FAQ
What is a replacement
window?
Unlike a window used in new home construction, a
replacement window is a window that is custom built to
fit into the opening of an existing window. It's built
to fit that opening precisely and can be installed
without disturbing the interior and exterior trim. It
can modernize and upgrade the design of the existing
window and, in most cases, will provide additional
strength and energy efficiency benefits.
Will my vinyl frame windows pay for themselves?
If you chose a high quality, energy efficient window,
your initial investment can be recouped over time,
through reduced heating and cooling costs. Numerous
airtight construction features and advanced glazing in
our window units do a much more effective job of
sealing cold air out and keeping heated air in.
Why has vinyl become the
most popular type of framing?
The technology of vinyl extrusion has advanced
significantly over recent years, enabling it to become
the material that is most energy efficient and easiest
to maintain. Vinyl has proven to be practical as well
as beautiful.
What are the advantages
of vinyl windows vs. wood or metal?
Aside from beauty and design considerations and
general architectural preference, the major advantage
of vinyl is the cost saving achieved through better
energy efficiency. Another important factor is that
homeowners never need to paint vinyl window frames,
which results in a saving of both money and work.
All vinyl windows look
alike, how do I tell the difference?
The major difference between our windows and lower
quality vinyl windows is in the internal construction
of the sash and frame. When looking at different
products, ask your dealer to show you the structural
components of the window and to explain how the window
seals the airflow from inside the home.
What about glazing? Are
all Low-e coatings the same?
No. There are different Low-e coatings that allow you
to customize the glass performance based upon the
location of the window in the home. Some coatings
prevent more heat from entering, while others allow
more heat to enter your home. This gives you the
opportunity to control the comfort of each room
individually, thus minimizing your energy consumption
and lowering your costs.
Will vinyl frame window
and glass units protect against forced entry?
If security is a concern, there are ways to maximize
the security of your windows and doors. With the
largest exposure to entry of a window or door being
the glass, the latest concept available is laminated
glass packs. These are designed to withstand multiple
blows with a heavy object and still stay intact. Our
Safe glass can withstand 30 to 40 direct hits with a
baseball bat and not break out of the frame.
Can vinyl frame window
and glass units reduce outside noise?
All windows and doors will reduce outside noise to
some degree. If noise reduction is a concern, the best
solution is to use Safe laminated glass. This will
improve the noise reduction by as much as 100% over a
standard glass pack.
What is condensation?
The source of condensation is humidity, or air borne
water vapor, which is present in all air. When this
water vapor comes in contact with a cooler surface it
will condense, similar to your bathroom mirror after
you take a hot shower. Condensation can occur on
windows and doors during the winter if the humidity
level is high enough.
Temporary condensation can occur:
- After baths and showers, laundry, cooking or dishwashing.
- At the start of the heating season. your home can retain moisture from the humid summer months.
- When the outside temperature experiences drastic changes. a sharp drop in temperature, especially during the heating season can cause temporary condensation.
- During construction or renovation of your home. most building materials retain moisture during shipping or storage; this moisture can be released into the home but will eventually dry out.
Excess moisture in your home can cause not only
structural problems but it also presents a health risk
as well.
Problem condensation will show itself when:
- The condensation remains on the windows throughout the day.
- You can see condensation on the walls
- You can notice a musty smell
in your home,mold or mildew on various surfaces
throughout the home.
There are several ways to
reduce the humidity in your home, the three main areas
of concern should be:
- Reduce moisture sources
- Increase ventilation
Do vinyl window systems
reduce condensation?
They can help control the problem. Moisture vapor in
the air condenses when it comes in contact with a
cooler surface. A high quality vinyl window system
that incorporates the latest warm edge technology
glazing will help to reduce condensation, because it
keeps the edges at a more consistent temperature. When
you minimize the hot and cold differences of the
glass, you reduce the amount of condensation.
Energy Star Program
What is the Energy Star Program?
Energy Star is a program, administered by the US
Department of Energy and the Canadian Government in
cooperation with manufacturers of appliances and many
other products, including windows. The program is
designed to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels.
Windows and doors can only carry the Energy Star
certification after they have been tested and approved
by an independent laboratory through the NFRC program.
When you select Energy Star certified products, you
will reduce your energy consumption and help to
improve the environment. All our products are Energy
Star certified.
Why is energy efficient so important in windows?
In recent years, energy efficiency has become a prime
consideration in the manufacturing of windows and
doors. It is certain to become even more critical in
the future as energy costs increase.
How are windows made to be more energy-efficient?
There are numerous factors involved in making a window
or door efficient. The way they are engineered and
built will significantly affect their performance in
terms of energy efficiency. The amount of
weather-stripping, the type of glass packs used, as
well as the low-emissive coatings on the glass will
all contribute to energy efficiency. The addition of
argon gas in the sealed unit of a window is a
relatively new option that can dramatically improve
energy efficiency values.
If you have any questions or would like more
information, or for a free quote, contact us today!
