Custom vs. Stock Windows: Which to Choose?

December 22, 2025 by Mike Lindsey

When it comes time to replace windows in your home, deciding between custom and stock windows is significant. Homeowners must consider aesthetics, functionality, energy efficiency, and budget. Understanding the differences ensures you make a choice that suits your home’s needs and enhances its curb appeal.

Custom vs. Stock Windows: Which to Choose?

Understanding the Basics of Custom and Stock Windows

Custom windows are designed to meet specific requirements, including size, shape, material, color, and features. They allow a high degree of personalization but come with higher costs and longer lead times due to the tailored manufacturing process.

Stock windows, by contrast, are mass-produced in standard sizes and styles. They are more readily available, cost-effective, and ideal for homeowners who need a quicker installation without extensive customization.

The Advantages of Choosing Custom Windows

Custom windows offer several benefits:

Perfect Fit: Essential for older homes where window openings may not conform to standard sizes.
Superior Energy Efficiency: Designed to seal tightly, preventing air leaks and reducing energy costs.
Architectural Match: Ability to complement the style of your home or achieve a specific design look.
Material and Finish Options: Greater selection of materials, finishes, and features for a personalized result.

The Cost-Effective Nature of Stock Windows

Stock windows provide a budget-friendly alternative without necessarily sacrificing quality:

Affordability: Lower upfront cost compared to custom windows.
Immediate Availability: Ideal for homeowners with tight timelines.
Variety of Styles: Modern stock windows come in durable materials and energy-efficient designs, often sufficient for standard homes.

Making the Right Choice for Your Home

Choosing between custom and stock windows depends on your priorities:

Evaluate the importance of precise customization versus cost savings.
Consider energy efficiency, durability, and aesthetic requirements.
Factor in your home’s architectural style and any unique design elements.
Consult a professional familiar with local climate and building codes to ensure a suitable choice.

Consult with Triangle Home Exteriors for Your Window Needs

If you’re ready to make an informed decision about the windows for your Raleigh, NC home, Triangle Home Exteriors can help. Our team of experts will guide you through the options, helping you weigh the pros and cons of custom vs. stock windows to find the perfect fit. Whether you want to enhance energy efficiency, aesthetics, or overall home value, we are committed to delivering quality and satisfaction.

For a personalized consultation, call us at 919-615-1101 or fill out our online form. Let Triangle Home Exteriors help you choose windows that improve your home’s comfort, appearance, and value.

How New Windows Save You Money

November 27, 2025 by Mike Lindsey

In Raleigh, NC, where summers can be hot and humid and winters chilly and breezy, homeowners are always looking for ways to improve energy efficiency and comfort. One of the most effective investments is installing new windows. Beyond enhancing your home’s appearance, modern windows can significantly reduce energy costs, increase comfort, and boost overall property value. Here’s how upgrading your windows can lead to long-term savings for Triangle Home Exteriors customers.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

The most immediate benefit of new windows is improved energy efficiency. Modern windows feature technologies like low-E coatings, double or triple glazing, and inert gas fills that reduce heat transfer. These innovations help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. For Raleigh homeowners, this means less reliance on heating and cooling systems and lower energy bills. Over time, the cost of new windows can be offset by these energy savings.

Increase in Property Value

New, energy-efficient windows also enhance your home’s resale value. High-quality windows are a strong selling point in the real estate market, improving curb appeal and overall aesthetics. In Raleigh’s competitive housing market, prospective buyers are often willing to pay more for a home that already includes energy-saving upgrades, making window replacement a smart long-term investment.

Reduced Maintenance Costs

Older windows often require frequent maintenance, including painting, caulking, and repairs for leaks or drafts. Modern windows, however, are built from durable materials that resist warping, fading, and weathering. For homeowners, this translates into fewer maintenance tasks, lower repair costs, and more time enjoying your home rather than maintaining it.

Improved Home Comfort and Noise Reduction

In addition to saving money, new windows enhance your living environment. They provide better insulation, maintaining consistent indoor temperatures and eliminating cold drafts or excessive heat. Many modern windows also reduce outside noise, creating a quieter, more comfortable home particularly valuable in busier areas of Raleigh.

Upgrade Your Raleigh Home with New Windows Today

Installing new windows is a smart investment that improves energy efficiency, reduces maintenance costs, increases property value, and enhances home comfort. If you’re ready to upgrade your Raleigh, NC home, Triangle Home Exteriors is here to help. Our expert team provides professional consultation and installation to ensure your window replacement project is seamless and successful.

Call us today at 919-615-1101 or fill out our online form to schedule a free estimate. Let Triangle Home Exteriors help you increase your home’s beauty, efficiency, and long-term savings.

5 Things That Lead to Drafty Windows

October 29, 2025 by Mike Lindsey

Feeling a cold draft even with your windows closed? Drafty windows can make your home uncomfortable and increase energy bills, as your heating system works harder to maintain warmth. Here’s a closer look at the most common causes of drafty windows and why, if you’re experiencing this in Raleigh, NC, considering replacement windows might be the best long-term solution.

1. Worn-Out Weather Stripping

Weather stripping around windows can wear out over time, losing its effectiveness. This is a leading cause of drafty windows. Designed to seal window edges and prevent air leaks, worn-out weather stripping creates gaps that let drafts in. Regular checks and maintenance can temporarily reduce drafts, but for a permanent solution, replacement windows with durable, high-quality weather stripping are recommended.

2. Failed Window Seals

Many modern windows have double or triple glazing filled with insulating gas. Over time, these seals can fail, allowing gas to escape and outside air to enter. This is especially common in areas with significant temperature fluctuations, which cause seals to expand and contract until they crack. While seal repairs can provide temporary relief, replacing the windows is often more cost-effective in the long run.

3. Improper Window Installation

Improperly installed windows are a frequent cause of drafts. If windows are not correctly fitted to the frame or if gaps are left unfilled during installation, cold air can easily infiltrate your home. This issue is especially common in older homes in Raleigh, NC. Hiring professionals for installation can prevent these problems, but if drafts are already present, upgrading to energy-efficient, professionally installed windows is the most effective solution.

4. Damaged Frames

Window frames can deteriorate over time. Wooden frames may rot from moisture, creating gaps that allow drafts, while vinyl or aluminum frames can warp or crack due to extreme weather conditions. Regular inspections and maintenance can help, but for a lasting fix, replacing damaged frames with durable, weather-resistant materials designed for the Raleigh climate is ideal.

5. The Impact of Age

Older windows are naturally more prone to drafts. Materials degrade, and older technologies become less efficient compared to modern standards. If your windows are outdated, upgrading to new, energy-efficient models can eliminate drafts and improve your home’s overall comfort and energy efficiency.

Why Replacement is the Ultimate Solution

While temporary fixes like sealing leaks or repairing damaged parts can help, they don’t address the root causes of drafty windows. Replacement windows eliminate drafts entirely and offer added benefits, including improved insulation, UV protection, and noise reduction, enhancing both your home’s comfort and value.

Ready to Say Goodbye to Drafty Windows?

If you’re dealing with drafty windows in Raleigh, NC, Triangle Home Exteriors can help. Our experts will assess your current windows and recommend the best replacement options for your home and budget. Say goodbye to uncomfortable drafts and high energy bills with our high-quality window replacements. For a free consultation, call us today at 919-615-1101 or fill out our online form.

How Window Replacement Affects Home Value

September 17, 2025 by Mike Lindsey

In the competitive real estate market of Raleigh, NC, homeowners are always looking for effective ways to boost their property’s value. One of the most impactful upgrades is window replacement. This renovation not only enhances aesthetics but also improves energy efficiency and security, all of which contribute to a higher market value. Let’s explore how new windows can make your home more appealing and valuable in Raleigh’s real estate market.

How Window Replacement Affects Home Value

Enhancing Curb Appeal with New Windows

First impressions matter, and the exterior of your home sets the tone. Replacing old, worn-out windows can dramatically improve curb appeal. Today’s windows come in a variety of styles, colors, and designs, allowing homeowners to choose options that complement their home’s architecture. In Raleigh, where appearance greatly influences property value, upgrading to modern, stylish windows can help your home stand out and attract potential buyers.

Boosting Energy Efficiency

One of the top reasons to replace windows is to improve energy efficiency. Old or drafty windows allow significant energy loss, forcing HVAC systems to work harder and increasing utility bills. By installing energy-efficient windows, homeowners in Raleigh can lower energy consumption and reduce monthly costs. This is a major selling point for eco-conscious buyers and often translates into higher property value.

Improved Security and Safety

Modern windows are designed with advanced security features such as reinforced frames, shatter-resistant glass, and upgraded locking systems. These enhancements provide peace of mind for families in Raleigh, where safety is a priority. Easy-to-operate windows also serve as emergency escape routes, adding another layer of value and functionality to your home.

Noise Reduction for a Quieter Home

Noise pollution is a growing concern in busy urban areas like Raleigh. Upgrading to double- or triple-pane windows can significantly reduce outside noise, creating a calm and comfortable living environment. This feature is highly attractive to buyers who value peace and privacy in their homes.

Increasing Property Value

All these benefits enhanced curb appeal, energy savings, better security, and noise reduction, add up to a noticeable increase in property value. In a competitive market like Raleigh, these improvements can help your home sell faster and at a higher price. Window replacement is an investment that pays off both in daily comfort and when it’s time to sell.

Ready to Improve Your Home’s Value?

If you’re ready to make a smart investment in your home, Triangle Home Exteriors is here to help. We provide high-quality window replacement services that enhance aesthetics, boost energy efficiency, and increase property value. Our team is committed to delivering exceptional results for homeowners in Raleigh, NC.

Call us today at 919-615-1101 or fill out our online form to schedule your consultation. Let Triangle Home Exteriors help you make an upgrade that truly pays off.

How to Fix Windows That Stick

June 24, 2025 by Mike Lindsey

Sticking windows are a common nuisance for homeowners, especially during seasonal shifts. Whether caused by humidity, settling foundations, or aging materials, sticky windows can affect your comfort, safety, and energy efficiency. Fortunately, there are several practical ways to restore smooth window operation—and in some cases, replacement may be the better long-term solution.

Clean the Tracks Thoroughly

One of the most frequent causes of sticky windows is the buildup of dirt, dust, and debris in the window tracks. Over time, pollen, grime, and other outdoor particles can accumulate and block smooth movement. Start by vacuuming the tracks and sills, then clean with a mild soap and water solution. Make sure the area is dried completely to avoid introducing moisture that could cause additional problems.

Check for Paint Sealing

Windows that have been repainted—especially in older homes—may be stuck due to paint sealing. This happens when paint seeps into the gap between the sash and frame, effectively gluing the window shut. Inspect the edges of the window carefully. If paint is the culprit, use a utility knife to gently score along the seam, breaking the seal without damaging the frame or glass.

Inspect and Adjust the Hardware

Window hardware, such as latches, locks, and handles, plays a critical role in smooth operation. Over time, these components may become misaligned or worn. Tighten any loose screws and test the mechanisms to ensure they are properly aligned. If any hardware is broken or severely worn out, replacement may be necessary to restore full function.

Apply Lubrication to Moving Parts

A quick and effective fix for sticking windows is to apply a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks, hinges, and other moving components. Avoid oil-based lubricants, as they tend to attract dirt and can worsen the issue over time. Apply the lubricant lightly and evenly to promote smooth movement. Be cautious not to overapply, as excess lubricant can cause mess and attract debris.

Account for Seasonal Expansion

Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can cause wood window frames to expand or contract, which may result in sticking. If you notice seasonal patterns in window performance, it could be due to weather-related swelling. While minor expansion is normal, significant distortion could mean the window no longer fits properly. In this case, consult a professional to evaluate the frame and determine if adjustments or replacements are needed.

Know When It’s Time to Replace

When windows are old, warped, or structurally compromised, even the best fixes may only serve as temporary relief. Sticking may be a symptom of deeper issues such as rotting frames, moisture damage, or poor insulation. Upgrading to modern, energy-efficient windows can solve the problem while boosting home value, comfort, and security.

Ready for Easier-Operating Windows?

If your windows continue to stick or show signs of aging, the team at Triangle Home Exteriors can help. We offer expert window replacement services designed to improve function, comfort, and energy efficiency. Call us at (919) 615-1101 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation. Let us help make your windows open and close with ease once again.