Replacement Windows
“Why should I buy custom replacement windows?”
Because custom windows fit perfectly. Stock windows, like those used by builders, are available only in certain sizes. Often there are several inches of open space around the entire window. Carpenters generally fill this space with gypsum board or molding. Not only does this reduce your viewing area, and detract from your home’s beauty, but also you have extra wall space to patch, paint, and decorate. Custom windows are designed, engineered, and manufactured to fit your home’s size, style, and appearance without reducing your viewing area.
“What features should be considered standard when I purchase replacement windows?”
It depends on the manufacturer. Be sure to find out what is considered standard and what features are classified are optional, which may add to the cost.
“What kind of warranty should we look for when buying windows?”
As any lawyer will advise – get it in writing, and ask the following questions: What is the length of the warranty? Does the warranty cover things like screens, hardware, and of course, glass? If I decide to sell my house, is the warranty transferable? After that, check if the company is financially strong. If a corporation is not financially sound, it may not honor your warranty claim. Or even worse, it may not be around in five years when you need to make a claim. Beware: A very reputable company could have manufactured the extrusions (framing material), while the assembly and glass manufacture was done by some small company. Look for a large company that is willing to take total responsibility for the windows that carry its name.
“Are some windows easier and safer to clean than others are?”
Absolutely. Look for double-hung windows where the top and bottom sashes can tilt in for easy and safe cleaning (which many wood window manufacturers do not even offer). Also, look at sliding windows manufactured to allow both sashes to be removed easily for cleaning, rather than just one sash, and make sure your casement windows open to a full 90 degrees for easy, inside-the-house cleaning.
“I’ve heard about a new, higher quality of window glass that requires cleaning half as often as regular glass. Is this for real?”
It’s true, but only a handful of manufacturers in the world offer it! Easy-Clean Glass, which works like Teflon on a frying pan, was featured in Business Week Magazine. It is a higher quality of window glass, which only needs cleaning half as often as regular glass, using only a garden hose and a squeegee or a soft cloth. Easy-Clean Glass was originally used in London’s Heathrow Airport where control tower windows are bombarded with airplane fumes and soot. Today you can buy windows with Easy-Clean Glass for your home.
“Is all window glass the same?”
Definitely not. Glass is available in a variety of types and colors including clear, solar gray, solar bronze, sunglass, and obscure glass. Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass is also available in windows. Glass is rated by the same R factor system that is used in rating window frames. The type of glass, thickness, number of panes, distance between panes, as well as the manner in which panes are connected, all affect the R factor performance of the window.
“Are there special windows available for my kitchen?”
Yes, garden windows are ideal for the kitchen, especially if you want to bring an open, atrium-like feeling to that room. And, to suit personal taste, garden windows are available in two styles. One style features a sloped glass top with a crossbar separating it from the front glass panel. The other style features one piece of bent glass over the top and front which eliminates the crossbar, increasing viewing area. Both offer extra sunlight and warmth. Garden windows also offer two operating trapezoid-shaped casement side windows and a tempered-glass interior shelf to add more room for plants.
“Can I install custom-made windows myself?”
Yes, but the better question might be "Should you install custom made windows yourself?" Professional installers have all the necessary equipment to do the job right, like bending exterior trim panels to make them more visually appealing. And measuring the size of the window is extremely important. If your measurements are off by as little as 1/4", a custom-made window may not fit. We strongly recommend that you let a professional do the job for you.
“Do I have to replace my windows with the same style window that’s already in my home, or is there an alternative?”
Just because you have one style of window on your home now doesn’t mean you have to replace it with the same style. With the wide variety of window styles, shapes, sizes, and colors available today, it’s easy to reflect your own personal taste. Consider replacing those three double windows in the front of your house with bay or bow windows, or adding a garden window in the kitchen.
“Do I have to get plain glass, or are there decorative glass options available, too?”
We realize that the style of glass plays an important role in the appearance of your home. We offer a wide range of decorative glass options, including elegant Regal Florentine and Regal Colonial hand-cut glass, diamond grids, and beveled-leaded glass in both brass and lead finish to satisfy our customers’ demand for a wide variety of glass options to suit their architectural preferences. We also offer Georgian grids, which match the windows’ interior woodgrain and exterior solid colors.
“Can I get a custom-made window with a maintenance-free exterior and real wood interior?”
Certainly. The custom WoodGem window series made by Great Lakes Window gives you a maintenance-free exterior, along with the versatility and natural beauty of select western wood on the inside. The furniture-grade wood sashes can be stained or painted to match your décor, and outperform other windows in the areas of energy efficiency, ease of installation, and ease of cleaning.
“I prefer humidity over extreme dryness in my home. Is there anything I can do to reduce or eliminate condensation on my windows without reducing the humidity level?”
Condensation usually occurs on windows because glass surfaces have the lowest temperatures of any of the interior surfaces of your home. By using glass with the highest R factor available the inside pane is not only warmer to the touch – you can also maintain higher humidity levels in your home without noticeable condensation on the windows.
“I’ve heard window corners can separate and leak air. What is the best way to put windows together?”
Wood windows are put together with staples; most vinyl and aluminum windows are screwed together and then caulked. The day they leave the factory, most windows are perfect. But since you’re concerned with tomorrow . . . five years from now . . . and even twenty-five years after the window is manufactured, it’s recommended you look for windows with sash corners that are secured in the best way possible – fusion welding.
“What is fusion welding?”
Fusion welding involves an exclusive European process that fuses four pieces of material into one single piece. This seamless welding eliminates air infiltration and unsightly joints. Plus, one-piece, fusion-welded windows never need caulk or silicone and are virtually maintenance-free.
“What’s the difference between vinyl, wood, and aluminum windows?”
Vinyl (PVC) provides the utmost in convenience and long-lasting beauty. Because the color is through-and-through, it never needs painting and won’t show scratches, like aluminum or wood windows. Also, PVC doesn’t conduct heat or cold; it reduces frost and condensation and is warmer to touch. Although most Americans are more familiar with wood windows and their problems, vinyl windows (proven and accepted in Europe as a standard) are quickly gaining acceptance in the replacement window industry in the United States. Today about one-third of all replacement windows are PVC, and in the northern part of the United States the percentages are higher. But just because a window is made of PVC doesn’t mean it’s superior. The design, engineering, and manufacturing of the window all help distinguish a poor window from a superior window.
“Are all maintenance-free exterior/wood interior windows custom manufactured?”
Rarely, and when they are, they can be costly. Because most wood window manufactures produce their products in standard sizes, they are rarely close to the actual existing size of your opening, often leaving several inches of open space around the window. With one exception – the Custom WoodGem from Great Lakes Window is manufactured to your exact size without a price penalty.
“What are cam locks and ventilation locks?”
Cam locks are used to tighten sashes and reduce drafts. But more importantly, they improve security. A good window will have two locks when the width is 25" or more. Window manufacturers who cut corners use two locks only when the window reaches 32" or more in width. We provide two pick-resistant locks on windows over 25" wide for double-hungs and sliding windows. Ventilation-limit locks are stops in the sash, which permit windows to be opened partially while retaining security. These are another standard feature of windows available from quality manufacturers such as Great Lakes Window.
“I like the maintenance-free characteristics of vinyl, but I also like the look of a wood interior. Is a woodgrain look available in vinyl windows?”
Our window interiors include not only vinyl in the basic colors like white, camel, and earth tone, but also natural oak, golden oak, and colonial cherry woodgrain finishes. These durable woodgrain finishes combine the elegant look of wood with all the advantages of maintenance-free vinyl.
Window Energy Efficiency
“What is an R factor and how important is it?”
"R" stands for resistance. The higher the R factor, the greater the amount of insulation a window provides. The R factor rating of a window frame and glass is very important since it directly affects the cost of heating and cooling your home.
GLASS R FACTORS
- Single Glass: .85
- Clear Insulated Glass; 7/8" overall thickness: 2.08
- Hard-Coat (pyrolitic) Low-E insulated glass: 2.45
- Hard-Coast (pyrolitic) Low-E insulated glass filled with argon gas: 2.75
- Soft-Coat (sputter) Low-E insulated glass: 3.50
- Soft-Coat (sputter) Low-E insulated glass filled with argon gas: 4.25
Figures courtesy of Cardinal®
“What is the R factor of various window frames?”
Wood frames used in wood windows have an R factor of 1.25 per inch of thickness. The average thickness is four inches; therefore the R factor of a wood frame is 5.0. The R factor of an aluminum window frame with a thermal break is 1.78, and the R factor of a hollow PVC frame extrusion is 2.44.
“I’ve been hearing a lot about Low-E glass. What is it, and is all Low-E glass the same?”
Low-E glass increases the energy efficiency of windows by reducing the transfer of heat and cold through the glass. Low-E glass is divided into two categories: Hard Coat and Soft Coat. The performance of Hard Coat Low-E Glass is slightly better than regular insulated glass. But Soft Coat Low-E Glass filled with argon gas has a higher thermal performance and provides the ultimate in insulating value. The R factor of Soft Coat Low-E Glass windows with argon gas is 4.25, which is the highest in the industry. Insist on Soft Coat Low-E Glass with Argon Gas.
“Is Argon gas safe?”
Yes, Soft Coat Low-E Glass with Argon blocks 64% of harmful ultraviolet rays that can cause furniture and carpet fading. Soft Coat Low-E Glass with Argon provides over 42% better blockage than clear window glass. So by purchasing windows with this special glass, you reduce the risk of furniture and carpet fading in your home. Another benefit – this reduction in ultraviolet radiation promotes healthier plant growth.
“What is an air infiltration rate and how important is it?”
Properly insulated windows are a must, for if outside air can sneak into your home through the window cracks, energy efficiency and comfort are reduced. The air infiltration rate is a measurement of the amount of air that can pass through a window. It is expressed in terms of a number assigned by an independent laboratory. The lower the air infiltration rate numbers, the lower the amount of air passing through the window and thus, less heat loss. Windows that stop drafts use better, thicker weather-stripping and have fusion-welded corners which eliminate seams and potential leaks. Cold spots are dramatically reduced, and your fuel bills are cut significantly. Plus it’s much more comfortable when cold drafts are eliminated. So look for low numbers on air infiltration test results. Don’t accept a rating higher than 0.06 on double-hung and sliding windows, and expect an even lower rating on casement windows.
"How can a window frame have an R factor of 13.0?”
Great Lakes Window fills its window frames with polyurethane – the same polyurethane that is used in insulated steel and residential refrigerator doors. This increases the R factor from 2.4 to 13.0. For maximum energy efficiency, we recommend that you not accept a window frame with an R factor less than 13.0.
Patio Doors
“Aren’t patio doors easy to break into?”
A determined burglar will get in your home no matter what. But statistics do show that if it takes longer than 60 seconds to break in, a burglar will often move on. Patio doors featuring a three-point locking mechanism will give you three times more resistance to forced entry than typical patio doors. With one turn, a heavy tempered-steel rod locks the door securely at the head and sill, while a tempered-steel L-shaped hook secures the door at the jamb.
“Can I get high security in a hinged patio door?”
Yes. Now available are six-point hinged patio door locking systems which secure the door at the head and at five points along the locking jamb. These offer high security, high energy efficiency and are available in a multitude of styles to fit any décor.
“Should I have a sliding patio door instead of a hinged door?”
A hinged door requires a larger room. A three-foot wide door swinging into the room takes up about six square feet of decorating floor. In homes where space is important, a secure sliding patio door is the answer.
“What’s the advantage to having an exterior keylock on my patio door?”
Extra security and convenience. With an exterior keylock, you can lock or unlock your patio door from the outside, which means you can leave and enter from your patio door like any other entry door in your house. Exterior keylock systems are available for every size and style of patio door.
“Why are patio doors so hard to roll?”
It is common for flat spots to develop on conventional-type rollers due to the weight of the doors. However, new tank-type roller systems spread the door's weight over 30 rollers at once, overcoming the problem of excessive wear due to single-point contact. Therefore, the more you slide this type of door, the easier it slides.
“What are the advantages of a three-point locking system on a sliding patio door?”
It’s simple: better security. Three-point, vault-type mechanism lock at the head, sill, and jamb for three times more security than ordinary patio doors with single-point locks.
“Do all patio screen door fall apart eventually?”
Certain patio doors are engineered and guaranteed not to break, bow, or warp. While most screen doorframes are 3/8" thick, screen doors which are twice as thick (or more) will have added strength. Also look for patio doors which are manufactured to eliminate weak spots and corners that tend to loosen.
Roofing
“What if it rains during the installation of my roof?”
New England weather can be tricky, so we pay attention closely. We only tear off sections that can be reroofed the same day. We avoid tearing roofs if rain is forecasted. When we leave for the day, you can expect your roof to be weather tight.
“What is involved in replacing my roof?”
Your existing shingles will be stripped down to the roof sheathing (which will be replaced if necessary). An ice & water barrier will then be installed along the gutter edge and in the valleys, felt paper installed over the remainder of the sheathing, aluminum drip edge around the entire perimeter of the roof, new roofing shingles, a ridge vent at the peak, and finally, roofing caps.
“What is the warranty of a new roof?”
Depending on the product you choose, you can expect a warranty of 30 years to a lifetime.
“When do I reroof?”
Look for these signs:
Attic leakage after a wind driven rainstorm or ice buildup.Blistering and/or peeling of interior and/or exterior paint. Interior staining of ceilings and walls.Decay of roofing shingles, sheathing or siding.Missing, cracked or curling shingles.Dark "dirty looking" areas on the roof.Excessive energy costs.
“Can a roof be installed over the existing roof?”
Yes. A new layer of shingles can be installed over the existing layer provided that only one layer exists and it is in fairly good condition. If two layers exist, both must be removed.
“What causes failure of roofing shingles?”
Normal weather! Intense heat from the sun, ultraviolet radiation, moisture, pollution, rain, snow and ice, traffic, and tree limbs all contribute to aging and degradation of your roof. In addition to all the exterior and climatic forces that impact performance of your roof, consider internal factors. Improperly ventilated air space inhibits air movement and can inverse moisture content.
Vinyl Siding
“Do I ever have to paint vinyl siding?”
NO! Vinyl siding is virtually maintenance-free. Just rinse with your garden hose a few times a year and that should do it.
“Does the siding come with matching trim?”
Yes, everything from functional utility trim to substantially wide trims, fluted corner posts and soffits. Most trims are available.
“How much does it cost to install vinyl siding?”
Because every home and siding job is unique, there is no way to answer this question. The best way to find out – contact us to arrange a meeting for your free, no-obligation estimate.
“What is the warranty of vinyl siding?”
There is a lifetime warranty against any manufacturer’s defects for the original homeowner. Upon transfer of the property, the siding is warrantied from the date of installation for a period of 50 years.
“Can I install siding myself?”
Installation of vinyl siding is not usually a do-it-yourself job. It is better left to professionals who have the skills and tools to complete the job right the first time.
Fiderio & Sons is also a proud member of NARI. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) ® is the nation's only not-for-profit trade association exclusively dedicated to the professional remodeling industry, promoting ethical and sound business practices for the benefit of the America's homeowners.
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