Zen Windows Des Moines

You have probably seen “Low-E glass” on a window quote, but what does it actually mean?

Low-E stands for low emissivity. It is a coating applied to one or more glass surfaces within the sealed window unit to help manage heat transfer. During winter, it helps retain warmth inside your home. During summer, it helps reduce heat entering through your windows.

The exact coating and glass package can affect the appearance of the glass, sometimes creating a slight blue or green tint, while still allowing natural light into the home.

If Low-E glass is not listed on your window quote, ask what glass package is included.

Internal window grids can really bring some cozy character to the appearance of your home. 😁

We love how they make these White Aspect windows from ProVia pop!
Internal window grids are decorative bars sealed safely between the glass panes of double or triple-pane windows.

They provide a classic, divided look while keeping both the interior and exterior glass surfaces completely smooth for fast, easy cleaning. 😍

Do the windows in your home feature any grid lines? Let us know in the comments below!

You’ve probably seen “Low-E glass” on a window quote and nodded like you knew what it meant. Here's the short version. 🔍

Low-E stands for low-emissivity. It's an invisible coating on the glass that reflects heat back where it came from, keeping your home's warm air inside during winter and outside during summer.

The result? A more comfortable house and a lower energy bill, without changing how the window looks or how much light comes through.🪟

While most modern residential windows from major brands include Low-E coatings as a standard feature to block heat and UV rays, some entry-level, builder-grade, or specialty historical-replacement windows still sell them as an optional upgrade.

Don’t see it on your window quote? 🤔 It’s worth asking about!

We think this ProVia Legacy Single Entry Door in Snow Mist White matches BEAUTIFULLY with the white exterior trim surrounding Kris C.'s home! 😍

We also were happy to add a matching storm door to this project!

Believe it or not, storm doors create an insulating air pocket between themselves and the main door, reducing drafts and heat loss during colder or hotter months. 😎

And if you have pets, it allows Buddy to safely see outside and be on watch for any incoming treats or packages. 🐶

Replacing a new front door? Send us a few pictures for a remote quote! 📸

At the core of who we are, our installation team is absolutely what sets us apart. 💯

From the early mornings to the extensive clean-up, our team works tirelessly to provide our customers with a seamless, stress-free experience.

We couldn't thank them enough. 👏

Their installation techniques, years of expertise, and needle-point precision is exactly the sort of craftsmanship needed to effortlessly handle our energy-efficient products.

We thank and honor all of our team members who dedicate countless hours out in the field. We see you, we respect you, and we are thankful for you! 🙌

Most people compare window quotes by looking at one thing, the total price. There's a number buried in the spec sheet that tells you a lot more about how the window will actually perform, U-factor.

➡️ U-factor measures how well a window keeps heat from escaping. The lower the number, the better the window insulates. Two windows can look identical and cost the same, and still have very different U-factors. When you're comparing quotes, ask for the U-factor on each one. It's a real, testable number, not a sales pitch.

Recommended window U-Factors vary by climate zone to optimize energy efficiency: northern cold regions require a U-factor of ≤ 0.30, mixed northern and midwest zones need ≤ 0.32, mixed southern areas target ≤ 0.35, and hot southern climates can use up to ≤ 0.60.

Not sure what you need for your home? We’ll help you compare your quotes! 🙂

We could tell you what makes our process different, but we’d rather just show you what a real homeowner said after going through it. 😁

"Seamless experience from the initial, virtual consultation through installation. Luke was not pushy and answered all of our questions thoroughly. We are thrilled with our 7 new windows and would recommend Zen to others without a doubt." - Jill Veeck

💯This is the entire foundation that Zen Windows was built on. A straightforward process, from quote to install, with nothing extra tacked on, including no high pressure.

Thinking about new windows? We'd love the opportunity to earn another review like this one!

How do I choose the right window style for my house? 👇

Start with what's already there and assess the functionality vs style. Replacing double-hung windows with casement windows on a traditional colonial-style home can look wrong even if the casements are individually nice.

Consistency with the existing architecture usually looks better than having a bunch of different types of windows. ☺️ Beyond that, have you considered how the window will be used (ventilation? view? egress?), what's outside (clearance for an outswing casement), and your maintenance preferences?

Most people replace their windows with what they already have and aren’t aware that they have options. We’ll help you understand the goals you have for your project and assess your needs without any of the pushy tactics. 🙅‍♀️

We hear the same 3 common lies told to our clients by other companies. 🥱

Lie 1: "I need someone to come to my house to get an accurate price."
❌️ You don't. A skilled estimator can produce an accurate quote from photos. We do it every single day. The in-home visit requirement exists to serve the sales model, not the quote.

Lie 2: "Window replacement is always a big, disruptive project."
Most installations are completed in a single day. 😏 Our crews work efficiently, protect your home during the process, and clean up completely when they leave. Most homeowners tell us it was less invasive than they expected.

Lie 3: "You have to pay a deposit to get on the schedule."
❌️ You don't - at least not with us. The deposit requirement exists because other companies want you financially committed before you can change your mind.

If you’ve heard any of these lies before, which one frustrated you the most?