FAQ - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What should I look for in a new construction window?
2. What are the various windows made of and what will work best for me?
3. Is there any difference in how windows are made?
4. Are all vinyl window frames and sashes the same?
5. Can I design any window configuration that I want?
6. Is all glass used in replacement windows the same?
7. I have been reading about different test results on windows. How should this impact my buying decision?
8. What is a U-factor? Can it help in choosing a better window?
9. What is an R factor and is it important?
10. How are our manufacturers products tested and certified?
11. What is more important in saving energy, the frame or the glass?
12. What is "warm edge" technology and how does it affect thermal efficiency?
13. What energy-saving options should I know about?
14. Do Our Manufacturers Windows require a lot of maintenance?
15. What is the ENERGY STAR Program?
16. Will your vinyl windows be a good investment?
17. Aren't all window warranties practically the same?
18. What about strength protection and noise reduction?

1. What should I look for in a new construction window?
   You should certainly consider custom-sized windows because they will adapt easier to any special design configuration that your architect may present to you. Stock sized windows might require extensive carpentry work and are often not available sizes to suit your design. Custom-sized windows, on the other hand, are manufactured to fit your designated window opening. You get the style and options you want while maintaining your glass area.
2. What are the various windows made of and what will work best for me?
   Basically, there are four commonly used types of materials for windows. Metal (aluminum and steel) windows, with their easily scratched painted or anodized surfaces, conduct both heat and cold, so they're very poor insulators. Wood windows, which require constant painting and caulking, can absorb moisture, making them difficult to open and close. They can even rot. Fiberglass windows, expensive, only temporarily maintenance free and hard to repair. Finally, solid vinyl windows. They 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.
3. Is there any difference in how windows are made?
   There are two basic types of construction for vinyl windows. Mechanically fastened windows are screwed together at the corners. Welded windows, becoming more and more popular, that use a chemical or heat process for joining. All of our window manufactures utilize a state of the art welding process called fusion welding which uses a heat joining process. Beware of windows with mitered corners screwed together or chemically welded corners, as they probably won't perform as well for you.
4. Are all vinyl window frames and sashes the same?
   To just look at them, it's very difficult to see any difference in quality between various vinyl windows. But there is. Some window manufacturers use less expensive compounds and extrusion techniques. These frames can be very brittle and have dull blue or gray cast. All of our window manufacturers products, however, are comprised of nothing but the finest virgin vinyl (PVC) powder along with the latest water cooling extrusion techniques to ensure that you get the best frames and sashes possible.
5. Can I design any window configuration that I want?
   Pretty much, since all or our windows are custom-made. No matter what style or combination of styles you choose, We can probably custom-manufacture it for you, including the combinations, which require special shaped windows.
6. Is all glass used in replacement windows the same?
   Not really. All of our manufacturers use PPG American made float glass in all of their window products. Since 1883 when they launched the first glass facility in the U.S.A, PPG has remained the leading supplier of energy efficient glass products as they continue to evolve their glass-making technology for the ever-changing needs of the building industry.
7. I have been reading about different test results on windows. How should this impact my buying decision?
   Be careful when looking at extremely specific results since many of them do not indicate how well the window will work for you. Some apply to just certain parts of the window, like the frame and it's R-value, and do not give an overall picture. Others avoid R-value or U-value ratings altogether. Tested in nationally certified labs and their own modern test facilities. All of our window manufacturers windows are engineered to provide the optimum in energy savings and are rated by the National Fenestration Rating Council.
8. What is a U-factor? Can it help in choosing a better window?
   The U-factor is a standard measure of heat transfer through an entire window unit. The methods for measuring U-factor ratings were developed by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) at the request of the U.S. Department of Energy and the Federal Trade Commission. The lower the U-factor the better the window's insulating ability. (A window's U-factor is the reciprocal of its R factor; they both measure its insulating ability). Look for windows with low U-factors and high R-values. See "R-factors".
9. What is an R factor and is it important?
   The letter "R" stands for resistance. The higher the R factor, the greater the amount of insulation a window provides. The R factor rating of a window frame and glass is very important since it directly affects the cost of heating and cooling your home.
10. How are our manufacturers products tested and certified?
    All our manufacturers products undergo extensive testing which is performed by independent laboratories in accordance with industry certification requirements. They also are members of, or have met the qualifications of, these performance and quality rating groups:
    
    *Energy Star Windows Program of the Environmental Protection Agency and the U. S. Department of Energy
    *National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) Certified
    *Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) Member
    *American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA)
11. What is more important in saving energy, the frame or the glass?
    Since 80% of a window is glass, real heating and cooling savings come from what is known as "improved glass performance", not a high R-value on the frame. Our manufacturers use the latest technology, known as high performance warm edge spacer system. This space system helps to improve the performance and the longevity of the insulated glass unit, and is standard on all our windows.
12. What is "warm edge" technology and how does it affect thermal efficiency?
    "Warm edge" technology makes the glass window unit the strongest, longest lasting and most thermally efficient glass unit on the market today. The Intercept process developed by PPG is the most state of the art insulated glass spacer system available, and is standard in all our manufacturers window products. It is an insulated space system using a one-piece U-shaped 3 channel to maintain consistent space between the two panes of glass. This U-shaped system reduces the transfer of heat and cold and makes the entire unit stronger and more energy-efficient. Unlike many of the most popular insulated spacer systems, Intercept forces the gas inside of the window's insulated glass unit to stay in and helps to keep moisture out.
13. What energy-saving options should I know about?
    You should give careful consideration to our Low-E insulated Glass Package featuring .PPG Solarban 60. Our Low-E glass package is an excellent barrier against ultraviolet rays, which fade carpet, furniture, draperies, and even woodwork. Argon gas is colorless, odorless, nonflammable, non-toxic and above all, a safe inert gas that is heavier than air. Not only does argon gas help to increase the energy efficiency of a window, but helps to make your home quieter as well. When Alpine windows are equipped with the Low-E Insulated Glass Package, they automatically meet or exceed the energy saving requirements of all climate zones set forth by the ENERGY STAR window program.
14. Do Our Manufacturers Windows require a lot of maintenance?
    No! Because our manufacturers frames and sashes are made of vinyl, you can say goodbye to painting and caulking. These windows won't stick and you don't have to remove storm windows in order to clean them. In fact, you can do it all from inside your home. An occasional wipe with a damp cloth will keep your windows looking like new for years to come.
15. What is the ENERGY STAR Program?
    The ENERGY STAR program 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.
16. Will your vinyl windows be a good investment?
    Yes, for a variety of reasons. First, you may realize significant savings on your heating and cooling bills that others won't with aluminum windows or some wood products. Second, they're virtually maintenance free, which eliminates painting and other maintenance costs. And, finally, all of our manufacturers offer a solid Lifetime Limited Warranty for your peace of mind.
17. Aren't all window warranties practically the same?
    Not really. There are as many warranties as there are manufacturers. Some well known, brand name factory warranties cover just the sash and frame. The rest is left up to the company or person who installed it. With all of our manufacturers, your windows are warranted from the extrusion and parts to the glass and construction by their Lifetime Limited Warranties. They are some of the most comprehensive available.
18. What about strength protection and noise reduction?
    You should look for a window that offers both superior strength and energy efficiency. Our manufacturer's computer controlled processes ensure perfectly square window sashes and mainframes with superior strength. And for exceptional energy efficiency, an interlock at the meeting rail helps protect your home against the elements or unwanted intrusions. In addition, the insulating glass units trap dry air, creating an exceptional comfort barrier.

Copyright 2006,
Little Big Mouse, LLC.