New Construction
Where We Come from, “Builder’s Grade” is a Dirty Word.
In the window business, “builder’s grade” often translates to the cheapest thing available on the market that day. And when it comes to something as important as the windows that will be installed in your new home, you don’t want any part of it.
AMSCO® offers a wide range of windows to fit any new construction budget – and every one of them is sure to be a better choice than “builder’s grade.”
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Replacement Windows
The old adage, “If it Ain’t Broke…” Doesn’t Apply to Old Windows.
There are many reasons to replace your old single-pane windows – and most of them have nothing to do with neighborhood baseball games. Here are just a few smart reasons to upgrade to a smarter replacement window:
Save Money on Energy Bills
If you have single-pane windows, upgrading to AMSCO® replacement windows with energy efficient features like double-pane, CōzE, CōzE Tint and CōzE HV glass will result in unbelievable year-round savings.
Improve Your Home’s Appearance
Our high quality vinyl, unique composite and selection of styles and hardware options can improve the look of your home both inside and out. Often, simply changing the window style can dramatically change the entire appearance of a room.
Increase Ventilation
Get more fresh air circulating in your house by replacing fixed units with operable venting windows. You’ll be amazed at the difference quality replacement windows make to the quality of life in your home.
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Hiring a Contractor
A Window is only as Good as the Person Installing it. Choose Wisely.
Whether or not you are satisfied with any new window depends largely on the contractor who installs them. Here are a few tips to help you select a contractor that will help you get the most out of your AMSCO® windows:
- Ask the contractor if they possess all the required city, county or regional business licenses.
- Be sure they are bonded and insured. This will protect you in the event of an accident.
- Contact your city’s planning commission and determine who is responsible for obtaining any necessary permits. If it’s your contractor’s responsibility, make certain that they are aware of this. It’s also possible that separate permits may be necessary for windows and doors.
- Ask for customer referrals.
- Set a timeline for completion of your project and have the contractor put it in writing.
- Communicate regularly and frankly with your contractor. This person or group of people will be spending quite a bit of time in your home, so it’s important that they are willing to take your concerns into consideration.
Energy Conservation
A Kilowatt Saved is a Kilowatt Earned. …Or Something to That Effect.
Now, more than ever, energy costs are one of the most important considerations for customers making a window purchase decision. AMSCO® windows incorporate the latest in proven, cutting-edge technology to provide our customers with the very best in energy performance in any climate.
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Care and Cleaning
AMSCO® Makes Care and Cleaning Easy.
When cleaning AMSCO windows and doors, use the mildest cleaners possible. NEVER use solvents or abrasive cleansers – some chemicals can harm vinyl, PVC, SuperCap surfaces and other window components. We recommend Fantastik® and similar products to clean vinyl window frame surfaces. Over-the-counter glass cleaning products are recommended for cleaning windows.
Below is a chart of cleaners for specific circumstances recommended by the Vinyl Window and Door Institute.
Cleaners to Remove Stains from Vinyl Window and Door Frames
| Bubble Gum | Fantastik®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Solution of vinegar (30%) and water (70%), Windex® |
| Crayon | Lestoil® |
| DAP (Oil-Based Caulk) | Fantastik® |
| Felt Tip Pen | Fantastik®, water-based cleaners |
| Grass | Fantastik®, Lysol®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex® |
| Lipstick | Fantastik®, Murphy Oil Soap® |
| Lithium Grease | Fantastik®, Lestoil®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex® |
| Mold and Mildew | Fantastik®, Solution of vinegar (30%) and water (70%), Windex® |
| Motor Oil | Fantastik®, Lysol®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex® |
| Oil | Soft Scrub® |
| Paint | Brillo® Pad, Soft Scrub® |
| Pencil | Soft Scrub® |
| Rust | Fantastik®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex® |
| Tar | Soft Scrub® |
| Top Soil | Fantastik®, Lestoil®, Murphy Oil Soap® |
*Cleaning Materials are listed in alphabetical Order. AMSCO does not endorse proprietary products or processes and makes no warranties for the products referenced herein. References to proprietary names is for illustrative purposes only, and is not intended to imply that there are not equally effective alternatives. All cleaners used must be thoroughly rinsed off and dried after use or discoloration of vinyl frames could occur.
Review the special Care & Cleaning instructions for the CōzE Vantage room-side surface low-e glass here.
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Certifications
These Organizations Set the Standards. We Meet or Exceed Them.
All AMSCO® products are designed to meet or exceed the performance requirements of the following organizations. Click on the links below to learn more about each organization.
National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC)
American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA)
National Fenestration Rating Council ( NFRC )
We manufacture all AMSCO windows using NFRC methods to evaluate energy performance. This means that you can rely on the information published on the AMSCO window panel to accurately represent the performance levels of each of our products. It’s the best way to make informed choices about which products meet your energy needs.
In order to meet the NFRC guidelines, products are tested under predetermined criteria for:
- U-factor
- Solar heat gain
- Visible Transmittance
- Air Leakage
American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA)
Our products meet or exceed strict air, water and structural performance standards as established by American Architectural Manufacturers Association. Tests include:
- Resistance to air infiltration
- Water Leakage
- Forced Entry
- Wind load pressure
- Heat resistance (in excess of 300 degrees
- Weatherability (performance in various climates
The AAMA certifies that our products have been tested and are manufactured and tested to their stringent performance evaluation procedures. AMSCO is enrolled in and certified under the AAMA Gold Label Certification Program.
ENERGY STAR®
You can be certain that your AMSCO purchase represents the finest in energy efficiency, because all AMSCO windows can earn the ENERGY STAR for meeting the strict guidelines set by the EPA and the US Department of Energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to many of the frequently asked questions our visitors and customers may have can be found on our FAQ Page. check here before you contact us.
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Glossary
Glossary of Common Window Industry Terminology can be found on our Glossary Page