This
section helps to answer some of the more common questions
from our customers. Below you will find definitions
to some important terms. If you can't find the information
you're looking for, please contact
us and we'd be glad to assist you.
What
are various windows made of and what will work best for
me?
Basically there are three types of materials used. Aluminum
windows have easily scratched painted surfaces, and conduct
both heat and cold, making them very poor insulators.
Wood windows, which require constant painting and caulking,
can absorb moisture, which makes them difficult to open
and close.
Alside's vinyl windows, however, never need painting and
won't show scratches, because the color goes throughout
the material. This is why vinyl windows are quickly becoming
the most popular choice for both new construction and
replacement applications.
In addition, you should consider custom-sized windows
for the simple reason that they'll fit better. Stock-sized
windows require extensive carpentry work both inside and
outside your house, which can be costly and inconvenient.
Alside custom-sized windows are manufactured to fit your
existing window opening. You get the style and options
you want while maintaining your glass area.
Is
there any difference in how windows are made?
There are two basic types of construction: Mechanically
fastened windows that are screwed together at the corners
and welded windows that use a chemical or heat process
for joining. Alside produces both mechanically fastened
and welded windows. Mechanically fastened windows feature
a unique overlap corner design for extra strength, while
welded versions utilize state-of-the-art heat welding
equipment. Beware of windows with mitered corners screwed
together or chemically welded corners, as they probably
won't perform as well for you.
Should I replace my windows all at once?
Like any other home improvement project, you should balance
your desired goal with your budget. Your focus should
remain on the highest quality product you can afford.
Fortunately, replacing your windows isn't like mowing
the lawn – it's not something you have to do all
at once. Instead, you can replace windows in the front
of the house one year and in the back of the house the
next, spreading out your investment. If you've chosen
a high quality product, your replacement windows are going
to be working just as well a few years down the road.
That way, you can replace your windows in stages, while
you save money on your energy bill and add value to your
home in the process.
How long does the window replacement process take?
This varies between contractor and largely depends on
what type and how many windows you will want to replace.
An average home, for example, features approximately 20
windows. If all these windows were replaced with no extra
exterior carpentry work, it would take between 2-3 days,
with the contractors working 8-hour days.
What energy-saving options should I know about?
You should give careful consideration to Alside's ClimaTech™
Insulated Glass Package, featuring LoE2 glass and argon
gas. LoE2 glass is an excellent barrier against ultraviolet
rays which can fade carpet, furniture, draperies, and
even woodwork. Argon gas is colorless, odorless, nonflammable,
nontoxic, and above all, a safe, inert gas that is heavier
than air.
Argon gas also helps to make your home quieter as well.
When Alside windows are equipped with the ClimaTech Insulated
Glass Package, they automatically meet or exceed the energy-saving
requirements for all three climate zones set forth by
the Energy Star Window program. Or you can get the ClimaTech
Plus package with a foam spacer that provides even further
energy efficiency as an option.
What is the ENERGY STAR® program?
The ENERGY STAR progam was created by the Environmental
Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy to
help consumers in the recognition of energy-efficient
products. This program also promotes the environmental
and economic benefits of these products through the ENERGY
STAR label and other program activities.
Definitions
Argon
gas - An odorless, colorless, tasteless, nontoxic
gas which is six times denser than air. It is used to
replace air between the glass panes to reduce temperature
transfer.
Bay
window - An angled combination of three windows
that project out from the wall of the home. The windows
are commonly joined at 30- or 45-degree angles.
Beveled
exterior - An angled extension from the frame
that adds an aesthetically-pleasing dimension to the exterior
of the window.
Bow
window - An angled combination of windows in
3-, 4- or 5-lite configurations. The windows are attached
at 10-degree angles to project a more circular, arced
appearance.
Casement
window - A window with a side-hinged sash that
opens outward for ventilation.
Double
hung window - A window that has two operable
sash which slide vertically.
ENERGY
STAR® - ENERGY STAR is an independent U.S.
government program establishing a standard set of guidelines
to recognize the energy efficiency of various products.
ENERGY STAR guidelines are used in conjunction with a
variety of building materials, including windows and patio
doors. Over the past ten years, ENERGY STAR guidelines
have helped double the efficiency of windows they endorse
Fusion-welded
- The process of joining materials by melting them together
with extreme heat (over 500ºF), resulting in the
materials uniting into a one-piece unit.
Hopper
- A window with a bottom-hinged sash that opens inward
for ventilation.
Low
E (emissivity) glass - 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.
Patio
door - A glass door that slides opens and close
on adjustable tandem rollers. Available in 2- or 3-lite
configurations with the operable panel available in any
position.
Picture
window - A window that has no moveable sash.
Sash
- The part of the window which contains the glass.
Sill
- The horizontal, bottom section of the main frame
