What
to Know When Window Shopping
1.
With so many windows out there, how do I choose? Always compare apples
to apples.
2. How can World of Windows
sell a high quality window for so much less than the
competitors who are selling their
windows for $600 to $1200 a window?
3. What's the difference between
the World of Windows window and the others?
4. Who manufactures the World of
Windows window?
5. A few companies offer windows
with foam-filled frames, does this really increase energy efficiency?
6. How much will I save on my energy
bill?
7. Is there an energy code requirement
for replacement windows and patio doors in my State?
8. Never believe a salesman, do
your own research and check references.
Frequently Asked Questions ~ WINDOWS
1. What are various windows made of
and what will work best for me?
2. Is there any difference in how windows
are made?
3. Can I replace my old windows with
different styles or types?
4. Aren't all window manufacturers
essentially the same?
5. What about strength, protection
and noise reduction?
6. Do World of Windows windows require
a lot of maintenance?
7. I have been reading about different
test results on windows. How should this impact my buying decisions?
8. What energy-saving features should
I know about?
9. Will World of Windows windows be
a good investment?
10. Aren't all window warranties practically
the same?
Frequently Asked Questions ~ SIDING
1. How does vinyl siding compare with
other siding materials?
2. What can be done to improve the
appearance and durability of my home's exterior?
3. Isn't it less costly to just repaint
my home?
4. Are there any other materials that
are better than vinyl?
5. How does the cost of vinyl siding
compare to the added resale value it provides?
6. What exterior design options do
I have with vinyl siding?
7. What accessories and trim are available?
8. Is vinyl siding really as
durable as everyone says?
1. ALWAYS compare apples to apples. With
so many types of windows out there, don't be bamboozled into purchasing
a low quality product in place of a high quality product that will last
you a lifetime. It is extremely important to do your due diligence. Recently,
there has been an influx of imitation window companies entering the marketplace that substitute low quality windows in order to compete with
World of Window's nationwide everyday low prices. Don't be fooled
by one of them.
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2. How can World of Windows
sell a high quality window for so much less than the competitors who are
selling their windows for $600 to $1200 a window? Simple. VOLUME.
World of Windows operates on a volume-based business model very much like
that of Wal-Mart. World of Windows utilizes the buying power of its 195+
locations across the nation to purchase windows at a much lower price
than others. World of Windows then passes these savings on to its valued
customers. Nationwide, World of Windows sells over 100,000 windows each
month, and is still growing!
But how can World of Windows have lower prices than Home Depot or Lowes?
Same concept. Both, Home Depot and Lowes have tremendous buying power
like World of Windows, but they also have substantial overhead costs they
must pay for. For example, the big box retailers must pay for their fancy
showrooms, multiple layers of management, their shareholders and they
must also pay their installation contractor that must in turn pay his/her
sub-contractors. With that said, these companies have a much higher
cost of operation, which is why they must charge homeowners more.
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3. What's the difference
between your window and the others? Ours is slightly better. And we're
not just saying that; please click here to see a side-by-side comparison with other brands.
At the end of the day, as long as you are comparing a
high-quality premium vinyl window, the differences are in a given manufacturer's
added features. For example, there are three main glass manufacturers
in the country (PPG, Cardinal and Guardian) so the glass is essentially
the same, assuming you are choosing the same glass. Now for the vinyl, as long as the vinyl manufacturer is utilizing
100% pure virgin vinyl (powder form) with an adequate amount of impact
modifiers and UV stabilizers, then the vinyl is essentially the same (AMI
consistently exceeds the AAMA standards). Outside of the glass and vinyl,
all that remains are the added features and the warranty. This is where
the World of Window's window surpasses the competition.
If a competitor claims that they have a better window,
simply ask them to prove it!
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4. Who manufactures the World
of Windows window? Associated Materials, Inc. (AMI). AMI is one of
the largest and most successful manufacturers in the North American building
products industry. AMI is the parent company of several leading manufacturing
and distribution operations in the US and Canada. With over 50 years of
leadership in the industry, AMI continues to revolutionize the exterior
building products industry.
AMI is a manufacturing partner in the ENERGY STAR program
for windows and doors, and has been chosen as the energy star partner
of the year three years in a row. AMI's dedication to this program clearly
illustrates its commitment to manufacture the most energy efficient window
products available in the market today. AMI is pleased to be among the
leading window manufacturers whose products are ENERGY STAR qualified
for all four US climate zones. www.AssociatedMaterials.com
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5. A few companies offer
windows with foam-filled frames, does this really increase energy efficiency? Yes, foam-filled frames will increase the efficiency of windows, but only
if you live up north. Filling vinyl window frames with foam will only
trap in heat, which is not what homeowners want down in the south. In
the South, homeowners want window frames that allow the air to circulate and
cool itself like a radiator, which is only found in hollow frames. In
other words, foam-filled frames will actually degrade the windows SHGC
(solar heat gain coefficient) rating by retaining heat.
The Infrared Thermography Laboratory (IRLab) at the Lawrence
Berkeley Lab (which is operated by the University of California for the
U.S. Department of Energy) studied the difference between foam-filled
and hollow framed vinyl windows and produced thermal photos that showed
the hollow frames were much cooler due to the circulation of free-flowing
air throughout the frame; benefiting those in the South. However, the foam-filled frames were more resistant
to frigid temperatures, which benefits those in the North. (See graphics below)
In the South, homeowners don't have the long harsh winters of the
north or the long periods of ice and snow forming on window sills,
but they do have extremely long periods of heat. So, southern homeowners want the coolest
window frame possible, which is only found in hollow frames. In colder
climates, homeowners prefer the heat retention properties of a foam filled frame, in order to retain their home's furnace generated heat.
Then why do some window companies push foam-filled frames in the North and in the South?
Well, because vinyl replacement window manufacturers are typically located
in the North and because the vast majority of window replacement occurs
in the North, due to the dense concentration of older inefficient homes.
From a manufacturing standpoint, it is much easier and more cost-effective
to produce only one type of window frame geared towards your largest concentration
of customers, the homeowners in the North. On the other hand, World of
Window's manufacturer (AMI) allows homeowners to customize their window
frames based on the demands of their local climate. With World of Windows,
homeowners have the option to purchase foam-filled frames or hollow frames,
which effectively serves their customers of the North and those of the
South.
These two windows are the same except for what is inside
the vinyl frames. The frame on the left is hollow, while the frame on
the right is filled with insulating foam. The units have the same insulated
glazing unit, a superwindow with R-8 center of glass. The hollow window
frame allows air to circulate inside the frame; this convective effect
is observed by noticing the frame temperatures are cooler at the bottom
than at the top. The foam-filled window doesn't show this effect. These
windows are being cooled on the back side with wind at -15°C (5°F).
Source: "Windows and Daylighting: Hollow vs. Foam-Filled
Vinyl Windows", Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; March 2004.
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6. How much will I save on
my energy bill? Energy savings varies from home to home. There are
so many factors involved that it is unrealistic for anyone to give an
exact percentage. For example, each home's heating/cooling portion of
the aggregate energy bill will always vary and is nearly impossible to
gauge: some homes have more glass per square foot of living space, some
homes are multi-level, some homes are newer and already more energy efficient
than others, etc. Most homeowners will realize a savings somewhere in
the range of 20-35%.
Be leery of companies who guarantee savings that exceed
35%. These companies inflate their energy savings in an attempt to "make
the sale". Their goal is to convince homeowners that their window
will save the homeowner more energy than the other brands and that the
homeowner's are losing so much energy that their window investment will
pay for itself in less than a year or two (create a sense of urgency).
While it is true that windows and doors account for the greatest energy
loss in the average home, it is rare to see an energy savings exceeding
35% on a utility bill.
Companies that guarantee over a 35% savings usually charge
so much for their windows that they can afford to pay homeowners the difference
in their unrealized savings (if the homeowner is able to "qualify"
for the guarantee after jumping through scores of hoops). The simple question
to ask one of these companies is: "If your window has a comparable
U-Value and SHGC to the others, then how can your window save me over
35% when the others can save me 20-35% ?"
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7. Is there an energy code
requirement for replacement windows and patio doors in my State? Yes, replacement windows and patio doors as well as new construction windows
and patio doors must meet a minimum energy requirement. The requirements
vary from state to state and from region to region in the State. For example in the Dallas/Ft.Worth, TX region, replacement windows and
patio doors are required to meet a minimum of .40 SHGC or lower and a
minimum of .65 U-Value or lower. In order to meet these requirements,
windows and patio doors will require Low-E glass. On the other hand, regions south of Dallas/Ft. Worth have like SHGC requirements, but less restrictive U-Value requirements.
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8. Never believe a salesman,
do your own research and check references. Many salespersons are expected
to "close the sale" at all costs the day of the initial appointment,
which only breeds high-pressure and lengthy sales cycles. It's common
for these high pressure salespersons to spend more time talking down the
competition by utilizing a number of various scare tactics than actually
discussing their own product and company. Additionally, they will also
attempt to make the homeowner feel guilty and uneasy about making a decision/purchase
that day. To do this, they start with an outrageous price and before you
know it they have knocked 40-50% off the original price in an attempt
to get you to buy right then. Otherwise, if you don't, you will lose out
on their great "deal". At World of Windows there is no need
for high-pressure sales tactics or pricing gimmicks, our product is the
same price nationwide and it literally sells itself!
Always check references, even with the big box stores
(Home Depot, Lowes and Sears). When requesting references, if you should
suspect hesitation from the company, move on. On the other hand, if you
should receive a list and call references, specifically ask the homeowner
what company actually installed their products? You may wonder why, but
believe it or not, some companies will not only misrepresent themselves
as another company, but they will also use another company's references.
At World of Windows, we will not only provide you with references, but
we will allow you to come to our office and choose them for yourself!
Lastly, no matter from whom you buy, make sure you get
everything you were promised in writing before signing any contract
(window specifications, warranty, etc.). Upon installation, check the
NFRC sticker found on the glass just to verify that you did in fact get
what you paid for. You may wonder why, but believe it or not, one local
company has been caught selling homeowners one thing and installing another.
The NFRC sticker will tell you whether or not the window includes Low-E
glass and Argon Gas. Remember, Low-E is an energy code requirement in
many States.
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Frequently Asked Questions ~ WINDOWS
1. What are various
windows made of and what will work best for me?
Basically there are three main types of materials used.
Aluminum windows, with their easily scratched painted surfaces,
conduct both heat and cold, so they're very poor insulators.
Wood windows, which require constant painting and caulking, can
absorb moisture, making them difficult to open and close. They can even
rot.
Vinyl windows, solid vinyl windows, never need painting and won't
show scratches, because the color goes throughout the material. Vinyl
will not crack, chip, flake, peel or warp. They are an excellent natural
insulator, they are maintenance free, they are easy to clean and they
will not deteriorate. Vinyl windows provide the best performances for
your dollar; this is why vinyl windows are the most popular choice for
quality new construction and replacement applications.
In addition, you should certainly consider custom-sized windows for the
very simple reason that they'll fit better. Stock-sized windows require
extensive carpentry work both inside and outside of your home. That can
be very costly and inconvenient. World of Windows custom-sized windows,
on the other hand, are manufactured to fit your existing window opening.
You get the style and options you want while maintaining your glass area.
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2. Is there any
difference in how windows are made?
There are two basic types of construction:
Mechanically fastened windows are screwed together at the
corners. These windows will not perform as well as welded windows.
Welded windows use a chemical or heat process for joining. Welding
provides increased strength and insulation.
World of Windows offers consumers fully-welded windows manufactured by
utilizing state-of-the-art heat welding equipment. The windows are air-tight,
water-tight and are able to shift slightly with the house during its natural
movements without encountering operational issues.
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3. Can I replace
my old windows with different styles or types?
Certainly, you may want to consult a World of Windows product demonstrator
to find the type of window that best complements your home's natural design.
No matter what style or combination of styles you choose, World of Windows
can have it custom-manufactured for you.
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4. Aren't all window
manufacturers essentially the same?
Not at all. Many companies buy their parts and glass from various outside
sources. AMI extrudes its own parts from the raw vinyl (PVC) resin themselves
(no recycled pellets).
You should also know that although a lot of manufacturers claim their
windows are American-made, many in fact may be imported from Canada and
other foreign countries. We're proud to say that every World of Windows
window is manufactured right here in the U.S.A.
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5. What about strength,
protection and noise reduction?
You should look for a window that offers both superior strength and energy
efficiency. AMI's computer-controlled process ensures a perfectly square
window sash and main-frame with superior strength. And for exceptional
energy efficiency, a full interlock at the meeting rail helps protect
your home against the elements, or unwanted intrusions. In addition, our
insulating glass unit includes Argon gas sealed between the glazing, creating
an exceptional comfort barrier.
Moreover, homeowners with World of Windows Window Systems say there's
a noticeable reduction in the amount of noise that enters their homes.
A full interlock system at the point where upper and lower sashes meet
helps stop air infiltration while providing an additional barrier against
unwanted intrusions.
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6. Do World of Windows
windows require a lot of maintenance?
Because our frames and sashes are made of vinyl, you can say goodbye to
painting and caulking. World of Windows windows won't stick, and you don't
have to remove storm windows in order to clean them. In fact, you can
do it all from inside your home. An occasional wipe with a damp cloth
will keep your windows looking like new for years to come.
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7. I have been reading
about different test results on windows. How should this impact my buying
decisions?
Be careful when looking at extremely specific results since many of them
do not really indicate how well the window will work for you. Some apply
to just certain parts of the window, like the frame and its R-value, and
do not give an overall picture. World of Window's windows are tested in
nationally-certified labs and in AMI's own modern test facility, they
are engineered to provide the optimum in energy savings and are rated
by the National Fenestration Rating Council. On an average size double
hung window (3050), a World of Windows window has a U-Value of .32 and
a solar heat gain coefficient of.28.
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8.
What energy-saving features should I know about?
You should give careful consideration to PPG's Insulated Glass Package,
featuring Low-E glass and argon gas. Low-E glass is an excellent barrier
against ultraviolet rays which fade carpet, furniture, draperies, and
even woodwork. Argon gas is colorless, odorless, nonflammable, nontoxic,
and above all, a safe, inert gas that is heavier than air.
Not only does argon gas help to increase the energy efficiency of a window,
but helps to make your home quieter as well. When World of Windows windows
are equipped with the ClimaTech™ Insulated Glass Package, they automatically
meet or exceed the energy-saving requirements for all three climate zones
set forth by the Energy Star Window program.
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9. Will World of
Window's windows be a good investment?
Yes, for a variety of reasons. First, you may realize savings on your
heating and cooling bills. Second, they're virtually maintenance-free,
which eliminates painting costs. And finally, the transferability of one
of the strongest warranties in the business may easily add to the resale
value of your home.
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10. Aren't all window
warranties practically the same?
Not really. There are as many warranties as there are window manufacturers.
Some brand name factory warranties cover just the sash and frame. The
rest is left up to the local fabricator who may or may not cover it. Your
warranty is only as good as the company behind it. With World of Windows,
your unit is warranted from the extrusion and parts to the glass and construction
to the installation and labor by our Transferable Lifetime Warranty. It's
one of the most comprehensive warranties available, just what you'd expect
from an industry leader.
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Frequently Asked Questions ~ SIDING
1. How does vinyl siding compare with other
siding materials?
In a way, it's almost no contest. When compared to wood, brick, stone,
stucco, and metal sidings on the basis of initial cost, maintenance costs,
appearance, durability and value, vinyl siding is clearly superior.
World of Windows offers a broad range of vinyl siding products, so you
can choose one that's easily affordable. Whichever you choose, you can
expect the highest quality and lasting beauty. And World of Windows vinyl
siding never needs painting or staining. It doesn't chip, peel, dent or
rot, so you can forget costly repairs. Just rinse occasionally with a
garden hose.
In addition, World of Windows vinyl sidings are backed by a strong Transferable
Lifetime Warranty. And because vinyl is the preferred siding for more
and more homeowners, it retains most of its installed cost. Moreover,
World of Windows premium vinyl siding provides all the beauty of expensive
wood sidings with your choice of smooth or grained surfaces; rich, low-gloss
colors; and a variety of classic siding profiles.
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2. What can be done to improve the appearance
and durability of my home's exterior?
Maybe you're tired of dealing with peeling paint and rotting clapboards.
And you wonder, "Will another coat of paint really hide the weather-worn
condition of my wood siding? And even if it can, is it worth the cost?"
Or maybe you're thinking about replacing warped hardboard siding...or
getting rid of dated asphalt or asbestos siding...or eliminating dented
metal siding...or giving a fresh, contemporary look to masonry walls.
Then now's the time to switch to the easy-care beauty of World of Windows
premium vinyl siding. A wide choice of styles, colors and trim options
makes it simple to create the look you want for your home-whether it's
a contemporary colonial or a 120-year old farmhouse.
New siding will rejuvenate an older home, give it a completely new look
and significantly reduce costs for home upkeep and maintenance. World
of Windows helps thousands of Americans create homes that match their
dreams and fit their budgets. And with a full range of trim, soffit and
accessory options available in a host of different decorator colors, virtually
any look can be achieved to improve the appearance and durability of your
home's exterior.
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3. Isn't it less costly to just repaint my home?
If you plan to move within the next three years, the answer is probably
"yes." But if you plan to stay in your home longer than that,
the calculations begin to heavily favor vinyl siding.
Of course, if your home has special problems-for example, warped clapboards
that have to be replaced or lead-based paint that has to be scraped and
sanded off-the cost of painting can become truly staggering.
According to Remodeling magazine (October 1996), investing in new siding
can prove to be an excellent choice in terms of payback. In the West,
a homeowner can recoup 65% of the cost of siding in terms of resale value
added to the home. In the East, the payback is 76%. In the South, it's
84%. And in the Midwest, the cost recouped is 69%.
Compare the ongoing costs of painting every three to five years to a one-time
investment in new vinyl siding. For most homeowners the conclusion is
obvious--vinyl siding is by far the better long-term value.
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4. Are there any other materials that are better
than vinyl?
Not when it comes to siding. Vinyl siding's outstanding features and benefits
have made it the most popular siding material in America today. And because
vinyl is the preferred siding for more and more homeowners, it retains
most of its installed cost (see previous question for details). It's the
material of choice on new luxury homes...and the first choice for remodeling
projects large and small.
World of Windows offers a broad range of vinyl siding products, so you
can choose one that's easily affordable. Plus, World of Windows vinyl
siding never needs painting or staining. It doesn't chip, peel, dent or
rot, so you can forget costly repairs. To maintain a like-new appearance,
just rinse occasionally with a garden hose.
And World of Windows vinyl siding offers flexible design options that
make it ideal for contemporary homes...and for stately century-old Victorians.
You can choose from smooth or grained surfaces; rich, low-gloss colors;
and a wide variety of classic siding profiles-plus low-maintenance trim
products and accessory options that add to both the beauty and value of
your home.
What's more, World of Windows vinyl sidings are backed by a strong Lifetime
Limited Warranty, so you can count on getting all the quality you paid
for.
Exceptional beauty. Durability. Economical price. Easy maintenance. Long-term
value. Outstanding warranty. If these are your criteria, there's no better
choice than vinyl siding from World of Windows.
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5. How does the cost of vinyl siding compare
to the added resale value it provides?
In terms of adding resale value to your home, vinyl siding is one of the
best investments you can make. In its annual survey of project cost versus
added value, Remodeling magazine said that "the highest payback comes
from projects that give an older home the same features that have become
standard in new homes."
Exterior improvements such as the installation of vinyl siding also make
a home more attractive on the market. According to a real estate agent
interviewed by Remodeling, "Things like new siding and new windows
will not add dollar for dollar value...(but) they will cause the house
to sell quicker for more money."
Another point to keep in mind: if, like many homeowners, you add insulation
to an older home at the same time you're having vinyl siding installed,
you add even greater value and market appeal to your home.
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6. What exterior design options do I have with
vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding is one of the most versatile exterior design products you
can work with. World of Windows, for example, offers many different vinyl
siding lines. That broad selection lets you choose among a wide variety
of design options, including horizontal and vertical siding; traditional
clapboard and authentically detailed "shaped" sidings; wide
and narrow panel exposures; smooth, subtle and deep wood grain textures;
plus a wide assortment of traditional and contemporary colors.
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7. What accessories and trim are available?
When you design the exterior of your home, you should think about more
than just siding. You'll need trim for windows and doors, and at inside
and outside corners. You also may need soffit to finish the underside
of eaves, or for a porch ceiling or entry overhang.
With World of Windows, creating a finishing touch that sets your home
apart is easy. Because World of Windows offers a complete range of easy-care
accessory and trim options. Standard trim lets you merge siding and trim
pieces to create a balanced, uniform, look. Trimworks™ decorative
accessories provide the premium look of hand-crafted beauty. These trim
products give you an exceptional way to add special elegance at windows,
doors, corners and other key accent areas.
World of Windows even offers easy-care replacement windows and shutters.
In fact, no other vinyl siding company offers you as many trim and accessory
options. That's why World of Windows is the first choice among homeowners
who really want choices.
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8. Is vinyl siding really as durable as everyone
says?
Absolutely. The correct technical name for the material used in vinyl
siding is polyvinyl chloride. It's a strong, durable, proven material
that has earned a solid reputation for its beauty and permanence. It's
used in automotive applications, medical devices, defense weapons, appliances,
floor coverings, and of course, home construction.
It's ideal as an exterior material because vinyl siding doesn't rot, crack,
dent or warp. Plus it never peels or blisters. And because the color goes
completely through World of Windows siding, it never has to be scraped,
sanded or painted.
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