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1.WHAT IS A REPLACEMENT
WINDOW?
A true replacement window is
a window that's custom built to fit within the opening of an existing
window. It's built to fit precisely and can be installed without
disturbing the interior and exterior areas around the window.
2.WHAT
ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF CUSTOM REPLACEMENT WINDOWS OVER PRE-MADE,
STANDARD-SIZED WINDOWS STOCKED AT HOME CENTERS & LUMBER YARDS?
Because custom windows are
made to fit perfectly, they provide the best energy efficiency (which
saves energy costs) and install much more easily and with very little
mess. Also, because of the myriad of options available that affect
appearance and efficiency, custom windows allow consumers to design
exactly the windows they need or want.
Standard windows typically
cost less in the beginning, but other expenses and factors—like additional
labor and the disruption to the home—far outweigh the original savings.
For example, installing stock windows requires that you add brick or
siding to the exterior, and drywall or other materials to the interior. In
addition, custom-made windows allow you to choose the best solution to the
problems you want to solve by replacing windows.
3.DO
REPLACEMENT WINDOWS REALLY PAY FOR THEMSELVES OR THAT JUST A SALES LINE?
It's true, if you select
high-quality, energy-efficient windows. Savings will vary, but expertly
engineered and well-built windows lower home energy consumption. With
vinyl-framed windows, maintenance is also virtually eliminated. No need to
scrape and paint windows. These energy and maintenance
savings will allow you to recoup your window investment over time.
4.AREN'T
BEAUTIFUL VINYL WINDOWS AN OXYMORON?
Years ago that may have been
true. However, today—with the options available and with advances in
window design technology— quality vinyl windows are both beautiful and
unique. For example, home owners can choose from sculptured or sleek
window styles; white, almond or woodgrain vinyl finishes; standard or
diamond grids; and beveled, leaded, etched or stained glass. And these are
just a few of the options available. There are still old
fashioned, low-end vinyl windows available, but the new designs are
beautiful, maintenance-free and energy efficient.
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5.HOW
ARE REPLACEMENT WINDOWS ANY DIFFERENT FROM OLDER WINDOWS IN TERMS OF
CLEANING?
Many high-quality windows are
actually engineered to make cleaning easier. For example, double-hung
windows with the latest internal constant force balance system allow a
home owner to easily maneuver the sashes up and down. They tilt in—and
lock securely in place—for safe, easy cleaning. Quite a difference from
old wood windows that stick and are difficult to move up and down.
6.WILL
NEW WINDOWS ELIMINATE CONDENSATION?
Actually, no. Condensation
is moisture vapor suspended in the air, and that's something no one can
guarantee to eliminate. However, high-quality vinyl windows incorporating
warm-edge technology glazing systems will help to reduce condensation
because they're much less thermally conductive than other window types.
They can help keep the temperature of the window warmer—minimizing the hot
and cold differences that turn moisture into condensation.
7.WHAT
ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF VINYL OVER WINDOWS MADE WITH WOOD, METAL OR A
COMBINATION OF MATERIALS?
Vinyl is THE ideal window
construction material because vinyl:
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Doesn't deteriorate or rot.
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Can be extruded and shaped
into brilliant window designs.
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Doesn't damage or corrode
when scratched.
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Can be fusion welded to
eliminate air and moisture leaks at the joints.
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Offers excellent insulating
properties—especially when used in multiple-cavity frame designs.
8.ARE
THERE DIFFERENCES IN THE VINYL USED BY WINDOW MANUFACTURERS?
Absolutely. Vinyls are like
any other man-made compounds. There are numerous components in vinyl
compounds and there are many vinyl manufacturers that produce numerous
types and grades for window manufacturing. Lesser-quality vinyls typically
have problems with brittleness or impact resistance, color consistency,
and expansion and contraction. The best vinyls are proprietary compounds
formulated specifically for manufacturing high-quality windows.
9.WHAT
MAKES ONE WINDOW STRONGER THAN ANOTHER AND WHY IS WINDOW STRENGTH
IMPORTANT?
The profile design and
methods of assembly determine the strength of a window. Just as beams or
roof trusses are designed for specific mechanical loads, so are window
shapes.
The strength of the sash and
frame dictate how the window will maintain its shape under high winds. A
weak window can flex and reduce the effectiveness of the weatherstripping,
resulting in air and water infiltration and, subsequently, higher energy
costs. A weak window design also requires near-perfect window installation
to ensure an effective seal.
You'll have windows with
long-term strength and squareness if you select windows with:
10.DO WOODGRAIN VINYLS REALLY SIMULATE THE LOOK OF WOOD AND HOW WELL CAN
THEY MATCH DIFFERENT WOOD TYPES?
Advances in vinyl technology
allow quality woodgrain vinyl laminates to come very close to the look of
real wood. It's very attractive and it often matches the color of the wood
trim in homes. An added benefit is that woodgrain vinyl laminates never
need to be stained or sealed.
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11.WHAT MAKES A WINDOW OR DOOR ENERGY EFFICIENT?
Numerous factors, including
how the frame and sashes are engineered and built, the type of glass used
(single-, double- or triple-pane), the weatherstripping, the type of
low-emissivity coating on the glass and the presence of argon or krypton
gas.
12.WHAT IS AN
R-value AND HOW IMPORTANT IS IT IN SELECTING WINDOWS?
Although the U-value is
actually the important number in evaluating windows and doors today, most
people are more familiar with the related concept of R-value (or
R-factor). The R-factor of a window is the measure of its resistance to
the transfer of heat flow. The higher its R-value, the greater its
insulating ability.
13.WHAT IS U-value?
U-value (or U-factor) is the
measure of the window's ability to conduct heat—in other words, the amount
of heat transmitted through the window. The lower a window's U-value, the
better the window is at insulating your home.
14.WHAT IS Low-E
AND, HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO HAVE IN YOUR WINDOWS OR DOORS?
Low-E stands for low
emissivity and is a fairly new advancement in glass technology. Basically,
it's a microscopic, metallic coating—applied to a surface of glass—that
reflects and re-radiates heat energy either into or out of a home
depending on climate conditions. Using
Low- E is an excellent way to
increase the energy efficiency of a window. In fact, it's so effective
that every Statewide window with Low-E is ENERGY STAR®-compliant in every
region of the U.S.
15.WHAT IS ENERGY STAR
®—AND WHAT DOES IT HAVE TO DO WITH WINDOWS AND DOORS?
ENERGY STAR is a U.S.
government program—administered by the Department of Energy and the
Environmental Protection Agency with the cooperation of
manufacturers—that's designed to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels
through the education of consumers. The program covers many different
types of products. Windows and doors can only carry the ENERGY STAR label
if they are tested by an independent laboratory through the NFRC program
and meet specific, predetermined U-value ratings. By selecting ENERGY STAR
products, you will reduce your energy costs and help make the environment
cleaner.
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16.WHAT IS THE NFRC AND WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT IT?
NFRC stands for the National
Fenestration Rating Council. It's a program established by the U.S.
Department of Energy to help consumers compare window products and
options. Window manufacturers participating in the program are required to
label every window to its specific thermal performance level. Customers
are then ensured that the products they select meet the requirements for
their application. Participation in the NFRC program is voluntary. Not all
manufacturers participate because it requires outside third party
inspection and extensive product testing. Statewide IS a participant in
the NFRC program.
17.DOES ARGON OR KRYPTON GAS BETWEEN GAS PANES REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN
ENERGY EFFICIENCY?
For air to insulate well, it
needs to be as still as possible because moving air carries energy. Both
argon and krypton are heavier than air—so they're less prone to convection
or thermal movement. The bottom line is that heavier-than-air gases offer
a higher level of insulation. Both argon and krypton are found naturally
in the air you breathe and are completely harmless.
18.HOW IMPORTANT IS WEATHERSTRIPPING?
Very. Weatherstripping is
important because it provides the barrier against air and water in windows
and doors. It is the only element of operating windows or doors that make
them reasonably air tight. High-quality weatherstripping that's applied
and compressed properly really does improve the insulating performance of
windows.
19.WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF WEATHERSTRIPPING, AND WHAT BENEFITS DO
EACH HAVE?
Although there are many
different types of weatherstripping, they basically fall into one of three
categories—woven piles, flaps, and hollow or foam bulbs. Which is best?
That depends on the window style, design and application. Windows and
doors that are expertly engineered—like Statewide's—are designed with
weatherstripping that creates the tightest possible seal and holds up to
time and heavy use.
20.CAN WINDOWS KEEP OUT UV RADIATION THAT FADES CARPETING, FURNITURE,
DRAPERIES AND UPHOLSTERY?
Using a low-emissivity glass
in your new windows or doors will filter more than 50 percent of the
damaging UV light. The absolute most effective glass for this purpose,
however, is Climaguard SPF, a new technological breakthrough in insulating
glass, incorporating high performance soft coat Low E with a special
coated glass that locks over 99% of harmfull ultra-violet radiation.
21.HOW DO I MAINTAIN AND CLEAN MY STATEWIDE WINDOWS AND DOORS?
You'll be amazed at how easy
Statewide windows and doors are to clean. Also, they require practically
no maintenance. Use any window cleaner to clean the glass surface of
Statewide products that don't incorporate our High Performance Glass Guard
option. Premium-quality Statewide vinyl comes clean with any mild
detergent or simply soapy water. To clean exterior glass
surfaces of your Statewide window or door that has been coated with High
Performance Glass Guard, simply rinse with warm water and wipe dry with a
soft cloth. Do not use cleaners containing ammonia or abrasive cleaners on
products with High Performance Glass Guard. Statewide products typically
require no lubrication. In rare cases where conditions do require
lubrication of metallic parts, Statewide recommends that you use light
machine oil sparingly.
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