Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an American Windows and Exterior window and those I can find in a home improvement store?
Every window we produce is custom made for each opening. A reputable contractor can advise you on what product is suitable for your home and climate. Many of the mass produced mega-store windows are inexpensively built with lower grade raw materials, parts, and hardware. Often times, these windows are designed for multiple uses, such as single-family homes and multi-family dwellings. Our windows are specifically designed and engineered for longevity and efficiency in single family homes.
When is the best time of year to replace my windows?
Windows can be effectively replaced any time of year in any climate. Most installations only require the opening to be empty for a very short time before your new window is put in place. Older windows typically are inefficient and the sooner the windows are replaced, the faster the homeowner can reap the benefits of efficient windows.
Will my windows be custom made?
Every American Windows and Exrterior window is custom manufactured for a specific wall opening. All of our windows are custom sized for the most accurate and efficient fit.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO RECEIVE MY WINDOWS ONCE MY ORDER HAS BEEN PLACED?
This depends on the features and options you select for your windows. Typically, our windows are made in a timely manner and shipped to our nationwide network of distributors. It is likely that your windows will be installed before your next energy bill arrives.
DO I REALLY NEED TRIPLE PANE GLASS? WILL DOUBLE PANE GLASS SUFFICE?
Reasonably priced triple pane is certainly not overkill no matter where you live. A good triple pane window can offer an overall R-value in excess of 5, block up to 95% of all UV rays, and reduce outside noise by as much as 50% over standard double pane windows. The Department of Energy advises that a triple pane R-5 window is 40% more efficient in the home than standard double pane windows with Low-E and Argon. Modern technology has made triple pane much more cost effective giving you a quicker return on your investment.
WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT RATINGS TO LOOK FOR IN A QUALITY REPLACEMENT WINDOW?
There are a lot of acronyms and ratings in the window industry that explain how one window is different from another. Here are a few key items to keep in mind when choosing a window:
- Visible Light Transmittance (often referred to as VLT). This is the amount of daylight that will be allowed into your home with your new product.
- U-value (the inverse of R-value) is used to measure the efficiency of your new windows. Make sure to get an accurate figure based on the entire window unit and not on the center of glass or the frame alone.
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (also called SHGC) is the fraction of incident solar radiation admitted through a window, both directly transmitted and absorbed and subsequently released inward. SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The lower a windows solar heat gain coefficient, the less solar heat it transmits into your home. A lower SHGC relates to lower cooling costs for your home in summer.
- Aesthetic appeal. Since you will have to look at your new windows for a long time to come, it is important that they are visually appealing on the interior and exterior of your homeAre your customers raving about you on social media? Share their great stories to help turn potential customers into loyal ones.
WILL REPLACEMENT WINDOWS ALLOW DRAFTS TO COME THROUGH?
Even the most air tight window will feel drafty if it isn’t installed properly. There are specific installation methods recommended to ensure proper insulation that an experienced window installer will be familiar with.
We utilize modern technology and materials like synthetic wool pile/mylar fin weather-stripping and foam filled compression seals to effectively protect against air infiltration.