Most Frequently Asked Window Questions by Homeowners

1) What are the criteria for new windows to qualify for the tax credit for 09 & 10?

Answer:  Windows must meet a U-factor & solar heat gain of .30 or lower.   Note 80% of the windows made today do not meet these high standards.  A window can be energy star and not qualify.

2) How much will I save on my taxes if I replace my windows with qualifying windows?

Answer: Tax credit is 30% of the amount paid for the product (maximum $1500) and does not include installation costs, be sure to ask for a receipt and a NFRC/energy star label. 

3) How much money will I save on my Energy Bills?

Answer:  This is difficult.  Many variables can attribute to the amount of money saved but as a rule Double-Pane windows with a u-factor of .30 or lower can save up to 25% while Triple-Pane windows with a u-factor of .15 or lower can save up to 45%.  
Note: 70% of a home’s Heat Loss is through its Windows and Doors!!!

4) What is Low E glass and Argon gas?

Answer: Low E or Low-Emissivity- is ultra-thin metallic oxide layers that face into the gap between the panes.  They allow visible light but reflect some infrared and ultraviolet light.  The lower the emissivity of the glass the lower the heat transfer coefficient.

• Argon gas- A non-toxic gas-odorless, colorless, and tasteless – which is 6X denser than air.

• Used to replace air between glass panes to reduce temperature transfer.  It will also help on noise reduction.

5) What is R-Value?

Answer:  The commonly used measurement which determines the resistance of a material to heat flow.  The higher the R-value is, the better the performance.

6) What is U-Factor?

Answer:  Measures how well a product prevents heat from escaping a home or building.  U-Factors generally fall between .10 and 1.20.  The lower the u-factor, the better a product is at keeping heat in.   U-factor is particularly important in northern climates.

7) What is solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)?

Answer:   Measures how well a product blocks heat from the sun.  SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1.  The lower the SHGC, the better a product is at blocking unwanted heat gain.  SHGC is particularly important in southern climates.

8) Every window says Lifetime Limited Warranty, What does that mean?

Answer:   Lifetime warranty on windows unless otherwise stated is 7 yrs in the state of Kentucky.  Note:  Our window has a lifetime no nonsense warranty that is fully transferable to the next homeowner.  We have one of the strongest warranties in the industry.  Over 30% of the windows being replaced today are less than 10 yrs old.  Anything less than a 20 year warranty should not be taken seriously.

9) Do you have a $189.00 window?

Answer:  No…  While we do have economy windows for rental property, fixer uppers, & Apartment complex’s, we also have our limitations for what we as a company are comfortable with installing and warranting. 

Note:  Homeowners are smart consumers; would you really want a $189 window in your home?  How could this window be better than what you already have?  Could the contractor actually be a professional installer?  How much do the windows actually cost if a contractor can put them in for $189??  When some things sound too good to be true then they usually are.  

10) Can I install the windows myself or have someone put them in?

Answer: Yes you can but I would not advise it.  All our windows are custom made.  It is very important to get precise measurements.  Also if not installed properly even the highest quality windows will fail.  On most all occasions an expensive tool called a “break” is needed to form aluminum on the exterior.

11) What is energy star?

Answer:  Energy star is a partnership between the US Department of Energy and US Environmental Protective Agency.   It is a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products.

12) What is NFRC?

Answer:  National Fenestration Rating Council is a non-profit, public/private organization created by the window, door, and sky light industry.   NFRC provides consistent ratings on windows, doors, and skylight products.

13) Should I use vinyl , Wood- clad, or fiberglass windows?

Answer:  There is no right or wrong answer here.   It truly depends on the homeowner’s needs and budget.

Vinyl windows can be extremely durable, but quality varies wildly.  Heat is the biggest enemy: thin vinyl extrusions can deform over time.   Look for the AAMA label certifying the window meets basic requirements.   Vinyl will be the least expensive of the three and in most cases the preferable choice of homeowners.

Wood-Clad windows allow homeowners the benefit to paint or stain along with the appeal of wood.   It has a wood construction covered with aluminum sheet having a factory-applied finish (to provide a longer maintenance-free life).

Fiberglass windows provide excellent thermal resistance; they are impervious to weather and corrosives.  Fiberglass doesn’t expand and contract as much as vinyl and aluminum, which manufacturers claim maintains the windows overall integrity.  The downside is that Fiberglass windows are extremely expensive, sometimes 3x the cost of vinyl.

14) Windows are a lot of money, how do I know who to contact for my project so I will not get taken advantage of?

• Check with the BBB or your local Remodelers Council Association is a good start.
   

• Do not pay in full, most contractors however will require a deposit.
   

• Pay by check or credit card
   

• All estimates should be detailed in writing professionally (not on a business card)
   

• Don’t automatically choose the lowest bidder (compare apples to apples)
   

• Deal with licensed contractors
   

• Beware of anyone who doesn’t have a local office or business phone number
   

Last but definitely not least is ask your neighbors or have referrals sent before you have the contractor come out.