What is Ultraviolet Light Transmittance?
The amount of Ultraviolet Light Transmittance in the solar spectrum that is transmitted through a window. This can cause fading of carpets, drapes, furniture, hardwood floors, etc. The lower the number, the better the window system is at reducing the fading potential of these materials.

What is Visible Light Transmittance?
How much light comes through the product. VT is expressed as a number between 0 and 1 – the higher the Visible Transmittance number, the more light shines through the window.

What is the difference between U-Factor and R-Value?
While the U-factor is used to express the insulation value of windows, R-value is used for insulation in most other parts of the building (walls, floors, roofs). While they are related, different assumptions and test criteria are used in calculating the two values so they cannot be directly converted. To compare R-Value and U-Factor, divide 1 by the U-factor number, E.g.: a 0.25 U-Factor equals a 1/0.25 = 4 R-Value.

What is U-Factor?
How well a window system prevents heat from escaping a home or building, based on conditions of 0° outside and 70° inside. The lower the U-Factor, the better the product is at reducing heat loss. The rate of heat loss is indicated in terms of the U-factor (U-value) of a window assembly. The lower the U-factor, the greater a window’s resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating properties.

What is S.H.G.C?
The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (S.H.G.C.) is the amount of light that passes through a window that can be measured as heat. The lower a window’s S.H.G.C. The less solar heat it transmits. The lower the number, the better the window is at blocking unwanted heat gain.

What is R-Value?
A window’s resistance to heat loss. R-Value is a measure of resistance to heat flow through a given thickness of material. In theory, the higher the R-value, the greater that resistance. This number is the inverse of the U-Value. The higher the R-Value and lower the U-Value, the more efficient the window is in reducing your winter heating and summer cooling costs.

What is the difference between Bow & Bay Windows?
Bay windows often are made up of three windows of varying sizes, the formation will typically have a large center window and is surrounded by two smaller windows. The two smaller windows, called flankers, are angled from the wall at approximately 30 to 40 degrees and are often double hung to give adequate ventilation. The advantage of the center window is that although it grants to the viewer a large and unobstructed view, it also serves as a way to ventilate your room.

Bow windows are comprised of three to six windows that are all the same size. This gives the design of the space the ability to have a gradually curved look and feel. The bay design has a more sharp angle. It also allows the windows to have a greater capacity for ventilation if installed to do so. It is important to know that installing the bow window in this way will require a larger amount of hardware which may not give you a perfect, unobstructed view. There are typically three different types of installations that a bow window can have. This includes casements, double hung, or single hung.

Top row are bay windows; bottom row are bow windows.

WHY VINYL?
It’s the best window the market place has to offer. The number one reason to use vinyl windows is that polycarbonates are very poor conductors of heat and cold. Therefore, extremely energy efficient. Each window is custom made to fit your openings – no expensive carpentry.
BTU’s per hour – Aluminum versus Vinyl – Aluminum 1472 BTU’s per hour, Vinyl 1.3 BTU’s per hour. This is further enhanced by encapsulated air pockets in frame.
Vinyl windows are corrosion resistant being that they have integral color. Vinyl window internal webs and hollows enhance strength and energy performance. Also with vinyl windows you have welded frames and sashes. This prevents air and water infiltration. Vinyl windows by nature are virtually maintenance free.
Vinyl siding and windows provide easy maintenance, lower energy bills, improved comfort level, enhanced beauty and a lifetime warranty. Vinyl windows are custom built for a perfect fit.
Vinyl replacement windows must be installed properly in order to last a lifetime. Installations done improperly can result in leaks, condensation, and even window failure. It’s got to be good vinyl properly installed by experienced installers.

My sliding glass doors have a smoky look inside the glass that I can’t clean. Is there a way to clean it?
This is thermal pane glass that has a broken seal. This cannot be cleaned. Since the seal is broken, the doors are not serving their purpose anyhow. We can replace the glass in the door, or if you decide it is a time for change, we can give you an estimate to replace the doors.

How do I know when my siding needs replacement?
Siding is a part of your home in many ways. It provides protection from the elements, insulation for heat and cold, and makes the exterior of your house more pleasing. Dented, chipped, or worn aluminum siding begins to lose these qualities very quickly. If your siding falls into any kind of disrepair, it may also be indicative of a larger problem (e.g. rotted wood inside.) If any of the symptoms I have mentioned are present, please have us look at it. Otherwise, it may become an ugly and costly problem.