|
|
| |
![]()
Frequently Asked Questions
 |
1.
How long have windows been around? |
Window-like openings have been found in structures dating
from 4000 BC. Sashes and frames were incorporated into
the Minoan palaces on Crete, and in atrium houses, windows
facing the courtyard were even ornamented. Glass fillings
were used by the Romans about 100 BC and finally, large
glass panes were successfully manufactured and installed
around 1800.
Back
to top
|
2.
What are the components of a window I should know
about? |
| Frame |
Construction materials
Construction technique
Sill design - drainage
Perimeter details
Installation methods |
| Sash (& Hardware) |
Locking system
Construction materials
Construction technique
Hinge or attachment system |
| Glass |
Thickness
Coatings: LowE, Tint,
Resistance to breakage
Optical clarity |
| Glazing |
The final thickness of the assembled glazing &
air space
The technique and materials used to create energy
efficiency
The sealing system used to assemble the layers of
glass |
| Screen
|
Construction materials
Construction technique |
Back to top
|
3.
What are the criteria by which I should measure
new windows? |
You want to know the ABCs of windows and doors:
 |
How much cold/warm air will leak
into my home when the window/door is locked? This
rating (A) measures the amount of air leakage through
a window. |
|
How much water pressure can my window/door
resist? This rating (B) measures the amount of wind
force and the volume of water that a window can
resist before it will start leaking. |
|
How much wind force is required before
my window/door will bend out of shape or break?
This rating (C) measures the structural performance
of a window or a door. |
|
How much of the heat that I am paying
to produce in my house can I stop from escaping)?
This rating (U-Factor) measures the heat loss in
BTUs per hour per square foot of window/door area. |
|
How much of the sun’s heat
will conduct through the glass surface of my new
window? This rating (SHGC) measures solar heat gain.
|
|
How much noise will resonate through
my new windows? This rating (STC) measures by how
much the transmittance of sound through a window
will be reduced. |
|
How much visual light will come though
my window? This rating (VLT) measures the visible
light transmittance. |
|
How much UV protection will my windows
provide? This rating (UV) shows how much of the
ultraviolet light can be blocked out (UV). |
|
How will the window/door be installed?
How secure can it be fastened into the opening and
how well can it be insulated? |
Back to top
|
4.
Why should I spend money on new windows? |
It’s likely you’re reading about windows for
one of the following reasons:
|
You’re spending a great deal
of money on heating your home. |
|
You’re cold when you sit in
your favorite chair next to a window. |
|
Your old windows leak air and water.
|
|
You found out how much your painter
is charging to paint each window. |
|
You just tried to clean a window.
|
|
You lifted a window with a broken
sash cord and learned how a guillotine works. |
|
Your neighbor was recently bragging
about their new windows. |
In other words, the money you spend on new windows is
an investment in comfort, cost savings, and pride of home
ownership.
Back to top
|
5. Do replacement windows really pay for themselves
or is that just a sales line? |
If you select high-quality, energy-efficient windows you
will start saving money the moment the windows are installed.
Savings will vary, but expertly engineered and well-built
windows lower home energy consumption. Thermal performance
of windows and doors can be easily determined. innotech’s
products come with thermal performance ratings established
by an independent laboratory and validated by an inspection
agency as per NFRC requirements. Depending on the new
glazing type you choose the heat loss (measured in BTU
per square foot per hour) of a new window in comparison
to a single pane old window can be up to 75% less.
With vinyl-framed windows, maintenance is also virtually
eliminated. No need to scrape and paint windows. These
energy and maintenance savings will allow you to recoup
your window investment over time.
Back to top
|
6.
Just what are plastics? |
First and foremost, plastics (PVC and other) are man made.
They are synthetic, yet emulate materials found in nature
featuring valuable engineering properties. The first synthetic
material was a hard rubber caoutchouc. Plastics have evolved
from cheap, mass produced materials to a group of highly
specialized products capable of solving a multitude of
complex and unusual problems. As a matter of fact, plastics
manufacturing is an exact science. Some of today’s
plastics are engineered to be tougher and more resistant
than steel, not to mention they have extreme insulating
properties for both heat and cold. We have become so used
to plastics in today’s society that we could no
longer exist without them. From automotive industry to
modern medicine, construction, aerospace, etc., plastics
are used everywhere.
Back to top
|
7.
Are all plastics created equal? |
Definitely not! The beauty of plastics is they can be
custom engineered to suit a specific application. A slight
change in a plastic’s molecular structure can result
in substantial changes to its properties and, as a result,
its purpose and suitability. Since not all plastics are
the same, just any plastic will not do when it comes to
window profiles. Think of the difference between a Tupperware
container and a disposable yogurt container and you get
the idea. PVC has been in use as a construction material
for many years. It is common in pipes, roof gutters, roofing,
cable ducting, signs, etc.
The PVC used in Innotech windows is an AAMA-certified compound specially formulated for UV resistance, impact resistance, and color fastness.
Back to top
|
8.
Okay, so what exactly is uPVC? |
uPVC stands for unplasticised PoliVinylChloride. It is
a thermoplastic material made from petroleum by-products,
and salt! That’s right, 57% of the total material
content is salt! uPVC has much better insulating properties
than aluminum and its low energy consumption during manufacturing
and long service life makes it both an economical and
environmentally conscientious solution.
Innotech windows and doors are built from TROCAL brand profiles from Profine, Europe's largest window and door profile manufacturer. TROCAL has engineered a high impact modified uPVC which
is designed for hot and cold climates, along the coast
or in polluted urban areas, which does not yellow, crack,
or become brittle.
TROCAL’s vinyl extrusions are subject to rigorous
in house quality control measures such as:
|
Every new load of raw material substances
is subject to chemical and mechanical testing in
the laboratory. |
|
Processing quality is tested on the
laboratory extruder. |
|
Prior to extrusion, strips of vinyl
are made for colour testing. |
|
Compound testing determines rheological
properties (i.e. the flow of the viscous vinyl). |
|
Continuous dimensional testing during
extrusion ensures dimensional accuracy. |
|
Microtome sections are taken for
examination under the microscope. |
|
Continuous colour testing serves
to monitor colour quality. |
|
Xenon-testing is done to test weathering
over many years. |
|
In notched impact strength testing,
a specimen of the profile is subjected to the ultimate
punishment. |
|
Elastic modulus testing serves to
monitor flexural and tensile strength. |
|
The Vicat test shows a specimen’s
softening point. |
|
Corner strength is determined via
crash testing involving breaking of a corner section.
(This test is done by TROCAL as well as innotech) |
|
Outdoor weathering tests are performed
continuously in many different countries under every
geographical climate condition. |
|
AIR, WIND and WATER penetration test
are done in-house by TROCAL and innotech
on the finished window/door product as well as,
for verification, by independent, third party laboratories
in Europe and North America. |
|
TROCAL and the hardware suppliers
are ISO 9000 certified. |
The High Impact Strength uPVC Advantage:
|
Low cost compared to wood and aluminium
(lower initial cost and lower life cycle cost) |
|
Good thermal insulator (reduces heat
loss and feels “warm” to the touch for
comfort) |
|
Welded joints (for greater water
resistance) |
|
Distortion resistant (for tighter
fit of framing seals, greater weather resistance
and improved sound control) |
In Europe, uPVC windows in service of over 30 years have
been removed; tested and found to meet original specifications
for quality of finish, weather resistance and structural
performance. These products can truly be considered “windows
for a lifetime”. innotech
will provide a Lifetime Warranty against fading, cracking
and discoloration for its white vinyl window/door frame
extrusions.
Back to top
|
9.
Aren't beautiful vinyl windows an oxymoron? |
Years ago that may have been true. However, today —with
the options available and with advances in window design
technology—quality vinyl windows are both beautiful
and unique. For example, home owners can choose from different
color options such as white, solid exterior color or woodgrain
finishes; or a variety of muntin bar and STDL (simulated
true divided lites) designs; or one of many standard and
specialty glazing options.
There are many cheap plastic, low-end vinyl windows available.
But the new designs are beautiful, durable, maintenance-free
and energy efficient.
Back to top
|
10.
What is Low-E? |
Low-E is a coating on one of the glass surfaces. It is
designed to improve the thermal performance of the sealed
unit. Some Low-E coatings will also significantly reduce
solar heat gain. Today, there is a variety of coating
systems available on the market. Some are better than
others but regardless of the brand name any new window
should be equipped with Low-E. innotech
currently offers Cardinal’s LoE˛-272 and LoEł-366.
Back to top
|
11.
What is condensation and how can I prevent it on
my windows? |
Condensation occurs when the the temperature of a surface
drops below the dew point of the air. The dew point is
lowest when air is humid, and highest when air is dry.
When the moisture content in the air is high, as in swimming
pools, bathrooms, and kitchens, condensation can occur
even on very energy efficient windows.
Learn more about condensation - what it is and what can
be done to control it:
Back
to top
|
|
|
