Window & Door Perspectives

What is ENERGY STAR?

2008-10-17T00:00:00-05:00

ENERGY STAR is a dynamic government/industry program designed to help individuals and businesses protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. The program helps consumers quickly and easily identify energy-efficient products that help save money and protect the environment.

Not all windows qualify for the ENERGY STAR label. They must first be tested by an independent laboratory to meet stringent criteria pertaining to energy efficiency and light transmittance. The ratings they achieve differ because of variables such as the glass used, style, and product design and construction.

The insulating properties of the entire window determine whether or not a window can be ENERGY STAR labeled. Windows with clear single-pane glass can’t achieve the ratings necessary to qualify for ENERGY STAR labeling. High-performance glass systems, which consist of double- or triple-insulating glass, low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings and an inert gas between the glass panes, are typically necessary for windows to comply with ENERGY STAR requirements.

ENERGY STAR labeled windows help reduce energy costs, increase a home’s comfort, and protect against UV damage. These products are also better for the environment—because they reduce fossil fuel burning and green house gas emissions—and for the country because they reduce the America’s dependency on foreign oil.

Whats the Difference Between U-Value and R-Value?

2008-10-14T00:00:00-05:00

R-values, whole-product U-values and center-of-glass U-values can be confusing for both professionals and homeowners. It’s important to recognize that, when selecting windows and doors, the only performance criterion that should be considered is whole-product U-value.

Whole-product U-values are an indication of the performance of the product’s glass and its other components and characteristics. The thermal properties of the frame, spacer system, weather stripping and even grids, if the product has them, all have a bearing on the product’s whole-unit U-value. Whole-product U-values are the only form of measurement recognized and accepted by the ENERGY STAR program for determining whether products qualify for the ENERGY STAR label.

To arrive at a whole-product U-value, a particular model—in a specified, pre-determined size—is tested by an independent testing laboratory, and measurements are acquired from as many as 20 different locations on the product. In addition to the center of the glass, other locations include various points on the glass and around the sash and master frame.

A related—and often confusing—form of measurement is center-of-glass U-value. This measurement always appears better (i.e., a lower number) than whole-product U-values, because it’s based solely on the most thermally efficient section of the product—ONLY one spot on the glass. The U-value will be the same for that glass, regardless of the type of product the glass is in or what size that product is. It is NOT a measurement of the rest of the product, and does not reflect the thermal efficiency of the frame, spacer system and other components—only a small portion of the glass.

Another, older form of measuring a product’s thermal efficiency is R-value. R-values became well known when insulation manufacturers used them in advertising their products. Basically, R-value is the measure of the resistance of heat flow. R-values are an appropriate form of measurement for products like roof and wall insulation—but not fenestration products. R-values are typically shown as center-of-glass measurements, so they can be misleading as well.

Selecting the Glass for Your New Windows

2008-09-04T00:00:00-05:00

It used to be -- probably decades ago -- that when you selected replacement or even new windows for your home, you basically had one choice -- the type of window you wanted (casement, slider, double-hung, picture, etc.). Today things are different; the options and choices available can be mind-boggling.

One of the most important choices you will need to make is the "glass" you select for your windows. You would think that windows would come standard with glass, but that's not normally the case, because there are so many factors involved in selecting the appropriate glass.

How important to you is energy efficiency and lowering your home energy bills to you? Is security a concern where you live? Do your windows need to meet county codes for violent weather? Would you consider decorative glass to give your home a truly beautiful, unique appearance? Do you need obscure glass for privacy? Do you have expensive furnishings and possessions in your rooms that need to be protected from damaging UV light? Will your windows receive direct sunlight or will they be shaded. Would you like windows with glass that practically cleans itself? As you can see, there are many factors involved and we've listed just a few of them here.

Obviously price is another important factor. Triple-insulating (triple-pane) glass made with two premium low-emissivity (Low E) coatings and inert gases between the panes is extremely energy efficient but of course costs more than double-insulating glass made with just two panes of glass, one Low E coating and perhaps no inert gas between the panes. Decorative leaded glass is more expensive than standard annealed glass. Glass made to withstand violent weather costs more than glass that doesn't need to meet such standards.

So, where do you begin? Start by learning more about the choices in glass you have. One source is http://www.gorell.com/pages/high_performance_glass.htm, which provides good information on a number of excellent glass systems. Next research window manufacturers that offer lots of options, not just a few, because your home and situation really is unique. Then meet with a window professional from a reputable home improvement company or window dealer that offers top-quality products. He or she should ask lots of questions to help you decide what you need.

Follow this path, and you will be well on your way to becoming an educated, informed consumer who will be in a position to make the right glass decisions.

Is there a right time to purchase replacement windows

2008-08-26T00:00:00-05:00

The right time to purchase replacement windows is now. There is always a benefit to replacing windows anytime throughout the year. The northern climates may realize more energy saving benefits in the winter months, and the southern climates may see more energy savings benefits in the summer. However, after you have new replacement windows installed, day in and day out, these windows are working for you. In fact, Remodeling Magazine (www.remodeling.hw.net) says your return on investment when purchasing replacement windows is 84%, based on the national average.

Different replacement windows also offer different advantages. Anywhere from security and safety to energy savings, in today’s market, you can find exactly what you are looking for in a replacement window.

Selecting Windows for Security

2008-08-14T00:00:00-05:00

From our experience – and from research -- we know that homeowners typically purchase windows because they want to be more comfortable in their homes. They also want windows that will make their homes more energy efficient to help manage high heating and cooling costs. Another reason is the desire to improve the appearance of their homes.

One reason for replacing windows that isn’t mentioned often is security. Yet who can deny that security is high on the minds of Americans these days? Whether it’s about intrusions, burglaries, protecting our children or even terrorism, security is a big concern. And where in homes are these concerns focused? Obviously, windows and doors.

Gorell Windows & Doors works with the National Crime Prevention Council to help make homeowners aware of what can be done to improve home security as it pertains to windows and doors. Gorell also has spent years developing products that offer exceptional security benefits, so window professionals at Gorell are in a position to make recommendations for selecting windows and doors for this purpose.

Recommendations include:

1. Ensure the windows you’re considering have passed ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) structural forced entry tests.

2. Physically inspect the windows you’re considering. They should be very rigid and have a strong feel to them. Look at the locks and hardware. Are they also heavy-duty? How are the locks installed? Locks on Gorell double-hung models, for example, are installed with perpendicularly fastened keepers so that the sashes can’t be pried open easily.

3. Consider additional window security options that are available in the marketplace. Many homeowners aren’t aware that some window manufacturers offer “laminated” security glass in their windows. This type of glass is similar to the glass used in automotive windshields. It’s extremely difficult to penetrate, even with constant whacks of a crow bar or other burglary tool.

Homeowners need to be leery of anyone trying to sell tempered glass as a security solution. It’s absolutely not. Tempered glass was developed for safety. It breaks into small, less-sharp pieces instead of jagged shards that standard annealed glass breaks into. Laminated glass on the other hand cracks, doesn’t break.

The wonderful thing about Gorell’s laminated security glass option, Armor Glass Plus, is that it’s also highly energy efficient and it’s very effective at keeping out exterior noise and harmful UV rays that fade furnishings.

Low-E Glass

2008-08-01T00:00:00-05:00

What is Low-E glass and does it really work?

Low-E is an abbreviated term for Low-emissivity glass. According to Wikipedia, Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings are “microscopically thin, virtually invisible, metal or metallic oxide layers deposited on a window or skylight glazing surface primarily to reduce the U-factor by suppressing radioactive heat flow.” Gorell offers a an easy-to-understand explanation about how low-e works on its web site at http://www.gorell.com/pages/lower_energy_bills.cfm.

There are a couple of different types of Low-e coatings, hard coat and soft coat. Hard-coat Low-E is an older technology that uses a layer of tin oxide. The coating reflects the sun’s rays in summer and allows them in during the winter. Soft-coat Low-e uses silver oxide in place of tin oxide for the coating. In simple terms, the most reflective surface in your house is a mirror. The back of a mirror is coated with silver oxide. If a mirror does a perfect job of reflecting your image, imagine how well it reflects the sun’s rays in the winter. Of course, in the winter, soft-coat Low-E allows passive heat to come into your house.

There is no question in the window industry about whether Low-E glass works. It is extremely effective. www.Gorell.com offers a high-performance glass chart so you can determine which type of Low-E glass is right for you. The chart can be found at http://www.gorell.com/pages/glass_chart.htm.

Let me know how Low-E glass has worked for you.

Vinyl windows help older Americans stay in their own homes

2008-07-30T17:42:00-05:00

There are nearly 35 million people over the age of 65 in the U.S. today. I think I can say with confidence that a very high percentage of mature Americans would like to spend their retirement years in their own homes if possible. Many cannot afford other options, like moving to a warmer climate or into a retirement facility.

Of course there are numerous issues and challenges for older people who want – or have to – live in their own homes. An important one, which I've experienced firsthand with my own elderly mother, is upkeep of the home. This is connected to other issues, such as safety, security, finance and health.

We didn’t realize it until much later, but something my father had done to their 35-year old home before he died enabled my mother to stay in her home, despite her battle with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and pulmonary fibrosis. My father had vinyl replacement windows installed in their house.

Over 20 years those windows never required maintenance, and they were easy to clean. My mother was able to open and close them easily, despite her health problems. The windows were made with double-insulating glass and Low-E, and that helped keep her heating bills manageable over the cold Pennsylvania winter months. Those windows also were a lot stronger than her old ones, which made her children feel that she was safer and more secure.

I’m sure there are many things that can be done to homes to make it possible for the elderly to continue living in them. However, I’m convinced that replacing old windows with good, low-maintenance, energy-efficient windows is something that should always be considered. It can really make a difference in so many ways.

How much should you pay for windows?

2008-07-18T17:06:00-05:00

How much should you expect to pay for vinyl replacement windows? This is one of the most commonly asked questions from homeowners. Most potential window purchasers do spend time researching windows before buying, but unfortunately there is no simple answer regarding price.

First, advertised prices almost never include window installation, nor do they include removal of the older windows being replaced. This can vary the cost of window replacement significantly. For example, removing old metal windows is far more difficult and labor-intensive than removing old wood windows.

Another important cost factor is the type of windows homeowners want for their homes. Non-operating picture windows are less expensive than operable double-hung styles. Casements usually cost more than double-hungs.

Standard-size “stock” windows are typically less expensive than custom-made products, although in the long run, with the necessary interior and exterior cosmetic work required to make stock windows “fit” a home, it’s highly doubtful stock windows are truly less expensive than custom windows. Certainly the size of the new windows, the level of insulating glass chosen (i.e. double- or triple-pane, argon or krypton gas), the options selected, and the style of the windows also play a large part in determining the cost of new windows.

Then there’s the cost of the company that sells and installs windows. There are the costs of doing business and staying profitable. As homeowners, should we not expect to pay a fair price so these companies can do a professional job installing our windows without cutting corners? And don’t we want them around in the future should we need them again later? Like many homeowners, I don’t mind paying more than I originally expected for a home-improvement project, as long as I know the reasons for the higher costs. However, if I pay more, I also have higher expectations. I expect quality products and work, as well as excellent service.

I, too, do my own research on remodeling companies I’m considering. I also know that all companies have some unhappy customers; it’s inevitable. I just don’t want to be one of them. So when a company gives me a few references, I ask for a few more. I know the first references they provide may be expecting my call, but the additional ones probably aren’t. With this approach, I get candid feedback, not canned.

In summary, to get a good idea of what it costs to purchase windows, do your homework. Learn as much as you can about the windows you want for your home. When choosing a remodeling company, ask for additional references.

I will close in saying that “cheap” and “lowest prices” should not important when you’re selecting something like windows for your largest investment, your home. It’s true that you will get what you pay for -- in terms of product quality, the appropriate options and glass you should have, the quality of work in installing the windows and even the quality of the company you’re doing business with.

What Makes Vinyl Green

2008-07-15T16:05:00-05:00

You can’t go far today without seeing or hearing about environmentally friendly products. It’s ”green” this or ”green” that everywhere you look. I’ve seen bleach and even gasoline advertised as green products, and I question how companies can claim some of these products are green? The short answer is, many of these claims can’t be backed up. Companies have just jumped on the green bandwagon to sell more products.

I’ve researched the criteria the EPA uses to define a green product. There are five standards that a product needs to meet to really be considered ”green.” The criteria are:

- Energy efficiency
- Sustainability/lifespan of materials
- Manufacturing processes used in producing it
- Low negative impact on the environment
- Lower manufacturing costs

Vinyl replacement windows (VRW) qualify as green products because they meet all these criteria. With the many different types of high-performance glass available, vinyl windows are extremely energy efficient. VRWs also have a long lifespan, and they are produced using an efficient and environmentally friendly manufacturing process. These products’ impact on the environment is quite positive as well because vinyl is 100% recyclable and reusable. You don’t have to cut down trees or use extra energy to produce vinyl windows.

To reinforce this, I point out a study done in Germany by the Federal Office of the Environment, which is akin to our EPA. Because Europeans have been living in a ”green” environment longer than we have, their research is not only respected, it is time tested. This particular study shows that plastic grocery bags are significantly better for the environment that paper grocery bags. Most people would assume the opposite is true, but the results of this survey are indisputable. The survey results were the basis for similar green criteria used in Europe.

Finally, compared to alternative window products, significantly lower manufacturing costs are incurred in the production of vinyl windows.

So, if you are thinking of “going green” with new windows, remember the surprising “paper or plastic” survey results. And when you consider wood or vinyl windows, go with the more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient option of vinyl.

Beautiful Blinds Without the Hassles

2008-06-04T07:50:00-05:00

Gorell introduced mini blinds to its option offering about a year ago so it can hardly be considered a brand new option, but it can be considered a very popular option. More and more people have been choosing blinds between the glass to help reduce heat and improve their home aesthetics. Gorell Vinyl Windows are more than just energy efficient, they offer terrific options such as mini blinds to enhance your home's beauty as well. The mini blinds are available in all vinyl products. The lift and tilt option is available in the patio door, and tilt only is available also in the patio door but the other window products as well. Stay tuned for some more new options!

Not Just White Vinyl Windows Anymore

2008-06-02T13:25:00-05:00

With the advancement in vinyl extrusion technology, vinyl windows do not need to be limited anymore in regards to exterior colors. Gorell has eight 'standard' exterior colors available now, and Gorell can do any custom color you would want or imagine. This option has become so popular that Gorell now is producing the exterior colors in house. This allows the lead times on this option to be cut down dramatically.