What is LowE Glass?
LowE glass has a microscopically thin, virtually invisible metallic oxide layer deposited on the window-glazing surface. Low-E can reduce heating and cooling bills
plus dramatically improve overall comfort. Coating a glass surface with a low-emittance material and facing that coating into the gap between the glass layers
blocks a significant amount of this radiant heat transfer, thus lowering the total heat flow through the window.
plus dramatically improve overall comfort. Coating a glass surface with a low-emittance material and facing that coating into the gap between the glass layers
blocks a significant amount of this radiant heat transfer, thus lowering the total heat flow through the window.
How Does Argon Gas Work?
Argon gas is an inexpensive, nontoxic, nonreactive, clear, and odorless gas that can used to fill the space between the two panes of glass in a double paned
insulated glass unit. In a sealed glass insulating unit, air currents between the two panes of glazing carry heat to the top of the unit and settle into cold pools at the
bottom. Filling the space with a less conductive, more viscous, or slow-moving gas like argon minimizes the convection currents within the space, conduction
through the gas is reduced, and the overall transfer of heat between the inside and outside is reduced.
insulated glass unit. In a sealed glass insulating unit, air currents between the two panes of glazing carry heat to the top of the unit and settle into cold pools at the
bottom. Filling the space with a less conductive, more viscous, or slow-moving gas like argon minimizes the convection currents within the space, conduction
through the gas is reduced, and the overall transfer of heat between the inside and outside is reduced.
There is condensation on my brand new windows...does that mean they are bad?
If your new windows are sweating it doesn't necessarily mean your windows are bad. If you wipe your hand across the condensation and your hand gets wet and
leaves a trail it means the condesation is forming as a result of excessive indoor moisture. It is likely that your new windows are doing their job and keeping the
outdoor drafts and moisture out of your home, however it also means your windows are keeping excess indoor moisture inside, which could lead to future problems.
For more information on condensation and how to reduce your home's interior moisture please click HERE.
leaves a trail it means the condesation is forming as a result of excessive indoor moisture. It is likely that your new windows are doing their job and keeping the
outdoor drafts and moisture out of your home, however it also means your windows are keeping excess indoor moisture inside, which could lead to future problems.
For more information on condensation and how to reduce your home's interior moisture please click HERE.
How is the energy efficiency of a window measured?
The energy efficiency of a window is measured by the U-Value and the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) . The U-Value is a measurement of the window's ability
to prevent heat loss from the house. The lower the U-Factor rating is on a window, the greater its ability to prevent heat loss. The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
measures how well a window blocks heat from sunlight. The SHGC is the fraction of the heat from the sun that enters through a window. SHGC is expressed as a
number between 0 and 1. The lower a window''s SHGC, the less solar heat it transmits.
to prevent heat loss from the house. The lower the U-Factor rating is on a window, the greater its ability to prevent heat loss. The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
measures how well a window blocks heat from sunlight. The SHGC is the fraction of the heat from the sun that enters through a window. SHGC is expressed as a
number between 0 and 1. The lower a window''s SHGC, the less solar heat it transmits.
What is the "real" term for the different types of windows?
Different companies have different terms to describe how windows open. Here are the terms we use.
Horizontal Slider: Slides open left to right (XO) or right to left (OX) when viewed from the outside of the building.
Single Hung: The bottom vent slides open over the top pane.
Double Hung: The top and bottom vent slide open over one another.
Picture Window: No portion of the window opens.
Double Horizontal Slider: A picture window with horizontal sliders on both sides (XOX)
Casement: The window looks like a picture window, but is hinged on either the left or right side and uses a crank to open.
Awning: The window looks like a picture but is hinged on the top and uses a crank to open.
XOU: A picture window is above a small horizontal slider.
Bay Window: Bay windows are comprised of three or more windows, typically featuring a large center unit and two flanking units at 35° or 45° angles to the wall.
Bow Window: Bow window features four or more window units in a radial or bow formation.
Garden Window: Three-dimensional window that projects from the exterior wall of the home. Usually has two opening SIngle Hung windows on the sides for
ventilation.
Horizontal Slider: Slides open left to right (XO) or right to left (OX) when viewed from the outside of the building.
Single Hung: The bottom vent slides open over the top pane.
Double Hung: The top and bottom vent slide open over one another.
Picture Window: No portion of the window opens.
Double Horizontal Slider: A picture window with horizontal sliders on both sides (XOX)
Casement: The window looks like a picture window, but is hinged on either the left or right side and uses a crank to open.
Awning: The window looks like a picture but is hinged on the top and uses a crank to open.
XOU: A picture window is above a small horizontal slider.
Bay Window: Bay windows are comprised of three or more windows, typically featuring a large center unit and two flanking units at 35° or 45° angles to the wall.
Bow Window: Bow window features four or more window units in a radial or bow formation.
Garden Window: Three-dimensional window that projects from the exterior wall of the home. Usually has two opening SIngle Hung windows on the sides for
ventilation.
Do your windows come with a warranty?
Our surplus windows are not protected by a warranty. They are sold As-Is which is why the price is lower than our new windows. Please make sure you
inspect your surplus windows before purchasing. Our stock and special order windows all come backed by factory warranties. Click on the below links to
view the individual company warranties.
Alpine/Alside PlyGem Atrium
