Frequently Asked Questions

Q.  Do insulated vinyl Window units have any effect on the infiltration of exterior noise levels?
Ans.  Yes.  Many of our customers notice this benefit before any other benefits and it is the most common comment.

Q. Are there any security advantages of vinyl window units?
Ans.  Yes.  All windows have two night security latches which will allow the bottom sash to raise approximately 2 to 3 inches.  All glass is composed of two panes of double strength glass with a air space between them causing a cushion effect thus reducing breakage upon impact.  Many times both panes will not break at the same points. The sash rails interlock one with the other impeding burglars from releasing the catches of which there are two metal keepers per window.  Remember that locking screens are useless. You would surprised how silently and quickly screens can be cut. Remember that if burglars want to gain entrance they will.

Q. Are there reduced maintenance procedures?
Ans.  Yes.  The exterior window casings are capped in PVC aluminum trim coil to the contour of the casing (NOT BOXED) in and around the stops creating a seal that does not need to be resealed and eliminates painting of both the casing  and of the replacement window unit.  Easy clean glass needs only to be watered and squeegee to clean. Vinyl is a simple material to clean  requiring the use of most home cleaners.  Tilt in sashes makes the  cleaning of the interior and the exterior a snap, especially upper level windows.  No more storm windows to contend with or dangerously hanging monkey style. The half screen or full screen option is constructed of black fiberglass which eliminates aluminum oxide from forming on window glass  as is the case with aluminum screening. 

Q.  Are there fuel cost and heat savings?
Ans. Yes. The 7/8" air space achieves a "R" value of approximately 2.08 and with the addition of Low-E Argon Gas this can be increased to approximately 4.5 or higher.  The gas is filled to well over 95% and will dissipate at a rate of approximately less than one tenth of one percent over twenty years.  The outer casing of the Eclipse window unit is fed high density pre-expanded refrigerator foam prior to the fusion welding process thus creating an "R" value in the outer casing of about an R-20 and a rating of approximately R-8 in the sash rail .  As you can see there are fuel cost savings however how much of a saving is relative to the severity of the weather.  For example if we have a severe winter and in the following spring new windows are installed and the ensuing winter is mild you will think you died and went to heaven but the reverse is also true.  One needs to estimate the quality of savings as measured over several years and compared to several past years .  Likewise air conditioning cost will be less for there is a reciprocal "cold" savings during the summer months which needs to calculated  with the winter savings.  How much will you save. ????

Q. Is triple pane better than double pane?
Ans.  The energy commission's report on insulated glass and its heat savings factor as related to geographical climates simply states that in our area the third pane is not warranted and we find that it only adds unnecessary weight to the window, weight that the balancers were not designed to hold.

Q.  Do you use subcontractors?
Ans.  No No No.  It has been our policy to control the job from start to finish.  This is the only means I'm aware of to control the conditions of the job site and to of course ensure quality workmanship.  The old adage still holds true no matter how high the quality of the product it will function only as well as it's  installation.  Our work force is stable and well experienced and seasoned from years of experience.  Our lead carpenter has been with us for some 17 years and has almost thirty plus years experience.  His only direction is simple what ever it takes just do the job right.  High quality product and accessory materials have been a main stay from the companies inception.  We are constantly searching for the latest, most up to date, quality product on the market.  This quest is evidenced in that we make it our goal to attend several conferences and or seminars germane to our industry each year.