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January 12th, 2010 |

Author: Gerry Gardiner

Frequently asked questions about Windows

Window FAQ

How often should replace windows residential?

Homeowners with windows over 25 years old should consider replacing them both to obtain the best energy efficiency and to protect the "envelope" of the house. A home is an ideal candidate for replacing the windows if the windows are sealed or with paint, experiences ice buildup or ice cream glaze during the winter, clouded with condensation or have projects that come through the windows.

Do replacement windows really pay for themselves or is that just a sales line?

True, if you select high quality, windows energy efficiency. Savings will vary, but in a well-integrated engineering and Windows retail home energy consumption. With vinyl-framed windows, maintenance is virtually eliminated. No need to scrape and paint the windows.
These energy savings and maintenance will allow you to recover your investment in the window in time.

Windows will remove condensate again?

Actually, no. Condensation is moisture vapor suspended in the air, and that is something that nobody can guarantee to eliminate. However, high quality vinyl Windows incorporates hot tech glazing systems will help to reduce condensation because they are much less thermally conductive than other window types. They can help keep the temperature warmer than the window minimizes hot and cold differences that turn moisture into condensation.

What makes a window or door energy efficient?

Many factors, including how the frame and racks are designed and built, the type of glass used (single, double or triple glass-), the weatherstripping, the type of coating low emissivity glass and the presence of argon or krypton gas.

What is ENERGY STAR ®, and what it has to do with windows and doors?

ENERGY STAR is a government program in the U.S., administered by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency with the cooperation of manufacturers, which is designed to reduce fossil fuel consumption through consumer education. The program covers many different types of products. Windows and doors can only carry the ENERGY STAR when inspected by an independent laboratory through the NFRC program and meet specific, predetermined U-scores asset. By selecting ENERGY STAR products, you will reduce your energy costs and help the environment cleaner.

What is the NFRC and what I know about him?

Represents NFRC National Fenestration Rating Council. It is a program established by the Department of Energy U.S. to help consumers compare products and window options. Window manufacturers participating in the program are required to tag each window its specific thermal performance level. Customers are then ensure that the products they select meet the requirements for implementation. Participation in the NFRC program is voluntary. Not all manufacturers participate because it requires outside third party inspection and product testing.

What does Low E stand for?

Low E is a non-visible, microscopic layer of silver coating added to glass for greater energy efficiency and comfort. Low E means "low emissivity", which is the action of reflecting light passing through glass. Through reflection of the light spectrum (the part that heat transfer), reducing the window U-value and increase its value R.

What U-values and R-values really mean?

U-Values represent the amount of heat that escapes through a wall, window, ceiling or other surface. The lower the U value, the more energy efficient a material. R-values are the opposite. These measure an object's resistance to heat flow. A. The most valuable material, the lower its U-value and less energy lost. A R-value depends on the number of layers of window glass, what kind of gas is between the layers, and if one or more of these layers of glass have been treated with a low E coating.

Windows can maintain the UV radiation that fades carpeting, furniture, curtains and upholstery?

Using a Low-E glass in new windows or doors will filter more than 50 percent of harmful ultraviolet light. The absolute most effective glass for this purpose, however, is laminated insulating glass. It comprises a polyvinyl butyral inner layer and a low emissivity coating that filters more than 99 percent of UV radiation that fades interior furnishings.

Windows and doors can reduce noise from outside?

All windows and doors reduce noise to some degree. The best solution, without however, is to use a laminate, a system of insulating glass in windows and doors. It provides both a 100 percent improvement in sound dampening on other types of glass.

What are some common styles of windows on the market today?

Depending on the region and personal style, single-hung, double hung, trim, awnings, slide-in, bay and bow windows are the most commonly used. A number of other style windows are frequently employed as accent windows.

What is a window awning?

An awning window is hinged at the top and swings out in the bottom to open, operated by a boot mechanism.

What is a bay window?

A bay window is a series of three windows usually met in a polygon shape that projects outward from the side of a house.

How does it differ of a bow window?

Arched windows are similar to bays in this project, also from the side of a house. However, they are generally
integrated of a series of five window units assembled in an arc instead of a polygon.

What is a casement window?

A window folding is a window unit hinged at the side that swings outward, operated by a boot mechanism.

What is a window full of gas?

Modern technology allows a window of inert gas, usually argon, to be sealed between the glass panes of a window instead of air. The gas is a insulator much better than just air, further increasing the thermal value of a window.

What is the insulation of glass?

Technically, there are two or more sheets of glass separated by insulation at the edges and air in the center to provide improved thermal efficiency of a window.

How do I know which type of glass is suitable for a window?

Different climates and styles of homes require different options glazing to maximize energy efficiency. Some glass options can also help reduce outdoor traffic noise from entering the house. The options range single crystal from glass, as in historic homes (minimal insulating value) to the R10, with double sealed, triple glazed, with two Low E surfaces and two krypton / argon gas filled insulating airspaces Maxi ¬ mother efficiency.

How to decide between simple, double or triple glazing?

Single glazing is single pane of glass and is best used in garages, tool sheds and buildings which have to be extremely energy efficient. Double glazed windows with two panes of glass with air or a safe, colorless and odorless gas tightly sealed between crystals. When the glass is treated with low-E coating, the window can reach a value of R5 at the center point of the glass. The most energy efficient window is a triple-glazed window. Gases are sealed between three panes of glass and Low E coatings are applied in two of the crystals. This can lead to energy efficiency to a value of R10 at the center point of the glass.

It argon or krypton gas between the panes that really make a difference in energy efficiency?

For air to insulate well, it must be as still as possible because moving air carries energy. Both argon and krypton are heavier than air-so they are less prone to convection or thermal movement. The conclusion is that the heavier than air gases offer a higher level of isolation. Both argon and krypton are found naturally in the air we breathe and are completely harmless.

What are frames?

Jambs are structural members used to support the window in the wall. Structural members on the side are, of course, called side jambs. The framing member in the top is a head jamb. No jambs at the bottom. This structural member known as a threshold.

What are the amounts?

Mullions are vertical members between window units. They are sometimes confused with holders, who are members downstream processing with multiple panes of glass in the sash. Other parts of the band include styles (outside vertical members) and rails (horizontal members of the upper and lower).

How important is weather stripping?

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 fairly tight. High quality weather stripping is applied and compressed properly really improve the insulating performance of windows.

What is an impact-resistant glass window?

Impact-resistant glass has strong laminated glass sheets. When combined with a exceptionally strong victory ¬ Dow framework, this type of window provides homeowners with greater security and protection from storms, flying debris and even the occasional lost golf ball. Being beaten by a hard and blunt object like a tree branch or softball, the glass resists shattering. In the rare event that an object is the impact glass, the glass may break, but still held in the frame. This greatly reduces the risk of broken glass, water or waste enters at home.

Who should have impact resistant glass in their homes?

Homeowners living in coastal areas subject to strong winds and storms, or who live directly on a golf course or in an area where vigorous sports activities take place, should consider impact resistant glass in their homes. Other owners might be interested in the sound reduction and security benefits that impact-resistant glass provides.

About the Author

S&K Roofing, Siding and Windows is Maryland’s leading company in roofing and maintenance-free home exteriors. Family-owned and operated since 1980, S&K Roofing, Siding and Windows provides high-quality exterior home workmanship and customer service that is among the best in the industry. We offer maintenance-free home exteriors including roofing, siding, windows, doors, gutters and downspouts, custom trim/wrap, and decks.

To learn more visit SKRoofing.com.

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