FAQs

Q. Why are my windows etched?

A. Etching is the result of a broken seal between the two sheets of glass that make up your window. Without the seal, moisture and environmental chemicals accumulate on the glass and permanently damage the clarity of the glass.

Q. Why is there moisture between panes of glass?

A. A broken seal allows moisture to enter the space between the two sheets of glass that make up your window. This moisture will eventually lead to etching and loss of clarity. For proper insulation, the seal must be complete, and there should be very little air between the sheets of glass. This keeps heat and cold from conducting. An insulated window is like a thermos!

Q. Why should I have double pane glass?

A. Single panes of glass conduct the outside temperatures directly to the inside of your house. Double pane or “insulated glass” has two sheets of glass with a vacuum seal between them. The lack of air between the sheets of glass makes it more difficult for the outside temperatures to conduct to the interior of your home.

Q. Why is the bottom of my sash rotting?

A. Sash rot is usually the result of water accumulating in the area that actually holds the bottom of the glass. This is a “u” shaped channel of wood that can really hold a bunch of water, with no route for escape. This leads to rotten wood, and with freezing temperatures, broken seals. This is usually the result of over zealous window scraping after painting. Painters will sometimes scrape the very important sealant off of the area where the glass meets the wood. This allows water into the interior of the window and subsequent rot. Not good!

Q. What is "Low E" glass?

A. The “E” stands for emissivity. “Low E” glass has a special coating on the insides of the two panes of insulated glass. This coating helps keep out those rays of sun that really heat up the house on a summer day.

Q. How long does it to take to replace my windows?

A. A couple of days for sash replacements. A week for complete units. This will vary according to the size and scope of the project.

Q. Will the replacement windows look similar to my original windows?

A. They can, but it depends on the product you choose. If you want your new windows to look better or more ornate, it is an easy upgrade.

Q. What is a double hung window?

A. Double hung windows operate from the top or the bottom so you can lower the top window, or raise the bottom window. Wood windows are typically double hung, while vinyl and aluminum windows are typically single hung, with only the lower sash operational.

Do you have more questions? Feel free to call or send me an email.