Why do my new insulated-glass windows "sweat" during cold weather?
Even the best-insulated windows can condense moisture from the air if the outdoor temperature is low enough and the indoor relative humidity is high enough. You're probably using a room humidifier or a humidification system connected with your furnace. Assuming that the windows were properly installed, try reducing the humidity setting during very cold weather.

Here are a few tips on reducing the moist air in your home:

• Use fans in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms to circulate the air.
• Air out your home frequently by opening doors and windows.
• Reduce the number of indoor house plants, as plants increase humidity levels.
• Use a dehumidifier to remove excess humidity from the air.

What kind of maintenance do windows require?
Sash and frame surfaces, drainage systems, glass (whether single-glazed or insulating), and hardware all require periodic maintenance for best service, smooth operation, and long life.

• Keep sash and frame surfaces clean, but never use petroleum-based cleaners, solvents, or caustic chemicals on sash or frame surfaces, or glass. Wax aluminum frames with a high quality car wax.
• Keep sill and track areas clean and free of dirt, sand, dead insects, and other debris. Keep weep holes clear. For mechanically joined (screwed together) frames, be sure corners are caulked to prevent water penetration to the interior.
• Keep the glass clean, but do not use a high-pressure spray nozzle when rinsing your windows. Never use a razor blade, putty knife, or abrasive pad to clean the glass, frames, or sash. Do not apply any aftermarket films to dual-glazed windows. These tint films may cause excessive heat buildup inside the insulated unit, resulting in heat cracks or seal failure, and may void your warranty.
• Check the operation of locks, latches, sash balances, and hinges. All hardware must be regularly cleaned and maintained. Use silicone spray if you need to lubricate your window rollers or tracks. Do not use oil-based lubricants, as they may cause metal rollers to collect dirt and nylon rollers to deteriorate.
• Check weather stripping around operable window and door panels to be sure it seals evenly and is not excessively worn or twisted.

What are some common styles of windows on the market today?
Depending on region and personal style, single-hung, double hung, casement, awning, slide-by, bay and bow windows are the most frequently used. A number of other style windows are frequently employed as accent windows.

I have heard windows referred to as lights, is this another type of window?
Lights (sometimes also spelled lites) are individual panes of glass within a window. Windows are usually designed/measured by the number of “lights” it has in each sash.

What are the benefits of a wood window?
First, make sure the window is constructed of solid wood. This includes all of the framing members-jams, sills, stiles, rails, mullions, and mutins. As a standard, EAGLE’s wood members of the frame and sash are select kiln dry, water repellent, and preservative treated. The cost up-front is more than aluminum windows, but wood windows hold their shape better over time and since they are a natural insulator, will save you a lot of money down the road in repairs and utility bills. Wood also allows for greater flexibility for finishing and adds natural warmth and beauty to projects.

What exactly makes aluminum “extruded” and why is it beneficial?
Extruded aluminum is developed by “forcing” the aluminum through a die to form a specific shape. This is better than aluminum that is “rolled” around the frame, which uses aluminum that is thinner and less durable. The aluminum cladding slides on the wood frame as opposed to being attached by screws or nails. This provides even less chance of moisture infiltration while allowing each component to expand and contract at its own rate. Aluminum cladding adds strength to the product by eliminating the possibility of warping and helps to resist damage through handling. Because of EAGLE’s same-paint application on the sash and frame, there is a consistency in the minimal weathering that may occur.

What does Low-E stand for and how does it benefit my project? Low-E stands for low-emissivity, which is the power of a surface to emit heat by radiation. This type of glass cuts the loss of heat during the winter and cuts the absorption of heat during the summer by reflecting the heat back to its source, thus providing year-round savings by lowering utility bills. Low-E glass also selectively filters the sun’s energy, blocking up to 84% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays in the summer, thereby reducing the degree of fading of upholstery, carpet and drapes. Low-E also reduces heating costs reflecting roomside heat back into the room with a resulting in a lower winter U-value.

What are U-values?
U-value is the amount of heat transferred through a material. The lower the U-value, the slower the rate of heat flow and the better the insulating quality.

What is impact glass?
Impact glass is a laminated glazing product, produced by bonding a combination of plastic vinyl layers and polyester film between two pains of glass into a single sheet. Laminated glass looks like ordinary glass, but protects like a shield against accidental impact, forced entry, sun damage and unwanted noise. Tests show that specially designed laminated glass products pass windborne debris impact tests, and when broken the glass fragments tend to remain integral, adhering to the plastic interlayer, helping to preserve the integrity of the building envelope.

top

• How To Save Money
• Glossary of Terms