It's Almost Replacement Window Season

To me, anytime is a good time to replace your windows. However, people seem more interested in windows between the months of February and May. Over the years I have come to refer to this time of year as Replacement Window Season. Home and garden shows are going on everywhere and many are anticipating tax refund checks. I am sure these factors contribute to the spike in interest. In any event, when beginning the replacement window selection process, to make an informed decision, one should become familiar with window buzz words related to windows, the installation of the window, and window engineering. The glossary below provides you with a general overview of terms as related to replacement windows. Understanding this replacement window terminology can go a long way in helping you to discern between window products.

• AAMA: American Architectural Manufacturers Association. A national trade association that establishes voluntary standards for the window, door, storefront, curtain wall, and
• Aerogel: A microporous, transparent silicate foam used as a glazing cavity fill material, offering possible U-values below 0.10 BTU /(h-sq ft-°F) or 0.56 W/(sq m-°C).
  kylight industries.
  
• Argon: This is a gas that is forced into the space between the two panes in a double paned window. Its purpose is to increase the energy efficiency of the window
• ASTM: American Society for Testing and Materials. Organization that sets standards for testing of materials.


  
• Capping: This is the process of finishing off the exterior portion of the newly installed window.
• Condensation: This is the formation of moisture, and in cold climates, frost on the inside of a window.
• Constant Force Balance System: Stainless steel, will not corrode. Constant force balance works by utilizing a rolled coil steel spring to counter balance the weight of a window sash.
  
• Contractor License: For any type of home improvement work the company conducting it will need to have a form of license to perform the work. What type, varies from state to state. It is always a good idea to ask for a copy.
• Heat Mirror: A proprietary product involving a thin membrane between panes of glass coated with silver and chemicals much like Low E glass, combined with Argon or Krypton gasses, usually in a triple pane configuration.
  
• Heat Lamp: Is a device a sales man will use to demonstrate the ability of a window to stop heat transfer. A thermometer will be placed on one side of the window, and then the heat lamp will be applied to the other.
• Heat Mirror: It is a coated film suspended between the two panes of glass in an insulated unit. It is not the same as low-emissivity costing used widely in the industry today.
• Krypton: Is a gas that is forced in between the panes in a double paned window, it is an alternative to Argon, but is a bit more expensive.
• Low E: This designates low emissivity glass which means the pane of glass has had a film applied that will block long wave infra red energy, but allow short wave to enter.
• R Value: This measures a materials resistance to the ability of heat to flow through it. A high number here is superior.
• Spacer: Probably the most crucial component in a thermalized window, double pane or triple pane. It is the material that separates, but also binds together the panes of glass.
• Spiral Balance: There are several ways to help the top half of a double hung window stay up, and make it easier to open and close. Old windows use a lead weight on a rope held inside a pocket cavity in the wall. A spiral balance uses a metal rod that that has spiral groves in it that works against a gear on the sash; sort of like a bolt and not.
• Triple Pane: This is a window that is constructed with three panes of glass. Old windows have a single pane, more modern windows have two panes and now you can have a window with three panes of glass improving energy efficiency.
• U Rating: Is the amount of heat a certain material will allow to be transferred through it. All windows will have this rating. U-rating may also be measured by dividing 1 by the R-value.
• Weld/Weld Construction: This refers to the construction of the window regarding the corners of the main frame and sash. These components are fused or in effect "welded" for maximum strength.
  
• Wrapping: (Also called Capping) This is the process of blending the new window into the exterior wall of the home. It involves roll form aluminum stock and bending it to the form of the window casing.