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Technical Information
Testing and Certification
STRUCTURAL - The American Classic has been tested by independent testing labs to specifications of AAMA/NWWDA 101.

THERMAL - The American Classic has been tested by independent testing labs to specification of NFRC 100-97 & 200. When combined with Energy Saver Supreme glass, this specification qualifies for the Energy Star designation for all areas of the United States.

CERTIFICATION - National Accreditation and Management Institute, Inc., an independent company, certifies that every American Classic window is made to the same specifications as the test windows.

Sound Transmission / Noise Reduction
The American Classic window will reduce the amount of outside noise coming through the window significantly compared to an old single glazed product. It is vibration that allows sound to pass through a solid object and vinyl window frames resist vibration better than any other window material. Following are estimated STC's - sound transmission class - for various windows - the higher the STC the less sound will pass through:

  • Old single glazed window - 15-24
  • American Classic Double Pane 28-30
  • American Classic Triple Pane 36-40

Ultraviolet Transmission - UV
Because the damaging effect of UV rays, many customers are interested in reducing the amount of UV coming through their windows. Following is the percentage of the UV allowed through the glass of various glass options:

  • Clear uncoated glass - 58%
  • Energy Saver Plus - 16%
  • Energy Saver Supreme - 5%

These are center of glass values, instead of total window values, because obviously the frame itself will allow zero UV transmittance.

Low E Glass
The American Classic uses low E Glass that is engineered to achieve specific purposes.

Energy Saver Plus glass is PPG Solar Ban 60 soft coat low E glass with Argon gas fill. This gas is engineered with two layers of silver oxide to provide low solar transmittance and high R-values with medium to good light transmittance. This glass is good in areas where it is desirable to reduce the amount of solar energy entering the house.

Energy Saver Supreme is two layers of PPG Solar Ban 60 with a third layer of clear glass between them and filled with Krypton gas. This glass is engineered to provide the best R-value and the the lowest solar transmittance available in a standard residential product.

Egress
Egress size is normally defined as the clear opening width and height between window frame when the sash is in the fully open position. It is defined by local building codes, but normally is a minimum of 20" wide by 24" high with 5.70 square feet of area. The purpose of this code is to allow adequate space for people to escape though the window or fire fighters to enter through the window in case of fire. Egress codes are not normally enforced on replacement windows but can be. Please check your local codes for more information. The American Classic window egress size can be determined by the following formulas:

  • Double hung windows:
    • Width minus 6.5 inches
    • Height divided by 2 then minus 7 inches
  • 2 lite slider
    • Width divided by 2 then minus 5 1/8 inches
    • Height minus 5.75 inches

Cleaning vinyl surfaces
Vinyl is a very tough and stable material. Almost any cleaning product can be used, including paint thinner and other solvents. An abrasive cleaner may scratch or rough up the surface, so these should be avoided. However, vinyl is the same color and material throughout, so a rough surface or scratch may be smoothed out by careful sanding and polishing.

Weatherability of vinyl
Vinyl is engineered with different chemicals to make it extremely durable over time. Titanium dioxide is added to make it very resistant to UV damage. Impact modifiers are added to make the vinyl resistant to cracking and chipping from sharp blows. Color stabilizing chemicals are added to make the color uniform and resistant to change.

Total Window Performance Values
R-value is the measurement of resistance to heat flow through the entire window at 0 degrees F outdoor temperature and 70 degrees F indoor temperature. The higher R value, the better the window performance.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient is the ratio of solar heat passing through the window relative to a single glazed clear window at 89 degrees F outdoor temperature and 75 degrees F indoor temperature. Lower values mean better window performance because summer solar heat gain inside the house is reduced.

Thermal Values

  • Double hung window - clear glass
    • R value - 2.08
    • Solar Heat Gain Coeff. - 0.56
    • Visible Light Transmittance - 0.58
  • Double hung window - Energy Saver
    • R value - 2.78
    • Solar Heat Gain Coeff. - 0.52
    • Visible Light Transmittance - 0.54
  • Double hung window - Energy Saver Plus
    • R value - 3.12
    • Solar Heat Gain Coeff. - 0.35
    • Visible Light Transmittance - 0.51
  • Double hung window - Energy Saver Supreme
    • R value - 4.55
    • Solar Heat Gain Coeff. - 0.25
    • Visible Light Transmittance - 0.40
  • Slider - Clear glass
    • R value - 2.08
    • Solar Heat Gain Coeff. - 0.55
    • Visible Light Transmittance - 0.56
  • Slider - Energy Saver
    • R value - 2.70
    • Solar Heat Gain Coeff. - 0.51
    • Visible Light Transmittance - 0.53
  • Slider - Energy Saver Plus
    • R value - 2.94
    • Solar Heat Gain Coeff. - 0.35
    • Visible Light Transmittance - 0.49
  • Slider - Energy Saver Supreme
    • R value - 4.17
    • Solar Heat Gain Coeff. - 0.25
    • Visible Light Transmittance - 0.39

Do you have additional questions? Contact us and we'll be glad to answer any additional questions you may have.

Texas Windows
 Phone: 866-427-3900     email: bob@texaswindows.com