Just The Facts
Q: What is a replacement window?
A: A replacement window is a window that's custom built to fit within the opening of an existing window. It's built to fit precisely and can be installed without disturbing the interior and exterior areas around the window.
Q: How can I tell if I need new windows?
A: Here are some sure signs that your old windows need to be replaced:
• Difficult to open or close
• Drafty, with air leaking through or around the window
• Excessive condensation or icing on the inside of the window panes
• Windows rattle in the wind
• Paint chipping or peeling
• House is always too cold in winter - or too hot in summer
Q: What causes condensation on the inside of my windows?
A: Condensation is a natural occurrence on all windows and is caused by humidity, or invisible water vapor, present in the air. When this water vapor comes in contact with a surface that is cooler, the vapor turns into droplets of moisture. Green Star windows have built-in features to keep the temperature of the glass as warm as possible and thus reduce condensation. Our insulated glass provides superior energy efficiency to reduce the potential for condensation. However, there is no such thing as a condensation-free window in high humidity conditions. Controlling the amount of moisture in your home is the most effective action you can take to avoid condensation.
Q: How can I tell if a window is energy efficient?
A: Check the window's NFRC rating label. The NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) is an independent testing organization that rates the "U-Factor" for replacement windows. This is a measurement of the window's ability to resist the transfer of heat and cold. U-Factor is the amount of heat transferred through a material. The lower the U-Factor, the slower the rate of heat flow and the better the insulating quality.
Q: What is Soft-Coat LowE glass?
A: Soft-Coat LowE (emissivity) glass uses a metallic coating on the inside surfaces of the glass, reflecting UV and infrared light away from the windows. This causes less furniture fading and keeps your home cooler in the summer heat.
In the winter, all objects in your home are heated by sunlight or your heating system. As this heat is radiated by the objects towards the windows it is reflected back into your house by the low-E glass, helping to keep your energy bills lower year-round.
Q: What are the differences between wood, vinyl, aluminum and windows? Which is best for me?
A: Wood window frames have been around as long as there have been windows. They can be attractive, but are not very efficient. Also, wood needs to be treated and maintained, either by painting or staining on a regular basis.
Vinyl windows do not require the same maintenance level as wood. However, unless the vinyl is fortified with a strengthening compound, they can warp.
Aluminum frames have traditionally been used for add-on storm windows. Aluminum is strong, but readily allows the transfer of heat and cold from inside to outside and back.
The materials used in making Green Star windows is a space-age, engineered material that combines great strength and durability with high energy efficiency and low maintenance.
Q: What are the advantages of custom replacement windows over pre-made, standard-size windows?
A: Because custom windows are made to fit perfectly, they provide the best energy efficiency and can be installed much more easily and with very little mess. Also, because of the myriad of options available that affect appearance and efficiency, custom windows allow consumers to get exactly the windows they need or want.
Standard windows sometimes cost less in the beginning, but other expenses and factors-like additional labor and the disruption to the home-far outweigh the original savings. For example, installing stock windows often requires that you add brick or siding to the exterior, and drywall or other materials to the interior of your home.
Q: Will replacement windows really pay for themselves?
A: If you select high-quality, energy-efficient windows, your windows will "pay back" your investment in savings you will realize with lower heating and cooling bills. Engineered and well-built windows have been proven to lower home energy consumption. According to the Department of Energy, R-5 windows (windows with a U-Value of .20 or less) reduce average heat loss through windows by 30-40%. GREEN STAR windows have a U-Value of .17.
Q: How should I maintain and clean my Green Star windows?
A: Green Star windows are easy to keep to clean, and require practically no maintenance. Use any window cleaner to clean the glass surface. Our frames can be cleaned with any mild detergent, soapy water. Avoid cleaners containing ammonia or abrasives. Feel free to browse our operation and cleaning section for more detailed information.
Q: What other products does Green Star offer?
A: Green Star offers multiple home energy savings solutions. In addition to replacement windows, Green Star also offers energy efficient insulated siding, doors, roofing, gutter protection, bath and shower liners, walk-in tubs, and attic insulation.
Q: What is the difference between Green Star insulated siding and standard siding?
A: Green Star siding features insulated foam which is permanently laminated to the back of the panel providing exceptional strength, rigidity, and resistance to weather conditions and sound as well as an extra layer of insulation to help manage energy costs. We also offer many panel size’s, which reduces and sometimes eliminates the visibility of seams.
Q: What are the advantages of Green Star insulated siding compared to other siding?
A: Among all the siding products available today none compares with vinyl siding for its lightweight yet durable, maintenance-free features. Thanks to its solid composition, vinyl won't rot, chip, flake or blister the way wood siding can and often does, and thanks to new manufacturing innovations and technological advancements, vinyl grains, colors and cap stocks are truer, richer and more authentic than ever before. To homeowners, our siding is the sensible, good-looking alternative to the expense, labor and aggravation associated with whole house painting and yearly exterior maintenance. Green Star siding adds to the resale value of any home. More than ever maintenance free vinyl siding is the sensible choice that will add value and beautify any home and make life easier for any homeowner.
Q: What is the purpose of Vinyl Siding?
A: Aesthetically, what is on the exterior of your house creates the first and often lasting impression of your home. Functionally, the siding material protects your house's structure from the elements, mainly rain and wind driven moisture. Siding should be selected based on energy efficiency, cost, aesthetics, durability, andmaintenance requirements.
Have more questions? We'd be happy to answer them! Please call us at (502) 762-7091
