Frequently Asked Questions
- Do you offer Regular Vinyl Replacement Windows?
- What is an Impact Window?
- What kind of Warranty Does Easy Quote Windows Manufacturer Offer?
- How do I know it is time to replace my windows?
- What is the future for replacement windows for homeowners?
- Do I need to replace all my windows at the same time?
- How do I prepare my home for replacement window installation?
- Should I try to install new replacement windows myself?
- How long will my window installation take?
- What is the difference between new construction and replacement windows?
- What is an Oriel window?
- Can I keep my old windows?
- Will new windows eliminate condensation?
- What Manufacturer Does Easy Quote Windows Work With?
- What are the hazards with Lead-Based Paint?
- What is U-Value and R-Value?
- What is Solar Heat Gain Coefficient?
- What is Visible Light Transmittance?
- What are Simulated Divided Lites?
Q. Do you offer Regular Vinyl Replacement Windows?
Currently, we offer only the Home Protector Plus 50 (Impact/Security) series of replacement windows. The Home Protector Plus 50 series of windows will cost more than regular vinyl replacement (Non-Impact/Non-Security) windows that are currently being offered to homeowners today. The Home Protector Plus 50 series of replacement windows are a superior product that meets and exceeds all residential building codes no matter where you live in the USA. In addition, the Home Protector Plus 50 series of windows offer the best in storm protection, the best in 24-hour security protection, the best in sound reduction, and potential for great energy savings. If you are comparing quotes with other replacement window companies, make sure you are comparing not only the frame, locks, screening, and weather-stripping. But most important, the insulated glass unit. The Home Protector Plus series of windows are constructed of a insulated glass unit constructed of laminated glass (this is explained in detail under types of glass), a warm edge spacer, tempered glass, argon gas, and triple Low E glass. In addition, there are many other benefits that are discussed in the videos on the Easy Quote Windows website. Once you have added up all the long-term benefits of the Home Protector Plus 50 series windows, they are the lowest cost when you consider all the benefits they offer.
Q. What is an Impact Window?
To be a certified hurricane window, the window must pass an impact test. The test window is impacted by a “missile” (a 9-lb / 2 x 4) at 50 feet per second from an air canon. Then the window is subjected to 4,500 positive and 4,500 negative static pressure differentials. As part of the certification test, wind speed 1.5 times the associated Design Pressure are cycled to ensure the window will meet greater window loads.
Q. What kind of Warranty Does Easy Quote Windows Manufacturer Offer?
You will receive a fully transferable, easy to understand Lifetime Warranty in writing by Vi Win Co once the window installation is complete. Your coverage will include service, labor parts, and even window breakage and screen replacement, no questions asked. The installation contractor will also leave you a written warranty covering the installation, and service for double protection. Please see the attached copy of the Manufacturers Lifetime Limited Warranty.
Q. How do I know it is time to replace my windows?
You are seeing an abnormal rise in your energy bills and you have aluminum or steel frame windows. Wooden frames that constantly require maintenance like repainting, caulking and have a high level of expansion and contraction with moisture. Windows that do not slide up and down anymore due to a broken balance cord or you must prop up the sash to keep it open. Broken or cracked glass is a sure sign your old windows need to be replaced. Condensation between the panes of glass, is a sure sign of glass seal failure. Air leaking into your home in and around your window, signs of aging or poor installation or no weatherstripping.
Q. What is the future for replacement windows for homeowners?
With increases in severity of weather throughout the United States, insurance companies will continue to demand better built homes that can survive severe storms such as hurricanes, and derechos. Windows and doors that are approved to withstand these types of storms and provide maximum security will get premium discounts from insurance companies. Even if you do not live where there is severe weather, and safety and security is also not a concern, the future in windows and doors will be with laminated security glass and maintenance free framing.
Q. Do I need to replace all my windows at the same time?
If your goal is to realize maximum energy savings, then yes you should replace all your old windows at the same time. However, it is not essential. Replacing even a few windows at a time will help to reduce energy use and lower your heating and cooling bills. If you would prefer not to replace all your windows at the same time, the recommendation is to either replace all the windows on one side of the home at a time or one level at a time for a multi-level home.
Q. How do I prepare my home for replacement window installation?
You will want to take down curtains, blinds, or any other window treatments. Security sensors are usually removed by the contractor installing your windows, but you will need to have your security company re install the security sensors. Also, you will need to provide your contractor a clear path to the windows you are replacing. You will also need to remove wall décor next to the opening as they can fall during the installation process.
Q. Should I try to install new replacement windows myself?
Proper measurements and professional installation are usually required by most manufacturers. Manufacturers usually will not honor the warranty unless the window was installed by the manufacturers approved professional contractor.
Q. How long will my window installation take?
Most replacement window projects can be completed within 1 -2 days. On average each window takes about 1 hour to remove, clean up the opening, install the new window, caulk, seal, and clean the glass. Trim work and cleanup will require additional time to complete.
Q. What is the difference between new construction and replacement windows?
Replacement windows are typically a much higher quality than new construction windows. New home builders generally purchase new construction windows that are the lowest price and still meet minimum building codes. New construction windows are built by the thousands by manufacturers and come in new construction sizes. Replacement windows are custom built by manufacturers one at a time. They are built accordingly to the measurements by the home improvement contractor.
Q. What is an Oriel window?
A window with the meeting rail located below the center of the frame. Most oriels have a 60/40 configuration meaning the top sash is 60% the height of the window and the lower sash is 40%.
Q. Can I keep my old windows?
Most of the time depending on what type of existing window you have; the removal process damages the window to point it is no longer usable. All the old window frames and glass are either recycled or taken to a landfill for proper disposal.
Q. Will new windows eliminate condensation?
Actually, no. Condensation is a moisture vapor suspended in the air, and that is something no one can guarantee to eliminate. Usually if your new replacement windows have condensation, they are telling you that you have to much humidity in the home. If your old windows did not condensate and now your new windows are, the reason usually is the old windows were letting all the warm moist air to pass through the old window. And now the new window has stopped all that moisture from passing through and you will have condensation on the glass. For example, it is like taking a hot shower with the bathroom door closed and the mirror in the bathroom completely condensates. But, once you open the bathroom door, with in a short time the mirror completely clears up. If your new windows have condensation, like the bathroom mirror, the new windows are telling you, you have to much humidity in your home. Common reasons for too much humidity in the home are caused by cooking, bathing, and the heating and air conditioning system not removing the excess moisture to the outside. However, high-quality vinyl windows incorporating warm-edge technology glazing systems will help to reduce condensation. They can help keep the temperature of the window warmer—minimizing the hot and cold differences that turn moisture into condensation.
Q. What Manufacturer Does Easy Quote Windows Work With?
All our window styles are currently manufactured by Vi Win Co. Vi Win Co is a leading window and patio door manufacturer located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania. Easy Quote Windows Home Protector Plus is marketed by Vi Win Co as Oceanview Impact series of windows.
Q. What are the hazards with Lead-Based Paint?
Housing built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose health hazards if not managed properly. Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women. Exposure to lead can cause anemia, weakness, kidney damage and even brain damage. Lead paint that isn’t chipping or flaking is usually okay. But, if it’s deteriorating in any way, it can be released into dust or soak in surrounding soil. Paint chips can be ingested by small children and pets, as well.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides a lead paint hazard pamphlet that will fully explain this. Easy Quote Windows Contractors are Lead Paint Certified by the State they are licensed or doing work in. The Contractor will follow lead safe practices. The Contractor will leave with you at the time you sign a work agreement, a Renovate Right Information Pamphlet for you to read and the Contractor will ask for you to sign acknowledgement of receiving it.
Q. What is U-Value and R-Value?
The U-Value measures the rate of heat transfer and indicates how well the window insulates. The numbers range from 0.25 - 1.25, and the lower the number, the better it performs at keeping heat inside. In relation to the U-value, the R-value is used to measure the products resistance to heat transfer. The R-value is calculated by finding the reciprocal of the U-value (R-value = 1/U-Value). Lower U-Values will always correspond with higher R-Values and vice versa.
Q. What is Solar Heat Gain Coefficient?
The solar heat gain coefficient measures how well a product resists solar heat gain. This number ranges from a scale of 0-1 and the lower the number, the better a product is at resisting solar heat. Lower numbers also generally correlate with lower costs when cooling your home.
Q. What is Visible Light Transmittance?
Visible light transmittance measures how much visible light your product allows into the home. This number ranges from 0-1 and the higher the number, the more visible light is transmitted. High visible light transmittance can reduce the need for artificial lighting.
Q. What are Simulated Divided Lites?
Simulated divided lites or SDLs help your home achieve energy efficiency while retaining a traditional appearance. Our deluxe SDL package provides the most authentic look with SDLs on the inside and outside of the window.