Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose wood windows and/or doors?
Most of the wood products in the industry are a clad product. A clad product means that it is wrapped on the exterior with aluminum or vinyl, so there is no maintenance needed on the outside. Wood products give the homeowner the option to stain or paint the interior of their windows to match the décor of their room.
Why choose vinyl windows and/or doors?
Vinyl products give you a maintenance-free interior. With the advancement of vinyl over the years, you can have split colored vinyl products (one color inside and another on the outside). Some vinyl products even have a simulated wood finish on the interior to make it look like a wood product.
Why choose fiberglass windows and/or doors?
Fiberglass products have the same look, feel, and insulating properties as a vinyl product. Fiberglass products have a much stronger structure without the thermal absorbing properties of vinyl.
What product is best for my home? Wood, Vinyl, or Fiberglass?
There is not one product that is essentially better than another for you. It is basically the options and features you desire for your home. All products are energy efficient.
How many windows do I have to purchase at a time?
In many houses we replace all their windows; however, we will also replace just one window in a home.
Are windows installed from the outside?
Although some of the work is done from the exterior, windows must be installed from the inside to insulate and finish the interior for a proper fit.
How much of a mess will there be?
Replacing windows or doors is major construction; however we use drop cloths and carpet runners to protect the floor and plastic tarps to cover surrounding furnishings.
As a homeowner, what do I have to do to prepare for installation?
We recommend homeowners remove hanging pictures and other fragile items near window openings. Any blinds and curtains need to be removed.
What do you use to insulate around windows?
All our windows are insulated around with a spray polyurethane foam insulation that expands to fill all gaps making it an airtight seal.
Why do my windows have condensation?
Condensation is water that forms when warm, moist air hits a cooler surface. In homes, it might occur on surfaces such as windows, bathroom walls and cold-water pipes.
Exterior condensation on windows occurs primarily in the morning when days are warm and humid, but nights are cool. Typically, it clears as the day warms. Exterior condensation can occur at any time, especially in warm, humid climates where interior temperatures are cooler than outdoor conditions. Exterior condensation means that windows are doing their job properly. However, if you spot excessive condensation on the inside of your windows, check your inside humidity — it may be a signal of potential problems if not addressed.
When interior humidity levels are too high relative to cooler outdoor temperatures, condensation can form on the coldest surface in a room — often the glass in a window or door. While windows and doors do not cause condensation, they may be one of the first places it shows up.
Excess humidity is typically the cause of condensation. There are many sources for moisture in a home: showers, dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers, house plants, humans and pets, among others. In newly built homes, additional moisture may escape from building materials such as lumber, plaster and masonry for up to three heating seasons, even with proper airflow and temperature management.
No matter when your home was built, the key is to strike the right balance when it comes to humidity levels. Air that’s too dry can cause furniture to dry out and cause joints and studs to shrink and twist, and paint and plaster to crack. Excessive moisture in the home can cause paint to peel, insulation to deteriorate, and condensation on windows and doors can damage sills and trim.
When interior condensation begins to form, reduce the humidity by opening windows, running exhaust fans or dehumidifiers, or minimizing sources of moisture.
Maximum Recommended Humidity Levels (based on engineering studies at 70 F conducted at the University of Minnesota Laboratories)
| Outside Temperature F° | Inside Humidity |
|---|---|
| 20 F to 40 F | Not over 40% |
| 10 F to 20 F | Not over 35% |
| 0 F to 10 F | Not over 30% |
| -10 F to 0 F | Not over 25% |
| -20 F to -10 F | Not over 20% |
| -20 F or below | Not over 15% |
Tips for winter-time moisture management.
- Closely monitor the furnace humidifier and any other humidifying devices.
- Be sure louvers and vents for the attic, basement and/or crawl space are open, adequately sized and cross-ventilated.
- Run exhaust fans for kitchen, bathroom and laundry rooms for longer periods.
- Make sure exhaust fans vent directly outside, not into attics or crawl spaces.
- Be sure chimneys are free and clear so moisture in combustion gases can escape.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for venting gas appliances. In most cases, that will mean directing vents to the outside of the home.
- Make sure your furnace is in proper working order and is serviced regularly.
- Store firewood outside or in the garage — as wood dries, it gives off moisture.
- Open a door or window for several minutes each day to refresh the inside air.
- Open window coverings — such as blinds, shades, drapes and curtains — during daylight hours to increase airflow over the glass.
- Install energy-efficient windows, such as those with the ENERGY STAR® designation.