One of the best reasons to replace your existing windows is to increase the energy efficiency of the windows, saving you money on energy costs. In our energy efficiency section, we'll cover all topics important to know when you begin to find a window contractor in your area. We'll cover the tax credit and provide information and links to the NFRC and the Energy Star websites.
Murphy's Window and Sunroom owner James Murphy has produced a Consumer's Guide to Replacement Windows. This simple 7-step guide is available online and is a great tool to walk you through the entire process of buying windows and finding a window contractor who is licensed, insured, and AAMA certified.
We have the 2005 Cost vs. Value report, from which you will be able to see how much of the cost of a remodeling project can be recovered at resale . This is an exciting report that makes a great case for replacing your windows in the Chicago area, as the average homeowner will recoup 145% return on their investment!!
We have a page on Condensation and the Frequently Asked Questions that homeowners have about condensation on windows. This page is especially useful if you are currently experiencing any problems with your windows.
Illinois State Attorney General Jim Ryan produced a brochure, "Home Repair: Know Your Consumer Rights." We have reproduced this brochure and provide it for you to access; it provides a lot of information for homeowners in dealing with window contractors and in finding a qualified window contractor in Illinois.
And finally, we have our Frequently Asked Questions page, with questions pulled primarily from our Schuco Replacement Windows section. This guide includes straightforward answers to the most common and important window replacement questions facing homeowners today.
Glossary of common terms for replacement windows
NFRC: The national Fenestration Rating Council which establishes the test standards for thermal testing and thermal simulation of windows and glass doors.
Annealed: The process of controlled cooling after the manufacturing of float glass to prevent residual stresses in the glass.
Tempered: Flat glass that has been heat-treated to a high surface and/or edge compression to meet the requirments of safety standards.
Caming: Carved metal, such as brass or lead, creating a design and sealed to a glass pane.
Shadow Groove: The recessed groove that follows the fusion weld seam of the vinyl master frame or sash freame. The groove provides and even and clean look to the window.
Double Glaze: Two panes of glass sealed to become an insulated unit.
Triple Glaze: Three panes of glass sealed to become an insulated unit.
Turnbuckle: Used for tightening a rod or stay, used in bay and bow windows for pulling the window unit to a level plane.
TPS: TPS stands for Thermo Plastic Spacer, this has a butyl based chemical matrix that includes a desiccant for keeping the interior of the glass unit dry. TPS is an excellent vapor barrier that keeps moisture out and the gas fill in. This is the window's primary seal.
Polysulfide: The material that acts as the secondary structural seal to back up the TPS
Low E: Low emissive glass that has a low reate of emitting (radiating) absorbed radiant energy. The radiant energy (i.e. Long wave infrared or heat) is effectively radiated back into your home. The coating on the glass is an ultra hard titanium base layer.
Extrusion: PVC (vinyl) that is forced through a die and forming tools to create lineal shapes from which the main window components are manufactured.
Muntin: An aluminum horizontal or vertical grid piece that simulates true divided lite glass from Colonial and Victorian periods without interfering with washing the glass inside and outside the home. The muntins are located inside the glass pack, between the panes of glass.
Glazing Bead: The vinyl that surrounds the glass pack and holds the glass into the sash.
Horizontal Mullion: Specially designed for horizontal mulling of windows together.
Sill Adapter: An aluminum part that can be scored and cut to fit the space between the vinyl replacement sill and the slope sill of the building the window is being installed into.
Sill Extension: A snap on part that can be scored and cut to fit the space between the vinyl replacement window sill and the slope sill of the building the window is being installed into.
Universal Mullion: Used for standard mulling of window units.
Transfer Block: A slider part, located in the master frame that allows the sash to move from the outside track to the inside track for operation and cleaning.
Injected Molding: The injection of plastic into a mold under conditions of moderate temperature and pressure. The plastic is shaped or molded into parts used in window cleaning systems.
Dyad Operator: A casement gear drive operator with an extension that functions as a pivoting pair of arms attached to a point on the sash, to create a triad for moving the sash.
Extended Leg: In reference to specialty shapes, the extended leg allows you to fit the window into a oblong opening.
Start here for Replacement Windows Information. 