Frequently Asked Questions About Windows

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Q: What are windows made of? A: The easy answer is glass, plus a framework of wood, vinyl or composite material. However, the window industry offers numerous options to suit any number of requirements. Window frames are now offered in vinyl or vinyl-clad (for low maintenance), all wood, aluminum-clad or various composites. Additionally, many available glazing options increase window efficiency. Q: What does "cladding" mean? A: Some windows are made of wood and later covered on the exterior and/or interior with an additional layer from another type of protective material such as aluminum or vinyl. This additional layer of extra covering (the cladding) provides increased protection to the window and also strengthens resistance to weather and heavy inside wear and tear. Q: How often should residential windows be replaced? A: Homeowners with windows over 15 years old should consider replacements, both to gain the best energy efficiencies and to protect the "envelope" of the house. A home is an ideal candidate for window replacement if windows are sealed or are painted shut,  or if the windows become fogged with condensation and/or allow drafts. Q: What do U-values and R-values really mean? A:   U-Values represent the amount of heat that escapes through a wall, window, roof or other surface. The lower the U-Value, the more energy efficient a material is. R-Values are the opposite. R-values measure an object's resistance to heat flow. The higher a material's R-Value, the lower its U-Value, and consequently the less energy loss. R-Value depends on: the number of layers of glass in a window, what type of gas is between those layers, and whether one or more of those layers of glazing have been treated with a Low E coating. Q: What does Low E stand for? A: Low E is an invisible, microscopic layer of silver coating added to glass for greater energy efficiency and the increased comfort of those who dwell within. Low E stands for "low emissivity", which is the action of reflecting light passing through glass. By reflecting part of the light spectrum (the part that transmits heat), the window's U-Value is reduced and the R-Value is increased. Q: How do I know what type of glazing is right for a window? A: Different climates and styles of homes require different glazing options to maximize energy efficiency. Some selected glazing options also help reduce outdoor traffic noise. The available options range from single glazed glass windows such as are used in historic homes (minimal insulating value), all the way up to R10, an extermely high degree of protection. R10 features dual-sealed, triple-insulated glass with two Low E surfaces and two krypton/argon gas-filled insulated airspaces for maximum efficiency. Q:   How do I decide between single, double, or triple-glazed windows? A: Single-glazing consists of a single pane of glass and is best used in garages and buildings that do not need to be extremely energy efficient. Double-glazed windows have two panes of glass with either air or a safe, colorless and odorless gas tightly sealed between the panes. When its glass is treated with Low E coating, the window can achieve a value of R5 at the center point of the glass.  Q: Are different grille pattern options available on or between the glass? A: True Divided Lite, Simulated Divided Lite, Airspace Grilles and Perimeter Grilles are available in a variety of styles and patterns. Custom configurations are also available.  For a greater understanding of these options, visit our showroom and talk to a sales associate. Q: What is the difference between Simulated and True Divided Lite? A: True Divided Lites are individual panes of glass, held together by muntin bars. These are windows similar to those used in colonial times. Although the appearance is very much like the windows of yesteryear, these modern windows are extremely energy-efficient and feature insulated glass or insulated Low E2 glazing. Simulated Divided Lite windows employ just one piece of glass, but have grilles attached to the interior and exterior of the window. These windows boast a variety of decorative options, giving the window an overall appearance of a True Divided Lite unit. Often available with removable grilles, these windows are easy to clean and maintain.  Simulated Divided Lite windows also have grilles in the airspace to match the appearance of True Divided Lite windows. Q: What are grilles? A: Grilles are lite or pane dividers that form a design partition on a window or door in a decorative pattern. Q: What types of grilles are available on windows? A: Airspace grilles are sealed in the airspace of insulating glass in different designs, thus the windows easy to clean because the grilles are sandwiched between the glass panes. Removable perimeter grilles often have easy snap-in designs and permit the changing of the look of the windows.  Q: Do I need an architect? A: If you want a one-of-a-kind new home or if you have a difficult design or building situation, the help of a professional architect is essential. Often, however, relatively routine tasks such as modifying a standard home plan, or adding a dormer or remodeling a bathroom are projects which you and your builder or remodeler can probably solve by working together. Remember that for complicated interior changes, or for large additions or for perplexingly stubborn questions about appearance and function, an architect's assistance in the planning stages can be a wise and cost-saving investment. . Q: What about alternatives to architects? A: Designers don't have an architect's credentials, but many are quite skilled at planning residential projects. Some designers specialize in kitchens and baths, or in interior spaces or landscaping. Others plan entire houses. Designers may work for an hourly rate or a flat fee. Q: How can I locate a design professional? A: Start with friends, relatives or neighbors who have worked with architects or designers. Satisfied customers are always the best reference. If you don't know anyone who has employed the kind of help you're after, check with your local Home Builders Association or the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the NAHB Remodelers Council, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and the American Institute of Building Design.  Local building materials suppliers are often a good source of information.  These suppliers can advise you about which contractors and designers stay in demand and have a loyal following. Q: How can I evaluate candidates? A: Set up an appointment with each and bring along photos or sketches of your home or the one you'd like to build. Chat with them about your ideas and what you hope to accomplish. Ask to see representative examples of each person's work. Accomplished professionals should have a portfolio of pictures to show you. Solicit the names of previous clients. Follow up by visiting with some of these references. Gauge their opinion of the work, and decide for yourself how well the project turned out.

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