Vinyl Window FAQs
1. What causes condensation on windows?
Condensation, or "sweating," is a natural occurrence on all windows and is caused by excess humidity, or invisible water vapor, present in the air. When this water vapor comes in contact with a surface which is at a cooler temperature, the vapor turns to visible droplets of moisture.
Our insulating glass units provide 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.
Here are a few tips on reducing the moist air in your home:
Use fans in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms to circulate the air.
- Air out your home frequently by opening doors and windows.
- Reduce the number of indoor house plants, as plants increase humidity levels.
- Use a dehumidifier to remove excess humidity from the air.
2. How do vinyl windows compare with windows made from other materials, such as wood and aluminum?
The performance and longevity of vinyl windows compare very favorably to those of other building materials, and vinyl often costs less to produce. Vinyl windows and doors are rapidly capturing a major market share as more builders and homeowners learn about vinyl's outstanding value and economy.
Long-lasting beauty, low maintenance and excellent thermal efficiency ratings give vinyl windows a winning edge over other types of replacement windows. Our vinyl compound is produced with extra levels of UV inhibitors to help withstand harsh weather conditions, and it is recyclable and environmentally friendly. Vinyl won't pit or peel over time with only simple care and cleaning, windows can keep their beautiful appearance for years to come.
3. How does insulating glass improve the quality of Norandex windows and doors?
Insulating glass improves the quality of Norandex windows and doors by:
- Improving the performance of the U and R values of your new windows and doors
- Reducing condensation
- Helping keep the heat in and cold out during winter
- Helping keep the heat out and the cold in during summer
4. I plan to have windows installed in my new or existing home. How can I be sure the contractor, remodeler or window installer is qualified to install windows?
We suggest you ask your contractor, remodeler or window installer for local references, call your local area Builder's Association or chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), and check with the Better Business Bureau in your area. Also, you may want to ask who their building supply distributor is and contact the distributor for more information.
5. What is Low E/Argon-filled glass, and how does it work?
Low E (Emissivity) Glass is glass with a transparent metallic oxide coating applied onto or into a glass surface. The coating allows short-wave energy to pass through but reflects long-wave infrared energy, improving the U-Value.
Argon Gas is an odorless, colorless, tasteless, non-toxic gas that is six times more dense than air. It is used to replace air between the glass panes to reduce temperature transfer.
6. What are R-values and U-values?
R-value is the resistance a material has to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the resistance.
U-value is the amount of heat transferred through a material. The lower the U-value, the slower the rate of heat flow and the better the insulating quality.
7. Do all windows qualify for the federal energy tax credit.
The federal energy tax credit applies to energy-efficient windows with a U-factor of <0.30 and a solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of <0.30. It is important to note that the tax credit does NOT include installation costs. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Star web site: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index.