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What are AAMA Ratings for Windows & Doors
AAMA stands for American Architectural Manufacturers Association. An AAMA rating for fenestration has now become the standard for replacement windows in Chicago and doors by which the product performance is held up to. The AAMA rating uses “Performance Grade” to measure the rating. There are a number of factors that are taken into consideration when […]
What is a Rough Opening?
A rough opening is the opening that is left in a frame wall where the window frame will sit. The measurements of the rough opening will be important for you to choose the right window frame size. The actual window size will be lesser as the frame will have a header, sill, and vertical trimmers […]
How Weep Holes Work and their Purpose
Weep holes are gaps that are generally left between a few bricks in external walls or bottom edge and sills of windows and doors. They are intentionally left that way and serve an important purpose in ventilation and drainage. Weep should not be caulked or blocked in any way, as this will defeat the […]
What are Energy Star windows?
We have spoken to you in earlier blogs about ensuring that the windows you buy are qualified with an Energy Star. This blog will discuss what it means to be Energy Star Qualified. What is an Energy Star? Simply put, an Energy Star on your windows, doors and skylights ensures that they are tested […]
What is a Mullion?
According to Wiki, “A mullion is a vertical element that forms a division between units of a window, door, or screen, or is used decoratively.” Mullions could be used to provide structural support to an arch, or to support glazing, in addition to being used for a decorative purpose.A mullion is used to transfer wind loads, weight of […]
Dual-Pane Glass for Energy Efficiency
Windows account for 30 percent or more of a home’s heating losses! Now that’s a lot of loss of energy and needs some definite looking into. In this blog, we will discuss dual-pane glass as a solution to this and see how it contributes to energy efficiency. Dual-Pane glass and energy efficiency The […]
Using a swing stage
In our business of window replacement in Chicago, our window experts are adept at using the swing stage to effectively take care of our customers’ window replacement needs. Here are a few things about a swing stage that you need to know. A swing stage is a suspended platform, which can be raised or lowered […]
Understanding U-Factor
The U-factor, or U-Value, of a window assembly is a nationally recognized rating method to indicate the rate of heat loss. A low U-factor indicates that a window has good insulating properties and has good resistance to heat flow. The lower the better. The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) accords a U-factor rating to the […]
Grids in windows
To grid or not to grid is the question! Having handled scores of window replacement requirements in Chicago, we know a thing or two about all that is involved in replacing a window. Although window replacement might be a move to rectify an issue in your current window, it is also an opportunity to add […]
Condensation in Glass
A common problem with windows is the condensation that is formed on them or between the glass panes. This article will deal with the why and what to do when faced with this problem Why there is condensation The basic reason for condensation is when warm moist air meets cool dry air. This temperature […]