Month: January 2022

What are the Pros and Cons of Wood Windows? Wood is one of the most beautiful and aesthetic surfaces for windows, and that is why these windows are so popular. However, when left to the elements, wood will degrade and begin to rot. Quality wood replacement windows can also be expensive, especially with the upkeep required. Wood is a good …

  Do I Need to Maintain My New Wood Windows? New wood windows will probably require some maintenance over their lifetime. For the least maintenance, select windows with aluminum or vinyl cladding on the exterior. Since aluminum cladding is painted, a large array of standard and customized colors are available. However, you need to be sure that the integrity of …

  How Should I Care For the Different Types of Glass Used in Today’s Windows? Glass care today is more important than ever. Insulating low-e, or heat reflective glass requires proper maintenance to ensure their complete effectiveness.   Clean glass with a mixture of mild dish soap and water. Rinse completely with clear water, then wipe dry with a soft …

  How Do I Evaluate a Window and Door Contractor? Since a knowledgeable contractor will be able to guide you through all the planning stages of the project, finding a capable contractor should be your first order of business. It will save you both time and money. Word of mouth is also a good way to unearth an outstanding company. …

  What is Low-E, and How Important is it to Have it on Your Windows or Doors? Low-E stands for low emissivity and it’s one of the most significant improvements in glass technology in years. Low-E, it’s a microscopic, metallic coating applied to a surface of glass, much like the reflective coating on a mirror. However, since the coating is …

Will New Windows Have Air Leakage? Any operable window or door, even new ones, will have some degree of air-filtration. All windows are tested under the influence of a 25 MPH wind under which the air infiltration rate must be less than 0.30 cubic feet of air per minute per square foot of window area. Therefore, a 3 foot by …

   Do Replacement Windows Really Pay for Themselves or is That Just Sales Talk? One of the major barriers to getting new windows installed is an upfront cost for materials and labor. Well, if it is any consolation to homeowners, the majority of that money will be recouped when the home is sold. According to the 2009 survey of Cost …

  What are the Pros and Cons of Fiberglass Windows? Fiberglass window frames are a relatively new type of frame made of fiberglass composite material. Some of these window frames are hollow; others are filled with fiberglass insulation. Most are prefinished with a white or brown polyurethane coating. These window frames are manufactured using a process called “pultrusion.” Glass matting …

How Can I Clean My Vinyl Window Frames? Cleaning vinyl frames of airborne dirt, dust, smoke, salt spray, etc. can usually be removed by using a mild detergent and warm water solution with a soft rag or brush. Grease, oil, or other industrial solids that have built up for some time, may require stronger solutions such as Mr. Clean, Soft …

  What is the Thickness of Glass Used in Most Residential Replacement Windows? The vast majority of residential windows use Single Strength glass which is 3/32” thick. For larger windows, Double Strength, or 1/8” thick glass may be required. For extremely large residential window it may be necessary to use 5/32” or 3/16” thick glass to assure adequate wind-load resistance. A few …