Energy Efficient Window Ratings

With May being National Home Remodeling Month (who knew?) and adding new energy efficient windows topping the remodeling project list, (according to a survey done by the National Association of Home Builders) I thought it a perfect time to clarify some of the number associated with those energy efficient windows.  What exactly are those ratings found on the stickers of the new windows?

As explained in previous blogs on glass types, there are different efficiencies in glass types alone.  You're most efficient glass type is going to be tripane.  As far as the entire window, there is a National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC) that  is an independent, non-profit organization which rates and certifies the performance of windows and doors.  The NFRC label lists how a product performs in several efficiency categories.  You'll see their sunshine logo emblem on these labels.

In addition to this association, there is a Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) with a certification program designed to provide code to officials, builders, architects, and consumers with an easily recognizable means of identifying products manufactured with the appropriate WDMA and other referenced performance standards.  The WDMA Hallmark is considered a mark of excellence among architects and contractors and is accepted industry-wide.

The first form of rating a window is it's U-Factor.  (A) Usually expressed in units of Btu/hr-ft²-^oF, U-Factor correlates to the rate of heat transfer. The lower the number, the better a window is at keeping heat inside a building. The U-Factor is key in regions with cold winters. Just remember: the lower the U-Factor, the more energy-efficient the window, door, or skylight. 

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (B) (SHGC) may also be identified on a window.  (SHGC) 
is the fraction of solar radiation admitted through a window, door, or skylight -- either transmitted directly and/or absorbed, and subsequently released as heat inside a home. In warm climates, the lower the number, the better. Here you want to keep heat out by choosing windows that reflect solar radiation. Less heat coming into the home means lower air-conditioning costs and a reduced carbon footprint. In cold regions, your windows can also help you take advantage of solar radiation, which is free heat that eases the workload of your furnace or other energy-powered heat source. A higher solar heat gain coefficient means a window will allow more heat to pass through.

Visible Transmittance (C) is a fraction of the visible spectrum of sunlight (380 to 720 nanometers), weighted by the sensitivity of the human eye, that is transmitted through the glazing of a window, door, or skylight. A product with a higher VT transmits more visible light. VT is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The VT you need for a window, door, or skylight should be determined by your home's daylight requirements and/or whether you need to reduce interior glare in a space.

Condensation Resistance (CR) (D) measures how well a window resists the formation of condensation on the inside surface. CR is expressed as a number between 1 and 100. The rating value is based on interior surface temperatures at 30%, 50%, and 70% indoor relative humidity for a given outside air temperature of 0° Fahrenheit under 15 mph wind conditions. The higher the number, the better a product is able to resist condensation. CR is meant to compare products and their potential for condensation formation. CR is an optional rating on the NFRC label.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency launched the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient Program for the fenestration industry on January 1, 2013. The program is designed to recognize products that meet the highest energy efficiency guidelines.  A federal tax credit is available for homeowners who make qualifying energy improvements. Learn more about the tax credit and how it can apply to your home.

The Great Installation Debate

You need new windows.  It can be very daunting!  Where do you start?  How much is it going to cost? Unless you are a professional, you can not go it alone.  If you're thinking of wandering into a big box store, you're basically going it alone.
An easy way to enlist some help is to visit a local dealer.  This is usually a family owned lumber yard or window & door store.  Not only will you be supporting your local community, but you're likely to get much more personalized service.  They should be able to walk you through the window choices and find a product that suits all your needs.
Then what?
Well, that depends.  Many dealers offer turn-key installation services where they will come to your home, make all the measurements needed, place the order and install the product.  Very easy one-stop shopping.  Some do not.
Why wouldn't they?
The reason not all dealers install is because many of their customers are builders and contractors.  They fear they might be stepping on toes and taking business away from their contractors if they offer the installation in-house.  In the event that they can not offer installation, they usually provide you with a list of reliable contractors who can provide this service for you.  You may also find they sub-contract out the installation from a list of their contractors.
This is not a bad thing.  It provides work on both ends, however you should know who is going to be providing service in the event there is an issue with your windows.  Make sure this is clear and concise up-front.
For a Marvin dealer near you visit; www.marvin.com

Marvins' Vinyl Window?

At a few of the home shows, we've had even builders ask about the Marvin Vinyl Window.  Guess what? Marvin does not make a vinyl window.  Vinyl is extremely soft (they make cheap blinds out of this stuff) and not suited for any building product.  It expands and contracts quite easily and can get soft and brittle, which is not something you want in a window.  The material is soft and easily bent into some nice looking round tops, but it has a very short shelf life. You'll be replacing those vinyl windows in 5 years.  Even vinyl & vinyl wood composites (fibrex) are 60% vinyl and struggle from the same durability and performance issues as vinyl.

Marvins' solution to that is their ultrex window, by Integrity.  Ultrex is pultruded fiberglass.  Fiberglass is used to make boats.  It's super strong and does not bend.  Fiberglass expands and contracts at the rate of glass (not much) and hence, a great material for building.  In fact, it might just be the perfect building material since it's super strong, 8x stronger than vinyl, basically waterproof, and requires no maintenance.  This allows Marvin to give the Integrity Ultrex window a full 20 years warranty on glass seals and 10 years on manufacturing defects.

The window on the left is made from Ultrex.  Since the tensile strength is so high (one sq inch can support 34,000 lbs) it holds it's square shape, stays true, and doesn't break down over stress.  It also reduces thickness of the frame, allowing for more daylight openings (more glass).  It also doesn't require additional sash locks like its' vinyl counterpart because it's not going to expand and contract with the weather (ultrex: 833% LESS expansion than vinyl) and lose it's shape or alignment.  By expanding and contracting at the same rate as glass, Integrity windows and doors are also much more resistant to seal failures and leaks.

The Ultrex window also has a finish 3x thicker than competitive products.  It's 100% paintable, it won't crack, dent, chip, or peel.  It comes in 6 standard colors and is the first and only AAMA verified 624-10 finish in the industry.

So, the reps tend to get a little worked up when the ultrex gets referred to as a vinyl window, because it's so far a superior product in every way.  It's stronger, more durable, better looking, has better finishes, and won't rip itself apart after 5 years of fluctuating weather patterns.  Want to learn more?  www.integritywindows.com

What's New in Windows?

We are coming up on what we call "Home Show Season" (a.k.a. March) and I've had a chance to work 2 now.  Most of the questions I've gotten are "what's new?"  Which is interesting in one aspect, because how many ways can you change a window anyways?  Turns out, quite a few, but Marvin Windows actually has a number of new products for 2014.  One of their newest endeavors is their new Shades by Marvin.

The Shades offer several advantages to the consumer.  First, it's the easiest shade purchase you'll make because the measuring is all done for you based on the window order, and yes, they are retrofitable to some Marvin products. They have no visible cords or pulleys (safety!) and are available in 15 colors and 2 opacities (light filtering or blackout).  These have virtually no light bleed through the sides, work top up or bottom down, where ever that pesky beam of light is hitting you while you try and watch tv or read the paper.  Best of all, you can actually open the windows and still have use of the shade.  It's integrated into the screen frame, easily removable, and a cinch to install.  The surround comes in all our wood species and finishes for a seamless look to your already gorgeous windows.

But what about my doors?  Yes, we have you covered there too.  Shades are available for Inswing and outswing Marvin doors as well as sliding.  Operate the door without having to adjust the shades and never have that weird banging while you open and close the door again.

Learn more at; www.marvin.com/shades

Glass Types (Part One)

When buying windows you may hear a lot of numbers and letters being used to describe glass types.  There are a lot of glass types.  The most common glass options for windows include;

• Low-E Coatings (180, 272, 366)
• Tinted Glazings (colors or reflectives)
• Privacy Glazings (obscure)
• Safety Glazings (tempered, laminated, lexan)

Marvin's standard glass offering is Low E II (2) with argon.  Low-E is the most common glass type used, so we'll just focus on those today.  Marvin offers multiple types of Low-E glass;

• Low-E 2
• Low-E 3
• Hard coat Low-E
• Low-E (180)

What the heck is that, you ask?

Low-E (LoE ) stands for low emissivity.  The lower the emissivity, the higher the percentage of long wave radiation blocked -which improves thermal performance.  It is coated with a thin, virtually invisible, metal (silver) or metallic oxide layer.  The primary function of this is to reduce U-factor by suppressing heat flow.  A secondary feature is blocking radiation to prevent heat gain.
There are two basic types of LoE glass; softcoat (see Low-E 272) and hardcoat, or pyrolitic LoE.

Soft Coat refers to an electrostatically sputtered application onto the cool glass surface #2.

Hard Coat or pyrolitic LoE: designed to be used either in non-sealed applications such as single glaze (surface #2) or exposed surfaces (#4) or for insulating glass applications that require a fourth surface coating.  Hard coat is applied to a semi-molten glass surface and has a slight haze and requires special cleaning.

Surfaces?  Yes; the double paned glass that most windows are today have the surfaces of each pane numbered from the outside in.  The inner most surface being 4, the outter most being 1.

Argon gas?  Yes, a colorless, odorless, inert gas used between the glass surfaces to reduce convection and conduction (expansion/contraction) and to increase efficiency.

Low-E 2 (272) is a high performance Low-E glass.   The 2 refers to the number of layers of coating (silver).  The 72 indicates the percentage light transmittance of the glass.  This provides excellent winter and center of the glass temperatures, in addition to keeping customers cool in the summer.

Low-E 3 (366) is a very high performance Low-E glass.  This provides the best winter U-factor and center of glass temperatures.  It offers extremely low solar heat gain which provides customers with very cool summer glass temperatures.  366 provides the best reduction in UV light transmission.  It has (3) layers of coating and transmits 66% of visible light through.

U-factor:  A measurement of the amount of heat flow through a product.  The lower the U-factor, the greater resistance to heat flow and better it's insulating value.  U-factor values generally range from 0.25 to 1.25 and are measured in Btu/h·ft²·°F.

For more information on energy basics you can always visit us at http://www.marvin.com/benefits-features/energy-efficiency-basics/

Learning Window Basics (Part Two)

Today's lesson is on the difference between bay windows and bow windows.  Similar, yes, but different.

This is a BAY window.  It has a center flat window section, flanked by 30-45 degree angled windows off each side.  The number of windows involved doesn't really matter, it's just the one angle on each side.

 

This is a BOW window.  Ok, it's actually a door, but the concept is the same.  There are multiple panels on a gentle radius curve.  Again, the number is not important, it's the concept that each panel is placed at a slight angle to the previous to create the curve.  Think of a bow that shoots arrows, it has that gentle curved handle end.
Now you know the difference between bays and bows!  Want to learn or see more?
http://www.marvin.com/windows/bay-and-bow-windows/

Learning the Basics of Windows (Part One)

To most, a window is a window.  When I first came aboard I was vaguely aware there were different types, but that was about it.  Although Marvin offers pretty much endless options when you get into the details, there are a few basic window types;
Double Hung. 
I've heard that about 60% of the double hung windows made are in the Northeast.  I find that number a little low, but maybe that refers to new windows -not existing inventory.  If you've never heard this term, it refers to the fact both of your sash's (the pieces holding the glass) move up and down.  Doesn't have to move easy or well, they just move if you try hard enough.  Very basic window prevalent in our area.
Single Hung.  Looks the same as a double hung, only the top sash is stationary.

Casement: 
 
This is what I used to refer to as the "cranky kind".  I've since stopped.  These are more popular on the west coast and actually the most efficient type of window since the outside weather/wind only pushes it closed more tightly.  Usually you see 2 side by side and there is a crank mechanism that opens it to the outside along the jam like a book.  Not great for retail locations opening over sidewalks, as people could waltz right into them.  Marvins' Ultimate Casement windows have wash-mode hardware that lets you basically swivel them so the outside is in, allowing easy access to clean the upper floor windows from the inside.
Awning. 
This window also has a crank mechanism that opens it to the outside, only it raises up along its' top edge.  Popular in basements where there are shorter, wider windows.  Little tid-bit for you, the amount the window will open is half it's width.

Customer Service

Today I had to call a retailer regarding an order that I returned.  I was not looking forward to it.  I'm sure you know why.  You dial the 800 number, punch in a bunch of prompts, and then wait some more.  If you're really unlucky you'll have to explain yourself to every voice you end up coming in contact with before they can't help you and transfer you to someone else to start the process all over again.  I think my record is 4 transfers.  And that is if you get through.  In this particular case I stayed on hold for 16 mins and 51 seconds before a voice showed up.  Fun?  Heck no.  Frustrating?  Oh Yes.   Does it make me want to buy anything else from them ever?  Not really.

You won't have that with Marvin Windows of New York.  Marvin Windows is a big company, yes.  Marvin Windows of New York is not.  We are a small distributor and although we do have an 800 number, it goes right to our bubbly receptionist, Marcia who will happily connect you to the department you need.  No weird hold music, no electronic prompts, just people.  That is the way the majority of their products are sold, through smaller distribution companies, depending on the geographic area.

Marvin makes some great products, ones with 20-year warrantees.  Something our customers expect is great customer service, and we can provide that.  If you buy our products, or just inherit them through the house you buy, we are the service behind them.  Whether it's something small or something big, we have an actual team of actual Marvin employees going to service your product.

Meeting the Marvins

This past summer I started working for Marvin Windows of New York. Part of my initial training included a trip to the factory to learn more about the products and where they come from.  If you're like most people, you never give much thought to windows.  This blog I'm initiating for just that reason.  There is a great deal of difference in window brands, window types, and I want to help educate the consumers as I get educated myself on the fine art of windows. I'll do my best to keep it from becoming boring or lengthy because even the Marvins will admit windows just aren't a really sexy product. (Although a recent Arm & Hammer garbage bag commercial will attest that you can sell "sexy" on any product!)

So first things first, Marvin Windows are very much still a family company started back in 1904 by George Griffin Marvin. Today the 4th generation are becoming leaders and I had the opportunity and pleasure of meeting quite a few on my trip to Warroad, MN.  Luckily, I started in the summer because Warroad is just a stones throw from the Canadian border and has been averaging winter temps around negative 20-something BEFORE wind chill.  I'm not the cold-weather loving type.  Since it's over 300 miles from Minneapolis I got to take their plane and feel like P-diddy.

Since I'm a visual person, I attempted to erect a Marvin family tree for my own use, but with the 2nd generation consisting of 6 kids and the third containing 27 grandkids, I pretty much gave up on that fitting on a sheet of paper.  If you're ever up in Warroad (a good 360+ miles straight north of Minneapolis) you're clearly lost or you play ice hockey, they have a whole museum you can visit at the Marvin Training and Visitor center which is well done and quite a  fascinating story.  I can only imagine it must be slightly odd to have a museum based around your own families history, but I'm sure they're just used to it by now.  The entire town of Warroad most likely would not exist without Marvin.  They employ the vast majority of the town and I was told multiple times the nearest fast-food was a good 75 miles away.

I had the pleasure of meeting a handful of the family members while I was in Warroad, MN at the factory and in the Minneapolis corporate office.  [SEE top photo]  They are friendly, down to earth, and very genuine.  Although Frank is "retired" he keeps coming to work and even made it a point to get off the phone to talk with me - a brand new employee who works thousands of miles away!  They definitely care not only about the products they make, but the people that make them (which isn't me!) which makes me feel good about being a part of their company.