What follows is a list of frequently asked questions. If you have a question not mentioned below, please feel free to contact us for additional information.
Q: What should a homeowner look for when selecting a product?
A: It is important to choose a company with a proven track record and good references. Make sure you select a company with high quality products and certified installers.
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 energy efficiency of the windows.
Low-e coatings can also help reduce furniture and carpet fading by reducing the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that enters the home. Harmful ultraviolet radiation can alter the chemical structure of dyes and other colorants in carpets and furniture causing fading.
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 the home, use fans in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms to circulate the air. A dehumidifier can be used to remove excess humidity from the air.
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 Department of Energy and supported by the window, door and skylight industry to provide 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 the product. 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 infiltration through cracks in the product assembly.
Q: How do AMSCO windows compare to other windows in the industry?
A: AMSCO offers a range of products that span several price points to fit the budget of almost any project. AMSCO includes 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 durability, efficiency and aesthetics.
A: It's the opening in the wall frame that a replacement window must fit into. As a rule of thumb, the rough opening should be a half-inch taller and wider than the frame of the window being installed.
A: It's a blend of thermoplastic alloys 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 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 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 interior and 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 competitively with wood windows and are considered an upgrade over vinyl windows. The frame of the Renaissance Series windows is solid, while vinyl windows are comprised of a series of hollow chambers. This offers superior structural integrity. You can also select from a wider range of custom hardware options that simply aren't possible with vinyl. In addition, most competitors' vinyl lines offer limited colors, while Renaissance Series composite windows offer white, almond and taupe plus the option of a stainable/paintable pine wood veneer interior to match any home's décor.
Q: Is it difficult to take care of composite windows?
A: No. Renaissance Series windows are extremely low-maintenance. Tilt sash windows allow for easy access and the 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.
