FAQS

What are replacement windows?

Unlike a window used in new home construction, a replacement window is a window that is custom built to fit into the opening of an existing window. It’s built to fit that opening precisely and can be installed without disturbing the interior and exterior trim. It can modernize and upgrade the design of the existing window and, in most cases, will provide additional strength and energy efficiency benefits.

Will my vinyl frame windows pay for themselves?

If you chose a high quality, energy efficient window such as the ones available from Window City, your initial investment can be recouped over time, through reduced heating and cooling costs. Numerous airtight construction features and advanced glazing in Window City window units do a much more effective job of sealing cold air out and keeping heated air in.

Why has vinyl become the most popular type of framing?

The technology of vinyl extrusion has advanced significantly over recent years, enabling it to become the material that is most energy efficient and easiest to maintain. Vinyl has proven to be practical as well as beautiful. Window City window and door products are designed and manufactured with optimum efficiency considerations utilizing the latest technology available in the industry today.

What are the advantages of vinyl windows versus wood or metal?

Aside from beauty and design considerations and general architectural preference, the major advantage of vinyl is the cost saving achieved through better energy efficiency. Another important factor is that homeowners never need to paint vinyl window frames, which results in a saving of both money and work.

All vinyl windows look alike, how do I tell the difference?

The major difference between Window City windows and lower quality vinyl windows is in the internal construction of the sash and frame. When looking at different products, ask your dealer to show you the structural components of the window and to explain how the window seals the airflow from inside the home.

What about glazing? Are all LoE coatings the same?

No. There are different Low-e coatings that allow you to customize the glass performance based upon the location of the window in the home. Some coatings prevent more heat from entering, while others allow more heat to enter your home. This gives you the opportunity to control the comfort of each room individually, thus minimizing your energy consumption and lowering your costs. The Window City Solar Solutions glazing options allow you to customize the comfort and performance of each opening, maximizing your investment.

Will vinyl frame window and glass units protect against forced entry?

If security is a concern, there are ways to maximize the security of your windows and doors. With the largest exposure to entry of a window or door being the glass, the latest concept available is laminated glass packs. These are designed to withstand multiple blows with a heavy object and still stay intact. Our Safe Vision glass can withstand 30 to 40 direct hits with a baseball bat and not break out of the frame.

Can vinyl frame window and glass units reduce outside noise?

All windows and doors will reduce outside noise to some degree. If noise reduction is a concern, the best solution is to use Window City’s Safe Vision laminated glass. This will improve the noise reduction by as much as 100% over a standard glass pack.

What is condensation?

Is your glass “sweating” , is ice forming on the inside surface of your windows or doors? The problem is not your new windows, the problem more than likely is excess humidity in your home. Humidity, which consists of warm air borne water vapor, is drawn towards cooler surfaces, such as your windows and doors. Surfaces that are below room temperature are more likely to show condensation.

What causes condensation?

When certain conditions exist, condensation can occur both inside and outside your home. The source of condensation is humidity, or air borne water vapor, which is present in all air. When this water vapor comes in contact with a cooler surface it will condense, similar to your bathroom mirror after you take a hot shower. Condensation can occur on windows and doors during the winter if the humidity level is high enough.

Do windows cause condensation?

No. Windows do not cause condensation; they simply are doing what they are designed to do. By keeping the warm air in your home the windows also stop the humidity from escaping and that humidity becomes visible on the glass.

Do vinyl window systems reduce condensation?

They can help control the problem. Moisture vapor in the air condenses when it comes in contact with a cooler surface. A high quality vinyl window system that incorporates the latest warm edge technology glazing will help to reduce condensation, because it keeps the edges at a more consistent temperature. When you minimize the hot and cold differences of the glass, you reduce the amount of condensation.

What is temporary condensation?

Temporary condensation will not last long and will eventually disappear. Temporary condensation can occur:

  • After baths and showers, laundry, cooking or dishwashing.
  • At the start of the heating season. Your home can retain moisture from the humid summer months.
  • When the outside temperature experiences drastic changes. A sharp drop in temperature, especially during the heating season can cause temporary condensation.
  • During construction or renovation of your home. Most building materials retain moisture during shipping or storage; this moisture can be released into the home but will eventually dry out.

What problems are associated with condensation?

Excess moisture in your home can cause not only structural problems but it also presents a health risk as well. Problem condensation will show itself when:

  • The condensation remains on the windows throughout the day.
  • You can see condensation on the walls
  • If you notice a musty smell in your home.
  • You notice mold or mildew on various surfaces throughout the home.

Can I reduce condensation?

Yes. There are several ways to reduce the humidity in your home, the three main areas of concern should be:

  • Reduce Moisture sources
  • Increase ventilation
  • Increase indoor air temperature

Should I buy the same windows for every wall opening on my home?

A window with excellent solar gain efficiencies is a real energy saver if it is installed on a south or west facing wall, yet the same window on a north facing wall is not only a waste but can actually lower your energy efficiencies. Our dealer will explain how you can use our various Solar Solution glazing options to effectively customize the comfort of your home room by room, regardless of where you live in North America.

What are Energy Star Efficient Windows?

The Energy Star™ program was developed by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to help identify energy-efficient choices for your home. The Energy Star™ seal is only granted to products that demonstrate significant reduction in energy consumption in the home. The majority of WindowCity windows and doors meet or exceed U.S. and Canadian regulations to be considered Energy Star™ compliant. WindowCity is also an Energy Star™ Partner.

How are performance ratings determined?

What is Thermal Performance?

Not all windows and doors are created equal, Window City being an industry leader is proud to offer a complete range of Solar Solution glass options so homeowners can not only choose the style, function and architectural elements they want but truly maximize the value of their investment by customizing each window in their home for their own comfort levels, thermal performance and energy savings.

The Energy Star™ seal is only granted to products that demonstrate significant reduction in energy consumption in the home. All Window City windows and doors meet or exceed Canadian and U.S. regulations to be considered Energy Star™ compliant plus Window City is also an Energy Star™ Partner

What are Window & Door Energy Star Performance Ratings?

The Energy Star™ program was developed by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to help identify energy-efficient choices for your home. The Energy Star™ seal is only granted to products that demonstrate significant reduction in energy consumption in the home. The majority of Window City windows and doors meet or exceed U.S. and Canadian regulations to be considered Energy Star™ compliant. Window City is also an Energy Star™ Partner.

How Do I Authenticate my Window City Product?

To make absolutely sure that the windows you have purchased are in fact a Window City product, look for our Company Name & Logo Website Address Order# Line Item# and Unit # printed clearly on the white, warm-edge spacer between the panes of glass. All of our products will have this identification included. This is your guarantee that you are getting the best and that your windows will perform to our stringent, industry leading standards. Best of all, they are covered by our Non-Prorated Lifetime Warranty.

How do I Maintain my Windows & Doors?

Please refer to our Maintenance section