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When you buy new replacement windows, you want to get the best quality. But to know what is the best, you should should know how the old vinyl windows looked like. Just the same way when you buy your new car you know why is it better. In the window world believe or not, progress moves forward as well. So to give you some ideas what should you avoid in your new windows. We presented this short video about old vinyl window.
Balance System of the Window You want to replace your existing old windows with new ones, because you want to use them. Simple as that. You want to be able to open and close them when you need . That’s is why the balance system of the replacement window is one of the important parts of the story. In this old vinyl window the balance system is spiral. This type of balance is not the best one, because it needs maintenance and adjustments. So when you buy your new replacement windows, make sure that you get something better. Like block and tackle or constant force balance systems. Window Glass Spacer In this old window, the spacer between the glass is aluminum. In most new windows, new technology is used which is warm edge spacer. Why is that important? Well, because aluminum is a good conductor of heat. In summer time the spacer overheats and may break the seals around the glass. If that happens, the argon gas is gonna escape. The moisture will start to accumulate between the two glass panes of the window. That will reduce energy efficiency of your windows. Fading will obstruct the viewing through the window glass. Fusion Welded Frame and Sashes The last point, but not the least is the frame of the window. Your new replacement windows should have fusion welded both the top and the bottom of the window. When you watch the video, you can see that the top of the window frame is fusion welded. While the bottom is connected together with screws. This makes the window shaky and not durable. When some years pass, you may have problems in operating the window. So make sure that in your new windows you are going to have fully welded the frame and sashes. The bottom line. Be prepared to ask questions about new windows that you are considering to buy. Now you know what should be new in your replacement windows.
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 Every part of the replacement window is important. In many cases you replace your old windows, because you couldn't open or close them. Every window is as good as it balance system. So let’s have a look what types of balance systems are used in replacement windows. Block and Tackle Balance System This type of balance system uses composite cords to connect the coil spring to the balance shoe. Many manufacturers guarantee, that you can use window sashes for about 28000 times. The big plus of the block and tackle balance system is that it does not need lubrication. So you don't have to worry about your window sashes getting stuck. The minus of this system is that it can be used in double pane glass windows. It can’t be applied to triple pane glass windows.  Constant Force Balance System This balance system works by utilizing a rolled coil steel spring to counter the balance of the weight of a window sash. Constant force balance system is widely used. Both in double and triple pane replacement windows. Many manufacturers guarantee that both sashes can be opened and closed for up to 15000 times. The negative side of this balance system is that all the dirt and dust accumulates in spring casing. It makes the operation of the window harder. Replacement windows with constant force balance systems may need maintenance after 20-25 years.  Spiral Balance System
The spiral balance relies on tension applied to spiral rod inside a balance tube. When you open or close the window, some tension is applied by turning the spiral rod that extends out from the bottom of the tube counter clockwise. Spiral Balance system was widely used in replacement windows. Lately most window manufacturers switched to constant force or block and tackle balance systems. The main problem with this balance system is that it provides of up to 1000 cycles of usage. The more you use the window the weaker the spiral spring becomes and sashes are not stay open, they fall down. The other negative side of this balance system is that it needs lubrication from time to time.  Many people do not pay a lot of attention to the small details of a new replacement window. But as always small parts may play an important part in functionality and security of the window. We would like to point to your attention vent stops and why are they matter in a replacement window.
Security Vent stops enhance security when you ventilate your room. Let’s say want to have some fresh air into the house, but you need to leave the house for a couple of hours. You can pull out the vent stops, knowing that nobody is going to be able to get inside. If burglar tries to break these vent stops, he is going to make a lot of noise and draw attention to your neighbors. Who will call cops. Vent stops are helpful at night as well. They allow you to keep the window opened just two inches at the bottom or at the top. Protection of Little Children and Pets. When you have kids in the house. You should definitely use vent stops when ventilating the room. Especially when you have window sills less than three feet from the floor. With vent stops you can prevent children and pets falling from the window. According to national statistics, more than 3000 children are injured with window falls each year. So as you can see vent stops seemed to be insignificant small part of the replacement window. But such a little part is enhancing security and protecting lives. |
At Siding & Windows Wizards LLC we like to take care about people's houses and like to share ideas about vinyl siding, replacement windows, fiber cement siding, roofing, or anything else that can make people's life easier. Categories
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June 2018
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