Reliable Siding and Windows
Denver Replacement Windows and Vinyl Siding Contractor
FAQs for Replacement Windows
- What is R-Value and U-Value?
- What is ENERGY STAR®?
- What is AAMA?
- What is IGCC?
- What is NFRC?
- How involved is a window installation process?
- How much can I expect to save on monthly heating and cooling bills?
FAQs for Vinyl Siding
What is R-Value and U-Value?
Window efficiency and insulation is always given in terms of a U-value or an R-value. These values quantify the rate of heat loss allowing the consumer to understand the insulation value of the product. Glass types, sizes, glazings, frame materials and installation affect these values. The U-Value is simply the inverse of the R-value, so as a standard rule of thumb a window with a higher r-value and lower u-value is considered more energy efficient. If the R-value is high, there is less heat loss and similarly if the U-value is low, there is also less heat loss. Standard R-values range from 1.0 to 5.0 while U-values range from 1.0 to 0.2. A single pane of glass has very little insulating value and its R-value is about R-1. These standards are set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers.
The U.S. Department of Energy's Windows and Glazings Program in collaboration with members of the Efficient Window Collaborative (EWC) have made a commitment towards manufacturing and promoting energy efficient windows. http://www.efficientwindows.org/city_c.cfm?id=8&new=N
What is ENERGY STAR®?
The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed this label for various products including windows and siding. R-Values and U-Values are impossible for a homeowner to verify by inspection so this ENERGY STAR® label indicates a product that meets the efficiency values given. www.energystar.gov/products/windows
What is AAMA?
American Architectural Manufacturers Association. This association verifies performance of window production by unannounced in-plant visits by inspectors. This insures a third party accredited and certified product. http://www.aamanet.org/
What is IGCC?
Insulated Glass Certification Council. Window seal durability is verified by IGCC, an industry recognized third party organization. www.igcc.org/
What is NFRC?
The National Fenestration Rating Council. NFRC has developed a window energy efficiency rating system. This is another useful way to compare different windows and their efficiency properties. The NFRC rates window glass in terms of U-factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, Visible Transmittance and Air Leakage. http://www.nfrc.org/
How involved is the replacment window installation process?
Replacement windows have a fairly easy install process. Installation is much less intrusive than customers believe. The installation can usually be scheduled in about two to three weeks and the average install takes only one day. There is absolutely no customer prep work involved. Reliable Siding and Windows will take care of everything from the initial estimate to the window installation to finally removing and disposing of your old windows.
How much can I expect to save on monthly heating and cooling bills?
In general, your savings will be significant. This, of course, depends on the type of replacment windows you purchase but testimonials show a substantial reduction in the monthly bills.
Back to TopWhat are the benefits of vinyl siding?
Besides giving your house a clean new look, vinyl siding can dramatically reduce maintenance costs and time on the exterior of your home. Other benefits of siding are durability and increased insulation. Siding can be beautiful and is customizable in color and type to match any home. The biggest benefit of siding will always be low maintenance.
Does siding fade?
Siding is surprisingly durable in the harsh Colorado sun and extreme mountain weather. While all substances will fade, siding fade is minimal, happens very slowly and any abnormal fading is covered by the lifetime transferable warranty. The Hunter's Scale is the measure of fade used for siding. The Hunter E unit specifically measures color difference. As a reference, a Delta E of 1 Hunter unit is a barely noticeable color difference. A good warranty will guarantee products will not fade in excess of a Delta E of 4 Hunter units. Which, in laymans terms, means you are guaranteed color stability in the long term; even if living in an environment like Colorado.
How do I maintain vinyl siding?
For moderate dirt, hosing off the vinyl siding with water and a soft brush once a year is adequate to keep it in top condition. For more information, the Vinyl Siding Institute (www.vinylsiding.org) has helpful maintenance tips.
What is a siding gauge?
This pertains to the thickness of the siding panel. As a rule of thumb, a higher gauge is better as it provides more protection from the environment and more insulation from extreme Colorado weather. Thicker panels also are sturdier and hang flatter against the house walls. A premium gauge would be about .046" thick with a 3/4 " butt.
What is co-extrusion?
This means the siding has two layers that have been fused together. The top layer is called capstock which prevents fading and things sticking to it. It also protects from harmful UV rays. The second layer, often referred to as the main body, is for strength and stability. The capstock is generally a thin layer while the main body is a thicker layer.
What is R-Value?
Efficiency and insulation are always given in terms of an R-value. These values quantify the rate of heat loss allowing the consumer to understand the insulation value of the product. As a standard rule of thumb; you want the highest R-value you can get. If the R-value is high, there is less heat loss. These standards are set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers.
What is VSI certification?
VSI (Vinyl Siding Institute www.vinylsiding.org) is an independent third party tester of vinyl siding. The institute will show up unannounced at the siding manufacturer plant and look at siding characterstics (width, length, thickness) and perform various tests (wind, rain, etc) on the products to insure quality.
How involved is the installation process?
Vinyl siding installation is much less intrusive than customers believe. The installation can be scheduled in about one to two weeks and the install usually takes three to six days. There is absolutely no customer preparation work involved. Reliable Siding and Windows will take care of everything from the initial estimate to the siding installation.
