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- Awnings & Patio Covers Includes installation & repair of fabric & metal awning or patio covers.
- Doors - Garage, Sliding, Glass, etc. Includes installation, repair & replacement of interior & exterior doors, garage doors & openers, etc.
- Glass & Mirrors Includes installation, repair & replacement of mirrors, glass blocks, shower doors, etc.
- Hardware, Locks & Screens Includes installation, repair & replacement of door hardware, screens, locksmith, etc.
- Windows - Cleaning Interior & exterior cleaning of glass.
- Windows - Installation & Repair Includes installation, repair & replacement of windows, skylights, frames, specialty glass, etc.
- Windows - Protection & Tinting Includes installation & repair of shutters & bars, weatherstripping, window tinting, etc.
- Windows - Treatments Includes installation & repair of blinds, drapes, curtains, & shutters, etc.
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New Windows
The windows that some of the early settlers used was waxed paper. Although very crude it let light in while keeping the wind and rain out in (Unless the wind was high!). Real windows were extremely expensive but had less insulating factor than the wax paper. The sun could beat in but after the sun was gone the room cooled down very quickly. In northern climates many residences were fitted with storm windows, an extra layer of glass that added an insulating cushion of air. These could be taken off in the spring and stored.
Double-paned glass is like having a storm window all year round but without having to clean 4 panes of glass twice a year. The space is filled with a dry, inert glass to prevent fogging and this window design is the standard in today's building.
In the winter the key to a cozy home is to let the sun's heat in and prevent it from going back out after the sun goes down. This heat loss is greatly reduced with the use of low-E [low-emissivity] treatment for the glass which reflects heat back into the house during the winter and blocks out radiant heat during the summer. The third layer of glass greatly enhances this process making the window a heat processor all on its own.
Low-E glass on a double-glazed unit has boosted its insulation value to that of a triple-glazed model. Low-E panes available in two basic types. One is more geared to keeping heat inside while the other type reduces ultraviolet light from coming in. In essence it is a film applied to one of the panes of glass or suspended between.
The best performer is the triple-seal Low-E glass however the main factor is how the window is installed. Frames that don't fit properly or that conduct heat will kill the advantages of all windows types: Low-E, triple pane, double-pane, etc. because windows are part of the home's ecosystem. They can either be a partner or the weak link.
However, these are high-tech windows and should be installed by a certified window installer.
Window Trends and Installation
Text by Jennifer Weldon
Windows have had a complete overhaul over in the last half century. Fifty years ago windows were custom made for each home. They were single paned glass windows with wooden sash enclosures. Windows manufacturers also made wooden storm windows to put up in harsh weather. Windows then progressed to wooden sashes and aluminum storm windows. Finally, an easier solution came along and that was double-paned windows with aluminum slider windows. These were easier to change and made larger window panes possible. The entire assembly was produced at the manufacturer and installed as one piece at the home. New trends in windows are triple paned windows with vinyl casements.
Window Materials
A window's composition is very important and is affects the cost of the window and how it is installed. There are typical standard sizes for windows as well as the opportunity to have one custom made to fit a specific measurement.
Vinyl Windows
Vinyl clad windows are standard in many colder regions. The vinyl casement makes painting obsolete, so they are considered maintenance free windows. Beauty is not sacrificed, as the casements now come in a variety of colors to match the exterior of the house. The vinyl is colored throughout, so scratches are not as noticeable. One disadvantage to vinyl clad windows is that thin profiles will have a wider sash for support, thus the view out of the window in hampered.
Aluminum Windows
Aluminum clad windows overcome this weakness of vinyl encased windows. The strength of aluminum enables manufacturers to make larger panes without hampering views. These windows are found in beach homes with sweeping coastline views or in mountain lodges facing beautiful panoramas. A new upgrade to aluminum windows is a powder-coating technique which can add color to the casements to match the façade of the home. In the past, aluminum's conductive properties prohibited them from being used in cold regions as they transferred cold from the outside to inside rapidly. However, new updates to aluminum windows have included thermal breaks. These thermal breaks are a non conducting material that is installed between sashes.
Fiberglass Windows
Fiberglass windows are a new alternative when replacing your old windows or building a new home. The qualities of fiberglass make these windows strong and energy efficient. Fiberglass is stronger than vinyl, which has a solid core. Thus, fiberglass windows can be manufactured with gaps in the core where foam insulation can be injected. This added insulation keeps the cold out and the heat in, or vice versa. Again, beauty is not compromised as fiberglass can be painted and is impervious to water damage.
Wood Windows
Wood windows are a tried and true standby. Wood windows and doors are easy to install, they are light, and have great natural insulation. Their beauty can be breathtaking. The main disadvantage to wood windows and doors is the maintenance involved. They must be painted, stained or varnished frequently to keep wood rot or water damage at bay. If properly taken care of, however, wood windows and doors can last over a hundred years.
Mixed Windows
Another new trend is to encase wood windows in another material, such as vinyl or aluminum. In this way, the windows have the strength of the wood, and the low maintenance features of the vinyl or aluminum. The windows will also be protected from water intrusion.
Window Installation
Window installation can vary depending on if you are building a new home or replacing old windows. When building a new home, the framing of the walls and roof is done first. Then the house is wrapped, including any window openings. This is done to prevent water intrusion and subsequent wood rot or water damage. Then the windows are installed. If you are replacing old windows it may be necessary to replace this wrapping, or flashing, around the window opening. In some cases, you will find no flashing. In this case you will need to install a head jam with flashing tape that goes into the house wrap. A water tight seal will be created.
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