Q: Which type of window is the right one for me?
A: Before determining which type of window you should purchase, there
are a number of issues to consider first:
- The age and style
of the house, the desired look and operation of the new window, and
your budget.
- Aluminum frame windows are attractive to those
who want maximum daylight and minimal cost.
- Vinyl frame windows are a good choice
for those who like the look and feel of wood windows at a more affordable
price.
- Wood windows are a good choice for the discriminating homeowner
as they provide superior energy savings and aesthetic beauty.
- There
are a number of possible window manufacturers, each varying in price
and quality.
Q: What exactly is a "clad" wood
window?
A: A clad wood window is a wood window that has a protective exterior
surface or "cladding" engineered into the window design.
Generally this is painted aluminum, vinyl or fiberglass; they are available
in many color choices.
Q: What is a "retrofit" window?
A: A retrofit window is a new window that is ordered to fit within the
existing window frame opening. Proper installation of a retrofit window
requires that the perimeter of the existing window frame be left intact,
thus not disturbing the existing moisture barrier on the exterior of
the home.
Q: How do I measure for new windows?
A: The installer should be the one taking final measurements for ordering
new windows. On new construction windows, rough opening dimensions
are required. On retrofit windows, daylight openings are needed. The
daylight opening is the opening within the existing window frame after
glass has been removed.
In all cases, the width comes before the height
(e.g., 36" wide x
24" high). Crude or nominal dimensions can be taken for quoting
purposes on aluminum and vinyl windows, since these windows are exact
custom sizes. You need actual rough opening measurements for an accurate
quote on wood windows.
Q: What size rough opening do I need for my new window?
A: Aluminum and vinyl frame windows are all framed by the call out
size. For instance, a 6'0" x 4'0" window requires a 72" x
48" rough opening. Wood windows vary by manufacturer and rough
openings should be confirmed with the salesperson.
Q: What is "Low-E" glass
and do I need it?
A: Low-E, or low emissive glass, is a higher performing glass than
clear glass. Low-E is a special coating used on one of the inside surfaces
of a double pane glass unit. It will reduce radiant heat transfer for
better overall insulation; it reduces heat from direct sunlight like
tinted glass without heavy darkening, and greatly reduces UV infiltration
to protect floors and furnishings. Depending upon the individual window's
exposure to sunlight, as well as the local climate and insulation requirements,
Low-E glass is usually a good choice. You will lose a little more light
and there will also be a negligible grayish-green hue in the glass.
Q: Do I need argon inside my insulated glass?
A: There is no question that argon gas performs better than plain air
in insulated double pane glass. However, because it is invisible, and
by normal means undetectable, there is no way of knowing whether you
are getting what you are paying for. Considering the moderate climate
of the area we live in along with the fact that argon gas will dissipate
over time, our recommendation is to not fret over it. In some cases
it is a very nominal charge for the addition of argon gas and in others
it is automatically included.
Q: What do the X's and O's refer to in window language?
A: An "X" is an operable panel and an "O" is a fixed
panel as viewed from the exterior of the home. For instance, an "XO" window
would be a two-panel, horizontal sliding window with the operable panel
on the left from the exterior side.
