| INDUSTRY LINKS |
|
Jeld-Wen Windows and Doors |
|
Infinity Windows |
Hy-Lite Products, Inc
Integrity Windows and Doors
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TAX CREDITS
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 - The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT), signed by President Bush on August 8, 2005, offers consumers and businesses federal tax credits beginning in January
NFRC - NFRC is a non-profit organization that administers the system for the energy performance of windows, doors, skylights, and attachment products.
Energy Star - US EPA Energy Star programs and products help save the environment and save consumers money by using less energy through advanced design or construction.
AAMA - AAMA is the source of performance standards, product certification and educational programs for the window, door and skylight industry.
Windows FAQs
| 1. |
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How should I evaluate the energy performance of
a window or patio door?
Look for the National
Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC) label on the window
or patio door. This label shows the U-value, Solar Heat Gain
and visible light transmittance values. Other places to look
for information on energy efficiency in windows and patio doors
are:
U.S.
EPA Energy Star Homes Program
drpane.com
Efficient
Windows Collaborative
|
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| 2. |
![]() |
![]() What
is air infiltration?
Air infiltration refers to the movement of air through a window
or patio door past weatherstrip or other possible openings.
Look for windows that are designed for absolute minimum air
infiltration. A value of 0.3 or less is desirable. |
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| 3. |
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![]() What
is a "rough opening"?
The rough opening is the opening in the wall framing that the
window or patio door fits into. Usually, the rough opening
must be sized 1/2 inch larger than the frame in both width
and height. |
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| 4. |
![]() |
![]() What
does it mean to have a "clad" wood window?
"Clad" refers to the covering on the exterior window
or patio door unit. From the inside, you see the beauty of
wood while the aluminum on
the outside ensures the life of your wood windows for many
years and reduces the amount of necessary maintenance. |
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| 5. |
![]() |
![]() What
does "seal failure" mean and how can you tell when
a window has "seal failure"?
Seal failure occurs when the seal between the two individual
panes of glass in a typical insulating glass unit is broken.
You know a window has failed if there's moisture in between
the panes of glass. Contact us to determine if there is warranty
coverage and to help identify what needs to be done to fix
it. |
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| 6. |
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Can traditional wood windows be custom made for
my older home?
Yes. The historic integrity of an older home can be maintained
while improving energy efficiency by replacing the windows
with new energy efficient windows of the same style as the
original. Refer to our dealer locator for assistance in finding
a supplier who can help answer your remodeling questions. |
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| 7. |
![]() |
![]() What
is LoE2®?
Low-E, or low emissivity, refers to a transparent metallic
coating applied to one surface of an insulating glass unit.
A window with low-E glass can lower your energy bill because
in the summer it reduces the amount of the sun's heat from
entering the home, lowering the cooling demand. In the winter,
low-E reflects some of the interior heat back into the home,
reducing the need for heating. Some types of low-E glass are
designed primarily for summer cooling and some are better for
winter heating. Refer to our dealer locator to find a supplier
who can answer your specific questions related to low-E. |
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| 8. |
![]() |
![]() What
are some reasons why I might want tinted windows in my home?
Tinting reduces the amount of light into the home, provides
a pleasing tone to the view, and can help keep the heat out. |
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| 9. |
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Do Low-E glass coatings prevent furniture and carpet
fading?
Furniture and carpet fading occurs when the energy of ultraviolet
(UV) radiation alters the chemical structure of dyes and other
colorants. Low-E coatings can provide a reduction in
UV transmittance. However, in addition to UV light, other causes
for fading and color changes might include exposure to humidity,
oxygen, visible light and heat. While low-E coatings can greatly
reduce fading, it is important to remember that various types
of materials (wood, fabrics, paint, rugs, etc.) react at differing
fading rates depending on the colorant type and its susceptibility
to fading from any of these causes. |
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| 10. |
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Are windows designed for specific exposures (e.g.
building in a well-protected location versus building on
a bluff)?
![]() Window
products are designed to perform in various applications
and weather conditions/exposures. Manufacturers can certify
the performance grade of their products through independent
testing laboratories. These certification programs define
window products by performance class (residential, light
commercial, commercial, heavy commercial, and architectural)
and performance grade (15, 20, 25, etc.). Local building
codes likely define the minimum performance grade. When choosing
a product for a specific structure, it is important for the
buyer to take into account issues such as the building's
design and exact location. Structure location determines
general weather exposure and protection. For instance, a
structure on a bluff may need a higher performance grade
than one protected by wind breaks. The size and height of
a building are also a consideration. Architects and your
local building code department are excellent resources to
discuss performance classes and grades. We recommend you
also discuss performance grades with your contractor. |
For more information: Window and Door Manufacturers
Association
http://www.wdma.com/ |
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