you have any questions, check out our FAQs or call us seven days a week! Our number one mission is to make every person’s window buying experience as pain-free as possible.

Types of Window Replacement Companies in St Louis

You really have two different types of companies to pick from: “Big Brand” vs. “Local”

“Big Brand” Window Companies
The big brand companies are your Andersens, Pellas, and so forth. These companies may be household names, but to become a household name it takes MILLIONS of marketing dollars. What’s important to note about the big brand companies is that they carry a VERY large amount of overhead. Think of it like this…

If a company has to employ multiple people to run all over town in $50,000 work trucks to give “hard sell” price quotes, how do you think that affects their bids? Or what about the TV commercials, mass direct mail campaigns, billboards, and so forth? Obviously this means they have to make up for all that money they’re spending, leading to HIGHER prices.

Now here’s the part most of these companies don’t want you to know — Their salespeople are TRAINED to sell hard and to sell you on the “benefits of working with a big, reputable company” compared to the little guys. They’ll stress that they offer the highest-quality vinyl windows while often this isn’t true.

Basically, they try to convince homeowners, using a professional salesperson, that if they don’t pay these inflated prices, they won’t get a high-quality window. That’s flat-out not true.

“Local” Window Companies
On the opposite end of the spectrum, you have your locally owned and operated window companies. These companies tend to compete more on price and service. Where the big brands compete in branding and mass market appeal, the smaller, more agile local companies compete on service, relationships, and often price.

A local company has much less overhead, allowing the owner to set prices for the SAME quality windows at a much lower price. You will often get to work directly with the owner, which many homeowners view as a major benefit compared to working with just a “salesperson” or “project manager”.

Where Does Zen Windows St. Louis Fit?
Honestly, Zen Windows fits right in the middle, offering the client the best of both worlds. We are a national brand, which gives us large-scale knowledge of the industry, relationships with manufacturers, and more. BUT, we are locally owned and operated, meaning you will speak directly with the owner.

We also have a very unique process. We don’t send a high-priced salesperson to your home — there’s no need to. We can SAVE that cost and pass it on to you, the buyer, as savings. You can read more about what it’s like to work with us HERE.

THIS RESULTS IN YOU GETTING PREMIUM-QUALITY WINDOW INSTALLATION BY A LOCAL COMPANY AT A PRICE THAT’S CHEAPER THAN THE BIG BRANDS.

Reputation

You’ll want to look at every possible review source for each company you’re considering. Maybe it’s us, Window World, and Andersen, for example. Read the reviews for each of the three companies on:

And compare them. What do past customers have to say? Do they not even have reviews?

If a St. Louis window company is not actively acquiring reviews on these sources, there’s a good chance they don’t have many customers who were ecstatic to have worked with them!

This may sound harsh, but it’s the truth. In today’s digital age, the consumer is empowered to speak their mind online in seconds.

If a window company consistently “WOWS” their customers with great service, quality, and prices, that wow factor will translate into online reviews.

So go ahead, compare us to the other two or three companies and see how we stack up!

Quality of Replacement Windows

Many homeowners today install new replacement windows not only to improve the appearance of their homes but also to take advantage of the energy-saving capabilities these modern types of windows can provide. Unlike their older counterparts, they’re more effective in keeping rain, wind, sleet, and snow out of your home during winter while also maintaining the warm temperature inside that keeps your indoors comfortable during the cold season.

During summer, replacement windows prevent the cool air from escaping your house, effectively keeping your home cool and airy. This keeps your home comfortable regardless of the time of the year and can also significantly lower your cooling and heating costs by at least 25%. These major qualities are what defines energy-efficient replacement windows today.

Essentially, the most energy-efficient windows are those that can minimize heat transfer, which makes the window frame material a major consideration. This reduction of heat transfer is responsible for keeping the heat in the home during winter and letting it out during summer. The double-glazed glass pack that has a PPG Intercept spacer or a foam Super Spacer between the glass panels can further reduce the heat transfer.

In addition, the glass technology used in modern replacement windows has greatly improved through the years. For instance, there’s the low emissivity coating that can reflect heat back in the form of infrared light without compromising the amount of natural light that gets into the room. As for the materials used in the construction of the frames and sashes, vinyl ranks high for energy efficiency.

The window design is equally given the attention to make replacement windows even more efficient, especially in sealing out air and preventing water infiltration. Those with sashes that directly close snugly into pocket headers and sills perform better. In addition, the sashes particularly on vinyl windows come with rubber seals and weather strips, further improving the units’ sealing ability.

In the past, window frames were mechanically connected through nails or screws. This method weaken over time and creates gaps that allow air and water to get in. To address this issue, vinyl windows today have their sashes and frames welded together, providing a stronger and better ability to withstand bend and flex movements without loosening, while also protecting against natural elements.

The production of modern replacement windows has come a long way, resulting in the creation of units that last far longer and perform way better than their older versions. Today more than ever, the decision of whether to get new windows has become a no-brainer for most homeowners.

In St. Louis, getting new windows is a decision made simpler by Zen Windows. Call us today, get your quote within five minutes, and have your windows installed as soon as possible.

Price of Replacement Windows in St. Louis

Everybody loves a good price. People will buy goods or services if they get a good deal. However, in the home improvement industry, you have to be wary of products that are sold very cheaply. In most cases, you get what you paid for. As the saying goes, “Buy cheap and you’ll end up buying twice.”

When you shop for new replacement windows, you’ll discover they can vary in price from $200 to as much as and even more than $1,500. If you choose windows that cost from $200 to $400, you may think you’ve found a good deal and will save money, but not long after, you’ll be looking for new windows again.

This is because this type of window doesn’t last long, either because of the sub-standard quality of the unit and installation or poor window warranty. Largely because they will only serve you for a short time, these windows are often referred to as “rental windows.”

Meanwhile, there are windows that cost $600. They’re often sold by companies that are in the business for the long haul. These windows more often than not boast excellent quality, which is further complemented with excellent installation services.

On the other hand, there are replacement windows priced at $1,500 each. They actually have the same quality as those windows that only cost $600. How? You see, just as windows are not created equal, so are window companies. There are companies that want to make money fast at the expense of customers who don’t know better. Needless to say, gullible customers become easy targets. Don’t get this wrong. The windows are often good quality and the installation just as great. But you can have the same quality for a lot less.

So, what does the huge diversity in price tell you? It should tell you to choose your window company really well. Find those who care more about your needs than the money they can potentially earn. Look for window replacement companies that have been in the industry for years. Chances are that they’re reputable and have long established their reputation based on integrity, honesty, and quality products and services.

You will have the assurance that in case of problems with your units, a good company will offer you the kind of support you can rely on at any time and will respond to your call right away. They will deal with the problem within 24 hours.

When you think about it, when you choose the windows that cost $600, you will not only get quality products and services at a reasonable price, you’ll also get more value in your investment knowing the company you’re dealing with will give you the peace of mind that your investments are well protected.

Still Need More Info?

A window replacement project in St. Louis can be overwhelming, especially when you’ve never tried it before. Homeowners who have taken this route in the past will tell you it is not a walk in the park. There are many factors to consider and decisions to make. For one thing, there are many types and kinds of windows to choose from. You have to weigh their pros and cons to make the most out of the benefits they can offer your home.

In addition, you have to choose which material to use on your windows to ensure high energy performance, strength, and longevity. While the internet can be useful, you’ll also be bombarded with an overload of information, and it can be difficult to determine which information is helpful and reliable. Needless to say, the whole experience can be overwhelming.

Here’s some information that will help you sort things out and enable you to make an informed decision when it comes to your replacement windows.

Click on any of the titles below to find out more:

What Are Single-Hung Replacement Windows?
What Are Double-Hung Replacement Windows?
Double-Hung vs. Single-Hung
Is Vinyl Your Best or Worst Choice for Replacement Windows?
What Is Air Infiltration?
What Makes A Good Window “Good”?