Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why does The Gill Window Company manufacture their own rolling shutters instead of reselling them?

    As the only rolling shutter manufacturer in the region, we control material quality, customization options, and lead times that resellers can't match. This means shutters fit Wyoming's specific wind loads and temperature swings, and we can modify designs for unusual window sizes or commercial applications without waiting on third-party suppliers.
  • How do vinyl windows perform in Cheyenne's temperature extremes?

    Vinyl windows handle Wyoming's temperature swings better than wood or aluminum because the material doesn't conduct heat and won't expand or contract enough to break seals. Cheyenne's dry climate also prevents the moisture-related warping that affects vinyl performance in humid regions, making it the most durable option for high-altitude plains environments.
  • What's the difference between storm shutters and security shutters?

    Storm shutters are engineered for wind pressure and impact resistance during severe weather, using materials rated for hail and debris strikes. Security shutters prioritize forced-entry resistance with reinforced locking mechanisms and heavier-gauge materials, though both provide secondary benefits—storm shutters deter break-ins, and security shutters offer some weather protection.
  • When should you repair a sliding glass door instead of replacing it?

    Repair makes sense when only the rollers, track, or a single pane need attention and the frame remains square and weather-tight. If the frame is warped, multiple seals have failed, or the door no longer locks securely, replacement prevents ongoing air leakage and security gaps that repairs can't fully resolve.
  • Why do custom vinyl windows cost more than stock sizes?

    Custom manufacturing requires individual tooling setups, precise measurements, and materials cut to non-standard dimensions that can't be batched with other orders. Stock windows are produced in volume with shared setup costs, while custom sizes carry the full expense of dedicated production time and specialized frame extrusions.
  • What happens during a window replacement that affects how long it takes?

    Removing the old window, checking and repairing framing for rot or misalignment, installing the new unit level and square, insulating gaps, and finishing interior and exterior trim all happen in sequence. Older homes often reveal hidden framing issues or non-standard rough openings that require corrective work before the new window can be installed properly.
  • Can you install rolling shutters on second-story windows?

    Yes, but installation requires either interior access to mount the roller mechanism above the window or exterior scaffolding to secure the housing and side tracks. Second-story installations also need motorized operation since manual cranks aren't practical from ground level, which adds electrical work to the project scope.
  • How do you know if a window pane needs replacement or just repair?

    Single cracks without moisture between panes can sometimes be stabilized with resin injection, but any fogging, condensation between panes, or multiple fracture points means the seal has failed and the entire insulated glass unit needs replacement. Trying to repair failed seals just delays the inevitable and wastes money on temporary fixes.
  • What makes wholesale window pricing different from retail installation pricing?

    Wholesale pricing covers the manufactured product only—the window unit, frame, and hardware—delivered to a job site. Retail installation pricing includes site measurement, removal of old windows, installation labor, insulation, trim work, and warranty coverage for both the product and the workmanship.
  • Do exterior shutters in Wyoming need different mounting hardware than other climates?

    Wyoming's sustained high winds require through-bolted mounts into structural framing rather than surface screws into siding alone. Shutters also need reinforced hinge systems rated for wind uplift, since gusts create suction forces that can rip inadequately mounted shutters off the building even when closed.
  • What affects energy efficiency more—the glass or the window frame?

    Both matter, but frame material and installation quality cause more real-world heat loss than glass performance differences. Gaps around poorly installed frames, conductive aluminum frames, or rotted wood frames leak more air than the difference between double-pane and triple-pane glass, especially in Wyoming's windy conditions.
  • Why would a commercial property need rolling security shutters instead of fixed bars?

    Rolling shutters retract completely when the business is open, maintaining storefront visibility and accessibility without permanent visual barriers. They also cover entire window and door openings uniformly, preventing pry-bar access at edges where fixed bars leave gaps, and can be motorized for quick deployment when closing.