Mary Ann

expert Mary Ann profile

Windows & Energy Efficiency

Mary Ann writes about the small window problems that slowly turn into big ones. Drafts in the winter. Fogged glass. Rooms that never seem to stay the right temperature. After helping homeowners troubleshoot these issues for years, she focuses on explaining what’s happening and when a repair makes sense versus replacing the window. facebook.com/mary.ann.builds


Mary Ann's Projects

thumbnail image for Home Window Glass Explained: Low E, Argon, and More project

Jun

17

Home Window Glass Explained: Low E, Argon, and More

Understanding Window Glass Options: Low-E, Argon Gas, Tempered Glass, and MoreWhen homeowners shop for new windows, they often...
thumbnail image for Hiring the Right Window Contractor (6 Things to Consider) project

May

28

Hiring the Right Window Contractor (6 Things to Consider)

How to Choose the Right Contractor for Your Home Improvement ProjectChoosing the right contractor can be one of the most...
thumbnail image for Do I Need to Replace My Windows or Just Repair Them project

May

05

Do I Need to Replace My Windows or Just Repair Them

Should You Repair or Replace Your Windows? (Homeowner Guide)One of the most common questions homeowners ask is whether they...
thumbnail image for Understanding Energy Efficient Windows Low-E Glass, Argon & More project

Apr

15

Understanding Energy Efficient Windows Low-E Glass, Argon & More

How to Choose Energy-Efficient Windows That Perform for YearsEnergy-efficient windows are one of the most popular home...

Mary Ann's Ideas

thumbnail image for Window Energy Tax Credits 2026: What Homeowners Can Actually Claim idea

Jul

17

Window Energy Tax Credits 2026: What Homeowners Can Actually Claim

Window Tax Credit 2026: How Much Can Homeowners Claim?IRS Section 25C statutory requirements, ENERGY STAR Most Efficient...
thumbnail image for Skylight Installation Cost and Types Guide: Fixed, Vented, and Tubular Options idea

Jul

16

Skylight Installation Cost and Types Guide: Fixed, Vented, and Tubular Options

Skylight Installation Cost: Fixed, Vented, or Tubular?A skylight transforms a dark interior space more effectively than any...
thumbnail image for Egress Window Requirements, Types, and Installation Cost: What Homeowners Need to Know idea

Jul

16

Egress Window Requirements, Types, and Installation Cost: What Homeowners Need to Know

Egress Window Cost and Code Requirements for BasementsAn egress window is the difference between a basement room that can...
thumbnail image for Window Frame Materials: Vinyl vs Wood vs Aluminum vs Fiberglass — A Complete Comparison idea

Jul

15

Window Frame Materials: Vinyl vs Wood vs Aluminum vs Fiberglass — A Complete Comparison

Best Window Frame Material: Vinyl, Wood, or Fiberglass?The glass gets most of the attention when homeowners shop for windows,...
thumbnail image for Window Repair Cost: What Homeowners Should Budget in 2026 idea

Jul

07

Window Repair Cost: What Homeowners Should Budget in 2026

Window Repair CostsNot every window problem requires a full replacement. A broken lock, a fogged pane, a failed balance, or a...
thumbnail image for Sliding Glass Door Replacement Cost: What Homeowners Should Budget in 2026 idea

Jul

07

Sliding Glass Door Replacement Cost: What Homeowners Should Budget in 2026

Sliding Glass Door Replacement CostsA sliding glass door is a window and a door in one unit. It lets in light, provides access...
thumbnail image for Basement Window Replacement Cost: What Homeowners Should Budget in 2026 idea

Jul

07

Basement Window Replacement Cost: What Homeowners Should Budget in 2026

Basement Window Replacement CostsBasement windows serve two purposes that above-grade windows do not. They let in what little...
thumbnail image for How Long Does It Take to Install Windows? What Homeowners Should Expect idea

Jun

17

How Long Does It Take to Install Windows? What Homeowners Should Expect

Window Installation Timeline: How Long Will It Take?You picked out your windows. You got a few quotes. Now you are trying to...
thumbnail image for Window Installation Warranties: What Homeowners Should Actually Expect idea

Jun

10

Window Installation Warranties: What Homeowners Should Actually Expect

Understanding Window Installation WarrantiesMost homeowners spend time comparing window styles, frame materials, and prices,...
thumbnail image for Hold Old are Your Windows? idea

Apr

30

Hold Old are Your Windows?

There is always that one room that just refuses to feel comfortable no matter what you do.Too hot, too cold—you adjust the...
thumbnail image for Why Fog Between Window Panes Usually Means Something Has Changed idea

Mar

10

Why Fog Between Window Panes Usually Means Something Has Changed

Fog Between Window Panes: What It MeansWhen a window looks cloudy but won’t wipe cleanYou walk past a window on a cool morning...
thumbnail image for Windows Not Letting the Light In? It May Be Time for an Upgrade idea

Nov

11

Windows Not Letting the Light In? It May Be Time for an Upgrade

If your windows aren’t letting the light in like they should (or how they used to), it may be time to consider an...

Mary Ann's Answers

Are new windows really more energy efficient?

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Modern windows use insulated glass, low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings, and improved frames that reduce heat transfer. This can...
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Can damaged window glass be replaced without replacing the entire window?

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In some cases the glass unit can be replaced while keeping the existing frame. However, older windows or damaged frames may...
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Can drafty windows be repaired instead of replaced?

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Sometimes. Drafts caused by worn weatherstripping or minor frame gaps can often be repaired. However, if the window frame is...
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How do I know if my windows need to be replaced?

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Common signs include drafts, condensation between panes, difficulty opening or closing, and higher energy bills. If your...
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How long do residential windows typically last?

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Most modern residential windows last between 15 and 30 years depending on materials, climate exposure, and installation...
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Should I hire a contractor for window replacement?

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Window installation requires precise measurements, sealing, and insulation. Improper installation can lead to air leaks and...
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What are signs of window frame rot?

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Soft wood, peeling paint, discoloration, and crumbling corners are common signs of rot. This usually occurs when moisture...
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What causes windows to stick or become hard to open?

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Common causes include paint buildup, warped frames, dirt in the track, or swelling due to humidity. Cleaning and lubrication...
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What is the difference between double-pane and triple-pane windows?

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Double-pane windows have two layers of glass separated by an insulating space, while triple-pane windows add a third layer...
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Why is there condensation between my window panes?

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Condensation between panes usually means the seal on a double- or triple-pane window has failed. When the insulating gas...
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How to Budget Your Project

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