What causes
condensation?
Condensation, or "sweating," is a natural occurrence on all
windows and is caused by excess humidity, or invisible water vapor, present in
the air. When this water vapor comes in contact with a surface which is at a
cooler temperature, the vapor turns to visible droplets of moisture.
How do windows
prevent condensation?
Owens Corning windows have many features built in to keep the
temperature of the glass as warm as possible and thus reduce condensation. Our
insulating glass units provide superior energy efficiency to reduce the
potential for condensation. However, there is no such thing as a
condensation-free window in high humidity conditions. Controlling the amount of
moisture in your home is the most effective action you can take to avoid
condensation.
Why do my new
windows have more condensation that my old ones?
While well-insulated, tight-fitting windows provide draft-free
comfort and can help lower your fuel bills, airtight windows can trap moisture
inside your home. Previously, moisture in the air may have leaked to the outside
through openings in your old loose-fitting windows.
How do I avoid
condensation?
Listed below are a few ways to avoid condensation:
 | Use fans in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms to circulate the air.
|
| Air out your home frequently by opening doors and windows. |
| Reduce the number of indoor house plants, as plants increase humidity
levels. |
| Use a dehumidifier to remove excess humidity from the air. |
What are
R-values and U-values?
R-value is the resistance a material has to heat flow. The
higher the R-value, the greater the resistance.
U-value is the amount of heat transferred through a material. The lower the
U-value, the slower the rate of heat flow and the better the insulating quality.
How do vinyl
windows compare with windows made from other materials, such as wood and
aluminum?
The performance and longevity of vinyl windows compare very
favorably to those of other building materials, and vinyl often costs less to
produce. Vinyl windows and doors are rapidly capturing a major market share as
more builders and homeowners learn about vinyl's outstanding value and economy.
Long-lasting beauty, low maintenance and excellent thermal efficiency ratings
give vinyl windows a winning edge over other types of replacement windows.
Simonton's vinyl compound is produced with extra levels of UV inhibitors to help
withstand harsh weather conditions, and it is recyclable and environmentally
friendly. Vinyl won't pit or peel over time with only simple care and cleaning,
windows can keep their beautiful appearance for years to come.
What is Low
E/Argon-filled glass, and how does it work?
Low E (Emissivity) Glass is glass with a transparent metallic
oxide coating applied onto or into a glass surface. The coating allows
short-wave energy to pass through but reflects long-wave infrared energy,
improving the U-Value.
Argon Gas is an odorless, colorless, tasteless, non-toxic gas that is six times
more dense than air. It is used to replace air between the glass panes to reduce
temperature transfer.
How does
insulating glass improve the quality of windows and sliding doors?
Insulating glass improves the quality of Owens Corning windows
and doors by:
| Improving the performance of the U and R values of your new windows and
doors |
| Reducing condensation |
| Helping keep the heat in and cold out during winter |
| Helping keep the heat out and the cold in during summer |
|
To maintain the look of your vinyl
windows, we suggest that you:
|
Wash the vinyl frames with a soft cloth and mild soap |
|
Do not wash them with a high pressure spray, instead use a
soft cloth or ordinary long-handled soft bristle brush. |
|
DO NOT use cleaners containing aggressive organic solvents
like chlorine bleach, liquid grease remover, strong soaps and detergents
containing organic solvents, nail polish remover or furniture
polish/cleaners because they could affect the surface of the vinyl
|
Typical
methods for removing common stains from vinyl windows include:
Stain
|
Cleaner
|
|
Bubble Gum |
Fantastik®, Murphy Oil Soap®, solution of vinegar
(30%), water (70%), Windex® |
|
Crayon |
Lestoil® |
|
DAP (oil based caulk) |
Fantastik® |
|
Felt-tip pen |
Fantastik®, water-based cleaners |
|
Grass |
Fantastik®, Lysol®, Murphy Oil Soap® |
|
Lipstick |
Fantastik®, Lysol®, Murphy Oil Soap® |
|
Lithium Grease |
Fantastik®, solution of vinegar (30%), water
(70%), Windex® |
|
Mold and Mildew |
Fantastik®, solution of vinegar (30%), water
(70%), Windex® |
|
Motor Oil |
Fantastik®, Lysol®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex® |
|
Top soil |
Fantastik®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Lestoil® |
|
Rust |
Fantastik®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex® |
|
