Here are some common questions about Windows and Siding.
Is there a big difference between custom windows and ready-made windows at a building supply store?
Custom-sized windows are recommended for the optimum fit. Custom windows are precision-engineered to 1/8” increments and fabricated to match your unique window opening.
You will receive the precise design and options you want, as well as maximum energy efficiency and an overall superior look and installation. Stock-sized windows are changed on-site to match your existing window openings, which may necessitate substantial carpentry work both inside and outside your home.
This retrofitting method has the potential to degrade the look and thermal performance.
What types of windows are available?
Aluminum, wood, and vinyl are the three most prevalent types of windows available, with wood and vinyl being the most popular. Aluminum windows have painted surfaces that are readily scratched, and the metal composition makes them a poor insulator.
Wood windows are great insulators, but they may collect moisture and often require painting, caulking, and other regular maintenance to retain their beauty and effectiveness.
Vinyl windows are the most popular option because they skillfully blend beauty, durability, and low maintenance with high-performance thermal efficiency. The solid vinyl structure never needs to be painted, and the precision-fit mainframe and sash, coupled with various insulating components, offer great energy savings.
Alside Windows come in a variety of shapes and combinations to suit your needs.
In terms of construction, what makes for a better grade, more durable vinyl window?
To provide a weathertight structure, the corners of the window frame and sashes should be fusion-welded (heat-welded). Be wary of windows with mitered corners that have been bolted together or chemically bonded, since their performance may deteriorate with time.
You should also inspect the vinyl extrusions in the window frame and sash. While all vinyl windows may appear identical at first glance, there can be significant discrepancies in the quality of the vinyl utilized.
Some low-quality vinyl windows with a dull blue or gray hue might become brittle over time.
Alside Windows are built with superior vinyl extrusions to ensure that the frame and sashes survive for a long time.
What other construction features should I be aware of?
You can see and feel the difference in quality when comparing one window to another. To create a window with enhanced strength, Alside Windows start with a computer-controlled mainframe and steel-reinforced sash structure. Double-strength glass, which creates an incredibly robust barrier, is typically included with windows.
Multi-layer weatherstripping, a compression bulb seal, and drop-in glass offer excellent thermal protection while interlocking meeting rails, thickset multi-chambered extrusions, and further structural stability and insulation are added.
Additionally, you should check the window’s movement components. For instance, Alside Double-Hung Windows include a full interlock at the meeting rails to firmly close the window and a continual force balance mechanism to guarantee the sliding sash moves easily and smoothly.
What should I look for in terms of glass performance?
For begin, many windows are made of single-strength glass. Alside Windows are made with double-strength glass, which means that each pane is 3 mm thick rather than the industry norm of 2 mm.
The glass is tougher, more protective, and will not crack or break as quickly. Because windows are about 80% glass, it is critical to pick a glass package that will assist protect your home from absorbing outside heat in the summer and losing internal heat in the winter.
Consider Alside Windows with ClimaTech® insulated glass for maximum energy savings. To achieve maximum energy efficiency, ClimaTech blends Low-E glass with argon gas and the Intercept® Warm-Edge Spacer System. Because Alside provides a choice of ClimaTech glass products, your window specialist can assist you.
Are replacement windows a good investment?
From day one, Alside Windows begin making a return on your investment. You can expect a decrease in your annual fuel consumption for heating and cooling your home. Vinyl windows are virtually maintenance-free, which can also save substantial dollars spent on painting, caulking and maintenance. New windows will enhance the curb appeal of your home, which can help increase its resale value. In most cases, you can expect to recover more than half of the cost of your replacement windows when it’s time to sell.
The national average of the cost recouped for vinyl replacement windows is 71.6% for midrange projects and 72.6% for upscale projects, according to Remodeling magazine’s “2010-11 Cost vs. Value Report.”
Will my replacement windows require a lot of maintenance?
Alside vinyl replacement windows are a pleasure to maintain. You can say goodbye to scraping, painting and caulking. The heavy-duty vinyl construction is virtually maintenance-free and there are no storm windows to struggle with. Most Alside Windows can be cleaned from inside the comfort of your home. Just wipe the vinyl surface with a damp cloth to keep your windows looking like new.
Do I need to keep each window the same type as my original window, or can I change styles and configurations?
New windows can transform the appearance of your home, and with Alside’s extensive window selection you’ll have many options to choose from. Whether your tastes are contemporary, traditional or transitional, we can custom build to your specifications. Alside also offers a host of glass and grid options and elegant frame finishes to suit your design needs.
Do I need a professional?
Hiring a professional is a smart decision on many levels. A trained eye and skillful hand will clearly show in the beautiful installation, indoor comfort and thermal efficiency of your home. A professional will also be able to make design suggestions to help in the decision process. You’ll want to make sure the contractor you hire is licensed, bonded and experienced. While you may be tempted to install the windows yourself, you may not be prepared for the difficult installation challenges or structural damage to your home that could occur, along with the risk of voiding the window warranty. A professional installer will also be up to date on codes relating to lead, energy, and more.
Should I be concerned with where the windows are manufactured?
Absolutely. A replacement window is only as good as the company that stands behind it. Alside has more than 70 years of manufacturing experience and success. We proudly own and operate six window plants in North America that expertly produce windows of superior beauty, quality and durability. Utilizing performance standards beyond AAMA, ASTM and NFRC requirements, our windows are rigorously tested for air, water, structural load, thermal performance, and forced entry resistance. Companywide, we are committed to ensuring that each window will provide years of excellent service and energy savings. We also stand behind our products long after the installation is complete with a knowledgeable customer service team that’s ready to serve you.
What about warranty coverage?
Are Alside products made in the USA?
What industry organizations are Alside affiliated with?
Siding
How does siding compare with other exterior materials?
When compared to brick, wood, stone and stucco, vinyl siding is the number one choice of exterior cladding in the United States. Vinyl siding has the lowest total installation cost and fewer long-term maintenance needs than any other exterior cladding. Moreover, Alside premium vinyl siding provides the rich beauty of costly wood siding in a wide-variety of low-gloss colors and industry-leading warranty protection.
What exterior design options do I have with vinyl siding?
You can create multiple options for your home’s exterior with vinyl siding. Alside offers a wide array of subtle and deep wood grain textured profiles, including horizontal and vertical panels; shakes, scallops and shingles; traditional clapboard; dutch lap; wide and narrow panel exposures; and beaded designs. You have a number of options to combine different shapes, colors and styles to personalize the style of your home’s exterior.
I am planning on upgrading my brick and partially wood siding home. Can I incorporate vinyl siding?
Is vinyl siding really as durable?
Absolutely. The correct technical name for the material used in vinyl siding is polyvinyl chloride. It’s a durable, proven material that has earned a solid reputation for its beauty and permanence. It’s used in automotive applications, medical devices, appliances, floor coverings, and of course, exterior home construction. Vinyl siding is an ideal exterior material because it doesn’t rot, crack, dent or warp. Plus it never peels or blisters. And because the color goes completely through Alside siding, it never has to be scraped, sanded or painted.
How do I choose a reputable installer?
What is insulated siding?
What is R-value?
What is the best way to guarantee my Alside vinyl siding will perform as promised?
If painting isn't required, how do I maintain my vinyl siding?
Is vinyl siding resistant to moisture?
Does vinyl siding deliver any environmental benefits to help make a home green?
Will Alside vinyl siding add value to my home?
Can severe weather affect my Alside siding?
Are Alside products made in the USA?
Call Caren E. McDaniel – The Window Lady
at 703-354-0606
