Here are the answers to some questions we hear quite frequently regarding AMSCO® products. If you have more detailed questions, visit the Contact Us section of this site and submit your question for a prompt response.
Q: What is low-e glass and why should I consider it?
A: Low-e glass is short for low-emissivity glass. It has a very thin coat of material on the glass to make it more efficient, especially in very sunny, hot areas such as the west coast. It helps reflect standing heat away from the surface of the glass, keeping unwanted heat out in the summer and desired heat inside in the winter. Low-e glass is the most cost effective way to increase the efficiency of your windows.
Low-e coatings can also help reduce furniture and carpet fading by reducing the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that enters your home. Ultraviolet radiation can alter the chemical structure of dyes and other colorants.
A: Condensation is caused by excess humidity or invisible water vapor present in the air. When this water vapor encounters a surface at a cooler temperature, it turns to visible droplets of moisture. To reduce the moisture in their home, your customers should use fans in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms to circulate the air. A dehumidifier can also be used to remove excess humidity from the air.
Q: What does AAMA and NFRC certified mean to my customers?
A: The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) sets all performance standards, product certification and educational programs for the window industry. When a product passes AAMA tests, it ensures long, reliable service if properly installed and maintained correctly. The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is a non-profit organization created by the window, door and skylight industry and provides consistent ratings on window, door and skylight products pertaining to the energy performance of that product. A NFRC label is placed on window, door, and skylight products to inform consumers about the U-factor of a product (how well it retains heat inside a building). Factors taken into consideration for the U-factor rating include the ability of the product to block warming caused by sunlight, light transmittance and air leakage by infiltration through cracks in the product assembly.
Q: How do AMSCO Windows compare to other windows in the industry?
A: AMSCO's large product offering spans a range of price points to fit the budget of almost any project. AMSCO offers a lifetime warranty on parts and service, while other manufacturers have a limited-time warranty. In addition, AMSCO uses the latest technology in order to ensure that AMSCO products represent the ultimate in efficiency and aesthetics.
Q: What's the best way to evaluate a window's energy performance?
The easiest way to compare energy performance of different windows and doors is to read the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label. It provides valuable efficiency information about the product including the u-value, solar heat gain and visible light transmittance values. Also check to see if the product is ENERGY STAR® approved.
A: It's a blend of thermoplastic alloys that is heated, pressurized and melted through a main extruder creating a solid core extrusion that is used in place of wood, vinyl, or aluminum to build the frame of AMSCO Renaissance® Series windows. The composite material is encased in PVC (called the "capstock"), which helps ensure that it won't fade, chip or scratch. The end result is a window that won't warp, peel, rot or leak.
Q: How do composite windows compare to wood windows?
A: AMSCO composite windows cost about 10-15% less than most wood windows and offer a lifetime warranty for parts and service. Most wood windows offer a 10-year warranty on the window and a 20-year warranty on the glass. The exterior of a wood window will require more maintenance due to fading and peeling of paint, whereas a composite window is as maintenance free as a vinyl window. The color of a Renaissance Series composite window is mixed with the solar reflective capstock, which virtually eliminates fading and peeling. In short, composite windows offer the benefits of wood, such as strength and beauty, without the maintenance. With a composite window you never have to worry about wood rot, which is a huge concern with wood windows over time.
Q: How do composite windows compare to vinyl windows?
A: AMSCO composite windows are priced approximately 20% higher than most vinyl windows. Both usually offer a lifetime warranty. The frame of our Renaissance Series windows is solid, while vinyl windows are comprised of a series of hollow chambers. This offers the ability to select from a wider range custom hardware options that simply aren't possible with vinyl. In addition, most vinyl lines offer white, almond and taupe as exterior colors, while composite windows offer white, almond, taupe, desert, bronze, evergreen and sierra.
AMSCO composite windows offer added flexibility, because they can be painted to match the exterior of your home. In addition, our premium composite line – the Renaissance MasterTM Series – offers three stainable/paintable wood-grain finishes.
A: No. Renaissance Series windows are extremely low-maintenance. Tilt sash windows allow for easy access and our interior muntin system increases the ease of cleaning. Because the color is extruded with the capstock the color will not chip, peel or fade like paint.
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