How do vinyl windows
compare with windows made from other materials, such
as wood and aluminum?
Vinyl is today’s most popular choice for
window material. The maintenance free and energy
efficient benefits of vinyl are second to none.
Since the mid ‘90’s, however, the popularity
of vinyl has sky-rocketed due to the cosmetic and
design enhancements that have been added to vinyl
products to distance them from the other composite
choices.
How do Ellison windows compare with other vinyl
windows?
Ellison offers comprehensive product lines in both
new construction and replacement markets. Products
in the fenestration industry still go to market
through distribution, to a large degree, and that
is a “push” industry. In other words,
there are not many brands that have any consumer
recognition, including Ellison. However, Ellison
offers just about every style available and has
good-better-best price points that allow any home
to be upgraded or built with Ellison products.
What does it mean that Ellison windows and doors
pass AAMA and NFRC tests?
AAMA is an industry organization that independently
establishes structural standards for manufacturers
to meet and exceed. Most brands of windows will
be tested and labeled with an AAMA sticker. NRFC
is the trade organization related to the energy
efficiency of windows and doors. If a brand does
not proudly state its membership to each of these
organizations, then a consumer should question the
absence. Please go to each organizations web site
for more information.
www.aamanet.org
www.nfrc.org
How do I know when I need to replace my existing windows?
That’s up to you as a consumer. When you
are tired of painting, or tired of dealing with
that fog between your panes, or those incredibly
high power bills in the summer and winter, or the
air you feel when you walk by a window, you may
need to consider replacing them.
Please recognize, that a lot of the cost of heating
and cooling your home may be off-set by the incredible
energy efficiency of new, Energy Star compliant
vinyl windows.
What does R-value and U-value mean?
R-Value is a term that measures the insulation
properties of a material. For example, fiberglass
insulation is measured by its “R-Value.”
The energy efficiency of windows is measured by
“U-values.” Because windows are not
insulators by design, they cannot be measured in
“R-Values.” However, windows obviously
have insulating properties, so there needs to be
a measurement that allows comparison of styles and
window packages.
There is a relationship between R-values and U-values.
Whereas the higher the R-value, the greater its
insulating ability, the lower a U-value, the better
that product’s insulating efficiency is. To
find a U-value, divide the number ‘1’
by the R-value. For example, an R-value of “4”
is equal to a U-value of .25.
What is Energy Star? What qualifies your products?
Energy Star is a national campaign sponsored by
the E.P.A. and the Department of Energy to promote
energy efficiency products. The endorsing logo may
be found on computers, appliances, power tools,
etc. Any product that uses or affects energy may
have an Energy Star rating.
All Ellison products with Low-E glass and Argon
insulating gas are Energy Star compliant anywhere
in the country. Although the organization has divided
the country into zones with separate criteria, Low-E
and Argon will render every Ellison product compliant
in all regions.
For more information, please visit the Energy Star
web site at http://energystar.gov.
Can I order a window or door to fit any opening?
Yes, however, in some cases you might have to order
multiple windows to fill one opening. Some openings
are just too big and may require multiple windows
joined together in order to fill the opening. There
are standard window sizes that accommodate the majority
of applications, but many openings will require
custom sizing. The same applies to doors. Some openings
will require a standard door size with custom sized
transoms or side-lites to make the opening appear
correct.
The best suggestion is to consult a replacement
window dealer or professional contractor. With some
imagination and consultation, even the most complex
and large opening may be fitted with a replacement
window…it’s just that some configurations
may require more than one window, door or combination.
What is insulated glass? Why does Ellison use it?
Insulated glass is two panes of glass separated
by an insulating spacer. This provides optimum energy
efficiency and allows options to be added to a window’s
glass package.
What is condensation? What causes it? Is it covered
under warranty?
Condensation is a result of too much humidity in
a room and has nothing to do with the performance
of a window. No manufacturer’s warranty covers
condensation on the outside of the glass. Condensation
on the INSIDE of an insulated glass panel denotes
seal failure and, depending on the coverage period,
would be covered under a manufacturer’s warranty.
Ellison offers a range of seal failure warranties,
ranging from a pro-rated 25 year period to a pro-rated
lifetime coverage period.
What is Low-E glass?
Low-E glass stands for low emissivity glass. Made
during the manufacturing process of the raw glass,
low-e is not a film, rather it is a component in
the surface of the glass. The actual ingredients
in low-e glass vary from type-to-type, but the basic
premise is the same: low-e glass reflects heat away.
During summer, it reflects heat away from the house
and during winter months it reflects the heat generated
by a furnace back into a home.
Ellison uses a low-solar gain low-e with a double
coat of silver (also referred to as a “soft-coat”
low-e).
What is Low-E glass with Argon Gas? How does it
work?
Added inside an insulated panel with low-e glass,
Argon gas is an invisible, insulating blanket that
replaces most of the air during the manufacturing
process. With low-e reflecting heat away, Argon
gas buffers thermal transfer to enhance the performance
of the whole glass panel.
What kind of maintenance will my Ellison windows
require?
The good news is they will never require painting.
When you see dirt or unwanted film on the glass,
just use a gentle glass cleaner and wipe clean.
With grids between the panes, it’s that much
easier. When you see outside sills and vinyl collecting
dirt or getting dingy, just wipe clean with a gentle
cleaner and soft rag, or just use water and a rag.
Where can I buy Ellison windows?
We sell exclusively through a network of the country’s
top exterior building supply distributors. The ones
specified on this site in the “How to Find
Us” section will give you a resource in your
area. Most of these companies do not sell to the
general public, but they may offer excellent suggestions
and refer you to a great dealer in your community.
How can I get more information and literature about
Ellison Windows’ products?
These same distributors can answer specific product
knowledge questions and provide to you literature
and other product information.
How do I become an Ellison dealer/distributor?
Please submit your inquiry to Ellison Windows and
Doors, PO Box 1869 Welcome NC 27374; Attention Director
of Sales
I plan to have Ellison windows installed in my home.
How can I be sure the window installer is qualified
to install them?
Ask for references. We do not know all the dealers
in the country who sell our products and cannot
offer recommendations for that reason. Just like
any investment in your home, this is a significant
project and we urge you to exercise due diligence
in this process. Rest assured, Ellison is a great
brand of products and is one of the premium brands
in the country. However, installation is a critical
component in the overall process and you should
pursue every avenue to ensure the dealer presenting
to you the Ellison product line is the one you feel
comfortable affecting the value and appearance of
your home.
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