New Windows For America

Frequently Asked Questions

My windows are old and drafty. What's the best way to replace them?
How do I know what materials are most durable and which would give me the best performance for my money?
What is the weather ability of vinyl?
Is there a difference in the construction of different brands of windows?
There are numerous vinyl window companies to choose from, what are the differences?
Do I have to put in the same style window that I have now?
Why should I use New Windows for America instead of another company?
What about the glass? Don't all windows come with the same glass?
I've heard about different tests done on windows. Should I consider these tests when making my decision on the window I should buy?
In saving energy is the frame or the glass more important?
What energy-saving options should I know about?
What is the Energy Star rating?
What about air filtration?
Will I notice a reduction in noise?
How do I know New Windows for America windows will be a good investment for me?
So what kind of maintenance will I have with New Windows for America windows?
You say you have the best warranty in the industry. Could you explain that please?
Is the New Windows for America window an American-made window?
Can I install my windows myself or do I need a professional to do it?
Why should I buy custom replacement windows?
What is pinch fusion-welding?
What is a U-factor?
What is an R-factor and how important is it?
What is 101u.i?

Q. My windows are old and drafty. What's the best way to replace them?
A. If you want the best fit, custom sized windows are the way to go. Using stock size windows can actually be more expensive and inconvenient in the long run. Stock windows can mean more extensive carpentry in the installation process both inside and outside your house. The New Windows for America American Classic windows are custom made to fit your existing openings, measured up to 1/8" giving you the style and options you want while maintaining your glass area.

Q. How do I know what materials are most durable and which would give me the best performance for my money?
A. Windows are made typically of three different materials: Aluminum, which scratches easily because of their painted surface and they are great conductors of heat and cold making them poor for insulation. Wood, which are high in maintenance, involving painting, caulking and refinishing of the wood because they tend to absorb moisture causing them to rot and peel and can even make opening and closing them a chore. The American Classic window by New Windows for America is made of solid 100% virgin vinyl that will never peel, chip, or need painting. This is one of the many reasons vinyl is becoming the material of choice for both replacement windows and new construction.

Q. What is the weather ability of vinyl?
A. Vinyl is engineered with different chemicals to make it very durable over time. Titanium dioxide is added to make it very resistant to UV damage. Impact modifiers are added to make the vinyl resistant to cracking and chipping from sharp blow. Color stabilizing chemicals are added to make the color uniform and resistant to change.

Q. Is there a difference in the construction of different brands of windows?
A. Most definitely. The two basic types of construction for windows are: Mechanically fastened windows and a fusion welding process using either chemicals or a heating process for joining the corners together. New Windows for America uses state of the art heat welding equipment that uses pinch fusion welding on both the sash and the frame for a stronger, longerlasting product. You want to be careful of windows that are mitered together with screws in the corners or chemically welded corners as they will not give you the durability and performance of a heat welded corner.

Q. There are numerous vinyl window companies to choose from, what are the differences?
A. On the surface you may not see a difference in one sash and frame from another, but don't be fooled, there is a big difference. Some manufactures cut corners by using inexpensive extrusion techniques giving you a product that is brittle and less durable. You can tell this by the dull blue or gray cast to them. At New Windows for America we use only virgin vinyl PVC powder. This, quite simply, means that the vinyl is not from recycled material.

Q. Do I have to put in the same style window that I have now?
A. That is not always necessary. With New Windows for America windows, you can change the style of window to fit your specific needs. You will want to keep in mind the style of your home and what would compliment your design to the fullest. Our professional window consultant will be able to help you with these and other decisions you need to make in this area. What ever you decide, New Windows for America can custom-manufacture it to meet your individual needs.

Q. Why should I use New Windows for America instead of another company?
A. Because not all the window companies are created equally. The American Classic vinyl window is more than TWICE AS EFFICENT as windows manufactured ten years ago. High quality PVC Vinyl extrusions are the building blocks of every American Classic window. Multi-chambered frames, specifically designed for fusion welding, provide unparallel energy efficiency and strength. Because safety and quality are our top priorities, we offer the finest quality vinyl with no harmful additives. The vinyl in every American Classic window is warranted for a lifetime against seal failure, glass breakage, fading, warping, peeling and rotting.

Q. What about the glass? Don't all windows come with the same glass?
A. No they don't. We offer what is called Warm edge glass technology with PPG's Intercept insulating glass system. This gives every American Classic window an advantage over old-fashioned insulating systems. Under normal weather conditions, I.G. units expand and contract with temperature changes. In old-fashioned glass units, the sealant takes up the stress of the movement, which can cause seal failures and insulating gas loss. In an Intercept I.G. unit, the spacer flexes instead of the sealant, so it resists spacer movement and seal failures.

Q. I've heard about different tests done on windows. Should I consider these tests when making my decision on the window I should buy?
A. You need to be cautious when looking at test results. They are not necessarily the best indicator of how the window will perform in your situation. They concentrate on certain parts of the window like the frame and its R-Value and not the complete window performance. Be sure you are comparing apples to apples. The American Classic windows from New Windows for America are engineered to provide optimal energy savings and are rated by the National Fenestration Rating Council.

Q. In saving energy is the frame or the glass more important?
A. Approximately 70% of a window is glass, so the real heating and cooling savings come from improved glass performance, and not a high R-Value on the frame. New Windows for America uses the latest technology, known as a high performance warm edge spacer system. This spacer system helps to improve the performance and the life of the insulated glass unit, and comes standard on all New Windows for America windows.

Q. What energy-saving options should I know about?
A. You should give careful consideration to New Windows for America 's Intercept Insulating Glass System, featuring double pane Low-E glass and argon glass. This package is called the Energy Saver Plus; Low-E glass is one of the best barriers against ultraviolet rays, which can fade carpet, furniture, draperies, and even woodwork. It also helps improve the energy efficiency of the window.
Argon gas is colorless, odorless, nonflammable, nontoxic, and above all, a safe, inert gas that is heavier than air. This helps to keep your house more energy efficient and argon gas also helps keep out unwanted noise. When New Windows for America windows are equipped with the Intercept Insulating Glass System, they automatically meet or exceed the energy - saving requirements for all three-climate zones set forth by the Energy Star Window program. Or you can get the Plus package with a foam spacer that provides additional energy efficiency as an option.
Another option is the triple pane Low-E glass with krypton gas, called the Energy Saver Supreme. The Energy Saver Supreme is the ultimate in insulating glass with solar control, insulation, and superior UV blocking.

Q. What is the Energy Star rating?
A. ENERGY STAR is a partnership between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and window manufactures. The DOE has been assigning ENERGY STAR ratings to appliances for years. This designation indicates an environmentally friendly, energy efficient product. American Classic vinyl windows carrying the ENERGY STAR label can reduce your energy costs up to 15%.

Q. What about air filtration?
A. The American Classic windows offer a full interlock at the meeting rail, which helps protect your home against the elements. The American Classic window more than doubles the acceptable air infiltration rate standard in the industry.