Windows
- What are various windows made of and
what will work best for me?
- Is there any difference in how
windows are made?
- Can I replace my old windows with
different styles or types?
- Aren't all window manufacturers
essentially the same?
- What about strength, protection and
noise reduction?
- Do Alside windows require a lot of
maintenance?
- I have been reading about
different test results on windows. How should this
impact my buying decisions?
- What is more important in saving
energy, the frame or the glass?
- What energy-saving options should I
know about?
- What is the Energy Star Program?
- Will Alside windows be a good
investment?
- Aren't all window warranties
practically the same?
Windows FAQs
1. What are various windows made of and what will
work best for me?
Basically there are three types of materials used.
Aluminum windows, with their easily scratched painted
surfaces, conduct both heat and cold, so they're very poor
insulators. Wood windows, which require constant painting
and caulking, can absorb moisture, making them difficult
to open and close. They can even rot. Alside's solid vinyl
windows, however, never need painting and won't show
scratches, because the color goes throughout the material.
This is why vinyl windows are quickly becoming the most
popular choice for both new construction and replacement
applications.
In addition, you should certainly consider custom-sized
windows for the very simple reason that they'll fit
better. Stock-sized windows require extensive carpentry
work both inside and outside your house. That can be very
costly and inconvenient. Alside custom-sized windows, on
the other hand, are manufactured to fit your existing
window opening. You get the style and options you want
while maintaining your glass area.
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2. Is there any difference in how windows are made?
There are two basic types of construction: Mechanically
fastened windows are screwed together at the corners. And
welded windows, becoming more and more popular, that use a
chemical or heat process for joining. Alside produces
mechanically fastened and welded windows. Our mechanically
fastened windows feature a unique overlap corner design
for extra strength, while our welded versions utilize
state-of-the-art heat welding equipment. Beware of windows
with mitered corners screwed together or chemically welded
corners, as they probably won't perform as well for you.
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3. Can I replace my old windows with different
styles or types?
Certainly, since all Alside replacement windows are
part of Alside's Window System. You may want to consult an
independent design specialist to find the type of window
that best complements your home's natural design. No
matter what style or combination of styles you choose,
however, Alside can custom-manufacture it all for you.
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4. Aren't all window manufacturers essentially the
same?
Not at all. Many companies buy their parts and glass
from various outside sources. At Alside, we extrude most
of our own parts from the raw vinyl (PVC) resin ourselves.
You should also know that although a lot of
manufacturers claim their windows are American-made, many
in fact may be imported from Canada and other foreign
countries. We're proud to say that every Alside window is
manufactured right here in the U.S.A.
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5. What about strength, protection and noise
reduction?
You should look for a window that offers both superior
strength and energy efficiency. Alside's
computer-controlled process ensures a perfectly square
window sash and mainframe with superior strength. And for
exceptional energy efficiency, a full interlock at the
meeting rail helps protect your home against the elements,
or unwanted intrusions. In addition, our insulating glass
unit traps dry air, creating an exceptional comfort
barrier.
Moreover, homeowners with Alside Window Systems say
there's a noticeable reduction in the amount of noise that
enters their homes. A full interlock system at the point
where upper and lower sashes meet helps stop air
infiltration while providing an additional barrier against
unwanted intrusions.
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6. Do Alside windows require a lot of maintenance?
Because our frames and sashes are made of vinyl, you
can say goodbye to painting and caulking. Alside windows
won't stick, and you don't have to remove storm windows in
order to clean them. In fact, you can do it all from
inside your home. An occasional wipe with a damp cloth
will keep your windows looking like new for years to come.
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7. I have been reading about different test results
on windows. How should this impact my buying decisions?
Be careful when looking at extremely specific results
since many of them do not really indicate how well the
window will work for you. Some apply to just certain parts
of the window, like the glass and its R-value, and do
not give an overall picture. Tested in
nationally-certified labs and our own modern test
facility, Alside windows are engineered to provide the
optimum in energy savings and are monitored by the
National Fenestration Rating Council.
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8. What is more important in saving energy, the
frame or the glass?
Since 80% of a window is glass, real heating and
cooling savings come from what is known as "improved
glass performance," not a high R-value on the frame.
Alside uses the latest technology, known as a high
performance warm edge spacer system. This spacer system
helps to improve the performance and the longevity of the
insulated glass unit, and is standard on all Alside
windows.
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9. What energy-saving options should I know about?
You should give careful consideration to Alside's
ClimaTech® Insulated Glass Package, featuring Low-E glass
and argon gas. Low-E glass is an excellent barrier against
ultraviolet rays which fade carpet, furniture, draperies,
and even woodwork. Argon gas is colorless, odorless,
nonflammable, nontoxic, and above all, a safe, inert gas
that is heavier than air.
Not only does argon gas help to increase the energy
efficiency of a window, but helps to make your home
quieter as well. When Alside windows are equipped with the
ClimaTech Insulated Glass Package, they automatically meet
or exceed the energy-saving requirements for all four
climate zones set forth by the ENERGY STAR® Window
program. Or you can get the ClimaTech Plus package with a
foam spacer that provides even further energy efficiency
as an option.
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10. What is the ENERGY STAR® Program?
The ENERGY STAR® progam was created by the
Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of
Energy to help consumers in the recognition of
energy-efficient products. This program also promotes the
environmental and economic benefits of these products
through the ENERGY STAR label and other program
activities.
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11. Will Alside windows be a good investment?
Yes, for a variety of reasons. First, you may realize
savings on your heating and cooling bills. Second, they're
virtually maintenance-free, which eliminates painting
costs. And finally, the transferability of one of the
strongest warranties in the business may easily add to the
resale value of your home.
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12. Aren't all window warranties practically the
same?
Not really. There are as many warranties as there are
window manufacturers. Some brand name factory warranties
cover just the sash and frame. The rest is left up to the
local fabricator who may or may not cover it. Your
warranty is only as good as the company behind it. With
Alside, your unit is warranted from the extrusion and
parts to the glass and construction by our Lifetime
Limited Warranty*, with transferability provisions. It's
one of the most comprehensive available, just what you'd
expect from an industry leader.
* See printed warranty for complete details.
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