Q1. What are
the benefits of energy efficient
vinyl windows?
Vinyl Windows are the most popular
material in use today and represent
the largest market share in the
window replacement industry. Vinyl
windows provide energy efficiency
because they are resistant to heat
flow. They are also strong and
durable, with little maintenance
required. They do not need to be
scraped, painted, or stained and
guaranteed to always look their
best. Vinyl windows come in a wide
range of prices and colours. They
can be easily customized and are
available in a wide range of styles,
shapes and sizes. Professional
installation is quick and easy. Our
customers benefit:
Lower heating and cooling costs.
No painting or staining required.
Extremely durable and long lasting
product.
Easily customized
Wide selection of styles
Easily and quickly installed
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Q2. What
should I look for in selecting an
energy efficient window?
Whether you are purchasing windows
for new construction or replacement,
selecting high performance energy
efficient windows is a must. Our
Energy Star window system delivers
industry leading energy efficient
technologies. Our superior sealed
unit technology and frame profile,
combined with Low-E glass and argon
gas, significantly improve the
energy performance, comfort and
security of your home.
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Q3. Is vinyl
an environmentally friendly product?
Vinyl is one of the most successful
modern synthetic materials. It makes
excellent use of resources and is
suitable for a wide range of
applications that surround us in
everyday life. Products made of
vinyl offer durability, fire
resistance and energy efficiency.
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Q4. How do I
care for my vinyl windows?
Vinyl windows are virtually
maintenance free, but some simple
routine cleaning and maintenance
will ensure they perform their best
and continue to look great.
Frames
Wash window and patio door frames
with mild, nonabrasive soap and
water. Never use abrasive or acidic
cleaners because they might cause
permanent damage to the frame
finish. Always test cleaners in an
inconspicuous area first. Wipe dry
when finished.
Glass (all types)
Clean glass with a mixture of mild
dish soap and water. When finished,
rinse completely with clear water
and wipe dry with a soft cloth.
Do not use petroleum-based
cleaners or caustic chemicals; razor
blades, putty knifes or abrasive
pads; high-pressure water hoses on
any part of your window or patio
door.
Use only mild soap, water, and a
soft brush when cleaning your
screens. When finished, rinse with
clear water and wipe dry.
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Q5. What is
Low-E Glass?
Low Emissive or "Low-E" glass has a
special thin-film metallic or oxide
coating on its interior surface,
which allows the passage of
short-wave solar energy (light) but
prevents the passage of long-wave
energy (heat) from the sun or
heating systems through the glass.
Low-E glass allows light to enter
while also providing thermal
insulation. This type of glass cuts
the loss of heat during the winter
and cuts the absorption of heat
during the summer by reflecting the
heat back to its source, thus
providing year-round savings by
lowering utility bills. Low-E glass
also selectively filters the sun's
energy, blocking up to 84% of the
sun's ultraviolet rays in the
summer, thus reducing the degree of
fading of upholstery, carpet and
drapes. Low E also reduces heating
costs reflecting room side heat back
into the room resulting higher
energy savings.
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Q6. What is
argon gas and why is it used with
Low-E glass?
Argon is a safe, odourless,
colorless, non-toxic, non-flammable
inert gas that is used in place of
air between the glass panes of an
insulated Low-E glass unit. Argon's
heat conductivity is lower than that
of air, and thus it is a better
insulator. Argon is not an effective
solar performer by itself; that is
why it is only used in conjunction
with Low-E glass.
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Q7. Why
should I be concerned about windows?
Windows can be responsible for
unnecessary heat loss, high-energy
consumption and cold drafts and can
be the reason for condensation
problems within homes. Windows and
the area around them are the biggest
single area of heat loss in the
home.
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Q8. How can
I tell if I need new windows?
-
Difficult
to open or close
-
Air leaking through or around
the window
-
Excessive condensation or icing
on the inside of the window
panes
-
Windows rattle in the wind
-
Paint chipping or peeling
-
House is always too cold in
winter or too hot in summer
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Q9. Will
replacing my old windows really cut
down on my heating bills?
Yes! Windows are one of the most
important aspects of regulating home
temperatures. Most windows in older
homes were designed when energy was
cheap and new energy efficient
materials were unknown. Todays
newer energy efficient windows are
designed with overall thermal
efficiency in mind; keeping the heat
in and the cold out. Typically, an
older home can lose up to 50 percent
of its energy heat through leaky,
drafty windows and doors.
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Q10. Are
new windows a bad investment if I
plan on selling my home?
No! In fact, not only will new
windows make your home more energy
efficient and visually appealing,
but they will increase the overall
value of your home.
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Q11. Why
change to vinyl windows instead of
aluminum or wood windows?
Vinyl withstands assaults from
moisture, heat, cold, humidity,
salt, pollutants and acid rain;
assaults that can and do affect wood
and metal. Vinyl windows and patio
doors never flake, blister, stick,
rot, rust, peel or corrode. Vinyl's
color is integral throughout the
material, so scratches go virtually
unnoticed. You never have to paint,
strip and sand or lubricate vinyl
windows or patio doors. Vinyl is
truly the most durable, lowest
maintenance window and patio door
material available.
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Q12. What
is condensation and what can I do
about it?
Condensation occurs when humid air
comes in contact with a surface that
is cooler than the air itself. In
winter, when your high-quality vinyl
windows are efficiently keeping cold
air out and warm moist air in,
condensation may appear as fog or
moisture on the glass. Condensation
does not indicate a problem with
your windows; quite the contrary. It
means you're holding in warm air
like never before. But you're
holding in humidity, too.
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Q13. How
can I control condensation?
Condensation is best controlled by
controlling the source of humidity
and by ventilating your home. Common
sources of humidity are gas burners
and clothes dryers. Make sure these
are vented to the outside of your
house. Sometimes with new windows,
condensation occurs which wasn't
occurring before replacing the
windows. This is because properly
installed dual pane windows seal air
leaks that may have been present
before the installation; thus air is
no longer leaking through or around
the windows. Replacing the windows
has now reduced a source of
ventilation. If you have a lot of
humidity within your home, you may
find cracking open your windows
helps reduce the condensation.
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Q14. What
about condensation between the panes
of glass?
Moisture between the panes of glass
is an indication that the seal
around the windowpanes has failed.
This is an unlikely occurrence;
however, if it does happen, most
window manufacturers will replace
the sealed glass unit under
warranty.
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Q15. What
is the difference between "retrofit"
and "full frame removal"?
Retrofit means leaving the original
(old) window frames in and
installing the new vinyl frames
within the existing. Full Frame
Removal means removing the existing
(old) window frames.
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Q16. How
much will noise be reduced with new
windows?
Typically, you will get a 30 - 40%
noise reduction with a regular
double paned window over a regular
single paned window. Please note
that new windows cannot reduce the
noise completely, since there are
many ways of sound entering your
house; fireplaces, walls, doors, and
vents all allow sound into your
home.
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Q17. Do you
have references in my area?
Yes. We have many references
available in various areas of
Ontario. If you would like to see
our work in person please call our
office to discuss.
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