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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 factorslike
additional labor and the disruption to the homefar 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 Return to Top
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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. Return to Top
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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. Return to Top
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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. Return to Top
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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
inand lock securely in placefor safe, easy cleaning. Quite a
difference from old wood windows that stick and are difficult to move up and
down. Return to
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Q. Can I have a
representative
from Quality Window and Door contact me about my specific home improvement
needs? |
A. Yes!
A reprehensive from Quality Window and Door would be happy to answer all of
your questions and configure the most beneficial products for your specific
application. Simply call us at
800-595-9991 or,
fill out our
information request form and we will contact you at your
convenience. Return
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