Altman Window & Door Inc.

Q. What is a "Free Estimate"?
A. With a free estimate from Altman Window & Door Inc. you can rest assured when we've left your home you will have gained the knowledge you need to make an educated decision that will not only affect the value but the beauty of your home.

Q. Does the old adage, "If it Ain't Broke..." apply to old windows?

A. There are many reasons to replace your old single-pane windows - and most of them have nothing to do with neighborhood baseball games. Here are just a few smart reasons to upgrade to a smarter window:

Save Money on Energy Bills
If you have single-pane windows, upgrading your windows with energy efficient features like double-pane, Low-e tinted glass will result in unbelievable year- round savings.

Improve Your Home's Appearance
Our high quality vinyl and selection of styles and hardware options can improve the look of your home both inside and out. Often, simply changing the window style can dramatically change the entire appearance of a room.

Increase Ventilation
Get more fresh air circulating in your house by replacing fixed units with operable venting windows.

Q. What's the best way to evaluate a window's energy performance?

A. The easiest way to compare energy performance of different windows and doors is to read the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label. It provides valuable efficiency information about the product including the u-value, solar heat gain and visible light transmittance values. Also check to see if the product is ENERGY STAR® approved.

Q. What is ENERGY STAR®?
A. ENERGY STAR is an independent U.S. government program establishing a standard set of guidelines to recognize the energy efficiency of various products. ENERGY STAR guidelines are used in conjunction with a variety of building materials, including windows and patio doors. Over the past 10 years, ENERGY STAR guidelines have helped double the efficiency of windows they endorse.

Q. Is Argon Gas Safe?
A. Absolutely. Argon gas is an inert gas that is odorless, colorless and heavier than air and is completely safe.

Q. Why use Argon Gas?
A. Argon gas is used in a window because heat and cold do not pass through it as easily as air. Its insulation characteristics are what make it so attractive when combined with various Low E glasses.

Q. What is an R-value and how important is it?
A. "R" stands for resistance. The higher the "R" factors, the better the insulation characteristics. The "R" value of a windows frame and glass is very important since it directly relates to how well the window will reduce energy consumption. A higher R-value will perform better in reducing energy costs than a lower R-value.

Q. What does U-value mean?
A. U-value measures the rate of non-solar heat flow through the glass. The lower the U-Value the better.

Q. Will new windows eliminate condensation?
A. Condensation is a direct result of interior humidity and the difference between indoor and outside air temperature. If you keep the humidity in your house low, then the likelihood of experiencing condensation is also low. Note that in certain conditions (humid mornings after a clear night sky), some windows may have dew on their outside surface. These windows are such good insulators, the dew is condensing there just like it does on an insulated wall.

Q. When should I consider replacing my windows?
A. You should consider replacing your windows if: Your windows aren't energy efficient. Your wood frames are rotting. You get excessive amounts of condensation, fading of furniture and draperies. You are tired of painting and staining. You feel drafts while sitting near your current windows.

Q. What is low-e glass and why should I consider it?

A. Low-e glass is short for low-emissivity glass. It has a very thin coat of material on the glass to make it more efficient, especially in very sunny, hot areas. It helps reflect standing heat away from the surface of the glass, keeping unwanted heat out in the summer and desired heat inside in the winter. Low-e glass is the most cost effective way to increase the efficiency of your windows. Low-e coatings can also help reduce furniture and carpet fading by reducing the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that enters your home. Ultraviolet radiation can alter the chemical structure of dyes and other colorants.

Q. What should I look for when selecting a product?

A. Choose a company with a proven track record and good references. Make sure you are getting a high quality product .

Q. I have odd-sized windows in my home. Can you provide windows to fit my openings?

A. Yes, we carry custom-made windows to the nearest 1/8" increment and can produce a variety of shapes and sizes.

Q. What causes condensation on windows?

A. Condensation is caused by excess humidity in the air. When this water vapor encounters a surface at a cooler temperature, it turns to visible droplets of moisture. To reduce the moisture in your home, use fans in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms to circulate the air. A dehumidifier can be used to remove excess humidity from the air.

Q. Will new windows eliminate condensation?
A. Condensation is a direct result of interior humidity and the difference between indoor and outside air temperature. If you keep the humidity in your house low, then the likelihood of experiencing condensation is also low. Note that in certain conditions (humid mornings after a clear night sky), some windows may have dew on their outside surface. These windows are such good insulators, the dew is condensing there just like it does on an insulated wall.

A. When cleaning windows and doors, use the mildest cleaners possible. NEVER use solvents or abrasive cleansers -some chemicals can harm vinyl and PVC surfaces and other window components. We recommend Fantastik® and similar products to clean vinyl window frame surfaces. Over-the-counter glass cleaning products are recommended for cleaning windows. Below is a chart of cleaners for specific circumstances recommended by the Vinyl Window and Door Institute.

Suggested cleaners to remove stains from vinyl window or door frames

How to Keep Your Windows Clean
Vacuum dirt and debris from sill and track areas before washing. Clean glass and window or door frame with a mixture of mild dish soap and water. Rinse completely with clean water and wipe dry with a soft cloth to avoid water spots. Avoid washing glass in direct sunlight. Never use abrasive or caustic cleaners. They can cause permanent damage to the frame finish or the glass. Mild, nonabrasive soaps are usually the safest for most dirt and stain removal, but any cleaner you use should be tested in an inconspicuous area first. Always rinse completely with clear water and wipe dry if possible. Check to make sure drainage or "weep" holes are always clear of dirt and obstructions - both inside and outside the window or door in the bottom of the frame. Composite windows do not have weep holes. Note: If the window is "stacked," there may be weep holes between units. Clean screens by removing them, washing them on a flat, clean surface with mild soap and water and a soft brush, then rinse, wipe dry and reinstall.

*Ivory® is an example of a mild dish soap.

Always test cleaners in an inconspicuous area first.

Smooth Operation
To ensure that your windows and doors open, close, lock and unlock easily for years to come, follow these helpful maintenance tips to keep your windows and doors operating smoothly. Moving parts in hardware components and tracks and rollers should be lubricated periodically in accordance with the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. Check weather stripping around operable window and door panels and be sure it seals evenly. On sliding doors and windows, make certain track area is kept clean. Vacuum as needed to clear dirt or any debris.

Condensation
Window condensation can be a natural occurrence. Condensation on the inside of a window is a result of a higher air moisture content contacting lower temperatures on the glass. The higher the interior humidity and the lower the outside window temperature, the more condensation can occur. Regularly use exhaust fans especially when showering. Install and use a dehumidifier. Use ceiling fans to circulate air. Open windows and doors whenever practical or possible to allow interior moisture to escape.

Drainage Systems
Windows and doors often have a simple drainage system or "weep" system designed right into the product. These water drainage pathways must be kept clear and clean for the window or door to operate correctly.

It's normal for water to accumulate in the sill or track area with wind driven rain. The water is intended to drain to the outside as water builds up or outside pressure subsides.

Key Do's and Don'ts
DO: Clean the frame surfaces.

DON'T: Use a razor blade, putty knife or abrasive pad.

DO: Use a glass cleaner or mild detergent.

DON'T: Use any petroleum-based cleaners or solvents.

DO: Clean tracks and weepholes.

DON'T: Use oil-based lubricants or damage weephole covers/baffles.

DO: Check weather stripping and hardware.

DON'T: Live with poor performing components.

DO: Clean your insulating glass with proper cleaning agents.

DON'T: Add attachments to window or glass without approval from the window manufacturer.

DO: Choose certified windows and exterior glass doors.

DON'T: Settle for products that do not meet important air, water, structural, forced entry and thermal performance standards.

DO: Read and understand your manufacturer's warranty and install per the manufacturer's instructions.

Q. Do I ever have to paint my siding again?
A. No. Our siding is virtually maintenance free. The most you ever have to do is give your home a washing with soap and water once or twice a year.

Q. Does your siding have seams?

A. Our siding is generally available in 6' to 12' lengths, so it needs to be overlapped at the ends to cover an entire wall. Sidings are designed to provide a virtually seamless appearance and a good siding installer will lap you siding away from traffic to further minimize the laps.

Q. How much does it cost to side a home?
A. Because we offer sidings at a number of price points to fits any need and any budget, and because every home and siding job is unique, there is no way to answer this question. The best thing to do is invite a sales representative into your home so he can measure it accurately and discuss other needs you may have.

Q. Are there any other materials that are better than vinyl?
A. Not when it comes to siding. Vinyl siding's outstanding features and benefits have made it the most popular siding material in America today. And because vinyl is the preferred siding for more and more homeowners, it retains most of its installed cost.

Q. My home is partially brick and partially wood siding. Can I still use vinyl siding?
A. Yes. Vinyl siding is extremely versatile and can be used with just about any exterior building material-brick, cinder block, even natural logs and field stones.

Q. Is one season better than another to have my new siding installed?
A. Not really. You can have your vinyl siding installed in any season, as your schedule and budget allow. Regardless of when you have your new siding installed, you'll enjoy the immediate benefits of improved appearance, as well as the long-term benefits of durability and easy maintenance.