Frequently Asked Questions

What is "standard installation"?
Standard installation is removing the old wooden window from inside the home. The interior trim is removed, the old window is taken out, the new window is inserted, insulated and caulked. The existing trim is put back on. If you are replacing aluminum or steel windows, there will be a small additional installation charge since it is a bit more difficult to get your old windows out.

What is 101 u.i.?
U.I. stands for united inches. United inches is the sum of the width and height measurements. (i.e., If window is 28" wide and 53" in height, it is 81 united inches). Our double hung and slider windows are the same fantastic low price up to 101 united inches. To determine the approximate united inches of a window, measure the height, measure the width, and add the two together. United inches are NOT square inches.

What do I have to do to prepare for the installation?
Move all furniture and window treatments prior to our arrival.  We can assist with heavy furniture items as necessary.

How long will the total installation take?
For an average job (12-20 windows), the inside installation takes one to four days. If required, the outside finish aluminum trim work usually takes an additional day or two to complete.

What damage or repairs should I expect from the installation?
There should be no wall damage. When we reinstall the interior trim casing on each new window there will be some finish nail holes that may need to be filled and touched up with paint.

How will the outside of the windows be finished?
If desired, after the new windows have been installed and the inside of the house is finished, we can go outside to each window and cover all exterior wood casing with a custom fit, finished aluminum trim. On other homes, this exterior trim is not desired or necessary.

How long will my house be open to the weather without windows in place?
Each old window window that we take out will be replaced and the opening will be 'weather tight' before we move on to the next window.

What maintenance is needed for the new windows?
Unlike other windows, your new Windows America vinyl windows are maintenance free other than the normal washing. And remember, the single and double hung windows have sashes that tilt inside so you can wash both the inside as well as the outside of the windows from inside your home.

Do I have to be home for the windows to be delivered?
No. The windows will be delivered to our office and we will bring them with us on the first day of installation.

Do I have to be home for the complete installation?
No. We would prefer that you be home during the inside installation. If outside finish trim work is necessary or desired, we do not need access to the inside of your home.

Do I have to arrange for disposal of the old windows?
No. Unless you want the old windows, we will take away the old windows and well as clean all the debris from the job site as we do the installations.

What do U-values and R-values really mean?
U-Values represent the amount of heat that escapes through a wall, window, roof or other surface. The lower the U-Value, the more energy efficient a material is. R-Values are the direct opposite. These measure an object's resistance to heat flow. The higher a material's R-Value, the lower its U-Value, and the less energy it will lose. An R-Value depends on the number of layers of glass in a window, what type of gas is between those layers, and whether one or more of those layers of glazing have been treated with a Low E coating.

What does Low E stand for?
Low E is a non-visible, microscopic layer of silver coating added to glass for greater energy efficiency and increased comfort. Low E stands for "low emissivity", which is the action of reflecting light passing through glass. By reflecting part of the light spectrum (the part that transmits heat), we reduce a window's U-Value and increase its R-Value.

Who should have KeepSafe glass in their homes?
Homeowners living in coastal areas prone to strong winds and storms, or who live directly on a golf course or in an area where vigorous sports activities take place, should consider KeepSafe glass in their homes. Other homeowners might be interested in the sound reduction and security benefits which this unique glass provides.

Will KeepSafe glass prevent intruders from breaking into my home?
No glass can completely prevent intruders. However to gain entry to a home with KeepSafe glass, an intruder would need to repeatedly strike the glass extremely hard and then cut through the vinyl layer. Few intruders are prepared to do this, making forced entry much more time consuming, cumbersome and difficult.