When to Replace Builder-Grade Windows
If you have wondered when to replace builder-grade windows, the honest answer is almost always yesterday. These bargain units rarely perform once the weather turns, and the manufacturer’s warranty will not save them. This guide covers why these windows fall short, the warning signs that point to trouble, and when replacement makes the most sense. […]
Is It Worth Replacing 20-Year-Old Windows?
Twenty years sounds old for a window, and the assumption is usually that two decades means it is time for replacements. Is it worth replacing 20-year-old windows in every case? Not necessarily. Age is only part of the picture, and a high-quality window can perform well for decades. What matters far more is how your […]
Fiberglass vs Vinyl Windows: The Difference
New windows usually start with one big question: vinyl or fiberglass? Both are popular for good reason, and the right choice depends on your budget, your home’s style, and how long you plan to stay. At Hawthorn, we install fiberglass and vinyl windows every day, so we can walk you through the real differences instead […]
Best Windows for Cold Climates: What to Buy and Why
A cold winter exposes a weak window fast. When temperatures drop, cheap, poorly built windows let heat escape and drive up energy bills. The best windows for cold climates are built to trap warm air inside and block the cold. In a place like St. Louis, where summers run hot and winters run cold, that […]
What are the Benefits of Having Worked for James Hardie?
An exterior project is a big investment, and it is not always easy to tell genuine expertise from a polished sales pitch. Background matters here, which is why the benefits of having worked for James Hardie are worth understanding before you hire. Our founder spent over five years working directly for James Hardie before opening […]
Are Tempered Glass Windows Worth It for Your Home?
Whether tempered glass windows are worth it comes down to where the glass goes. The building code requires it in several spots, and in a few others, the added protection is well worth the cost. Here is how to tell the two apart. Where Tempered Glass Windows are Required by Code Building codes require tempered […]
How to Tell if a House Needs New Windows
A failing window costs you money in every season, and it rarely cracks or breaks to warn you. The signs are quieter: a draft near the glass, a room that never holds its temperature, a heating bill that keeps climbing. By the time we get the call, the windows have often been leaking heat for […]
Should You Do Window and Siding Replacement at the Same Time?
If your home needs new siding and your windows are showing their age, the question that follows is whether to do both at the same time. A combined window and siding replacement gives you the strongest possible seal and a more cohesive finish. But phased projects are also a smart option, and the right siding […]
Can Water Get Behind James Hardie Siding?
If water can get behind James Hardie siding on your home, it could reach the substrate, the studs, or the inside of your house. Those are not repairs any homeowner wants to plan for. With a Hawthorn install, water does not reach the framing of your wall. The protection happens in the layers you cannot […]
Common Fiber Cement Siding Problems and How to Avoid Them
Most fiber cement siding problems come down to installation errors that could have been prevented. Improper flashings, siding sitting on the ground, and missed studs are the three mistakes that show up most often. The good news is that every one of them is fixable, and the warranty path is more straightforward than most people […]