SOLON — Tom Trump and his crew at Solon Hardware is well versed in working with the delicate task of window replacements.
Besides the large variety of supplies sold at the store, Solon Hardware also has in-house window repairs, done by Trump himself. Trump said that he learned the practice of window repairs and replacements from his father, Dean, meaning that Solon Hardware has been replacing windows for half a century. “
I worked alongside my father and learned all of those things,” said Trump on his repair knowledge.
It’s not super common to find someone like Trump in this day and age, as window replacement has become something of a lost art. Trump is gearing up for a busy summer as windows, glass, and screen repairs typically start in the early summer and run through the fall months. And he draws on service-driven individuals from the area for help on bigger projects.
“A lot of firefighters and paramedics, on their off days, will come out and work with me for a day or two,” he said.
“Some years will go right through the winter putting windows in some years, some not,” said Trump. “It just kind of depends upon the economy and what people are doing.”
As far as how the estimate process works for window replacement, the whole ordeal is actually quite simple. Trump starts by setting an appointment to go out and take a look at the window in person.
“I might do it a little differently than some other companies do, but I’ll go out and take a look at what they have,” said Trump. “And then explain to them what I have to offer, show them my window, and then talk to them not only about the features of my window, but what else is out there.”
Trump will walk through the window installation process with the customer, which can vary due to the construction of the house. Although Trump can work with many brands, he said that his favorite to use for replacements is Simonton.
“They were one of the first ones to come out with an all welded frame unit, which is the preferred way to make a vinyl window,” said Trump. “You can do a glued and screwed together frame, but over time, with the expansion and contraction of vinyl, those joints will come apart, so it’s much, much preferred to do the all welded construction.”
So if Solon residents find their windows in need of replacement, they don’t have to look very far to find quality craftsmanship, years of experience, and an easy repair in their future. Those interested in contacting Trump for his services can find him on Main Street from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Saturday.