What Makes a Difference in Vinyl Windows?

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You may have never thought about vinyl windows before reaching this blog and then taking the time to read through this article. You probably thought all windows were the same and even thought the windows in your home were just fine. As long as they’re not rotting and falling apart or fogged up between the panes of glass, why even think about it?

Well there is a difference and picking the right window is a decision you’ll live with for years to come. Either you’ll pick a window that will need replacing 10 years later or a window you’ll be proud to keep in your home saving you money on energy costs for years to come. So what makes one window different than the other? With so many windows out there how in the world do you pick one and live with it? It can seem daunting and in fact is a quite a big sea in which to swim.

Here’s some things to think about that we hope will help the process.

Pick a window that looks good to you. Start off by looking the window over and seeing what kind of things you like aesthetically about the appearance of the window. Does it look cheap or does it look well put together? Does its design suit your style taste or even the decor of your home? Are their elements to the window that look like they could break off easily or are unsightly? Appearances can tell you something about a window and first impressions are important.
Does the window stand up thermally and structurally? Do you like the way the window is built and designed when it comes to withstanding years of exposure to the elements and use? Do the thermal numbers on the window come from a third party rating system? (For instance NFRC for thermal rating and AAMA for structural ratings). Do you know what the numbers mean and are they the best you can get for your dollar? Choosing thermally energy efficient windows is important. But when comparing thermal numbers think about what a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient is, as well U-Factors, R-Values and visible transmittance.
What kind of warranty are you getting and what kind of company are you getting it from? A good, thermal, vinyl window, should last a lifetime. That means the glass should never have fog or condensation between the panes, you should never experience rot of any kind, you should not be getting moisture or excessive draftiness in the house and even if something should go wrong with the components (tilt pins, sash locks, balances, vent locks etc) they should be serviced. Does the manufacturer carry a lifetime warranty on their product. In many cases even glass breakage is covered by most window manufacturers for a number of years. Do they have a long tack record of being in business for a number of years? What about the company that is providing you with these windows? Do they carry a lifetime labor warranty? Will they service the windows years later if something goes wrong? Are they reliable, easy to contact, and have a good reputation in the community they serve?

All of these issues are crucial in choosing the best replacement window for your money. If you want to settle for less, then these tips are of no use. But if you’re looking for window that will look good, keep your home energy efficient for years to come and save you the hassle of replacing them again, then ask yourself these questions as you’re looking through your various options for window replacement.

For more information or questions contact us at info@atlantawindows.com or visit our website http://atlantawindows.com

Know the Difference between what’s between the glass

Brought you by Atlantawindows.com

There’s a little element to your replacement windows that makes a big difference. When meeting with homeowners, most times I have found that they aren’t aware of what spacer system is in their current windows, what spacer system they want in their new ones, and why one is better than the other. But there is a difference! Here are the basics and some tips to help you know the difference.

Lesson One: Every double paned replacement window has a spacer system. What IS a spacer system you ask? If you notice the picture just to the right, you’ll see a spacer system in between two panes of glass. This little piece serves many purposes. First of all, it creates an obvious separation between the two panes of glass. By doing so, window manufacturers are able to build a window that has a layer of low-e coating (a commonly used insulating film) and the spacer provides an additional insulation value because of its ability to keep heat from passing through the window. A good spacer also acts to provide a tight seal that keeps the gas filling (usually Argon or Krypton gas, click here for more information on gas filled windows) from leaking out of the window.

Now you know basically what a spacer does. Let’s discuss the different types of spacers and what makes one better than the other.

Lesson Two: Spacer types. There are two main types of spacers you’ll find in builder grade double paned windows in Atlanta; swiggle and aluminum. Without getting into too much detail I’ll give you one big reason for each of these two spacer systems as to why these technologies fail by comparison to superior systems crafted today.
Aluminum conducts heat rather well which means makes the passage of heat easier rather than slowing heat gain and heat loss which is what good insulators do.

Swiggle among it’s many other cosmetic defects tends to buckle or even crack with time since it is a rubberized black material. It’s insulation value is fairly low but the main drawback is the unsightliness that it creates over the years.

So which spacer systems do you want to look to have in your replacement windows? Unlike aluminum spacers, upgraded windows use “warm edge technology” to ensure a better seal than the conductive aluminum spacers do. Most premiere replacement vinyl windows will use either Super Spacer or Intercept Spacers.

The Super Spacer which uses warm edge technology is found commonly in vinyl replacement windows in standard energy packages that include low-e and argon gas.

For an upgraded system homeowners can turn to the Intercept Spacer which has continued to receive high marks from consumers and window manufacturers alike. Intercept Spacers tend to outperform most other spacer systems and protect against gas leakage, seal failure, and provide higher insulation values.

While Intercept and Super Spacers are not the extent of spacer systems available, they are two of the most commonly found systems and are used in manufacturers such as Softlite Windows, Thermal Industries and Vista Windows.


For more information visit us at Atlantawindows.com or give us a call at 770-499-8894 for an in home consultation.

Why Are your Wood Windows Rotting?

Brought to you by Atlantawindows.com
The pictures attached came from a recent window replacement job we completed this past week. Many Atlanta homeowners deal with rotted wood and give us a call to replace the old rotted windows with non rot vinyl windows or even pvc windows. But why is it that so many homes in Atlanta have rotted wood around the windows and even rotted sashes?

One reason is seen in these pictures here. The builder of the home that these samples were taken from took a major shortcut during the original installation. Every wood window has flashing installed on its top edge to ensure that water will run off the window and away from the wood to prevent rot. Usually the flashing is a sturdy thin layer of metal or pvc that keeps water wicking away from the wood components of a window. For this flashing to be effective it has to have good water tight seal and be installed correctly. However, if you’ll look a little closer you’ll see that the flashing that was taken from this house is not capable of properly protecting the wood beneath it because of the vent slits all through it.

This is a serious problem that brings up an important question. How sure are you of proper window installation around your home? There are a lot of great home builders in Atlanta who take the time to install quality products and make sure everything will last a long time. However, there are a lot of homes that we serve everyday that have experience the same poor craftsmanship that this home was subject to. There are a lot of steps builders can take to make sure wood does not rot but to many builders will not take the time to use proper techniques or in the case of this home proper flashing materials.

We regret that this home owner had to replace their windows because of negligence and sloppiness. We are glad though that the same homeowner now has replacement windows that are guaranteed to have been installed correctly by a company that can stand behind its work for a lifetime. We at Atlanta Area Window and Door use non rot window components such as pvc brickmold, sills, nosing, and blind stop with only the best caulk to ensure protection against water damage.

Great installation with proper materials done right the first time can prevent a mountain of problems.

For more information or questions visit us at Atlantawindows.com

What's the deal with gas?

You may have heard people talking about argon and krypton gas when discussing replacement windows lately. When these mentions of gas and windows come up do you scratch your head and reply "I didn't windows had gas!"?

It's a fairly new feature that replacement windows have nowadays to include some kind of slow moving gas in the space between the two panes in a modern replacement window. And though now it has become common to find on almost any vinyl window these days, questions still arise as to why people are even talking about gas when referring to their windows.

Let's start with argon gas. Almost any double paned replacement window on the market will have this gas as a standard feature. Along with low-e, argon gas is pretty much a non-issue when selecting a vinyl replacement double hung window because every insulated window has it. But what is argon gas, what does it do, and why should you make sure your window have it?

Argon is a very dense, slow moving, inert gas. The reason it is pumped in between the panes of replacement windows is because of its unique ability to slow down heat from entering into your home. It works along with the low-e coating replacement windows have to keep a high insulation value in your home (measured by U-values and R-values). Typically, a replacement window with argon gas and low-e will have a U-value somewhere around .25 to .30 (remember, the lower the better!). Again, argon gas is standard in most replacement windows and if it's not included as part of the insulation package it's not worth looking into.

Now there's also Krypton gas. No, Superman has nothing to do with this one. Much like its cousin argon, Krypton is an odorless, tasteless, invisible gas that is used for its inert, dense qualities. However, Krypton is much denser and has better insulation qualities than argon. Krypton is not typically offered as a standard item in insulated glass packages and with most windows is an upgraded or added option. Many vinyl window manufacturers offer Krypton gas as an option or even a krypton and argon blend for a better insulation value.

Typically, adding Krypton or a Krypton/Argon blend will provide your glass with a .16 to .10 U value (don't forget less is more).

There you have it. A little crash course in krypton and argon gas and why you should be sure it's a part of any replacement window you install in your home.

For more information visit us at Atlantawindows.com

Wood Windows yet Energy Efficient

So you want to improve the energy efficiency of your home and decide to replace your windows. However you still would like the style, look and feel of classic wood windows. Big problem right? Not so!

Wood replacement windows are no longer single paned rotting atrocities that destroy your heating bill. When working with Atlanta Area Window and Door we'll be glad to provide you wood window options that are not only still energy efficient but will preserve the traditional look that you already love.

Our wood windows are ready to be painted and installed with a guarantee that you will love them for many years to come. In every case of wood window installation that we provide you will get a vast improvement in quality from your old wood windows, and no longer deal with the "pane" of not being able to open and close them to enjoy those breezy fall Atlanta evenings.

Call Atlanta Area Window and Door if you're ready to look into a wood window option that is right for you.

Door Installation

Just a little update and an opportunity to share with you some pics that we've taken of a replacement door we put in this month. As I've seen more and more front entry doors installed, I've grown to really love the process of seeing a brand new door installed. It's very satisfying to see a customer's old front door replaced with a door that is brand new, beautiful, and increases the quality and look of the home.

I've had the chance to see old rotted doors falling off the hinges and don't open correctly replaced with elegant, custom front doors that give the front of the house a much needed facelift.

This summer, along with the many fiberglass doors we've put in, we've started ordering and installing more wood doors as well. There are still a lot of Atlanta homeowners who love the look and feel of a wood door. Wood doors also provide a very distinct, bold and tasteful look that many Atlantans love.

The picture you see in this blog is of a Precision Entry fiberglass door. The door is a St Jane style glass door with low-e glass sidelights and a cherry finish. We're very proud of this door and the work that was put into it. This home in Alpharetta, GA also has new windows installed as well. The customer we served had the entire front of the house improved. With arch top windows, sidelights, and a new front door, we were able to give our customer an improvement she had been wanting for years. Enjoy the pics and keep checking in!


JB in ATL

Heat Wave-Are Your Windows Helping or Hurting?

For the next week, we'll see temperatures in the 90's and even up to 100 by this Thursday! That's right, it's August in Atlanta. And as if the many smog alerts, weren't enough to make you want to stay indoors, our recent heat wave may be enough to make Atlantans take up permanent residence in their air conditioned residences.

Believe it our not, energy effcient replacement windows can do a lot to help keep your home cool in the summer time. Why is that? Because all replacement windows today are insulated with a low-e (low emissivity) coating that keeps heat from passing through the glass in your windows.

Clear glass windows, even in a double paned window, have a very low heat resistance and allow heat to pass freely into your home in the summer. Thus, cooling costs go through the roof as your system tries to counter the heat that pours into your home.

That's why replacement windows are such a smart choice when looking for ways to beat the heat of Atlanta's summertime. Installing energy efficient replacement windows can increase your energy efficiency up to 10 times what you may have now!

Atlanta Area Window and Door Co will be glad to see that you get properly installed, energy efficient replacement windows to help keep your home very cool this summer.

Window Options from Atlanta Area Window and Door

Atlanta Area Window and Door Co’s expert intallers have been specializing in replacement windows for 25 years. Our product line includes a variety of vinyl replacement windows, wood replacement sashes, replacement picture windows of all types, sizes and shapes, sidelights, casements, double hung windows.

Non-rot replacement vinyl windows are a popular choice in Atlanta but for a more traditional look, Atlanta Area Window and Door accomdates classic styles as well. Installing replacement wood windows with old style grid patterns is a unique option that Atlanta Area Window and Door Co. offers to homeowners.

Below you’ll find our line of vinyl replacement windows, wood replacment windows, pvc replacement windows, and even aluminum clad windows. We will help you find the style and product that suits your home. From wood sashes to vinyl double hung windows, you’ll find what you’re looking for with Atlanta Area Window and Door. Our products are guaranteed to be installed with excellence and integrity, beautify and improve your home.

Gorrell Windows and Doors’ products have been in our offering for a long time. We proudly carry Gorrell products including double hungs, picture windows, and even storm doors and storm windows.

Vista Window Co is one of our more recent additions. Out of Ohio, Vista was named by Door and Window Magazine as one of the fastest growing companies. Vista replacement windows are a favorite with us at Atlanta Area Window and Door Co.

Vytex Windows window products offer a unique feature. Along with being energy efficient, Vytex windows are available in SDL (simulated divided light) grid patterns, and a strong, durable prefinish color options. Also a new addition, we’re glad to have Vytex vinyl windows aboard.

National Window Company has been manufacturing windows since 1941. Founded in Birmingham, Alabama, National specializes in providing us with top quality wood replacement windows. We rely on National also for wood casement windows, picture windows, and double hung windows. National also offers their Weatherpointe line which is made of a paint grade PVC that will never rot. Grid option include internal grids or traditional looking external wood grids.

We also carry Accuweld Replacement Window and Door, Softlite Vinyl Windows, and Thermal Industries insulated vinyl windows available. To see more, visit our partners’ websites or call for more info
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Atlanta Replacement Doors

Seems that doors are top priority for Atlanta homeowners in 2007. If you're looking to replace a door that has been rotted or just doesn't suit your house any more, Atlanta Area Window and Door Co. can help.

We find that homeowners in Atlanta find it very important to be sure that the front of their home looks exquisite and welcoming but also energy efficient. Believe it or not, doors with proper insulation not only beautify a home, but give it a much need boost in energy conservation.

Often times, we replace wood doors that are falling apart and allowing drafts and heat in and out of the home year round with doors that are properly insulated and improving the energy quality of the home. Fiberglass and steel doors have become the popular choice lately because of their resistance to rot, paintable surface, and their aesthetic look.

Check us out today and see how we can help you with a brand new front door. Keep Atlanta Area Window and Door in mind when looking for replacement vinyl windows, double hung windows, or even gutter cleaning and installation.

Energy Efficient Replacement Windows

One of the goals that is most important to us at Atlanta Area Window and Door, is helping make Atlanta homes more energy efficient. Yes, by installing replacement windows and replacement doors for the last 25 years we have helped improve the quality and appearance of many homes throughout metro Atlanta. However, during that time we have also helped Atlanta homeowners cut down heating and cooling costs by installing highly efficient replacement windows and doors.

Like many other window installers in metro Atlanta, we install vinyl replacement windows that are double paned and equipped with low-e and argon. However, unlike many window companies, we also install wood windows that are just as energy efficient. In so doing, homeowners in more traditional luxury homes in Atlanta are able to preserve a particular style and yet still vastly improve their energy conservation.

Like so many homes in metro Atlanta, builders install wood single paned windows to keep material costs down at construction. To many builders, windows are an oversight, a necessary commodity that simply lets light into the house so a resident will not feel trapped in a prison. Yet, single paned, clear glass windows, offer no insulation value at all! Zero! All you have is a pane of thin glass between you and the blistering Atlanta heat each summer. Not only that but is that thin piece of glass supposed to keep heat from escaping your house in the winter time?

Think about how many dollars are wasted everyday by poorly insulated windows. Every home that has clear glass windows (single or double paned) have an insulation value (also called R Value) of 1 or less. If you made the investment to improve your home by installing replacement windows that are double paned with low-e and argon or krypton gas, you have already quadrupled your energy savings! Your R Value has shot up from a zero or 1 to a 4 by making a simple investment in replacement windows. Now throw in a third pane of glass and you're looking at 10 times the energy efficiency! What kind of difference would you see in your home's heating and cooling bill in one month if you've made your home 10 times more energy conserving?

Now we already talked about all those dollars that were being wasted. Now how about all those dollars that are being saved by simply making your home more energy efficient with replacement windows. It adds up month after month and you're helping improve the quality of your environment for long time to come. If that wasn't enough incentive, Energy Star offers a tax credit to households that improve the energy quality of your home.

Here at Atlanta Area Window and Door energy conservation is vitally important to us because it's so important to our economy, our future, and our world. We'd like to help you by installing energy efficient replacement window and replacement doors. You can find out more about our company and our goals to help conserve energy at Atlantawindows.com