- 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.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
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.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Micro Screen Gutter Protection
Shelby Vinyl Products now offers Rhino Gutter Guard through our leafmaster division. This microcscreen system is guaranteed to keep your gutters and downspouts clear and free flowing or your money back. It is not invasive to your roof in any way and there are no louvers, spacers or openings what so ever in the product. call us for a free estimate or click on leafmaster to visit the website.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
The Truth About Gutter Protection
If you have any kind of tree within 2 or 3 hundred yards of your home I don't have to tell you about clogged gutters. Climbing a ladder in the spring and the fall are almost a ritual for some people. Aside from the fact it is time consuming and unpleasant, it can be down right dangerous! The ER at your local hospital no doubt has countless stories of individuals showing up with all kinds of injuries from falling off of a ladder.
There are options available to eliminate the need to clean out your gutters but only a few of them actually work consistently. Over the years I have had experience with a whole lot of them. A few of the alternatives to cleaning your gutters are as follows:
Wire Screens
Nearly all the big box home improvement stores sell some kind of gutter screen or mesh panel. The good thing about this type of product is the initial cost, usually between one and four dollars. These panels attach to the gutter with tiny clips and in most cases do in fact keep leaves and debris out of the gutter to some extent. The problem with the screen type protection is they have holes large enough to allow debris through and end up getting clogged themselves. In most cases the purpose is defeated and the screens end up being discarded.
Helmet Systems
Over the last 10 years there have been a large number of gutter protection products designed and brought into the market based on a principle called Surface Tension or Liquid Adhesion. These "helmet" style panels attach to the roof on one side and clip on to the edge of the gutter on the other. Theoretically,http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif as the water runs down the roof and on to the reverse curved gutter guard, the rain water follows the curve around and down into the gutter, while the leaves and other debris pass across the helmet away from the house and on to the ground. It sounds good but if you have this type of system, you know it just doesn't work. The leaves get caught in the front opening and a log jam ensues, making it harder to keep the gutters clean at this point than it was before the gutter protection was installed.
Micro Screen Gutter Protection
There are two things to keep in mind when considering gutter protection:
1)If the guard has a louver, slot, hole, or an opening of any kind IT WILL CLOG!
2)If the guard requires being attached to the roof in any way, whether nailed to the roof or placed under the shingles, IT WILL DAMAGE YOUR ROOF!
As nearly every gutter protection product possesses one of these characteristics, finding a worthwhile solution has been difficult. That is until now. A very few manufacturers make what is called a Micro screen gutter guard. This product contains a stainless steel membrane and fastens to the gutter only, thus not disturbing the roof in any way. The micro screen covers the rigid mainframe, allowing only water to pass through it due to the extremely small holes in the screen itself. This system has proved to be quite effective in keeping leaves and debris out of the gutters while making sure the water goes down into the gutters, and on through to the downspouts.
Shelby Vinyl Products Co, LLC offers a micro screen system through our gutter protection division known as LeafMaster. The product carrys a "No clog, money back guarantee". If you've been looking for a gutter protection system that actually works,at a reasonable price, I urge you to consider one of our LeafMaster micro screen products. Call us today at (419) 982-3709, and ask about LeafMaster Gutter Protection, or visit our website at Leafmaster.
There are options available to eliminate the need to clean out your gutters but only a few of them actually work consistently. Over the years I have had experience with a whole lot of them. A few of the alternatives to cleaning your gutters are as follows:
Wire Screens
Nearly all the big box home improvement stores sell some kind of gutter screen or mesh panel. The good thing about this type of product is the initial cost, usually between one and four dollars. These panels attach to the gutter with tiny clips and in most cases do in fact keep leaves and debris out of the gutter to some extent. The problem with the screen type protection is they have holes large enough to allow debris through and end up getting clogged themselves. In most cases the purpose is defeated and the screens end up being discarded.
Helmet Systems
Over the last 10 years there have been a large number of gutter protection products designed and brought into the market based on a principle called Surface Tension or Liquid Adhesion. These "helmet" style panels attach to the roof on one side and clip on to the edge of the gutter on the other. Theoretically,http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif as the water runs down the roof and on to the reverse curved gutter guard, the rain water follows the curve around and down into the gutter, while the leaves and other debris pass across the helmet away from the house and on to the ground. It sounds good but if you have this type of system, you know it just doesn't work. The leaves get caught in the front opening and a log jam ensues, making it harder to keep the gutters clean at this point than it was before the gutter protection was installed.
Micro Screen Gutter Protection
There are two things to keep in mind when considering gutter protection:
1)If the guard has a louver, slot, hole, or an opening of any kind IT WILL CLOG!
2)If the guard requires being attached to the roof in any way, whether nailed to the roof or placed under the shingles, IT WILL DAMAGE YOUR ROOF!
As nearly every gutter protection product possesses one of these characteristics, finding a worthwhile solution has been difficult. That is until now. A very few manufacturers make what is called a Micro screen gutter guard. This product contains a stainless steel membrane and fastens to the gutter only, thus not disturbing the roof in any way. The micro screen covers the rigid mainframe, allowing only water to pass through it due to the extremely small holes in the screen itself. This system has proved to be quite effective in keeping leaves and debris out of the gutters while making sure the water goes down into the gutters, and on through to the downspouts.
Shelby Vinyl Products Co, LLC offers a micro screen system through our gutter protection division known as LeafMaster. The product carrys a "No clog, money back guarantee". If you've been looking for a gutter protection system that actually works,at a reasonable price, I urge you to consider one of our LeafMaster micro screen products. Call us today at (419) 982-3709, and ask about LeafMaster Gutter Protection, or visit our website at Leafmaster.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Vinyl Siding: Which Product Is The Best?
Assuming you have already decided on replacing your home's current siding with vinyl, I want to cover some important facts and features to be aware of when shopping for Vinyl Siding. As in most products, there is far more to it than colors and price.
If manufactured and installed properly, a good quality vinyl siding will last 25 to 30 years + before it begins to fatigue, fade, etc. There are many manufacturers who make excellent quality products in the industry. These same companies also make products that, let's say, aren't excellent products. It isn't necessarily their fault, it's simply that there are many, many grades of vinyl and plastics, and as far as vinyl siding goes, at least in the builders market, it is extremely price driven. Most new homes don't carry any kind of long warranty or guarantee and, suffice to say, the building components used in new construction aren't usually the best quality. This is a major reason the replacement business is as large as it is.
So what is the best siding? The truth is there are a lot of good products out there.
Regardless of which product you choose, the chemical composite of the vinyl is probably the most crucial component. An Unplasticized Poly Vinyl Chloride (UPVC) is most desirable. There are no recycled materials in this type of product as there are most other PVC products, insuring a durable siding that will stand up to years of weather beating. Recycled materials break down and begin to fade and fatigue rather quickly. The up side to the recycled products is, of course, price. The UPVC products are considerably more expensive, but last 3 to 4 times longer than the less expensive alternative.
Impact Modifiers are another important component of vinyl siding. These chemical additives assure that impacts to the product from stones, baseballs, etc., spread out over the panel, rather than absorbing it all in one spot causing structural damage to the siding.
As far as fading goes, be sure you find a siding with a pigment that contains Titanium Dioxide. This helps to prevent changes in the color and ultimately retards fading by blocking harmful UV rays from the Sun. Some sidings even contain special polymers to prevent chalking. These are premium products and can get costly, but chalking is not too attractive so you might want to consider it.
Shelby Vinyl Products Co., LLC offers a Silver, Gold, and Platinum product line
(Good, better, best) which includes vinyl sidings that meet all the specifications described above.
Be sure the supplier or contractor explain fully the composite of your vinyl before your purchase.
If manufactured and installed properly, a good quality vinyl siding will last 25 to 30 years + before it begins to fatigue, fade, etc. There are many manufacturers who make excellent quality products in the industry. These same companies also make products that, let's say, aren't excellent products. It isn't necessarily their fault, it's simply that there are many, many grades of vinyl and plastics, and as far as vinyl siding goes, at least in the builders market, it is extremely price driven. Most new homes don't carry any kind of long warranty or guarantee and, suffice to say, the building components used in new construction aren't usually the best quality. This is a major reason the replacement business is as large as it is.
So what is the best siding? The truth is there are a lot of good products out there.
Regardless of which product you choose, the chemical composite of the vinyl is probably the most crucial component. An Unplasticized Poly Vinyl Chloride (UPVC) is most desirable. There are no recycled materials in this type of product as there are most other PVC products, insuring a durable siding that will stand up to years of weather beating. Recycled materials break down and begin to fade and fatigue rather quickly. The up side to the recycled products is, of course, price. The UPVC products are considerably more expensive, but last 3 to 4 times longer than the less expensive alternative.
Impact Modifiers are another important component of vinyl siding. These chemical additives assure that impacts to the product from stones, baseballs, etc., spread out over the panel, rather than absorbing it all in one spot causing structural damage to the siding.
As far as fading goes, be sure you find a siding with a pigment that contains Titanium Dioxide. This helps to prevent changes in the color and ultimately retards fading by blocking harmful UV rays from the Sun. Some sidings even contain special polymers to prevent chalking. These are premium products and can get costly, but chalking is not too attractive so you might want to consider it.
Shelby Vinyl Products Co., LLC offers a Silver, Gold, and Platinum product line
(Good, better, best) which includes vinyl sidings that meet all the specifications described above.
Be sure the supplier or contractor explain fully the composite of your vinyl before your purchase.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
What Is The Best Spacer Material For The Glass Unit in A Replacement Window?
Are all Vinyl Replacement Windows created equally? Hardly. When someone asks me "how much does a window cost", I think to myself, "how long is a piece of string"?
You can literally line up 10 windows in a row and when you stand back, they all look pretty much the same. There in lies the problem. How do you know the difference? Vinyl composites are different. Weatherstrippings are worlds apart. Color additives are many and varied, but the most important factor, the seal between the panes of glass, can be the difference between enjoying easier cleaning and reducing your energy bills vs. a permanently foggy window and no fuel savings.
The advent of what was then called the "thermal pane" window included a double pane glass package with a small dead air space (about 1/4") with a seal composed of glass itself. Two panes were glued to a type of glass tubing , sealing the dead air space and stopping conduction. It worked...for a while. Glass expands and contracts. Let's say it's a hot day in August. The glass temperature could easily rise to over 100 degrees. On a cold day in the winter the temperature could drop to less than zero! Expansion and contraction are going on like crazy, eventually breaking the glued seal, allowing water vapor and dirt, etc. into the air space. The final result is a dirty, foggy, window that has lost it's thermal integrity. Fortunately, few companies, if any, use this process anymore.
The next generation of thermalized windows involved a dual pane glass unit with an aluminum spacer bar and a rubberized adhesive.. Though this design is still often used today, the problems are the same. Expansion and contraction of glass happens at one rate, while aluminum does so at another rate. The constant pushing and pulling will eventually break the seal, creating the same problems as the glass seal. Believe it or not, most lower end windows, such as the ones available at lumber yards and the big box stores, are still made this way. Buyer beware.
In the mid 1980's, glass technology really began to improve. Manufacturers were experimenting with a variety of materials that could stand up to the temperature variances windows are subject to. A product called "Swiggle", otherwise known as Poly Iso Butylene, had been used in the auto industry to seal windshields into cars. The substance is very sticky and quite pliable, but most importantly it was able to withstand the huge swings in temperature without expanding or contracting. Throughout the late 80's and well into the 1990's, Swiggle was widely used as the sealant of choice in premium vinyl replacement windows. Due to the organic nature of this product, drying eventually occurred and seal failure became a problem. Many top manufacturers have abandoned Swiggle as viable sealant, though others have continued to try to perfect it. A new design incorporating an acrylic outer seal, encapsulating Swiggle as an inner seal has been very effective and long lasting. A small number of companies are using this method today.
The most common spacer used in replacement windows today is the Intercept Seal. This seal is a "U" shaped metal alloy spacer bar. The theory here is that as the glass expands and contracts,the u shaped channel will flex in and out, without stress on the glass or sealant. While the theory is good and this design is very popular, the seal is still metal, and has the potential to expand or contract enough to cause inevitable seal failure. When used in conjunction with Argon or Krypton, the gas was found to have totally dissipated in 5 years. More than 70% of replacement windows today use this design, both in double and triple pane products.
The newest innovation in glass sealants is the Super Spacer by Edgetech . Developed in the late 1990's, this spacer is a foam product infused with butyl. It has the ability to flex with expansion and contraction, without the negative properties of a metal bar. In a 5 year study, seal failure with the Super Spacer was less than 3%, far below the failure rate of aluminum (40%) or Intercept (14%). When used in conjunction with Argon gas or Krypton, gas retention was about 70% in 5 years. Most Super Spacer glass units are guaranteed for 20 years plus. If you want a product you'll only need to purchase once, I recommend the Super Spacer.
Once again you get what you pay for. Ask your contractor or window specialist about Super Spacer. The popular intercept seal is widely available in all price levels, But, after all, if you buy a product because it's a little cheaper and it ends up not doing what you bought it to do, it's just more money wasted. For more information on Super Spacer, watch this video.
F
You can literally line up 10 windows in a row and when you stand back, they all look pretty much the same. There in lies the problem. How do you know the difference? Vinyl composites are different. Weatherstrippings are worlds apart. Color additives are many and varied, but the most important factor, the seal between the panes of glass, can be the difference between enjoying easier cleaning and reducing your energy bills vs. a permanently foggy window and no fuel savings.
The advent of what was then called the "thermal pane" window included a double pane glass package with a small dead air space (about 1/4") with a seal composed of glass itself. Two panes were glued to a type of glass tubing , sealing the dead air space and stopping conduction. It worked...for a while. Glass expands and contracts. Let's say it's a hot day in August. The glass temperature could easily rise to over 100 degrees. On a cold day in the winter the temperature could drop to less than zero! Expansion and contraction are going on like crazy, eventually breaking the glued seal, allowing water vapor and dirt, etc. into the air space. The final result is a dirty, foggy, window that has lost it's thermal integrity. Fortunately, few companies, if any, use this process anymore.
The next generation of thermalized windows involved a dual pane glass unit with an aluminum spacer bar and a rubberized adhesive.. Though this design is still often used today, the problems are the same. Expansion and contraction of glass happens at one rate, while aluminum does so at another rate. The constant pushing and pulling will eventually break the seal, creating the same problems as the glass seal. Believe it or not, most lower end windows, such as the ones available at lumber yards and the big box stores, are still made this way. Buyer beware.
In the mid 1980's, glass technology really began to improve. Manufacturers were experimenting with a variety of materials that could stand up to the temperature variances windows are subject to. A product called "Swiggle", otherwise known as Poly Iso Butylene, had been used in the auto industry to seal windshields into cars. The substance is very sticky and quite pliable, but most importantly it was able to withstand the huge swings in temperature without expanding or contracting. Throughout the late 80's and well into the 1990's, Swiggle was widely used as the sealant of choice in premium vinyl replacement windows. Due to the organic nature of this product, drying eventually occurred and seal failure became a problem. Many top manufacturers have abandoned Swiggle as viable sealant, though others have continued to try to perfect it. A new design incorporating an acrylic outer seal, encapsulating Swiggle as an inner seal has been very effective and long lasting. A small number of companies are using this method today.
The most common spacer used in replacement windows today is the Intercept Seal. This seal is a "U" shaped metal alloy spacer bar. The theory here is that as the glass expands and contracts,the u shaped channel will flex in and out, without stress on the glass or sealant. While the theory is good and this design is very popular, the seal is still metal, and has the potential to expand or contract enough to cause inevitable seal failure. When used in conjunction with Argon or Krypton, the gas was found to have totally dissipated in 5 years. More than 70% of replacement windows today use this design, both in double and triple pane products.
The newest innovation in glass sealants is the Super Spacer by Edgetech . Developed in the late 1990's, this spacer is a foam product infused with butyl. It has the ability to flex with expansion and contraction, without the negative properties of a metal bar. In a 5 year study, seal failure with the Super Spacer was less than 3%, far below the failure rate of aluminum (40%) or Intercept (14%). When used in conjunction with Argon gas or Krypton, gas retention was about 70% in 5 years. Most Super Spacer glass units are guaranteed for 20 years plus. If you want a product you'll only need to purchase once, I recommend the Super Spacer.
Once again you get what you pay for. Ask your contractor or window specialist about Super Spacer. The popular intercept seal is widely available in all price levels, But, after all, if you buy a product because it's a little cheaper and it ends up not doing what you bought it to do, it's just more money wasted. For more information on Super Spacer, watch this video.
F
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Is Low E All It's Cracked Up To Be?
If you've been looking at replacement windows to any extent, you no doubt have heard about Low E (emissivity) glass. But what is Low E glass?
There are two types of Low-E glass: hard coat and soft coat. As you might imagine, they have different properties. In fact, they actually look different.
Hard coat Low-E glass is manufactured by pouring a thin layer of molten tin onto a sheet of glass while the glass is still slightly molten. The tin actually becomes "welded" to the glass. This process makes it difficult or "hard" to scratch or remove the tin. Often this glass has a blueish tint to it.
Soft coat Low-E glass, on the other hand, involves the application of silver, zinc or tin to glass in a vacuum. The glass enters a vacuum chamber filled with an inert gas which is electrically charged. The electricity combined with the vacuum allows molecules of metal to sputter onto the glass. The coating is fairly delicate or "soft."
Furthermore, if silver is used (and it often is) this coating can oxidize if exposed to normal air. For this reason, soft coat Low-E glass must be used in an insulated glass assembly. Sealing the soft coating in between two pieces of glass protects the soft coating from outside air and sources of abrasion. Also, the space between the two pieces of glass is often filled with argon gas. The argon gas inhibits oxidation of the metallic coating. It also acts as an additional insulator.
The two types of Low-E glass have different performance characteristics. The soft coat process has the ability to reflect more heat back to the source, meaning back outside in the summer, and back inside in the winter. It typically has a higher R value. R values are a measure of resistance to heat loss. The higher the R value of a material, the better its insulating qualities. Most studies show that windows with Low E glass are at least 3 times more energy efficient than windows with no Low E at all. When you consider the price difference, it only make sense to get Low E with your new windows.
Shelby Vinyl Products offers a full line of vinyl replacement windows on a good, better, best basis. Located in North Central Ohio, We are a statewide contractor. Contact us for a free estimate at shelbyvinylproducts@yahoo.com
There are two types of Low-E glass: hard coat and soft coat. As you might imagine, they have different properties. In fact, they actually look different.
Hard coat Low-E glass is manufactured by pouring a thin layer of molten tin onto a sheet of glass while the glass is still slightly molten. The tin actually becomes "welded" to the glass. This process makes it difficult or "hard" to scratch or remove the tin. Often this glass has a blueish tint to it.
Soft coat Low-E glass, on the other hand, involves the application of silver, zinc or tin to glass in a vacuum. The glass enters a vacuum chamber filled with an inert gas which is electrically charged. The electricity combined with the vacuum allows molecules of metal to sputter onto the glass. The coating is fairly delicate or "soft."
Furthermore, if silver is used (and it often is) this coating can oxidize if exposed to normal air. For this reason, soft coat Low-E glass must be used in an insulated glass assembly. Sealing the soft coating in between two pieces of glass protects the soft coating from outside air and sources of abrasion. Also, the space between the two pieces of glass is often filled with argon gas. The argon gas inhibits oxidation of the metallic coating. It also acts as an additional insulator.
The two types of Low-E glass have different performance characteristics. The soft coat process has the ability to reflect more heat back to the source, meaning back outside in the summer, and back inside in the winter. It typically has a higher R value. R values are a measure of resistance to heat loss. The higher the R value of a material, the better its insulating qualities. Most studies show that windows with Low E glass are at least 3 times more energy efficient than windows with no Low E at all. When you consider the price difference, it only make sense to get Low E with your new windows.
Shelby Vinyl Products offers a full line of vinyl replacement windows on a good, better, best basis. Located in North Central Ohio, We are a statewide contractor. Contact us for a free estimate at shelbyvinylproducts@yahoo.com
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