Frequently Asked Questions

There are many reasons to replace your old wood windows with new vinyl replacement windows. Vinyl windows are affordable, durable, energy efficient, aesthetically appealing, and require little maintenance.

• Durability - All of our replacement windows are thoroughly tested for structural and thermal performance, to ensure they hold up under extreme weather conditions. Our replacement windows are also tested and certified to meet AAMA standards for forced entry resistance, for your protection.

• Convenience - Tilt in sashes allow for safe and easy cleaning from inside the home. Windows open effortlessly, regardless of the temperature or humidity level. A vinyl frame will not rot, chip, crack or peel, and as a result, never needs painting. The frame can be cleaned easily with soap and water when necessary. Balances never need adjusting, so replacement windows operate easily for as long as you own your home.

• Aesthetics - We offer a choice of solid colors and printed patterns for our replacement windows. We have several exterior profiles, which enhance the beauty of your home. Some models are available with interior oak laminate, which provides the rich look of wood, without the maintenance. Many styles are available with color-coordinated grilles, available in several colors and patterns, and sealed inside the glass for easy cleaning.

• Reliability - We stand behind our replacement windows, backing each one with our Lifetime Limited Warranty. This warranty, which covers the window, the insulated glass, and the replacement window hardware, will bring you peace of mind for as long as you own your home.

We offer many styles to give your home a beautiful new look while improving energy efficiency. Your new replacement windows can add value to your home while cutting down your heating and cooling bills.

The R-value is the resistance a material has to the flow of heat (the higher the R-value, the greater the resistance).

The U-value is the amount of heat that is transferred through a material. (the lower the U-value, the better insulating quality).

Two organizations, the American Architectural Manufacturing Association (AAMA) and the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), test the performance and quality standards for replacement windows.

The NFRC established standards for thermal performance.

U-factor: This is a measure of heat loss. The lower the U-factor the better.

SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient): Once again the lower the better.

VT (Visible Transmittance): The higher the visible transmittance, the more daylight is transmitted. A high VT is desirable to maximize the amount of daylight entering the home.

The AAMA established standards for structural integrity, air infiltration, water infiltration resistance and forced entry resistance.

Structural Integrity is the ability to withstand wind and other dynamic pressures. This is rated in design pressure (DP). The higher a product's rating design pressure, the greater the amount of wind or pressure the window will withstand.

Air Infiltration tests involve the equivalent of 25 mph wind. The lower the air infiltration rating the better.

Water Infiltration tests a window's ability to resist water leakage through the window frame, sashes, joints, weather-stripping, etc. No leakage is permitted under this test criteria.

Forced entry is tested by a certified lab technician using many different tools to simulate breaking into a home through the window. Next, windows and doors are subjected to hundreds of pounds of force to try to lift or push them open while in the locked position.

ENERGY STAR was started by The United States Department of Energy. ENERGY STAR helps businesses and consumers become aware of what products save energy to save money while protecting the environment for future generations. When a product, such as our replacement window, meets the requirements for ENERGY STAR that product then qualifies for the program.

Obscure glass offers privacy where window coverings are not desired, in areas such as bathrooms or for use in sidelights. Obscure glass provides a translucent, rather than transparent appearance.

Vinyl replacement windows compare very favorably to those made of other building materials. Vinyl allows for smooth operation year round because of its self lubricating properties and the fact that it does not shrink, swell or bend during harsh weather conditions. The combination of aesthetic appeal, energy efficiency, and low maintenance provides equal or better performance and is often more economical.

Dual pane insulated glass with Warm Edge Intercept. Intercept Warm-Edge spacer is approximately twice as effective as a single pane of glass in reducing heat transfer. It is created by sealing two single panes of glass to a spacer, creating an insulating chamber that traps air, so that heat does not pass through the window. This means that your house will stay warmer in the winter, and cooler in summer, so you save money on your energy bills, and you are comfortable all year long.

LoE2 Glass is coated with two microscopically thin metallic layers, which reflect radiant heat while permitting the passage of visible light. In hot climates, LoE2 glass reflects unwanted solar heat, helping to keep your home cooler and reduce cooling costs. LoE2 glass helps keep your home warmer in the winter as well by reflecting radiant heat back into your home. This not only keeps you more comfortable, but helps to reduce heating expenses also. LoE2 glass blocks 84% of ultraviolet rays, which will protect your drapes, furnishings and carpets from fading caused by the sun.

Tempered glass, sometimes referred to as safety glass, is 4 to 5 times stronger than ordinary annealed window glass. This provides an extra measure of protection for your family. When tempered glass breaks, it breaks into small pieces that are not sharp or jagged. In the event of an accident, someone is much less likely to be hurt.

Our vinyl replacement windows are virtually maintenance free. They are unaffected by moisture, salt air, pollution and airborne chemicals. Vinyl will not pit, peel, flake or corrode making it unnecessary to paint. Cleaning is easy using a simple cloth and mild detergent. Do not use harsh detergents or solvents as these could damage the finish or appearance of the windows.

Condensation is the result of excess humidity, or excess water vapor in the air coming into contact with a cooler surface such as a replacememt window causing visible droplets of water. To minimize this effect, our replacement windows are built with features to keep the surface of the glass warmer. When the humidity conditions are extremely high, use the following suggestions to help reduce the moisture in the air:

• Open windows frequently to "air-out" your home.

• Use a dehumidifier.

• Use venting fans in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room.

Our replacement windows are designed to fit neatly and effortlessly into the opening left by the removal of an existing sash. If you need more assistance please visit our How To Measure page for quick answers to most of your questions. Or you could visit our Find a Contractor page for help on finding a contractor in your area.

To get more information, simply click on the contact us button or call toll-free 1-877-777-0627.