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Q: What causes condensation on windows?
A: Condensation, or "sweating," is a natural occurrence on all windows
and is caused by excess humidity, or invisible water vapor, present in the air.
When this water vapor comes in contact with a surface which is at a cooler
temperature, the vapor turns to visible droplets of moisture.
This should not be confused with moisture or "fog" inside the
glass or between the panes. This is comes from a break in the seal between
the panes of glass. This condition is more cosmetic then functional and does not
measurably reduce the thermal efficiency of the window. The typical cure is
replace the glass unit in that sash although an older window should be replaced
with a modern unit.
Here are a few tips on reducing the moist air in your home:
- Use fans in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms to circulate the air.
- Air out your home frequently by opening doors and windows.
- Reduce the number of indoor house plants, as plants increase humidity
levels.
- Use a dehumidifier to remove excess humidity from the air.
Q: What are R-values and U-values?
A: R-value is the resistance a material has to heat flow. The higher the R-value,
the greater the resistance.
U-value is the amount of heat transferred through a material. The lower the
U-value, the slower the rate of heat flow and the better the insulating quality.
Q: How do vinyl windows compare with windows made from
other materials, such as wood and aluminum?
A: The performance and longevity of vinyl windows compare very favorably to those
of other building materials, and vinyl often costs less to produce. Vinyl
windows and doors are rapidly capturing a major market share as more builders
and homeowners learn about vinyl's outstanding value and economy.
Long-lasting beauty, low maintenance and excellent thermal efficiency ratings
give vinyl windows a winning edge over other types of replacement windows.
Quality vinyl windows are produced with extra levels of UV inhibitors to help
withstand harsh weather conditions, and it is recyclable and environmentally
friendly. The color of the vinyl is molded clear through, and will never pit,
peel, chalk or require any maintenance other than normal cleaning.
Q: What is Low E/Argon-filled glass, and how does it
work?
A: Low E (Emissivity) Glass is glass with a transparent metallic oxide coating
applied onto or into a glass surface. The coating allows short-wave energy to
pass through, but reflects long-wave infrared energy which improves the U-Value.
Argon Gas is an odorless, colorless, tasteless, non-toxic gas which is six times
more dense than air. It is used to replace air between the glass panes to reduce
temperature transfer.
Q: How does insulating glass improve the quality of
windows and sliding doors?
A: Insulating glass improves the quality of windows and doors by:
- Improving the performance of the U and R values of your new windows and
doors
- Reducing condensation
- Helping keep the heat in and cold out during winter
- Helping keep the heat out and the cold in during summer
- Minimizing noise transfer in to your home
- Blocking UV radiation to keep your carpet and furniture from fading
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