BONDED INSULATED PRODUCTS
Frequently Asked Questions
  


 
Frequently Asked Questions 
 
What is a replacement window
 
A true replacement window is a window that's custom built to fit within the opening of an existing window. It's built  to fit precisely and can be installed without disturbing the interior
and exterior areas around the window.


What are the advantages of custom replacement windows over pre-made, standard-size windows stocked at home centers and lumber yards?
Because custom windows are made to fit perfectly, they provide the best energy efficiency (which saves energy costs) and install much more easily and with very little mess. Also, because of the myriad of options available that affect appearance and efficiency, custom windows allow consumers to design exactly the windows they need or want.
Standard windows typically cost less in the beginning, but other expenses and factors—like additional labor and the disruption to the home—far outweigh the original savings. For example, installing stock windows requires that you add brick or siding to the exterior, and drywall or other materials to the interior. In addition, custom-made windows allow you to choose the best solution to the problems you want to solve by replacing windows.
 
Do replacement windows really pay for themselves or is that just a sales line?
It's true, if you select high-quality, energy-efficient windows. Savings will vary, but expertly engineered and well-built windows lower home energy consumption. With vinyl-framed windows, maintenance is also virtually eliminated. No need to scrape and paint windows.
These energy and maintenance savings will allow you to recoup your
window investment over time.


Aren't beautiful vinyl windows an oxymoron?
Years ago that may have been true. However, today—with the options available and with advances in window design technology—quality vinyl windows are both beautiful and unique. For example, home owners can choose from sculptured or sleek window styles; white, almond or woodgrain vinyl finishes; standard or diamond grids; and beveled, leaded, etched or stained glass. And these are just a few of the options available.
There are still old fashioned, low-end vinyl windows available,
but the new designs are beautiful, maintenance-free and energy efficient.


How are replacement windows any different from older windows in terms of cleaning?
Many high-quality windows are actually engineered to make cleaning easier. For example, double-hung windows with the latest internal constant force balance system allow a home owner to easily maneuver the sashes up and down. They tilt in—and lock securely in place—for safe, easy cleaning. Quite a difference from old wood windows that stick and are
difficult to move up and down.
 
Will new windows eliminate condensation?
Actually, no. Condensation is moisture vapor suspended in the air, and that's something no one can guarantee to eliminate. However, high-quality vinyl windows incorporating warm-edge technology glazing systems will help to reduce condensation because they're much less thermally conductive than other window types. They can help keep the temperature of the window warmer—minimizing the hot and cold differences that turn moisture into condensation.



What are the advantages of vinyl windows over windows made with wood, metal or a combination of materials?
Vinyl is THE ideal window construction material because vinyl:
Doesn't deteriorate or rot.
Can be extruded and shaped into brilliant window designs.
Doesn't damage or corrode when scratched.
Can be fusion welded to eliminate air and moisture leaks at the joints.
Offers excellent insulating properties—especially when used in multiple-cavity
frame designs.


Are there differences in the vinyl used by window manufacturers?
Absolutely. Vinyls are like any other man-made compounds. There are numerous components in vinyl compounds and there are many vinyl manufacturers that produce numerous types and grades for window manufacturing. Lesser-quality vinyls typically have problems with brittleness or impact resistance, color consistency, and expansion and contraction. The best vinyls are proprietary compounds formulated specifically for manufacturing high-quality windows.
 
What makes one window stronger than another and why is window strength important?
The profile design and methods of assembly determine the strength of a window. Just as beams or roof trusses are designed for specific mechanical loads, so are window shapes.
The strength of the sash and frame dictate how the window will maintain its shape under high winds. A weak window can flex and reduce the effectiveness of the weatherstripping, resulting in air and water infiltration and, subsequently, higher energy costs.
 A weak window design also requires near-perfect window installation to
ensure an effective seal.. 
You'll have windows with long-term strength and squareness if you select windows with:
All fusion-welded joints.
Glass sealed to the sash frame.


Do woodgrain vinyls really simulate the look of wood and how well can they match different wood types?
Advances in vinyl technology allow quality woodgrain vinyl laminates to come very close to the look of real wood. It's very attractive and it often matches the color of the wood trim in homes. An added benefit is that woodgrain vinyl laminates never need to be stained or sealed.

How do Miniblinds in-between the glass work?
A double action sliding magnet (pat. pending) enables the blind to
open and close effortlessly.
Available in white or almond with a white low profile operator, no more cleaning, making noise with the wind blowing or interfering with any other areas near the window!
Available in all vinyl double hung, slider and casement replacement and new construction windows!
Available as a LIft and Tilt Miniblind in all Patio style PVC Doors.
All blinds are mounted permanently in-between the insulated glass!
 
 

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Remember

Windows do not cause condensation.

Excess interior humidity is the source.

Windows don’t

manufacture water!

Everything you need to know about condensation.

            Diagnosis:


It is difficult to completely eliminate moisture on existing windows. Inefficient windows (e.g., single pane with aluminum frames) or high moisture with inadequate ventilation can result in condensation, frost, or pools of water on windows and sills. Moisture in the air condenses when it touches a cold surface. (The same effect causes a glass of ice tea to "sweat" on a hot humid day.) Continued excess moisture can lead to mold, mildew, and deterioration of your windows and sills.

 

Of course windows don’t manufacture water.  If you were out in the desert, you’d want a canteen, not a window.

            But people seem to believe that windows manufacture water.  They call up window contractors and say. “my windows are all wet, and it’s the fault of the windows.  I never had condensation before.”  Well, not quite.

            Water on windows is condensation and it can be a problem and it has a solution.  But it’s not a window problem and the solution doesn’t come from the window.

            What causes window condensation?  What can you, the homeowner, do about it?  More and more homeowners are concerned about growing condensation problems... and they are growing. There are several explanations for this last remark.  For the most part, the problems can be traced to “progress”.  For example, the “tight” construction of newer homes...increasing use of modern labor saving appliances...certain building materials...smaller homes...more gas furnaces...more showers.

            A little fog on the corners of your glass shouldn’t bother you.  And it probably doesn’t.  But “problem” condensation, fog or frost that covers whole windows, definitely bothers you.  And it should.  The visible effects are just the tip of the iceberg.   What is happening elsewhere in your home?  Take your attic.  Excess moisture may be freezing in the insulation where it will later melt and damage your plaster.  Or perhaps it’s forcing its way out through your siding, where it will form blisters under the exterior, or it may be promoting mildew in your home. 

   The culprit is too much water vapor.  Not the window, not the insulation, not the paint.  The only answer is to get rid of excess water vapor.  Water vapor, or humidity, is one of the invisible components of air.   This humidity tries to flow toward drier air, since this air has a lower vapor pressure.  In other words, the higher vapor pressure in moister air forces the moisture to areas which are drier.

            In cold weather, the air outside is generally drier than within a warm house.  What happens, then, is that the moisture is forced to the outdoors.  The most obvious indication of this is condensation on your windows:  the moisture comes in contact with the cold surface of the glass.  It therefore condenses to form either frost or water (depending on whether the temperature of the glass surface is below or above 32°. 

            The “tight” construction of modern homes traps the moisture in many ways.  Certain varnishes, tiles, plastics and acrylics—which are increasingly used in construction—do not allow moisture penetration.  Thus the moisture created by kitchens, laundries, bathing and human bodies (as well as cat, dog and other pet bodies) can’t flow easily to the outside.  Insulation and construction materials that are designed to keep cold air outside also keep moisture inside, further increasing the moisture level in your home.       

 

In simplest terms, condensation is simply moisture build-up on a material that is below the dew point temperature of the surrounding air. If the glass goes below that temp - you have condensation. If it doesn't then you don't.

 

How to further decrease the chance of condensation occurring on the interior of your window

 

Want more from your windows?

Ask for ENERGY STAR.

 

Energy Star rated energy efficient windows will further cut down the creation of moisture on the glass by raising the interior glass surface temperature in wintertime.  However, if a home  continues to have excess humidity, new windows will not eliminate the humidity; only diminish the possibility of condensation occurring on the glass.

ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors, and skylights save you energy and money, increase the comfort of your home, and protect your valuable possessions from sun damage. They are also better for the environment because lowering your energy use means less air pollution from power plants.

 

·        Save money and energy. Replacing single-paned windows with ENERGY STAR qualified windows or choosing ENERGY STAR over the typical clear-glass double-paned alternative can save a significant amount of money on your energy bill.

·        Say goodbye to winter drafts,reduce the risk of sweating and lower the inside temperature of the glass in the summer sun. Thanks to a host of new technologies including Super Spacer, ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors, and skylights keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, making you more comfortable year round.

·        Protect your home's interior. Many ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors, and skylights act like sunscreen for your house, protecting your photographs, artwork, furniture,  carpets, and wood floors from sun damage.

·        Buy with confidence. Every ENERGY STAR qualified window, door, and skylight is independently certified to perform at levels that meet or exceed strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy.

·        Ask for ENERGY STAR. To purchase the most efficient window for your home, ask for products that are ENERGY STAR qualified in your Climate Zone. To learn more, see the window purchasing tips on the following website:www.energystar.gov.

·        Seal and insulate with Home Sealing. Sealing your home's envelope is one of the most cost-effective ways to lower your home's energy bills and improve your comfort.

What's in a pane - or two?

All energy efficient windows have at least two panes, but not all double-paned windows are energy efficient. Twenty years ago, double-paned meant energy efficient; today, advanced technologies have enabled the development of triple glazed windows that are much more efficient than traditional clear-glass double-paned windows. For maximum energy savings, count on ENERGY STAR.