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Q: How do I go about buying and replacing windows and doors?
A: Replacing the windows in your home can enhance its overall beauty and help reduce your energy bills. There are several factors to consider when making a decision on which vinyl replacement windows to buy. These include performance, durability and appearance. Visit the window shopping section or our product lines to familiarize yourself with window features and benefits. It is equally important to make sure the dealer or remodeler you choose is capable of meeting your needs. (Our product line Web sites feature dealer locators for contacting a window professional in your area.)
Q: What is the right style of window for my house?
Windows come in a variety of styles, shapes and sizes, and allow buyers the chance to change or enhance the look of a home. Much of it is personal choice. But some style decisions may be governed by the architectural features or restrictions of the home. Visit our window shopping section to learn more.
Q: How do vinyl windows compare with windows made from other materials such as wood or aluminum?
A: The performance and longevity of vinyl windows compare very favorably to other building materials. They offer long-lasting beauty, low maintenance and excellent thermal efficiency ratings. Unlike other materials, vinyl won’t pit, peel or fade over time and requires only simple care and cleaning.
Q: What are R-values and U-Values?
A: R-Value is the resistance a material has to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the resistance to heat infiltration.
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 insulation quality.
Q: What kind of glass is used, and how is that important to my buying decision?
A: A variety of standard and optional glass packages are available to consumers depending on the window and the manufacturer. Window units that are gas-filled (argon or krypton), Low-E (Emissivity) glass, double and/or triple pane all provide more energy efficiency than single-pane ordinary insulated glass. In determining that value to you as a consumer, you need to decide how much or how little air infiltration and energy efficiency you desire from your windows.
In general, insulated glass improves the quality of windows and doors by:
- Improving the performance of the U and R values
- Reducing condensation
- Keeping heat in and cold out during winter
- Keeping heat out and cold in during summer
Q: Who tests the energy efficiency of windows and why is that important?
A: The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) and Window and Door Manufacturing Association (WDMA) provide product ratings for the window industry. These ratings test for air, water, structural performance and energy efficiency. The testing includes design pressure, air infiltration, water pressure and forced entry resistance. To receive Hallmark certification by the WDMA, manufacturers must go through strenuous product testing as well as unannounced in-plant inspections and review of manufacturing processes and materials. This is the only way windows can carry the WDMA Hallmark certification label.
Q: What does Energy Star mean?
A: Energy Star® is a joint program between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy to identify energy-saving products. To qualify, products must be 40% more efficient than common building codes and reduce energy bills by at least 15%. Energy Star qualification is based on NFRC certified product ratings.
Q: Who is Great Lakes Window?
A: Great Lakes Window is one of the oldest manufacturers of premium vinyl replacement windows in the United States. Great Lakes Window has pioneered some of the best ideas in replacement windows including our patented R-Core insulation, Pinch Fusion Welding, and High Performance glass options like Maxuus 7.6, Maxuus 10, HP2 and HP Max. Today, Great Lakes Window is a manufacturer dedicated to providing homeowners with windows and doors designed to meet your lifestyle while helping to conserve our nation’s resources. Visit the About Us section to learn more.
Q: Where can I buy Great Lakes Window products?
A: Great Lakes Window products are sold through a nationwide network of professional window dealers and remodeling contractors. They handle all aspects of the project including assisting you with determining the best products and styles for your home, sizing, pricing and installation. Great Lakes Window works closely with remodeling contractors to ensure you have an easy and satisfying experience with your replacement window project. For a dealer in your area, use the dealer locator on any of our product brand Web sites – www.plygemwindow.com, www.seabrookewindows.com , www.uniframewindow.com or www.gvwindows.com .
Q: How can I become a Great Lakes Window dealer?
A: In addition to offering diverse and high quality product lines, Great Lakes Window provides its dealers and distributors with the tools needed to support their business and sales success. To find out more about the Great Lakes Window brands and innovative marketing support, contact at 800-666-0000 or e-mail: sales@greatlakeswindow.com