Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, November 5, 1995 TAG: 9511070007
SECTION: HOMES PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JAMES DULLEY
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A: Replacement windows made with vinyl or fiberglass frames are the best choice for almost any climate. They require zero maintenance and are the most efficient. I installed new foam filled vinyl windows in my own home.
Selecting the proper type of frame material and new high- efficiency glass reduces wasted energy by up to 80 percent and virtually eliminates drafts. Outdoor noise, dust and the fading of furniture and curtains is reduced, too.
Although all replacement windows look alike, there are significant quality differences among the various designs. The efficiency ratings (U-value) can vary as much as 50 percent for similar-looking windows. Consider the "total window" U-value, not just the "glass U-value", for accurate comparisons.
Fiberglass or vinyl frame and sash materials are natural insulators. They are formed with many insulating cavities inside the frames. This reduces heat transfer and increases the strength of the entire window.
Several vinyl window manufacturers inject foam insulation inside the frame and sash cavities. Since the frames are custom-sized to your window openings, the foam can be injected with no voids as they are being made.
Fiberglass frames, although more expensive than vinyl, are extremely durable and efficient. Some new attractive designs are available with interior real-stainable oak veneer surfaces and optional real-brass trim. The veneer snaps off when tilting the windows in for easy cleaning.
Since fiberglass expands and contracts at about the same rate as glass, they are made to tighter tolerances. This provides long-term airtight and smooth operation. Fiberglass is virtually indestructible and very secure.
The best vinyl windows use welded construction at the corners. This forms a strong, airtight and waterproof unit. Designs assembled with screws can loosen over time and become leaky. Welded corners also look much cleaner.
Select windows with one of several designs of "warm-edge" technology spacers between the sealed glass panes. Warm-edge spacers create a thermal break between the glass panes to reduce energy loss, noise and condensation.
If you are a do-it-yourselfer, the formed-in nailing flange on vinyl and fiberglass windows make installation easy. It also reduces water leakage.
For a buyer's guide of 30 high quality fiberglass and vinyl window manufacturers listing frame materials and insulation, styles, spacer types, U-value efficiency ratings and high-efficiency glass options, write to James Dulley, The Roanoke Times, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, Ohio 45244. Ask for Update Bulletin No. 758. Please include $2 and a business-size, self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Q: I was wondering about how much energy is stolen from utility companies and does that really raise our utility rates?
A: On a national average, about 1 percent to 2 percent of the total energy produced by utility companies is stolen. Utility rates are usually based on return on investment, so the many honest bill-paying consumers are picking up the tab, not the stockholders.
by CNB