FAQs

How can I tell which brand of windows is best for me?

There is no central organization that ranks window manufacturers or window construction quality. But here are some key items to consider when buying:

Appearance:
style, size, shape, frame materials.
Function:
operating type, thermal qualities, sound resistance.
Energy performance:
basic energy properties, hearing and cooling qualities.
Price:
cost of purchase and installation, annual maintenance.
Durability:
warranties.

There are also various agencies that keep tabs on how the glass in the windows performs. One is the Insulating Glass Certification Council, which tests the durability of glass that manufacturers use. The IGCC rates durability by designating four categories: "CBA", "CB", "C", or unrated. The "CBA" rating is the highest. If a window dealer has unrated windows, you are not getting the best grade of insulated glass.

Another organization is the National Fenestration Rating Council, which seeks to provide accurate information on measuring and comparing window energy performances. If a window has been through NFRC screening, it will bear a label that rates the following:

U-factor
or how well the window keeps heat inside the home.
Solar heat gain
or the window's ability to resist warming from sunlight.
Visible light transmittance
or how mush light passes through the glass.

Boak and Sons, Inc. uses the Grand Horizons vinyl window collection. The Grand Horizons completely integrated quality control program is AmTech Certified. This seal of approval insures that every step of our state-of-the-art manufacturing process, from engineering, assembly, testing, packaging and shipping carries on the Amcraft vision of providing superior products.

Can I replace my old windows with different styles or type?

Certainly, since all Grand Horizon replacement windows are part of the Grand Horizon Window System. You may want to consult an independent design specialist to find the type of window that best complements your home's natural design. No matter what style or combination of styles you choose, however, Grand Horizons can custom manufacture it all for you.

How do I choose between wood, vinyl or metal windows?

Windows are made from wood, vinyl, metal or a combination of all. There are all-wood windows, vinyl-clad wood windows, aluminum-clad wood, all-alumnum, all-vinyl, fiberglass and steel. Each has positive qualities and drawbacks.

Wood:
Widely considered the best because of its strength, insulating qualities, and because it can be painted or stained. However, it will expand or contrast in wet and dry weather, sometimes causing a window to stick. The wood must be regularly painted to preserve it.
Vinyl-clad wood:
Generally more expensive then all wood, it combines wood with a vinyl exterior that is highly resistant to weather damage. Inside, the wood is exposed for painting or staingin. The exterior vinyl usually comes only in white or brown.
Aluminum-clad wood:
Like vinyl-clad, it offers an aluminum exterior for weather protection and exposed wood inside. Aluminum will eventually corrode, and will do so quickly in a salt air environment.
All-aluminum:
Inexpensive windows, generally. The exterior is often anodized to resist corrosion, but will corrode eventually. Automobile was helps prevent this. These windows have no thermal insulating qualities.
Vinyl:
Generally used as replacement windows because local firms make them to fit your existing window opening. Quality can vary dramatically.
Fiberglass:
Strong and efficient, it readily withstands heat and cold, and can be painted.

The big advantage of vinyl windows is that they are made specifically for your home, your window openings. This is generally not true of wood windows. Instead, they are made in a variety of stock sizes. For new construction, this is no problem; you choose the window style and size you want and the builder frames the rough window opening appropriately. But for replacement wood windows, you find the closest fit and then shim and trim to make them work.

What are the various windows made of and what will work best for me?

Basically there are three types of materials used. Aluminum windows, with their easily scratched painted surfaces, conduct both heat and cold, so they're very poor insulators. Wood windows, which require constant painting and caulking, can absorb moisture, making them difficult to open and close. They can even rot. Grand Horizons solid vinyl windows, however, never need painting and won't show scratches, because the color goes throughout the material. This is why vinyl windows are quickly becoming the most popular choice for both new construction and replacement applications.

In addition, you should certainly consider custom sized windows for the very simple reason that they'll fit better. Stock-sized windows required extensive carpentry work both inside and outside your house. That can be very costly and inconvenient. Grand Horizons custom-sized windows, on the other hand, are manufactured to fit your existing window opening. You get the style and options you want while maintaining your glass area.

Is there any difference in how windows are made?

There are two basic types of construction: Mechanically fastened windows are screwed together at the corners, and welded windows, becoming more and more popular, use a chemical or heat process for joining.

Grand Horizons Preferred frame and sash construction is solid extruded multi-chambered polyvinyl of 0.70 thickness. All Grand Horizons vinyl is 100% virgin vinyl and has some of the industry's highest levels of UV inhibitors and stabilizers. This allows us to offer a lifetime warranty that covers peeling, warping, cracking, corroding and rotting. All Grand Horizons Preferred frames and sashes are mitered fusion welded for exceptional strength and superior protection against air and water infiltration. All frames and sashes are foam-filled for unbeatable insulation ratings. The frames and sashes on the Grand Horizons Preferred windows have a R25 rating. All frames have a 3 1/4" overall jamb depth and come with a slope sill that allows easy water run-off. This provides cleaner and drier sills and virtually eliminates any water buildup and the possibility of freeze damage.

What about strength, protection and noise reduction?

You should look for a window that offers both superior strength and energy efficiency. Grand Horizons ensures a perfectly square window sash and mainframe with superior strength. And for exceptional energy efficiency, a full interlock at the meeting rail helps protect your home against the elements, or unwanted intrusions. In addition, our insulating glass unit traps dry air, creating an exceptional comfort barrier.

Moreover, homeowners with Grand Horizons Windows say there is a noticeable reduction in the amount of noise that enters their homes. A full interlock system at the point where upper and lower sashes meet helps stop air infiltration while providing an additional barrier against unwanted intrusions.

Do Grand Horizons windows require a lot of maintenance?

Because our frames and sashes are made of vinyl, you can say goodbye to painting and caulking. Grand Horizons windows won't stick, and you don't have to remove storm windows in order to clean them. In fact, you can do it all from inside your home. An occasional wipe with a damp cloth will keep your windows looking like new for years to come.

What is the Energy Star Program?

The Energy Star Program was created by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy to help consumers in the recognition of energy-efficient products. This program also promotes the environmental and economic benefits of these products through the Energy Star label and other programs. Grand Horizons carry the Energy Start label.

Will Grand Horizons Windows be a good investment?

Yes, for a variety of reasons. First, you may realize savings on you heating and cooling bills. Second, they're virtually maintenance-free, which eliminates painting costs. And finally, Grand Horizons Preferred windows are backed by one of the industry's strongest warranties. The vinyl frame and sash have a lifetime warranty. The glass has a 50-year warranty with a 10-year accidental glass breakage warranty. All moving parts have a 20-year warranty.

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[ 01/18/07 ]

FAQs

How can I tell which brand of windows is best for me?

Appearance:

Function:

Energy performance:

Price:

Durability:

U-factor

Solar heat gain

Visible light transmittance

Can I replace my old windows with different styles or type?

How do I choose between wood, vinyl or metal windows?

Wood:

Vinyl-clad wood:

Aluminum-clad wood:

All-aluminum: