Why are vinyl windows the best choice?

Your choice of framing material goes a long way toward determining the lifespan and energy performance of the total window system. Wood windows have excellent insulating qualities but are prone to weather deterioration and require painting at regular intervals. Aluminum windows are very durable but offer no insulating value because they conduct heat and cold very rapidly. Vinyl windows are your best choice because they offer insulating values similar to wood by using multi-chambered extrusions. Vinyl windows will not pit, corrode, rust or rot, and are extremely durable. Vinyl will not swell or shrink when exposed to extreme moisture conditions and will operate smooth in any weather conditions.

  What is Low E Glass?

Low emissivity glass or "Low E", is glass that has been coated with an invisible coating that blocks heat flow. In essence, the coating reflects heat back towards the source, keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Because Low E glass helps keep the inside glass warmer, you can enjoy a more comfortable humidity level. This greatly reduces condensation and fogging on your windows, so you don't have to wipe off windows and sills, or worry about moisture damaging the interior of your home. Low E glass also reduces damaging UV rays, protecting your interior drapes, upholstery and carpeting from early fading. Low E glass in place of ordinary clear single-pane glass saves 250 gallons of oil over the life of the window!

  What is Argon Gas?

Argon is a safe odorless, colorless, non-toxic, non-flammable gas that is commonly used in the place of air between the panes of glass in a thermal unit. Argon gas is much heavier than air so when the air space between the panes of glass in a thermal unit is filled with Argon gas, it reduces the amount of heat and cold transfer through the unit. You could compare it to putting insulation in your walls and ceiling.

  Inserts or Full tear-outs, what is the difference.

Depending on the style of your existing windows, you can have your new windows installed as Inserts or Full tear-outs. Inserts are installed into your existing window frames. As an example, if you have Pearson style windows now, the glass and hardware would be removed and the new window installed into the existing frame. Full tear-outs require the entire old window to be removed and the new window installed into the rough stud opening. What’s better? Depending on your existing windows, normally we would recommend Full tear-outs. When you install a window as an Insert you are making it look bulkier because the existing frames remain. Also you do not know how well your old window was insulated so you could end up with cold still coming in around the existing frames. Full tear-outs will give you more glass space because you are removing the old frames, you will be confident your new windows are insulated well plus you will be able to see if there are any problems with your framing and can repair it if necessary. The only time you may want to go with the Insert installation is if you have a very old home with a lot of detailed old trim work around your existing windows.