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| Q. What is a replacement
window? |
A. 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.
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| Q. What are the advantages of
custom replacement windows over pre-made, standard-size windows stocked at home
centers and lumber yards? |
A. 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 window
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| Q. Do replacement windows really
pay for themselves or is that just a sales line? |
A. 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.
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| Q. Aren't beautiful vinyl windows
an oxymoron? |
A. 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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| Q. How do vinyl windows compare
with windows made from other materials, such as wood and aluminum?
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A. The
performance and longevity of vinyl windows compare very favorably to those of
other building materials, and vinyl often costs less to produce. Vinyl windows
and doors are rapidly capturing a major market share as more builders and
homeowners learn about vinyl's outstanding value and
economy.
Long-lasting beauty, low maintenance and excellent thermal
efficiency ratings give vinyl windows a winning edge over other types of
replacement windows. Our vinyl compound is produced with extra levels of UV
inhibitors to help withstand harsh weather conditions, and it is recyclable and
environmentally friendly. The color of the vinyl is molded clear through, and
will never pit, peel, chalk or require any maintenance other than normal
cleaning.
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| Q. What causes condensation on
windows? |
A.
Condensation, or "sweating," is a natural occurrence on all windows and is
caused by excess humidity, or invisible water vapor, present in the air. When
this water vapor comes in contact with a surface which is at a cooler
temperature, the vapor turns to visible droplets of moisture.
Each
window has many features built in to keep the temperature of the glass as warm
as possible and thus reduce condensation. Our insulating glass units provide
superior energy efficiency to reduce the potential for condensation. However,
there is no such thing as a condensation-free window in high humidity
conditions. Controlling the amount of moisture in your home is the most
effective action you can take to avoid condensation.
Here are a few tips
on reducing the moist air in your home:
- Use fans in
bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms to circulate the air. .
- Air out your
home frequently by opening doors and windows.
- Reduce the
number of indoor house plants, as plants increase humidity levels.
- Use a
dehumidifier to remove excess humidity from the air.
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| Q. What are R-values and
U-values? |
A.
R-value is the resistance a material has to heat flow. The higher the R-value,
the greater the resistance.
U-value is the amount of heat transferred
through a material. The lower the U-value, the slower the rate of heat flow and
the better the insulating quality.
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| Q. What is Low E/Argon-filled
glass, and how does it work? |
A. Low E
(Emissivity) Glass is glass with a transparent metallic oxide coating applied
onto or into a glass surface. The coating allows short-wave energy to pass
through, but reflects long-wave infrared energy which improves the U-Value.
Argon Gas is an odorless, colorless, tasteless, non-toxic gas which is
six times more dense than air. It is used to replace air between the glass
panes to reduce temperature transfer.
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| Q. How are replacement windows
any different from older windows in terms of cleaning? |
A. 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.
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| Q. Can I have a representitive
from Northeast Building Products contact me about my specific home improvement
needs? |
A. Yes!
A representive from Northeast Building Products would be happy to answer all of
your questions and configure the most beneficial products for your specific
application. Simply call us at 215-535-7110 or,
fill out our
information request form and we will contact you at your
convenience.
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