​   

 

When windows and doors are installed properly, they close tightly, keep the elements at bay (fenestration) and act as a sound barrier between you and the outside world. You may notice stickers on your door or window. There's a reason for that. Doors and windows receive ratings for sound transmission, energy efficiency (EnergyStar®), Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (the amount of heat blocked out), and U-levels (the amount of heat lost through the window or door). The sticker tells you what ratings were obtained giving you and your contractor a better understanding of how well your window or door will perform.

 

The environmental challenges (leaking, warping, and other damage) experienced with windows and doors in residential and multi-residential environments haven’t changed much over the years, but the methods used to solve them continue to improve and evolve.

 

We Create a Seamless Process

Bel-Air Exteriors makes installation easy. And because we have a contractor’s license we can also do small construction for narrowing and widening spaces and pocket door installations. Best of all, we guarantee our work. Besides the manufacturer's warranty that our premier products carry, Bel-Air Exteriors gives you our warranty on installation. And after the installation, we’ll return, upon request, to make any necessary adjustments to your windows and doors.

 

What does a project entail? Well, that differs from job to job depending on the product used and the method of installation.

 

 

​    

Types of Installations

Window and door contractors perform two main types of installations: new construction and retrofit.

 

Typically used in new construction, nail fin is fastened directly to the outside of the structure. It can, and has been used, in existing buildings. However, nail fin requires removing layers of insulation, waterproof paper and exterior coatings such as stucco to reach the frame.

 

Retrofit is the popular choice for windows or doors that are being replaced in an existing home or multi-family housing unit. In this process, the window or door casement easily slides into the current wood frame. It is custom made within an eighth of an inch to fit the correct opening.

 

There are two types of retrofit installation typically used: flush fin (or Z-Bar), and block form.

 

Flush fin has been found to be the most efficient system to use with aluminum windows (found in many homes and multi-residential buildings) and where the exterior of the building has stonework, brickwork or stucco. The new window is sealed to the face of the old window, and the outer edge of the window adheres to the building’s exterior. Only the outside trim needs to be removed. This creates a primary and secondary water barrier.

 

Block form, on the other hand, is favored in areas where the exterior has siding or brick on it. In this method, the wood frame, if it is in good condition, is left in place. Block form windows can be thought of as flush fin with the fin removed.

 

Bel-Air Exteriors has a set a benchmark in the window and door installation industry by emphasizing education, professionalism, and attentive and prompt customer service.

 

As we’ve said before, “We sell Bel-Air quality at Van Nuys prices.”