As an authorized dealer of Universal Windows Direct, we've been serving the replacement window needs of Twin Cities residents for years. By providing high-quality, energy efficient replacement windows at competitive prices, we've built a strong reputation for superior services that our customers count on.
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Replacement Windows: To replace Now or later? That is the question.
People like you ask us all the time… do I need to replace my windows now or should I wait until later? How do I know if now the right time is? I don’t want to regret my decision; but I have a lot of projects going on right now. Should I do my ___________________ (insert project here) first, or replace my windows first?
If you listen to any window salesman talk he will say NOW NOW NOW! Every radio commercial you hear and every advertisement you see might make it look like you absolutely need to drop everything and get your windows replaced immediately.
Guess what? You don’t. There are situations with every homeowner in every home where you can wait to replace them. Maybe your windows are old, but still seem to be working just fine. Maybe the seal has failed but the window is in a back bedroom that sits empty. Maybe starting with the windows in your main living space would make you more comfortable. Maybe you really WANT new windows to make a space look fresh but realistically you know they aren’t dire and you can save money by waiting. Here is the thing. Maybe you’re right.
Download our FREE infographic on “Replacement Windows: Now or later?“ and see for yourself.
When you’re ready, contact us. We’ll give you a free, no obligation quote, talk to you about interest free financing AND even introduce our Guaranteed Price Program.
Author: Melissa Brager
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You already know that new windows can increase the curb appeal of your home, save you money on energy costs, and reduce drafts…I mean, doesn’t EVERY window guy tell you that?(Yes. They do.)Look at any window ad and that is the main story. BUT… what they don’t tell you is that replacement windows can also save lives.
Here is how.
Most cities require a building permit for replacing windows in your home.So after they are installed an inspector needs to come out and inspect them.While he is there, he will walk through your house and make sure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are installed, placed correctly and in working condition.
What this means to you is that you could have perfectly installed and insualted windows but FAIL your building inspection if you don’t have batteries in your smoke detectors.Why, you ask?Because your city officials really want you to stay safe.They want you and your home to be there for a long, long time.Go ahead, be cynical and say it is just because they want to keep collecting your taxes.Who cares?As long as you are alive life is good.And my point is proven.Replacement windows save lives.
Want to read that actual?MN Building Code on that topic?Click here.
Are you reading this and thinking that now you have just one more thing to worry about when you replace your windows? Don’t worry.Steve the Window Guy will give you all the information you need to make sure your home is protected and all the smoke detectors and fire alarms are in working condition. Not only that, but he will give you windows that will increase the curb appeal of your home, save you money on energy costs and reduce drafts. Call him.
Author: Melissa Brager
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Imagine sitting at the table with your spouse and the window salesman when you get the question... "Do you want double pane or triple pane glass?" ACK!! I don't know! Panic! What do I want? What do I need? HELP!
If you're going to replace your windows you want to choose the window that is right for you and glass package is a big part of that. The decisions you need to make about glass package are both panes of glass and type of insulating gas. But how are you supposed to know what is right? This blog will give you a few things to think about as you make that decision.
Decision #1:Is double pane enough or would triple pane be better? Here are some things to think about. Is your home exposed to lots of wind? Do you live by a busy road? Are you near a school with lots of bus traffic? Do you have airport noise? If so, the triple pane upgrade is a great option because it can really reduce outside noise. Are you just sick of being cold and you want the most energy efficient window possible? With an extra pane of glass and a second insulating chamber the triple pane window will give you a higher energy rating than a double pane. Not only that, but the overall glass width is typically wider with triple pane so it provides lots of room in the glass to fill with insulating argon or krypton gas. All of that said, in reality, the majority of windows we sell are double pane glass.
Decision #2: "Do you want Argon or Krypton?" Both are odorless, non-toxic gasses used in window construction. They are the gasses that hang out between the outer and inner panes of glass to insulate the unit and slow down the outside air temps from getting inside. Argon gas is the most common insulating gas. Krypton gas is more dense, more energy efficient and more expensive. You can get argon or krypton gas in either the double pane or the triple pane.
So what is the different, really? Just cost? Nope. Should we dive deep into numbers for a second? Energy Star rated windows for MN require that the U-Value is .26 or below. For a double hung window, double pane windows with argon are .26 and triple pane with Krypton are at a .17. (The lower the number the better). So there is absolutely a difference in the glass package you choose. As you make your decision you need to know if the energy efficiency and overall glass package performance is the most important to you, or if budget is. Krypton gas in a triple pane is far and away the nicest window we have, and it is also the most expensive.
Finally, your return on investment is another part of your decision. How long will you live in your house? Is the plan to move in 3-5 years or are you making improvements to your forever house? Upgrades to windows are an investment that will absolutely pay for themselves in energy savings and comfort. Butif you are moving in a few years will you get enough of that investment back? Maybe not. Will the upgrades be awesome selling features? For sure. Will they be enough of a selling feature to command a higher asking price? Not necessarily.
Glass package is just one of the many options you have when choosing your replacement windows.
We are a shop at home company specializing in replacing windows, siding, roofs and front entry doors. As we sit with you and learn about what you want to change on your home we can provide the best product and color options to you. You can expect lots of questions from us as we try to understand what you're looking for. For that reason, it is best if both homeowners are there. We commit to giving you a detailed, same day estimate.
Author: Melissa Brager
Good Stuff? Check out some of our other recent blog posts!
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Steve the Window Guy for Universal Windows Direct is owned and operated in Bloomington, MN by Steve and Melissa Brager. Steve and his team are experts at working with people just like you to create a plan for updating and enhancing your home exterior to create beauty, warmth and the curb appeal you dreamed about; at a price within your budget. We are part of a national dealer network that has catapulted the company to the 16th remodeler in the Nation*. Locally we have an A+ rating with the BBB with zero complaints and have won the Angie's Super Service Award 5 consecutive years. Steve has been recognized by Universal Windows Direct as National Dealer of The Year three different times for his hard work and dedication. Updating your home can be easy. Contact us today!
*Source: 2017 Qualified Remodeler Top 500 list
Choosing replacement window colors and grid patterns
Read this blog for a quick overview to choosing a style on your replacement window purchase with Universal Windows Direct, MN.
What style of window do you want to choose?
Do you want to replace your windows with the exact same style? You know, sliders where you had sliders, casements where you had casements, etc? Do you think you have to do it that way? Guess what? You don’t!. When your windows are being replaced, the first step is to remove the old window which leaves you with a window frame. You can put any window you want back into that frame. Ooh, the possibilities!!
Do you hate your casement windows? Pop a slider in there! Do you want to change the look of your house? Go to all Double Hung Windows! Are you dreaming of a Bay Window in the front of your house? Go for it! Do you want to replace those weird windows in that one room that you never open with a picture window? Go for it!
Disclaimer… Of course, you do need your bedroom windows to meet fire code so if you have a casement in your bedroom that one may need to stay. Building Code requires a certain opening size in your bedroom windows for escape if needed. Depending on the size, a slider could meet that size requirement but often if a casement is in there, a casement needs to stay. If you think you want to switch out the style in your bedrooms, Steve the Window Guy can help you figure out your options.
No matter what you want, it s important for you to have thought about what style of windows you want so was you gather your quotes you are truly comparing apples to apples when you look at their totals.
Ready to get started? Call Steve the Window Guy at Universal Windows Direct, MN today schedule a free, no obligation in-home estimate. We will talk to you about the available options, and will help you design the perfect windows for your home. Quote are free, and you are never obligated to move forward with the job. To get started, Contact Us today at 612-866-2888.
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Small Business Ownership. Have you ever wondered what it would be like? This blog post will give you a small glimpse into what it has been like for me this week.
First of all, I should say I am writing this on a rainy Friday morning. I am super casual, barefoot in fact, and alone in the office with the latest Cities 97 sampler playing loudly. On my desk is a large very dark roast from Starbucks and a container of fruit that I picked up at Kowalski’s this morning. I have the freedom to stop and pick things up for my day, just as I have the freedom to snuggle my little girl for as long as she wants before leaving daycare. Other parents come and go while I’m there and I let them. They have bosses, deadlines, meetings and people waiting for them.
I have work.
Enormous, never ending piles of work.
You know when your order a huge salad at a restaurant and you feel like you’ve been eating it forever but it still looks like a full bowl? That is how my work is. Effort and result doesn’t impact volume. It is weird.
Some days I have constant interruptions – the drop everything and do this right now kind of interruptions. Are you familiar with Covey’s Time Management matrix? Those are quadrant 4 days. THE WORST kind of days. I had 2 of those days this week.
Other days I just give in to the work. I literally pile it up on my desk and dedicate myself to touching each paper only one time and just doing it. I don’t care how random the task is or how many programs I have open on my desktop. I just work on eliminating the pile. According to Strength finder I am and ACHIEVER. I need to get something productive done every day to stay in balance. I had one of those days this week.
Still other days I am alone for the entire day and I have the freedom to jump into a project and give it the real focus and time to do it right, and help it move forward. The days I get to put plans and ideas into action to help our business move forward are my favorite. They feed my other strengths of STRATEGIC ANALYTICAL and RELATOR. I also had one of those days this week.
Looking at the last four days, I have at some point or another I have functioned in each of the following roles: • Bookkeeper • Accounts Receivable Rep • Customer Service Rep • Job Estimator • Job Scheduler • Office Manager • Search Engine Marketer • Copyrighter • Project Manager • Office Manager • Graphic Designer
I also managed to work one entire day with my 2 year old in the office with me.
Crazy, right?
Once upon a time, in what seems a lifetime ago, worked for a very large company in Human Resources. I thought I had variety but mostly what I had was a lot of the same. A tremendous amount of the same. I was a machine going through the motions. I was unable to shake the feeling that I was working in an alternate universe. Within the 4 walls of that building, nothing (and I mean nothing) was actually as important as what people thought. The urgency that existed from 8-5 (or 6 or 7) was gone when I got to my car. It seemed the work didn’t matter. I knew that life wasn’t for me.
I came away from that alternate universe with tools and systems and processes. Peggy taught me a mess is fine if you can find what you need. Heather gave me great time management skills like Covey’s matrix and the pink folder daily system. And Mark taught me the “touch it once” philosophy and encouraged me to track weekly progress against goals. I use all of these things. I know that no matter what my week throws at me I can keep this machine moving forward.
Business ownership still contains long days and it does put us in a constant on call situation. Our nights and weekends are interrupted more often than not. But the work matters. We work with our customers making decisions to improve their homes. We offer products people can afford. We help them improve curb appeal. We repair damage. We keep their homes safe. We increase the energy efficiency of their homes and we help them lower their heating and cooling bills.
There is no alternate universe here there is only our universe.
And we wouldn’t trade it for anything.
If you have a home improvement project and are looking for a quote on it, call us. We'd love to meet you.
Author: Melissa Brager
Famous Wife of Steve The Window Guy
Steve the Window Guy recorded his first radio spots this morning. Read this blog for a behind the scenes look!
Radio. Radio! RADIO!!! (So many ways you can say it!) We are taking the plunge into radio advertising! After talking and planning and writing ad copy for the last few weeks today was the big day and we recorded our spots!
We were both nervous but the kind of nervous where you don’t talk about it – you just both know it is there. The morning was busy as we got our peanut dropped off at Primrose, we got the installers going, met a contractor who was placing an order, sent in payroll and generally tried to get our desks in order. By 9:15 we were on our way!
We recorded at Clear Channel Studios in St Louis Park. From the minute the elevator doors opened we knew we were in a creative space! Shiny stainless steel looking floors, bright colors and lots of pictures were everywhere! We got there early, of course, so we were treated to a wonderful conversation with a studio exec who was so warm and positive and genuine that all of our nerves melted away on the spot.
He gave us the quick tour of the offices where we went into the very very cool Studio C and we were able to catch a glimpse of KDWB, KFAN and K102 recording their shows. We popped in quick to meet Lee Valsvick and we ran into Keri Noble and Adam West in the hallways. If radio personalities you hear all the time can be normal people in jeans and a cozy hoodie then what could we possibly be worried about, right?
By the time we entered our studio to record we were ready! Both our marketing guru Loni and the sound genius Dave made it really easy to get a finished product we are excited about. Doesn't Steve look professional?
Steve might say it wasn’t really easy, but no one gets it perfect the first time. We recorded the same words and the same phrases about one hundred times. We edited copy on the spot, we swapped our phrases, we re-ordered things, and we recorded until it was perfect.
Literally one hour later we walked out with 2 completed 15 second spots. It felt incredibly productive and wonderful.
Our spots will be running on KFAN and on MYTALK 107.1 starting next week in the 6-9am slots. Tune in on your way to work and when you hear our ads tell us. Write on our Facebook Page and tell us what you think. WE hope you love them as much as we do!
Meanwhile, if you or someone you know is in the market for windows, siding, doors or roofing, contact us for a free quote! I’ll send Steve The Window Guy out to your home and you’ll have a blast!
Author: Melissa Brager
Operations Manager, Universal Windows Direct
This blog post shares an update on the winter activities of Universal Windows Direct, Twin Cities
Remodeling and Construction businesses typically have a slow period through the winter. Homeowners hibernate in the winter and spend their time preparing for the holidays, watching more TV, and planning their spring vacations. Then, the first day the temperature rises to 40 degrees spring fever hits and the phone starts ringing.
No business owner in the home improvement business looks forward to this slower time in the year, but at Universal Windows Direct we really embraced it this year.
Top 5 Winter Activities of Universal Windows Direct
We did a bit of remodeling of our own, as we prepared to move into our new office and warehouse. We stripped the space down, removed a wall, replaced sheetrock, added attic insulation, painted and replaced the carpet. We are left with a large work space and lots of natural light… with easy access to our warehouse. We are especially loving the play room area for Tessie and the conference room so we can meet with clients.
We attended a national sales meeting in January where we immersed ourselves in networking, business planning, and goal setting for 2014. It is amazing how dedicating time to something as important as that can set your whole year off on the right path.
We hosted a job fair at our new location so we could bring the right talent in to our company. Within a week we were blessed to hire both Zach and Ryan. These guys are awesome. They are smart, they take in new information quickly, they ask good questions and they made training very easy. We are so pleased with the contributions they have already brought to us
We prepped for the big Minneapolis Home and Garden Show. We have a large 20x20 booth with all of our full size samples and we sit on a main aisle. We added a video monitor on our bay window this year to attract more attention and we hired the BEST SHOW STAFF of all time to help us work. We seriously have never felt more confident or more proud of the people in our booth representing us.
We kept working. Yup. We started and finished several siding jobs over the winter and we were installing windows every week. We ran appointments every week. We started working home shows in January. We never stopped working.
Now that it is “spring” (ignore the snow from earlier this week) we are poised for a fantastic spring! We are actively quoting home improvent jobs for window replacement, sliding glass doors, front entry doors, siding, and roofing. If you've been waiting until spring to start your window, siding, door or roofing project, it is here. Contact us today to get started.
Author: Melissa Brager, Operations Manager, Universal Windows Direct MN
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We are hiring in-home sales, lead generators, event marketing, appointment setters and installer positions. Interviews taking place on February 4, 2014 at a job fair in our office.
Hello 2014!
We are moved in to our new office space, we have promoted the office baby into part time daycare, and we have our first home show of the season under our belt. What’s next?
Job Fair!
We are currently hiring in –home sales, lead generators, and event marketing positions. It doesn’t matter if you have some experience or no experience; if you are a high energy person who loves to talk to people and is exciting about making connections, making sales and helping us grow our company, then we want to meet you!
Curious to know more about us?
We are Universal Windows Direct, Twin Cities.
We are one of the most successful Universal Windows Direct Dealers in the nation
We are a family owned business that believes integrity and service rules
We are planning to increase our business this year by 60%.
Everyone who joins our team becomes part of our family and will help us reach our goal.
So tell us, what are your goals this year?
Do you want to use your skills or gain new skills? Do you love in home sales? Does working a trade show pump you up? Are you awesome at making phone calls to prospective customers? Is installing really your strength and you’re looking for a steady stream of work?
IF so, then come out to the job fair to meet us! We want to learn about you, and give you a chance to learn more about us. If you are interested, you will be interviewed! Reserve your interview spot by contacting us today or just show up the day of. Job Fair will be open from 3pm - 8pm.
Interview spots are already filling up so don’t delay. Call Melissa at 612-866-2888.
Our office is at 150 West 88th Street, Bloomington, MN. It is located in the Pillsbury Square Office Park about 4 blocks West of Nicollet on 88th Street. We are the 2ndwarehouse in on the right side of the office park. Look for the flags the day of the job fair.
For more detailed directions or help finding us the day of, contact Melissa or Steve at 612-866-2888. Email us at twincities@universalwindowsdirect.com
Universal Windows Direct has earned the service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award, reflecting an exemplary year of service provided to members of the consumer review service in 2013.
Universal Windows Direct Earns Esteemed 2013 Angie’s List Super Service Award
Award reflects company’s consistently high level of customer service
Universal Windows Direct has earned the service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award, reflecting an exemplary year of service provided to members of the consumer review service in 2013.
“We are so proud to have been given this honor. We work hard for our customers, and we are always pleased to see that they are happy with our business. We would like to thank everyone that helped us receive this award.”
“Only about 5 percent of the companies Universal Windows Direct competes with in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul are in Minnesota are able to earn our Super Service Award,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “It’s a mark of consistently great customer service.”
Angie’s List Super Service Award 2013 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include an “A” rating in overall grade, recent grade, and review period grade; the company must be in good standing with Angie’s List, have a fully complete profile, pass a background check and abide by Angie’s List operational guidelines.
Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality. Members can find the 2013 Super Service Award logo next to company names in search results on AngiesList.com.
Angie's List helps consumers have happy transactions with local service professionals in more than 720 categories of service, ranging from home improvement to healthcare. More than 2 million paid households use Angie's List to gain access to local ratings, exclusive
This blog gives an update on our week at the Seminar and shares some plans for 2014!
Universal Windows Direct is ready for an AWESOME New Year! Are you?
At Universal Windows Direct we are very excited about 2014 and having our best year ever. Our goal is a lofty one, but we know that with the help of an amazing staff, awesome installers, and people like you we can do it!
Last week we were fortunate to attend the 2014 Universal Windows Direct Success Seminar. We were happy to escape the 30 below MN weather to go to the beautiful Marriot Hotel in Downtown Cleveland Ohio – where it was a balmy 20 degrees! For several days we enjoyed numerous seminars on business growth, advertising, marketing, and sales. Not only that, but we benefitted greatly from listening to the stories of our dealer partners from around the country. It is amazing how so many people with different experiences and different backgrounds can come together and help each other grow. We walked away from the meeting exhausted, but ready to put plans into action!
Now THAT is factory direct!
The last day of the seminar was a factory tour at Polaris. There is something very very cool about being in the factory and actually watching all of the men and women who work there building the product that we sell. There is an enormous amount of pride there, and we love that our business is part of what keeps them busy. We were super impressed at not only the cleanliness of the factory but the efficiency of the process. Perhaps the highlight of the tour was noticing our most recent order of window completed, and ready to be loaded. This window will be installed within the next 2 weeks!
How did Tessie do? She rocked. Our little jellyfish spent 5 days and nights with 5 different people, in 5 different houses and sleeping in 5 different beds. Playing cousins, demanding kisses every second and loving every minute of it.. She even went to a huge family birthday party so she literally spent time with everyone! Have I mentioned our blessed we are? Thank you a million times over to our community of family members who will take her in, love her and play with her until she reaches exhaustion! We missed her like crazy but we know she had fun. So here we are. Back in the office prepping for our move, consolidating our notes, and poised to put our plans in to action. Get ready to see a lot more of Universal Windows Direct, Twin Cities in the coming year. Our office is nearing completion, we are planning a job fair and we excited at the possibilities.
Last but not least, if you or anyone you know is considering replacing their windows, siding, entry doors, patio doors, roofing or attic insulation give us a call! Quotes are always free and we will provide you with the information you need to make a decision along with a same day – in writing – estimate of the job. Contact us today at through our website at www.universalwindowsmn.com , email us at twincities@universalwindowsdirect.com, or call us in the office at (612) 866-2888.
Chat soon!
Author: Melissa Brager
Recent Articles: 2013 in Review
We love the opportunity to be reflective, celebrate our success and growth over the past year, and then turn the page to a new and exciting year to come.
Wow. It is hard to believe another year has raced by us! We love the opportunity to be reflective, celebrate our success and growth over the past year, and then turn the page to a new and exciting year to come.
We are a family business, so blurred lines are a way of life for us. If you call the office you might hear the baby making noise. If you come inside there will be toys everywhere. If there is something fun happening for the family, the office takes a back seat and if there is a home show or event in the area, Tessie and I will definitely be there to check it out and visit Steve.
At the same time, when we have big home shows or long weeks working the county fairs, we rely on our fantastic family community to take Tessie into their homes to care for her, play with her, and love her. She is a total jellyfish just going with the flow and adapting to every different house or situation she is thrown in to. Those county fair days were crazy with a different house every day but she was a rock star. I think it was easier for her than for me!
Just as we rely on each customer for their loyal support and business, we rely on our installers for their dependability and eye for quality work, and we rely on our family and friends to be our backbone and ultimate support system. We cannot thank all of you enough.
2013 was a busy year for us! Our Tessie morphed before our eyes from an adorable lump of a baby just learning to crawl to a full on toddler with all of the activity (times one thousand) that comes with that. Our fantastic installer of 4 years left us to get married, build a house and move to a union job – forcing us to do our best to replace him. If you met Matt you know those were big shoes to fill.. And we are thrilled to have Brad and his crew doing just that. We also added a part time employee to the office to help with all of the daily work that piles up! She makes life easier for us every single day.
From a product perspective, we saw great changes to our exclusive UniShield Windows and Doors, like enhanced glass packages, heat stopper technology, Innergy fiberglass reinforcements, and brand new glass designs in our entry doors. We stepped up our siding business and continued to sell the awesome insulated backed Craneboard that customers just love. We even moved into roofing and were able to achieve the status of Owens Corning Preferred Roofing Contractor. Business was booming, we enjoyed a busier than average summer and fall, and our storage was overflowing on more than one occasion. We had our biggest year ever and feel this is definitely a good sign for the economy, don’t you?
Not only were we busy, but we managed to win a few awards! At the 2013 Minneapolis Home and Garden Show we won the award for Friendliest Exhibitor one day! We were named the Favorite Window Company by readers of the Sun Newspapers, and we achieved the Angie’s List Super Service Award for 2013. We continue to be one of the top Universal Windows Direct Dealers in the Nation and we have maintained our A+ BBB rating for 5 years.
Of course, we took time out of work for family events, meeting our new niece and nephew, swimming lessons, visiting the beach, going to the zoo, and celebrating Tessie’s First Birthday. We continued our tradition of a family themed Halloween Costumes, we hosted Thanksgiving dinner and we went completely wild for Christmas! Somehow we managed to give Tessie 90% hand me down toys and I was able to surprise Steve with a new snow blower under the tree. Whoop whoop!
As we look in to 2014 we know we will continue to see changes. Our window and door lines will continue to be tweaked to provide even better energy saving benefits to homeowners. We will take full advantage of our Owens Corning Preferred Roofing Contractor Status, and will step up our attic insulation business as well. We are hiring for in home sales, and additional siding and roofing installers, we are planning some cool new displays for the Home and Garden show at the end of February and are already planning Tessie’s Golden 2nd Birthday Party Extravaganza for this May.
Our biggest news is summed up in this poem:
“Twas the Day before Christmas (Eve) and all through our house we were brimming with excitement…. Even the mouse!
A building we noticed quite a long time ago was available and perfect! We couldn’t say no!
Room for a warehouse and our offices and trailers Even a room to assemble our mailers!
Space for storage and plenty of room to grow... With a playroom for Tessie... we were a GO!
We scooped up the baby and scraped the snow off our cars Then dashed to the building, signed the lease and it’s OURS!”
That’s right! In the coming month we will be moving into a new office space and we are thrilled!
Follow us on Twitter for a behind the scenes look at the move. #UWDMoves
Like us on Facebook for current activity, product info and lots of pictures
Call us any time for free quotes on any of our fabulous home improvement products. We sell direct to the consumer or remodeler, we sell fully installed solutions, and we can meet the requirements of most every townhome or housing association. We work with realtors, landlords and investors who buy and sell homes. We would love the opportunity to work with you and your contacts. Please keep us in mind for the coming year. 612-866-2888
Cheers! Be Safe and Enjoy a Wonderful 2014!
Author: Melissa Brager
UniShield Max is the latest product development in the exclusive UniShield line of windows sold by Universal Windows Direct dealers across the nation.
UniShield Max is here!
UniShield Max is the latest product development in the exclusive UniShield line of windows sold by Universal Windows Direct dealers across the nation. In Minnesota, look no further than Universal Windows Direct, Twin Cities servicing the entire Minneapolis and St. Paul Metro Area.
The UniShield Max is an enhanced replacement window that adds construction stability, strength and insulation into the actual frames and sashes. Combine it with our double pane or triple pane glass packages with argon or krypton fill and you will find yourself with one of the best windows you can buy.
Innergy comes standard with UniShield Max. Innergy is an advanced fiberglass reinforced resin insert that is specially designed to slide into window and door chambers to provide greater insulation AND greater support to your window frames. It eliminates the use of metal or aluminum as a part of the window construction; increasing the window's performance by 700 times over windows with aluminum in them.
Heat Stopper technology is another standard feature in the UniShield Max. This technology eliminates hollow chambers in the window frame and sashes by filling them. While some air circulation in the window frame is needed; when the entire chamber is empty too much air circulates and the entire outside of the frame and sash can get extremely cold. Heat stopper can keep more of that cold outside, and the additional structure it provides gives more strength to the window sashes; ensuring that your brand new windows will look brand new for years and years to come.
UniShield Max is simply a combination of the innergy feature, the heat stopper technology, our super spacer, and our energy efficient glass packages. It truly delivers a strong, long lasting window that is perfect for the Minnesota climate.
So who is the ideal customer for the UniShield Max? We believe that every homeowner who likes the no maintenance side of vinyl, and who wants to put an insulated, energy efficient window into their home is going to love the UniShield Max. Does that sound like you? Call Steve the Window Guy at today for your free, no obligation estimate!
Steve The Window Guy sells more than just windows in MN!
Author: Melissa Brager
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This blog introduces Innergy rigid thermal reinforcement for Unishield replacement windows.
Innergy technology has arrived! The UniShield vinyl replacement windows, offered exclusively by Universal Windows Direct Dealers across the country now offer Innergy as the latest must have upgrade. What is it? It is an advanced fiberglass reinforced resin insert that is specially designed to slide into window and door chambers to provide greater insulation AND greater support to your window frames.
Why is Innergy better?
Thermal Break and Energy Performance: Think of Innergy as a secret weapon against wasted energy. By providing a strong thermal break in your frames it makes sure that you stay as comfortable in your home as you deserve to be. Not only that, but it provides another layer of protection against indoor condensation that can build up.
Strength. The Innergy composite provides strength and structural reinforcement in your window or door frames. It also provides a superior impact performance – keeping your home safer in extreme weather situations.
Innergy is green. Inside and out. As a soy based resin component it is an environmentally safe green product. It is plant based, made of renewable products and fully made without the use of styrene or peroxides.
Simply put, better construction equals a better window. Isn't that what you want?
Contact Steve the Window Guy from Universal Windows Direct for your free, no obligation estimate of UniShield replacement windows with Innergy. He can come out to your home, talk to you about your project, and provide a free - hands on demonstration of what Innergy looks like. We are confident that after you see this amazing technology for yourself, you won't consider buying replacement windows without it!
Author: Melissa Brager
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This blog provides a brief overview of the Heat Stopper Technology found in the exclusive UniShield line of Windows from Universal Windows Direct, Twin Cities
The heat stopper technology, as shown in a window sill
Heat Stopper technology. It’s one of the latest enhancements to the exclusive UniShield line of replacement windows! We know you have so many options when choosing a brand of replacement windows for your home; and we are confident that the heat stopper technology is going to make you love the UniShield windows even more!
What is heat stopper technology? Simply put, it is technology that will stop the heat from escaping your home, keeping you more comfortable all winter long. Put another way, It is an ENVIRONMENTAL GREEN™ polyurethane foam-filled window frame and sash.
Replacement windows with heat stopper technology will provide you with increased energy savings all year. This is because windows with heat stopper actually have an increased level of thermal performance. They stop any cold air from circulating inside a hollow frame, which would cool down the overall window unit. Stopping that cold air keeps the window warmer. The performance of the heat stopper technology will lower the window’s U-value and increase the R-value. Savvy homeowners know that better ratings equal better investments and lower heating and cooling costs. The UniShield line of replacement windows can do both.
Heat Stopper technology is environmentally safe. It provides a higher energy efficiency rating. And it’s available exclusively in the UniShield window offered by Universal Windows Direct, Twin Cities. Take advantage of our factory direct pricing and start saving money this winter!
What are you waiting for? Contact us today for an in home demonstration and free, no obligation estimate. We will show you samples of the windows and you can see the benefits of the heat stopper with your own eyes.
Author: Melissa Brager, Universal Windows Direct, MN
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Window replacement companies in the Twin Cities. Do you want to guess at how many there are? It seems like there are thousands. I can only imagine how confusing it must be for a homeowner to make a decision on which company to call for an estimate. Even when a homeowner goes to a home show to look at windows it can be overwhelming because (and I swear I am not exaggerating here) 25-50% of the vendors at some shows will sell you a window. Is it easier if you are looking for a siding or roofing contractor? I don't think so.
Remember Us?
The challenge for us is being memorable. So what can we do to become memorable? When you see us at a home show what makes you stop and talk to us? When you are surfing online for information what makes you stop on our page and explore for awhile? What can we do to help you remember us?
I overhear sales guys on the phone making calls to homeowners they just met last week. Those phone calls oftentimes start like this. "From Universal Windows Direct. Universal Windows Direct. Universal. Windows. Direct." Our name just isn't ringing any bells to them. They have looked at and talked to so many different window companies that everybody has started to sound alike. No matter how much fun they had in their home talking about their project with us, they just don't remember that the guy calling them on the phone is the one they liked. Sometimes the homeowners actually say "Hold on while I get my notes" and then they come back and say "OH HI!! We like you! Thanks for calling!"
Sure, it sounds a bit crazy but it makes sense. It is human nature. Shopping for windows can be like shopping for that perfect pair of dress pants. Do you remember the last time you ventured into the Mall looking for pants? After shopping for hours you finally decide on the perfect pair and you get ready to make your purchase. But where was that store again? What was the name of it? Suddenly every store you go in to looks the same. All the pants look the same. All the sales people sound the same. You're so overwhelmed that you don't care anymore. "These pants are fine", you tell yourself. "The price isn't what I wanted but it is fine" You just want to be done. You make the purchase and cross it off your list.
So here is my point. We have plans to make us more memorable. Big plans. Plans to make us stick in your head.. catchy plans if you will. Plans to make you smile when you see us. We want you to know that when you are looking for a window siding or door contractor we are the ones you are looking for. We don't want there to be a doubt in your head that its us. You are going to love working with us and we are going to take good care of you.
We can't wait to show you what we've been working on. Next week's blog is going to be a doozie. See you then!
Author:Melissa Brager
Your mind is spinning.
You spent hours in the Metrodome over the weekend talking to vendor after vendor after vendor about every project on your wish list. You looked at so many pictures that your window replacement project suddenly turned into a bathroom remodel, a new deck, and some custom roll-outs for your kitchen. You bought salsa mix, a new pillow and some new sheets. You gathered business cards and company literature like crazy and once your bag was full you decided you were done. As you walked up the 79 steps (or so) to get out of the Dome you started wishing you had also bought a hot tub or a sauna to soothe your aching muscles.
But the instant you stepped outside and that biting cold hit your face you were back in reality. Windows. All that dreaming was fun but the fact remains that you still have that super drafty window in the living room by your favorite chair. And don't forget that window in your bedroom that is not only completely fogged up but actually has frost in between the panes of glass right now. You wish you would have set appointments to get it priced out. Back to reality.
So here you are sorting through information and looking up companies online. We thank you for stopping in our booth and we thank you again for looking us up online today. Universal Windows Direct, Twin Cities, is a family run business offering the exclusive UniShield line of windows and doors.
We offer a foam filled main frame for extra insulation
Super spacer is standard in the glass package for longevity in window performance.
Options are available for every home and budget - including white, tan, and brown windows with maintenance free wood grain interiors.
So if you are a homeowner looking for replacement windows in the Twin Cities, contact us today and get started with a free quote. In as little as 6 weeks you can be enjoying your new, energy efficient windows.
Considering a new patio door and/or entry door? No problem! Quotes are always free, and you'll quickly see that the price does reflect when you buy direct.
Thanks for checking us out and we'll talk to you soon!
Author: Melissa Brager
Operations Manager, Universal Windows Direct, Twin Cities
Customer spotlight: Jerry and Linda.
We met Jerry and Linda at one of our outdoor events this summer. They are a couple living in a town home development. A town home development with windows in dire need of being replaced. After seeing a quick demo of our UniShield window they really liked the quality they saw and they wanted to get an estimate on replacing their windows. But…. Being in a town home they were worried about your windows conforming to the rules.
No problem.
We have worked with multiple town home communities throughout the Twin Cities to replace windows, patio doors and entry doors. We have met with town home boards to pitch our product and we have met with groups of homeowners to help them gain consensus.
What we have found is that the outside appearance of the windows is generally the determining factor in buying decisions. The town home community wants the look to remain consistent. I get it. If everyone has dark brown windows, the guy who replaces his with white stands out like a sore thumb. Similarly, if everyone has their white windows wrapped in white, but suddenly someone wraps theirs in dark green, the conformity of town home living is gone.
Our UniShield replacement windows and doors are 100% pure virgin vinyl with a smooth, streamlined exterior. Standard colors are white, tan and dark brown. Available upgrades include exterior paint colors including black, bronze and dark green, which tend to be very popular colors at town homes.
So what should you do first? Check with your town home association about the rules they have. You might get lucky and be in the same situation as Jerry and Linda. They learned that as long as they replaced their windows with WHITE 2 lite sliders, and then wrapped them in maintenance free smooth aluminum in a coordinating tan they could replace whatever they wanted. The appointment started with matching exterior wrap colors, and once we knew we could meet the requirements, we continued the discussion, and ended up replacing all of the windows in their town home. The neighbors liked how they looked so much, we ended up doing work for a few of them, too.
What is the moral of the story of Jerry and Linda? Don’t be afraid of calling us if you live in a town home. There may be a few extra hoops to jump through, but we are more than happy to do that. It is all in the name of new windows! Contact us today to get started!
Melissa Brager
Universal Windows Direct, Twin Cities
Replace just a few windows at a time!
Aren't all windows factory direct?
Most weekends you will find us at a home improvement shows or remodeling expos. But some weekends we get to participate in events that are even more fun... like the Phantom Fun Run for Pinewood Elementary in Inver Grove Heights. The Phantom Fun Run is a family activity the benefits the Pinewood Elementary school. Every year families come out to support their school by running in this fun event. Not signed up yet? No problem! You can sign up on race day!
Here is the schedule for the morning:
8:00 AM Race Day Registration. Sponsor tables available for viewing.
8:15-8:45 Eagan Police Dog, Badger, will be providing a demo.
9:00 AM Kids ¼ mile race
9:15 AM Kids ½ mile race
9:30 AM 5K Run/Walk
Universal Windows Direct is a platinum sponsor this year so we will be there at a with a table set up with product samples and brochures. Since it will be a cold morning, we will be with the other sponsors inside the school gym. Stop out to meet me and the baby, get a quick product demo or get any questions answered that you may have. Of course we will have coupons as an incentive for in home estimates for window or door replacement as well.
Interested in participating in the run? Click here for more information
Author: Melissa Brager
Universal Windows Direct, MN
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Review our open schedule times and schedule on your own. We’ll call you to confirm it when it comes through. Easy!
We believe it’s ok to smile - even when talking with a window guy!
Steve the Window Guy for Universal Windows Direct is a full exterior remodeling company focusing on replacing windows, siding, and roofing. Steve and his team are experts in working with
people just like you to create a plan for the most cost efficient way to complete your exterior remodeling project. We are part of a national dealer network that has catapulted to be a top 5
remodeling company in the nation. Locally we have an A+ rating with the BBB with zero complaints. Steve has been recognized by Universal Windows Direct as a National Dealer of the Year
three times for his hard work and dedication to getting things right. We are locally owned and operated in Bloomington, MN and work throughout the Twin Cities Metro.
Updating your home can be easy.
We believe Steve the Window, Siding and Roofing Guy was just too long of a name.
*Source: Qualified Remodelers Top 500 List, Published September 2021
We are an exterior re-modeler focusing on replacing windows, siding,
entry doors, sliding glass patio doors, roofing, gutters, gutter
protection and attic insulation.
We are a MN licensed contractor working throughout the Twin Cities Metro.
MN License # BC635019
Brager Remodeling, LLC DBA Universal Windows Direct, Twin Cities DBA Steve the Window Guy
