Solar Windows and More is now Smart Choice Windows and More

By Laura Briedis

What’s in a name? If you ask the famous Shakespeare characters Romeo and Juliet, the answer is not much.

But the folks at Solar Windows and More have given it a lot of thought. And as they celebrate their 10th anniversary this month, the company has changed its name to Smart Choice Windows and More.

“There was some ambiguity about our name as customers were confused and thought we sold actual solar panel windows,” says Mark Uffman, operations manager.

“Though our name is well known in Northeast Ohio, we thought it was best to change it so there is no confusion about what we do.”

“For the past decade, we have been helping customers make smart choices when it comes to windows, doors and other exterior home products, so our new name better reflects what we do. We break away the misinformation about windows and help educate consumers about energy efficiency and present options, then let them make the choice,” he adds.

As the company continues to grow, it purchased the building next to its Strongsville showroom and will use it as a place where customers can see firsthand the products Smart Choice Windows and More sells, spotlighting new black window trim and shake siding. And inside, it manufactures custom glass block windows.

Though the name has changed and its space has grown, everything else remains the same, like the recognizable company logo, experienced staff and quality product offerings.

With its storefront on Pearl Road, just steps in front of Home Depot and Lowe’s, Smart Choice Windows and More offers a local alternative to the national chains.

“We support the local economy by proudly selling American-made products, many of which are made in Ohio,” says company owner AJ Jaffary.

“We sell Sunrise Windows & Patio Doors built in the Toledo area, GutterShutter manufactured in Cincinnati and ProVia Doors from Sugarcreek.”

Gleaming Windows
One of only 44 distributors of Sunrise Windows’ top-of-the-line Restorations windows in the country, the company’s knowledgeable sales staff educates homeowners about the importance of energy savings and explains the Energy Star rating, low E-coatings and thermal block energy materials and how they all translate to cost savings and help keep people warm and cozy.

“Although the energy rating on the glass may be great, the window is only as good as two things: proper installation and quality construction,” explains Mark, noting the key is how well the window is constructed to stop water and air infiltration.

The window frames come in many shapes and color options and are customized to your home. Whether a trapezoid shape, a garden window with a sill or a large bay window, your windows make a design statement.

The staff helps you design your windows and a measurement technician (yes, there is a dedicated employee whose sole job is to measure windows and doors) measures the window openings and sends the specs back to the office.

Then, Smart Choice Windows places the order with the manufacturer. Typically, it takes three to six weeks to custom build the windows.

GutterShutter
It is peak season right now to behold the beauty of the kaleidoscope of changing leaf colors. This natural splendor reminds us why we love living in Northeast Ohio, where we enjoy four seasons.

In just a couple of weeks, however, these leaves can wreak havoc on homeowners—clogging gutters and allowing rainwater to pool around the home’s foundation. And if you don’t clean out your gutters in the fall, bigger problems loom in the winter.

For the past four years, Smart Choice Windows and More has been installing GutterShutter, a complete water management system. Locally made in Ohio, GutterShutter is completely enclosed. There are no vertical openings for clogging debris to enter, and no screens, inserts or filters to clog. Rainwater flows over and around the nose of the GutterShutter by the simple physical law of water surface tension—just like the way water clings to the side of a glass when it’s poured.

“We offer a 100 percent no-clog guarantee,” says Mark, noting that in the four years they have been installing the product there never has been a clog. “GutterShutter moves rainwater away from your home and protects your foundation. Plus, it adds a crown molding-type architectural detail to your home, so not only is it functional but it’s also aesthetically pleasing.”

And Much More
Smart Choice Windows and More offers more than windows and doors, as it can take care of all of your home’s exterior—from the roof down to the gutters and siding.

The company installs GAF roofing shingles and Alside and Norandex siding.

“We are not a jack-of-all-trades, but instead have installers who specialize in each trade,” says AJ.

“We have a crew that just installs windows, others who are roofers and some who just do gutters. This way we have the best professionals in every craft.”

Smart Choice Windows and More is located at 8367 Pearl Road in Strongsville. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sunday by appointment. For more information, call 440-WINDOWS (946-3697) or visit SolarWindowsAndMore.com.