How Do I Choose a Window ?
Choosing a window really depends on the
customer’s objectives. A homeowner who occupies their home may have
different window objectives than a contractor building a spec house
or an apartment building. A window’s quality, price and features
play a key role in determining value to the customer. Following are
some points to consider when selecting a window and installer:
How Do I Choose a Window Installer ?
First and foremost, the
installer should be a licensed contractor with the state of
California. Contact the Contractor’s State License Board to verify
license status and to ensure the company does not have significant
unresolved complaints. Select a company with a proven track record
of experience. Faulty installation can be disastrous. Companies that
have been in business for a long time often demonstrate experience
and stability. An experienced local company is familiar with the
local building structures and codes. Many horror stories have been
told of customers hiring non-local companies and then never seeing
them again. If a problem arises, the customer is tasked with
obtaining a contractor or other window company willing to take on a
problem of another company. References from others, of course, are
important.
What Types of Windows are Available?
Windows are most commonly available in
vinyl, wood and aluminum.
Vinyl windows have become increasingly
popular in coastal areas over the last 20 years. Vinyl windows are
resistant to corrosion, energy efficient, require little
maintenance, significantly reduce condensation and noise, often have
very good warranties and are relatively inexpensive.
The beauty and color versatility of wood
windows sometimes makes us forget how much work is required to
maintain them. Painting or staining is required every few years or
more often if closer to the ocean. Some wood window manufacturers
apply a vinyl or aluminum cladding (covering) to the outside window
framing to protect it from the outdoor elements. This allows the
consumer the beauty of a wood window on the inside while reducing
the otherwise high maintenance of a standard wood window.
Unfortunately, these products can be quite expensive as compared to
vinyl or aluminum windows.
Aluminum windows have a narrower frame,
which is sometimes desirable from an aesthetics standpoint. They
tend to have more color versatility than do vinyl windows, although
aluminum paint may peel and chip as a result of the outdoor salt-air
elements. Because aluminum is a “colder” material, it does have a
reputation for forming condensation. Many customers complain of
mold; this is particularly common with the old “single-paned”
aluminum windows. Aluminum windows have become less popular on the
coast as they do corrode over time and many times have limited
warranties. With the development of vinyl technology, Dial Glass and
Window Company does not recommend aluminum windows on beachfront
properties.
What Should I Know about Window
Manufacturers ?
It’s important that the window manufacturer
has a quality reputation and has been in business for a long time.
This indicates stability to help ensure that parts or additional
products will be available, if needed, and that any warranty
provided will be serviced by the manufacturer in the future.
Question your window dealer, obtain brochures and/or visit
manufacturer’s website to learn about the manufacturer and window
products offered. Customers can contact the Department of Consumer
Affairs and inquire about potential complaints against the window
manufacturer.
What about a Warranty ?
Ensure that your window product is warranted
against defects. Learn about the warranty features, including the
period of warranty, the potential defects covered and how defect are
rectified. If possible, ask your window dealer for a copy of the
warranty terms. The most common defect in windows today is the seal
breaking in an insulated glass unit and condensation (or “fogging”)
appearing between the panes of glass. If not covered under warranty,
this glass can be a bit pricey to replace. The better warranties
will offer coverage for both parts and labor, a longer coverage
period, such as a “lifetime” to the original purchaser, and some
extra features. Some manufacturers provide “transferable” or “glass
breakage” warranty features. A transferable feature acts as a good
selling point to a potential homebuyer, as the warranty features can
be transferred to a buyer. A glass breakage warranty can save a
customer the pricey cost of replacing broken window glass in many
instances.
What is Is Energy Efficiency?
A number of window attributes, starting with
the manufacture of the window product, contribute to the energy
efficiency of the window. Most windows in today’s market have
insulated (or double-paned) glass which is a basic component to
better insulation and higher energy efficiency. Other common
features applied in the industry to increase energy efficiency are
“Low E” coatings on the glass and “Argon Gas” fill between the panes
of glass. Big name warehouse stores many times offer an inexpensive
off-the-shelf window. Often times, these inexpensive “cheap” windows
are not energy efficient. The United States Department of Energy has
established “Energy Star” guidelines that products should meet to be
considered energy efficient. Ask your window dealer if the window
meets the Energy Star standards.
Don't Forget Aesthetics:
When choosing a window, consider the
aesthetics. Remember, not all windows are the same. General window
styles include horizontal sliding, vertical sliding (or single
hung), fixed picture, casement (crank out), bay window and garden
window. Look for “even sight lines”, where the framing looks
proportionate relative to other section(s) of the window. Patterned
glass or grids (squares) on or between the glass add decorative
attributes to windows. Most manufacturers have several options in
glass and grids, but be careful. The architecture of the building
will determine whether decorative glass or grids are appropriate.
Other Features to Consider:
The coastal areas are conducive to corrosion
where vinyl windows have demonstrated resistance. Some manufacturers
offer a coastal package to further reduce corrosive effects.
Features may include stainless steel rollers, locks and handles on
patio doors. Newer technology provides the customer with the option
of ordering “self-cleaning” glass. A permanent coating is infused
onto the glass, which keeps dirt loose. With water, the window
rinses clean.
Self-Cleaning Glass
Pete Yoes of Pacifica's Dial Glass and
Window Company discusses newer technology in window glass, SunClean self-cleaning glass by PPG Glass
Technologies. Since 1883, PPG Glass Technologies has been making
glass and advanced in window technology, such as Sungate low-e glass
and Solarban solar control low-e glass.
SunClean self-cleaning glass allows the
homeowner to spend less time washing their windows while giving
their windows a clearer view. SunClean glass has a durable,
transparent coating that is bonded to the outer surface of the glass
during the glass manufacturing process. The coating utilizes two
natural resources to initiate and maintain SunClean Glass'
self-cleaning feature__the sun's ultraviolet rays and water.
The ultraviolet light from the sun energizes
the SunClean self-cleaning glass coating to help slowly decompose
and loosen dirt and other organic material. Since ultraviolet light
is abundant, even on cloudy days or in shaded areas, this process
works non-stop throughout the day. The loosened dirt and other
material then easily rinse away in water. Without the SunClean
coating, water normally beads up and causes water spots once dry.
The SunClean coating makes water droplets spread out, or sheet,
accross the surface of the glass. When rain or a light spray of
water then hit the window glass, the water helps to more effectively
rinse away loosened dirt and matter. The sheeting action helps the
window glass to dry quickly with minimal spotting and streaking.
For more information on SunClean
self-cleaning glass or windows in general, please feel free to
contact Dial Glass and Window Company, located at 1704 Palmetto
Avenue, Pacifica at (650) 359-5380.
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