Quality Window Installation

Who is going to install your windows? I hope you don't plan to do it. If they are replacement windows, you can have a difficult time if you are not experienced. The final fit and finish of the windows and their performance is directly related to expert installation.

All too often rookies or weekend warriors forget important steps regarding air infiltration or insulation. Caulking is also very important. Sometimes an inexperienced installer can install too much insulation, use the wrong spray-foam insulation or make a horrible mess with a caulk gun.

So who should you have do it? I vote that the window company installs them. Not only that, I want an actual employee of the window company and NOT a sub-contractor.

You need to ask about this because the use of sub-contractors can be appealing to a window company. Using sub-contractors can save a window company money because they have cost control. They pay the sub a fixed sum to install the job. This is good for the window company but bad for you. Why? What happens if your job is exceptionally difficult? The sub may cut corners so he makes more money or doesn't lose money.

Insurance issues are cloudy with sub-contractors. What happens if the sub gets hurt on your job? I know of one job where a sub-contractor severely cut his hand while removing an old window. Fortunately, the sub-contractor had Worker's Compensation coverage. The sub on your job may not have this coverage. Who pays for his medical bills and lost work wages? You do!

Employees of window companies know their product very well. They know the best tools to use, the best insulation, the best caulking and the best techniques. They get paid by the hour so they are under no pressure to "rush" your installation. Be sure that the window company you select proves they have insurance coverage. Ask for copies of the certificates. Get all promises in writing.

Related Articles:  Vinyl Windows Certification, Window Glass Performance Comparisons, Energy Star Windows, Vinyl Windows Purchasing Quality

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Energy Star Vinyl Window Manufacturers

I've convinced you that it is important to buy a certified vinyl window. But it is still a little confusing. There are three certification programs. One is the AAMA-NWWDA program. The other is the NFRC. And the third is the Energy Star window and door certification program. Which one is better? Well, that is hard to say because they certify different aspects of the window. The AAMA-NWWDA program looks primarily at the material aspects of the window while the NFRC and Energy Star certification tests take a close look at the thermal performance of the glass.

The glass is very important. Glass used to be the weakest link in the energy shield of your home. Vast improvements have pushed the insulating factor of the window to new levels. Invisible heat films that are sandwiched between panes of insulating glass are allowing window manufacturers to build better and more energy efficient windows. The invisible films are absolutely on the cutting edge of technology. If you can get windows that have this Low E film, do so.

Go to the Energy Star web site to find a current list of manufacturers which meet the Energy Star certification standards. If you don't find a manufacturer in your town or city, don't panic! Many of these manufacturers make windows that might be distributed by another company in your area. If you don't see a familiar name, simply call your local companies. Look for the Energy Star blue/green semi-circle global logo on the windows!

Related Articles:  Vinyl Windows Certification, Window Glass Performance Comparisons, Window Installation, Vinyl Windows Purchasing Quality

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Window Glass Performance Comparisons

Your upcoming window purchase is important. You need to spend as much money as you can afford on the glass. If you spend wisely, you will get long-term benefits. The charts below illustrate this clearly. Look at the following chart. It is the Winter Performance Chart.

The insulating values of windows are measured in U-values. Low U-values mean BIG energy savings. The Low E glass that contains the invisible heat films simply work the best. If you sit or work near windows during cold winter months, you need windows that have the lowest U-value you can buy. The inner pane of glass in these windows will be warmer to the touch and as such will produce fewer cold convection drafts.

Summer heat gain is also a big concern. The sun's infrared heat streams in through regular dual pane insulated glass. Old technology hard-coat Low E glass doesn't help too much in blocking solar heat gain. Look at the following chart.

It clearly shows that once again windows that contain the invisible heat film do the best at blocking the solar heat gain from entering your home. Invisible heat films are a must if your home contains lots of windows that face west, southwest, south and southeast. Heat gain from these exposures can be massive in the summer months. If you run central air conditioning in your home, windows that contain the invisible heat films will help you lower your cooling costs.

If the window sales people look confused when you mention U-values and Solar Heat Gain Coefficients, go elsewhere! The two charts are courtesy of Gilkey Windows in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Remember, when comparing SHGCs, lower numbers are better. For example, a window with a SHGC of .19 is a better window than one with a rating of .34. Another tip is to be very careful of verbal promises. If a window salesperson promises you something, make sure the exact wording is in the contract. Never accept verbal promises or excuses. Remember, excuses are reasons for failure.

Related Articles:  Vinyl Windows Certification, Energy Star Windows, Window Installation, Vinyl Windows Purchasing Quality

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We have a couple of very cool restaurants here in Cincinnati where you can go to get double-decker and triple-decker sandwiches. The combinations seem endless. You can get a turkey and roast beef double-decker with Swiss cheese on wheat bread. How about a ham, egg and ham triple-decker on white bread with lettuce, tomato and mayo? It is yours, if you order it. When you look at the menu, your eyes glaze over. It is the same feeling you get when you listen to the window film sales pitch. There are so many choices!

Different Films for Different Rooms

If you are thinking of buying window films, you need to make a list. Go room by room. List in order of importance what you want to accomplish in each room. Perhaps heat gain is really important in a west facing family room followed by privacy. The most important concerns in your living room might be fabric fade followed by heat loss in the winter time.

Once you have this list made up, it will be an easy chore to meet with the window film sales person. Without this list, things can get confusing very quickly.

Source of Confusion

Each of the window films you look at has been tested with respect to their effectiveness (expressed as a percentage) to prevent the following:

• Total Solar Transmittance
• Total Solar Reflectance
• Total Solar Absorption
• Visible Light Transmittance
• Visible Light Reflectance
• Ultraviolet Transmittance
• Total Solar Energy Reflected

Different films will have wildly different values in each of the categories. They simply are made to do different things. The values help you to judge which film will work best for you in each room.

A Company called CP Films makes a window film line called LLumar. I have one of their film sample swatches. For each film there is a card that shows the values for each of the listed categories. It is very helpful when looking at different films. Try to get one of these handy tools when you begin to look at films.

Removing Existing Films

As soon as my column on window films appeared, many people contacted me who had existing films. They wanted to know how to remove them.

The trick to removing existing window films is a combination of patience, numerous single edge sharp razor blades, and ammonia based window cleaners.

Start by slicing through the film about 3 inches from a corner. Cut at a 45 degree angle. Try to slide the razor under the film to peel it up. Pull at the same time you scrape. Change blades when they become clogged with adhesive. Remove the old adhesive with a combination of 409 and Windex or a strong solution of ammonia and water.

Warranties and Life Spans

Pay attention to the warranties that come with the window films you intend to buy. Some of them are impressive. Full lifetime warranties for labor and material are out there!

High quality window films can last indefinitely if they are cared for. The biggest problem comes from improper cleaning. If you goof up or are careless when you wash window films, you can begin to scratch them. Although the films are scratch resistant, they are by no means scratch-proof.

Lightly brush/dust or blow away large dust particles on window films. Never clean windows covered with film using a dry technique. You need to introduce a window cleaning solution to lubricate the film as it is being cleaned.

The best advice is to make sure you obtain and follow the written cleaning instructions from the window film manufacturer. If you are dealing with a first class installer, they will give these to you before they leave your home. You say you are going to install the films yourself? Well, I wish you the best of luck and hope that your new nickname isn't Mr. Bubble, Mr. Crease, or Mr. Blister!

Companion Articles:  Window Films,  Window Film FAQ, Window Film - It Works Well, Window Film Companies

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Window Film Comparisons and Types

When the window film salesperson visits your house, make sure you have a clear head. This subject can get complicated in a hurry. You will hear terms like neutrals, dual reflectives, Low-E, spectrally selective, clear or dyed non-reflective, etc. These are all descriptive terms that tell what a window film can or can't do.

The Basics

The least complicated window film is one that is a Clear or Dyed / Non Reflective. The clear films in this category are commonly used for just safety, security or modest fade control. If you desire some glare control on the glass or privacy, then you will use a dyed product. Because they do not have a metallic component they are non-reflective - meaning they reflect little solar energy.

Triple Decker

The next group of window film incorporates an additional layer of polyester film that contains a special metallic reflective coating. These films are either available in Clear or Dyed Reflective. The metallic surface needs the additional layer of polyester film so that it is not exposed to corrosive liquids or vapors in the atmosphere in and around the glass.

The films in this group that are sold or represented as clear actually appear to have a silver, bronze, or gray tint. This coloration is created by the ultra-thin layer of metal that is being used to reflect the solar radiation. If you choose a dyed reflective film, the polyester film closest to the glass is dyed to the color you choose.

Companion Articles:  Window Film,  Window Film FAQ, Window Film - It Works Well, Window Film Companies

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will window films stop fading?

No. They will retard or slow it. 40 percent of fading is caused by ultraviolet light, 25 percent by visible light, 25 percent by heat, and 10 percent miscellaneous causes. To stop fading you must stop all of these from happening.

Do window films hurt plants?

Certain high performance films may cause some plants to suffer slight growth retardation or possibly stop flowering. Others may go into a temporary state of shock while they adjust to the new film. For the most part, there will be little harm done to common house plants.

How do you clean window films?

Obtain a care guide from the film manufacturer and follow it. Use common sense. Apply standard window cleaners to the film and use clean, soft cotton rags. Avoid using cheap paper towels as recycled paper content can contain micro-abrasives.

The above Questions and Answers are courtesy of AIMCAL Energy Management Program Window Film Training Guide

Companion Articles:  Window Film,  Window Films,  Window Film - It Works Well, Window Film Companies

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Window Film Companies & Association

I just know I am going to get letters, e-mails, and phone calls on this list! There are lots of different companies who make window films for different parts of the glass market. In other words, think of all the different types of glass out there. There are hi-rise office buildings, store fronts, automobiles, and the glass in your home. There are specialty window film companies for all of these applications and some cross pollination to boot! In other words, some film manufacturers try to service more than one market.

I have tried to save you the trouble by only listing the companies that make window films for the residential market. I am sure I might have missed one. The ones that are listed below are indeed the major players and you should be able to find a dealer in your area.

If you want to find some installers in your area who might be good business people, consider contacting the International Window Film Association (IWFA). If you find a IWFA member in your town, you should be dealing with a decent company. Here is how you can contact the IWFA and a list of some residential window film companies:

• International Window Film Association
  P.O. Box 3871
  Martinsville, Virginia 24115-3871

• Bekaert

• CP Films
  CP Films makes two brands: Llumar and Vista.
• 3M
  3M makes a product called Scotchtint

• Madico

• Solar Guard
• Southwall
   
• Film Technologies

Companion Articles:  Window Film,  Window Films,  Window Film FAQ, Window Film - It Works Well

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Windows and doors are the largest sources of heat gain and heat loss in an average home. High quality and high performance windows will absolutely save you money over the life of a home. If you are building a new home, it makes great sense to buy the best windows you can possibly afford. Economize on things that are easy to change out like carpeting and vanity faucets!

Common Complaints

One of the most common complaints I get about windows is seals that have failed. You know, the window gets a fog in it or is hazy.

Older style insulated windows used aluminum spacers to create the dead air space between the pieces of glass. Aluminum is corrosion resistant, however it readily conducts cold (and heat). Windows with old style aluminum spacers in a cold climate can lower the edge temperatures of the inner piece of glass dramatically. There have been some recent improvements in insulated glass spacing technology. This new warm edge technology uses different spacer materials that do not readily conduct heat or cold. Be sure to ask what type of spacers are in your windows.

The seals that are between the pieces of insulated glass have had a history of failing. This causes the inner surfaces between the two pieces of glass to fog up. Constant improvements in seal technology and the types of spacer materials have minimized seal failure in recent years, but it is still a possibility no matter what type of glass is in your vinyl windows. Be sure to ask about the warranty with respect to failed glass seals when you are talking to salespeople.

Condensation Problems

Water vapor that collects on a cool surface is called condensation. It can start out as a light fog but builds up to beads of water that run down a pane of glass. Condensation on windows happens when the temperature of the glass equals or drops below the dew point of the air that is in contact with the glass. As the humidity inside a house rises, the dew point generally goes up as well since the warm, expanding air can hold more water vapor.

You can minimize condensation on new windows by purchasing glass that has the lowest U-value (low U-values mean a greater resistance to heat loss or heat gain) and has the best warm edge spacing technology available. Soft coat Low-E glass or those windows that have the invisible Low-E films tend to have the lowest U-values. These windows allow the inner piece of glass to stay as warm as possible. Imagine a cold night with an outside temperature of 0 degrees and a 15 mph wind while it is 72 degrees inside your home. A single pane of glass will register an inner surface temperature of 26 degrees. Regular double pane glass will be 35 degrees. Hard coat insulated Low-E glass will usually be 49 degrees, while soft coat insulated Low-E glass will be a comfortable 62 degrees. The warmer the inner piece of glass in your house the less chance condensation will form. Warmer inner glass surfaces create fewer cold convection currents or drafts.

Condensation can happen when you get new windows. Why? Because the installation of the new windows actually cuts down drastically on air infiltration. Before your new windows were installed, cold dry air could easily mix with the warm moist air inside your house. This effectively lowers the humidity inside your home. Once new windows are installed, indoor humidity levels tend to rise as does the dew point! This means that condensation can start to form on new glass surfaces that are actually warmer than before. You can reduce condensation on your vinyl windows by lowering the overall humidity level inside your home.

Custom Glass

Possibly the best window glass available today contains the invisible heat film that is suspended between the panes of glass. This glass has all sorts of advantages over regular insulated glass.

For starters, it is more comfortable. The heat film stops intense solar radiation and heat from entering your home during the summer months. During cold winter weather, the inside air temperature is warmer because cold convection currents are minimal. Keep in mind that the warmer the surface of the glass is, the warmer you will feel inside. Heat film glass produces the highest indoor glass temperatures.

Heat film glass is also very effective at stopping noise. Some glass systems can reduce noise by as much as 56 percent compared to standard insulating glass. I have witnessed this myself. The noise reduction is significant. It is even more so if all air leaks around the window frame are plugged.

The heat film that is offered by some window companies actually can be customized. In other words, the heat film comes in different insulating and solar control performance levels. For example, you may chose one type for all windows that face south and another specialty film for all windows that face north. Ask your window company about this very cool option.

Broken Glass - It Can Happen!

The manner in which the glass is installed in your vinyl window sash is important. Old wood, steel and aluminum windows allow you to replace broken glass with some effort. This is not always the case with vinyl windows. Some vinyl windows are built in such a way that when and if glass breaks you must replace the entire sash. This can be a disadvantage if for some reason the vinyl itself has changed colors due to poor quality materials or years of exposure to sunlight. The new replacement sash color may not match your existing frame.

Consider purchasing vinyl windows that can be re-glazed without having to buy a new sash. These will give you much greater flexibility.

Warranties

Lifetime warranties are available. Look for these and make sure the company has been in business for 15 to 20 years. Any startup company can offer a lifetime warranty. You are looking for a company with a track record.

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