How long will I have to wait for my installation?
How should I clean my u P.V.C windows and doors?
What is the difference between u-pvc and pvc-u ?
What is the difference between u P.V.C and Aluminum windows?
Do your windows have locking handles?
What are windows made of?
How often should residential windows be replaced?
What does "cladding", mean?
What is the U-factor?
What do U-values and R-values really mean?
What does Low E stand for?
What is Argon gas used for?
What is Warm Edge Technology?
How do I know what type of glazing is right for a window?
How do I decide between single-, double- or triple-glazed windows?
What are grilles?
What is an impact-resistant glass window?
Who should have impact-resistant glass in their homes?
Will impact-resistant glass prevent intruders from breaking into my home?
Do I need an architect?
What Is Insulated Glass?
How to tell if you currently have LowE Glass?
What is Tempered Glass?
What is Obscured Glass?
Which are window frame options?
What are Vinyl Frames?
What are Wood Frames?
What is Thermal Break Aluminum?
Why do windows sweat?



How long will I have to wait for my installation? From point of order it is usually about four weeks before installation. This can vary depending upon the type of job, time of year, workload etc. Our Contracts Manager can fill you in on the current lead-time.
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How should I clean my u P.V.C windows and doors? Our windows should only be washed with soap and water this should prevent dirt build up on the frames. Try and have the frames washed when you have the window cleaners in.
What is the difference between u-pvc and pvc-u, one supplier claims better aging, particularly color, for pvc-u ?
To answer the question very simply, there is no difference between u-pvc and pvc-u. Both terms refer to unplasticised (hard) PVC, which is used extensively in building products where rigidity is an important attribute.
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What is the difference between u P.V.C and Aluminum windows?
Contrary to popular opinion P.V.C windows are not made from P.V.C coated aluminum. P.V.C is actually a plastic material and will not conduct heat and cold in or out of your home. Aluminum is a metal and naturally a cold material. P.V.C in general looks and behaves like timber windows but without the ongoing maintenance requirements.
Do your windows have locking handles?
Yes, all our windows come with locking devices fitted. Our Contracts Manager can demonstrate these to you.
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What are windows made of?
The easy answer is glass, plus a framework of wood, vinyl or composite materials. However, the window industry has many options available to suit any home and lifestyle. Window frames today are offered in vinyl or vinyl-clad (for low maintenance), all wood, aluminum-clad or composites. And there are many types of glazing options available to make windows more energy efficient.
How often should residential windows be replaced?
Homeowners with windows over 25 years old should consider replacing them, both to gain the best energy efficiencies and to protect the "envelope" of the house. A home is an ideal candidate for a window replacement if its windows are sealed or painted shut, experiences ice buildup or a frosty glaze during the winter, gets fogged with condensation or has drafts that come through the windows.
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What does "cladding", mean?
Some windows are made of wood and then covered on the exterior and/or interior with another layer, such as aluminum or vinyl. This layer of extra covering (the cladding) gives added protection to the window and strengthens its resistance to outside weather or heavy inside usage.
What is the U-factor?
The rate of heat loss is indicated in terms of the U-factor (U-value) of a window assembly. Northern Climate Recommendation: Select windows with a U-factor of 0.35 or less. If air conditioning loads are minimal, windows with U-factors as high as 0.40 are also energy-efficient if the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient is 0.50 or higher. Some double-glazed low-e products have U-factors below 0.30. Some three-layer products have U-factors as low as 0.15.
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What do U-values and R-values really mean?
U-Values represents the amount of heat that escapes through a wall, window, roof or other surface. The lower the U-Value, the more energy efficient a material is. R-Values are the direct opposite. These measure an object's resistance to heat flow. The higher a material's R-Value, the lower its U-Value, and the less energy it will lose. An R-Value depends on the number of layers of glass in a window, what type of gas is between those layers, and whether one or more of those layers of glazing have been treated with a Low E coating.
What does Low E stand for?
The technical name of Low-E glass is actually Low-Emissivity, High-Transmittance, which means that Low-E reduces the amount of heat loss while still maintaining a high level of visible light coming through the glass. Low-E glass is one of the factors that determines the R-value, or insulation quality, of the glass.
LowE glass has a metallic coating on the inside of the outside pane. The coating will help keep your house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. It also cuts down on the transmission of light slightly.
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What is Argon gas used for?
Argon and other inert gasses also will reduce the loss of heat through an insulating glass unit. Since inert gasses are heavier than air, their molecules do not move as easily. This makes the space between the panes of glass in the window less conductive. Inert gasses between the two panes of glass make it more difficult for the warmer inside air to pass through the glass to the colder outside. With lower heat loss, the R-value is increased.
What is Warm Edge Technology?
In simple terms, warm edge technology deals with the edge condition of a window. The spacer material to which the panes of glass are glued creates the edge condition. A conventional aluminum spacer is extremely conductive. In other words, it transfers heat through the aluminum spacers much the same way heat from a fire would travel through a steel rod that has one end placed in the fire. Warm edge spacer materials decrease the window's tendency to transfer that heat from the inside to the outside because it lessens the conduction at the window's edge. The less heat lost to the exterior of the home, the warmer the home is inside—i.e., the lower the energy bills.
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How do I know what type of glazing is right for a window?
Different climates and styles of homes require different glazing options to maximize their energy efficiency. Some glazing options can also help reduce outdoor traffic noise from entering the home. Options range from single glazed glass, as in historic homes (minimal insulating value), up to R10, which features dual-sealed, triple-insulated glass with two Low E surfaces and two krypton/argon gas-filled insulated airspaces for maximum efficiency.
How do I decide between single-, double- or triple-glazed windows?
Single glazing is a single pane of glass and is best used in garages and tool sheds—buildings that don't need to be extremely energy efficient. Double-glazed windows have two panes of glass with either air or a safe, colorless and odorless gas tightly sealed between the panes. When its glass is treated with Low E coating, the window can achieve a value of R5 at the center point of the glass. The most energy efficient window is a triple-glazed window. Gases are sealed between three panes of glass and Low E coatings are applied on two of the panes. This can bring the energy efficiency up to a value of R10 at the center point of the glass.
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What are grilles?
Airspace grilles are sealed in the airspace of insulating glass in different designs. That makes the windows easy to clean, because the grilles are sandwiched between the glass. Removable perimeter grilles have easy snap-in designs and allow a homeowner to change the look of their windows. Custom Grilles are also available as removable perimeter grilles and can also be easily installed and removed. Custom Grilles from Weather Shield come in numerous architectural styles.
What is an impact-resistant glass window?
Impact-resistant glass has strong laminated glass interlayer. When combined with an exceptionally strong window frame, this type of window provides homeowners with greater security and protection from storms flying debris and even the occasional stray golf ball. When struck by something hard and forceful, like a tree branch or softball, the glass resists shattering. In the rare event that an object impacts the glass, the pane may shatter, but it remains held within the frame. This greatly reduces the risk of flying glass, water or debris penetrating into the home.
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Who should have impact-resistant glass in their homes?
Homeowners living in coastal areas prone to strong winds and storms, or who live directly on a golf course or in an area where vigorous sports activities take place, should consider impact-resistant glass in their homes. Other homeowners might be interested in the sound reduction and security benefits which impact-resistant glass provides.
Will impact-resistant glass prevent intruders from breaking into my home?
No glass can completely prevent intruders. Any glass, when struck repeatedly with forceful blows, will shatter. However, the majority of impact resistant glass stays in the frame when broken, making forced entry much more time consuming, cumbersome and difficult.
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Do I need an architect?
If you want a truly one-of-a-kind new home or have a tricky design or building situation, an architect's services are essential. But tasks such as modifying a standard home plan, adding a dormer or remodeling a bathroom are projects that you and your builder or remodeler can probably tackle together. Remember that for complicated interior changes, large additions or perplexingly stubborn questions about appearance and function, an architect's assistance at the planning stage can be a very good investment. For more information, contact the Architecture in Canada.
What Is Insulated Glass?
When you talk about insulated glass it is essentially two pieces of glass that are sealed with a spacer to keep out any moisture or dirt. The spacing between the two panes of glass contribute to the insulating factors. Window manufacturers vary the size of this space. Usually, you'll find that a 1/2" space is the norm. In between the two panes of glass there is a spacer that runs around the perimeter. Spacers come in a few different make ups such as metal or foam. The foam seems to have the best insulating factors.
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How to tell if you currently have LowE Glass?
Using a bic (cigarette) lighter, have someone stand outside the window with the flame around 1" from the outside pane. Looking from the inside you should be able to see 4 reflections of the flame. If you see the reflections then chances are your windows currently have LowE.
What is Tempered Glass?
Tempered glass is glass that has been treated so it will not break into jagged pieces if broken. It is glass that has been strengthened by heat during the manufacturing process. This type of glass is normally used when building codes require safety glass. Normally, glass that is 18" or less to the floor, this can vary by county.
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What is Obscured Glass?
Obscured glass is simply glass that has been etched or treated so only light comes through and visibility is impaired. Used in areas where privacy is desired such as bathrooms.
Which are window frame options?
-Vinyl Frames
-Thermal Break Aluminum Frames
-Wood Frames
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What are Vinyl Frames?
In terms of insulating, the vinyl frames will out perform the aluminum and wood frames. Vinyl is durable, never needs painting. If you scratch it, you still maintain the same color because the color is throughout.
Good quality vinyl windows are welded at the joints and should have some form of metal reinforcement.
Vinyl windows usually come in two colors, white and almond.
What are Wood Frames?
When it comes to beauty there is no question that wood is the choice. Wood is the most expensive of the options. Keep in mind that wood requires maintenance such as painting. The good news is that wood windows have fairly good insulating factors. There are a few innovations with wood windows that eliminate much of the maintenance.
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What is Thermal Break Aluminum?
Because of the durability of vinyl there is very little use today with aluminum frames. They just don't have the insulating qualities and durability.
If you do choose aluminum be sure that they are glazed properly. This prevents the glass from direct contact with the metal frame, which extends the life of the window.
Why do windows sweat?
Air is composed of several gases, one of which is moisture vapor. When air comes in contact with the DEW-POINT TEMPERATURE, the air is chilled and CONDENSATION takes place with a residue of water on the surface of the glass
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