FAQs for Windows

We get asked the below list of questions all the time from homeowners like yourself. So, whether you are shopping for windows now or maybe later on down the road, we thought it would be helpful to share with you some of the Frequently Asked Window Questions that we get from hundreds of other homeowners like yourself.

1. How do I know if or when it’s time to replace my windows?

We get this a lot. Normally, if your windows are about 15 years old or older they might be showing signs that they need to be replaced. Some common signs that it might be time is that your current windows are hard to open or close, you can feel the drafts in the windows, you have higher than normal power bills, the seals are gone and they’re fogging up. If you’re sick of looking at them that could be a sign too.

2. What are some benefits of Durante Home Exteriors vs. everyone else? What makes Durante so special?

Ah. We love this one. At Durante we focus on delivering extreme value and high levels of QUALITY. If you are looking for the bargain brand- don’t call us. BUT, If you want knock-your-socks-off-man-you-guys-are-amazing- type of service, and if you want expert installation by certified, factory trained and experienced professional people, and if you want ironclad-to-the-max-we-mean-it type warranties, and if you want the maximum value possible for your money, than we are the company for you and would love to hear from you.

3. What is Low E and what does it stand for?

Low E is a non-visible, microscopic layer of silver coating added to glass for greater energy efficiency and increased comfort. Low E stands for “low emissivity”, which is the action of reflecting light passing through glass. By reflecting part of the light spectrum (the part that transmits heat), we reduce a window’s U-Value and increase its R-Value.

4. What do U-values and R-values really mean?

U-Values represent the amount of heat that escapes through a wall, window, roof or other surface. The lower the U-Value, the more energy efficient a material is. R-Values are the direct opposite. These measure an object’s resistance to heat flow. The higher a material’s R-Value, the lower its U-Value, and the less energy it will lose. An R-Value depends on the number of layers of glass in a window, what type of gas is between those layers, and whether one or more of those layers of glazing have been treated with a Low E coating.

5. Can windows keep out UV radiation that fades carpeting, furniture, draperies and upholstery?

Using a low-emissivity glass in your new windows or doors can filter out a tremendous amount of the damaging UV light.

6. Can windows and doors reduce outside noise?

Yes. All windows and doors reduce noise to some degree.

7. What are some common styles of windows on the market today?

Depending on region and personal style, single-hung, double-hung, casement, awning, slide-by, bay and bow windows are the most frequently used. A number of other style windows are frequently employed as accent windows.

8. What is a bay window and what is so great about it?

A bay window is a series of usually three windows assembled in a polygon shape that

projects outward from the side of a house. It helps to enlarge the room and creates an attractive design feature.

9. How does this differ from a bow window?

Bow windows are very similar to bays, in that they also project from the side of a house. However, they are usually composed of a series of five window units assembled in an arc, rather than a polygon.

10. What is a casement window?

A casement window is a window unit hinged at the side that swings outward, operated by a cranking mechanism.

11. What is a gas-filled window?

Modern window technology permits an inert gas, usually argon, to be sealed between the panes of glass in a window instead of air. The gas is a far better insulator that just air, thus further increasing the thermal value of a window.

12. What is insulated glass?

Technically, there are two or more panes of glass separated by insulation at the edges and air in the center to provide greater thermal efficiency to a window.

13. Does argon gas between glass panes really make a difference in energy efficiency?

For air to insulate well, it needs to be as still as possible because moving air carries energy. Argon is heavier than air-so it’s less prone to convection or thermal movement. The bottom line is that heavier-than-air gases offer a higher level of insulation. Argon is found naturally in the air you breathe and is completely harmless.

If you have any additional questions we can help with or if you would like more information on our windows or other products, please just give us a call at 205.956.4110 or just click to Contact Us Here.