Replacement Windows & Doors Workbook VistaWindowReplacements.com
Find Exactly What You Are Looking For Why a Workbook? pages 4&5 page page 6 7 page 8-11 page 12 page 13 page 13 page 14 Energy Efficiency Parts of a Window Approaches to Buying Windows Window Styles Performance Options Customization Options Warranty Patio Doors There is so much information out there that you can feel overwhelmed. Technology acts as a blessing and a curse in that any question we have can be easily typed into a search engine, but the results we re served are pages and pages of conflicting answers! This workbook is designed to help you process all of that information in one reliable place. Carry this book with you; take notes in it; cover it with stickies; draw all over it; read it out of order by using the list on the left to go to the sections YOU care most about. Share what you are learning with your friends and family or work on it with your window specialist to better understand the information provided. Remodeling means you want to improve something in your home. Getting the most out of your project will take a little time, effort and discernment to make sure you have thought through all your possibilities. So, let s get started! In the space provided, we have given you 3 sticky notes to write down questions or reasons why you are replacing your windows or doors. Remember this is YOUR workbook; don t be afraid to write down what you really want to know. Here, we will get you started with questions we know you are probably wanting an answer to How will replacing my windows save me money? Who is Vista Window Company? I have never heard of them. page 15 The Vista Difference (flip to page 4) (look at page 3) Now it s your turn: Write down your questions or reasons for replacing your windows or doors. Time to write This pencil lets you know when it s time to check, circle, fill in and write down! ch... As you journey through this workbook, this space will be used to provide you with links or other helpful information that you may want to further investigate on your quest to replace your windows and doors. 2
Who is Vista Window Company and What is an Authorized Vista Dealer? Vista Window Company is dedicated to providing new and improved window and door solutions. We treat every window as if its destination were our own home. To deliver the promise of Vista, we look to our Authorized Vista Dealers. Just as we re committed to creating the highest quality products, we hold the same standard when selecting our Authorized Vista Dealers. These individuals are small business owners who are passionate about serving their local communities. With windows, the region you live in and how the sun and weather interact with your home influence what windows you will want to consider. You can count on the expertise of your Authorized Vista Dealer; they understand the geography of where you live because they live there too! Their years of experience will help guide you from your in-home consultation to your window installation job and ensure you receive the best windows for your home. A big reason for replacing your windows is to improve the energy efficiency of your home. How much do you REALLY know about a window s energy efficiency? Take this simple quiz and find out! Fill in the blank with a T for True or an F for False T Pop Quiz: Test Your Knowledge on Energy Efficiency Taking this quiz will help me understand energy efficiency. The region I live in does not affect the energy efficiency of my windows. Adding a gas fill between the panes of glass in my window will increase its energy efficiency. The conductivity that occurs with aluminum spacers helps regulate inside temperatures, regardless of the season. New windows will completely eliminate condensation. Quiz answers below 4. FALSE: There is no such thing as a condensation-free window. Condensation, or sweating on windows and mirrors inside your home, is caused by humidity or invisible water vapor. Windows do not cause condensation; they simply prevent the moisture from escaping to the outside. 3. FALSE: Because aluminum is a conductor, this hurts a window s efficiency. Replace your aluminum spacers with warm-edge spacers to vastly improve the cold and heat transfer through your window. 2. TRUE: Vista offers Argon or Krypton gases. These odorless, colorless and non-toxic gases can be added between the panes of glass in your glass pack. Just like adding insulation between the frames in your house, adding a gas fill in-between panes of glass can considerably increase your window s insulation. 1. FALSE: The region where you live and the placement of your home s windows relative to the sun GREATLY affect how to make your windows the most energy efficient. Windows in a lot of sun need different glass pack elements than windows that may be shaded by trees. 3
What You Need to Know About Energy Efficiency ENERGY STAR As the most trusted source on energy efficiency, ENERGY STAR can help determine what you need to consider, depending on your region, to make your windows energy efficient. Use the ENERGY STAR map to the right to figure out which region you live in. Identify Your Region Understanding which region you live in will give you a guide on which U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) numbers you will want to target in order to create the right energy-efficient windows for your home. Decoding U-Factors, SHGC numbers and what a window s rating means may be somewhat confusing. Just remember, like a good golf score, lower numbers are typically better. Think of a National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label as a scorecard for your window. About NFRC Labels Because Vista is an ENERGY STAR certified window company, NFRC labels are printed on all of our windows. What numbers are required to meet ENERGY STAR in your region? Have your dealer help you identify these numbers. Circle your region CERTIFIED Vista Window Company ENERGY PERFORMANCE RATINGS U-FACTOR (U.S./I-P) 1 2 3 PANORAMA SERIES Vinyl (VY) Triple Glazed Low-E Krypton Gas SILICONE FOAM SPACER Double Hung Window Solar Heat Gain Coefficient ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE RATINGS Visible Transmittance To test a window s energy efficiency, you must consider the following factors. The ratings above are based on overall window performance. 1 2 3 U-Factor The U-Factor is especially important during winter and cold weather. The lower the U-Factor, the better the window is at keeping heat in. Most ratings fall between 0.20 and 1.20. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) The SHGC is a crucial factor for places that receive a lot of sunshine. The lower the SHGC, the better the window is at blocking unwanted heat gain that comes from the sun. This is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. Visible Transmittance (VT) VT represents the amount of daylight the window lets in. The higher the VT, the more light that comes in through the window. If your window is positioned in an area that receives a lot of sunrays, you will need a coating which may slightly tint your window glass. VT helps you determine how much tinting will occur. This is also expressed as a number between 0 and 1. ch... Visit ENERGYSTAR.gov to discover more about which climate zone your home is in. 4
What is an Insulated Glass Pack? Selecting the right glass pack is key to creating energy-efficient windows. It s important to consider the elements that make up a glass pack, as they all work together to improve energy efficiency. 1 2 3 4 Panes of Glass Newer windows are typically double pane or triple pane, meaning the windows have either two or three panes of glass. HINT: More panes aren t always better. Instead, it s the combination of all the elements values that create energy efficiency. Talk to your Authorized Vista Dealer to determine the right panes needed for your region. Warm Edge Spacers Spacers separate and secure the panes of glass. The edge of the glass pack is the most vulnerable to heat and cooling loss. HINT: All Vista windows have spacers that utilize warm-edge technology. Gas Fill Non-toxic, inert gases can be used instead of air between panes of glass to increase insulation and energy efficiency. HINT: Think of a swimming pool with no water. It would be easy to walk or run through. But when you add water, it gets tougher and slows you down. The same holds true with gas fills. Adding Argon or Krypton between panes of glass makes it more difficult for heat or cold to transfer through your glass pack. Low-E Glass Coatings As a microscopically-thin, virtually-invisible, metallic layer deposited on the glass surface, Low-E Glass coatings reduce solar heat gain and give excellent protection against fading and UV rays. HINT: Is part of your favorite lounge chair losing its rich color, due to its proximity to your living room s window? Preserve the look and color of your furniture, carpet, etc. by adding Low-E Glass coatings. Build Your Glass Pack 1 1 4 3 2 Work on the following exercise with your dealer to understand which elements you will want to include in your glass pack: Low-E Coating Air Clear Low-E 3 Coating Argon Low-E Coating Argon Argon Low-E Coating Low-E 3 Coating Krypton Krypton Low-E 3 Coating Intercept Intercept Ultra Super Spacer Super Spacer Super Spacer Double Pane Triple Pane ch... Search Glass Packs on VistaWindowReplacements.com to see all the different glass packs we offer. 5
Understanding the Parts of Windows Frame The frame fills the hole in your house by holding the entire window unit together and attaching it to your home. Vent Latch The vent latch acts as a stopper on the top sash to determine how wide the window can be opened for ventilation. Sash The sash holds the glass pack in your window. Glass Pack The glass pack is where energy efficiency happens. It includes glass panes, spacers and glass coatings. Tilt Latches Tilt latches make cleaning easier by tilting the window inside your home. Sill The sill is the horizontal part of the frame at the base of the window. LockAppeal Technology TM Only from Vista Window Company Tan LockAppeal Technology provides a difference you can see. With no visible screws on the locks, your windows will look better than ever. This patent-pending technology is standard on all single-hung, double-hung and slider windows, creating a unified look throughout your home. Premium Finishes White Dark Bronze Brushed Nickel Oil-Rubbed Bronze ch... To learn more and view a quick video about LockAppeal Technology, visit VistaWindowReplacements.com/product-details/lockappeal. 6
Different Ways to Approach Buying Replacement Windows Buying new windows is an investment. This is something you will go through only once, maybe twice in your lifetime, so it s important to take the time to consider all the options and the different ways to approach buying windows for your home. This is your opportunity to get the right operation, the right look and the right performance for each of the windows in your home. Your Authorized Vista Dealer will be there along the way, making sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Review the different approaches listed below to help you evaluate which approach you want to take for your window replacement project. Chances are, you have several window openings in your house today, so there is no right or wrong approach; a combination of these approaches might end up being the path that makes the most sense for you and your home. Choose the approach that fits you best Approach Description Questions You Should Consider Be BASIC Same Size... Same Style Be BOLD Same Size... New Style This method involves replacing your windows with a more energy-efficient version of the current style(s) you have. This approach means you are creating a slightly different look for your current windows. You may be changing the window style, adding grids or simply choosing a different grid pattern. Am I looking for a quick and easy way to replace my windows? Am I satisfied with the current function and style of my windows? Do I not want to make any architectural changes to my home? Do I want windows that are more tailored to my needs and wants? Am I prepared to spend more time considering different window features? Be BRAVE New Size... New Style Inspirational Ideas of What Each Approach Might Look Like Be BASIC Replace your current windows with the same size and style(s). Being brave means that you dare to be different! It may involve making slight structural changes to your home or going with something completely different from what you have today. Be BOLD Replace single-hung with double-hung and increase cleaning capabilities Replace double-hung with casement style to improve energy efficiency and air infiltration Close a window that s out of reach with a picture window Am I prepared to spend more time since I ll be making more changes to my home? Am I comfortable changing the look of my home? Am I willing to make a higher investment in my home? Be BRAVE Add an exterior color like Brandywine or Mocha Bronze Add a shape top to an existing window Modify the interior with our cherry woodgrain and Oil-Rubbed Bronze hardware Existing vinyl clad Double-Hung New Vinyl Double-Hung Existing Double-Hung with Grids Between the Glass New Casement with Etched Glass Pattern Existing Double-Hung with Grids Between the Glass New Double-Hung with Mulled Arch Shape Top in Brandywine 7
Window Styles Our product line at Vista includes all the following window styles. Take time to browse the pictures, read the benefits of these styles and choose whether you like it, love it or want it! Single-Hung Windows Traditional window style where only the bottom sash opens and tilts in Easily add beauty and curb appeal with this practical window style Bottom sash tilts in for easy cleaning Decide on products and options by filling in the stars Like It Love It Want It Single-Hung Windows with Geo Top Single-Hung Geo Top option incorporates the beauty of a shape top while maximizing visible light and viewable space Available in 6 shapes Single-hung windows in white with colonial grid pattern. Double-Hung Windows Most popular style of window because the top and bottom sashes open and tilt in Both sashes move, creating customizable ventilation options Clean all year round because both sashes tilt in for easy cleaning Double-hung windows in white with prairie grid pattern. ch... See our windows in action at vinylwindowsinfo.com 8
Slider Windows Both sashes open side to side, as opposed to up and down Sashes lift out for easy cleaning Creates more of a contemporary or modern look Two or three sash options available These slider windows brighten this room, add plenty of ventilation and are easy to clean. Tilt-N-Slide Windows A version of our slider windows where sashes swing inward to make cleaning easier Industry-leading tilt mechanism for easy cleaning Ideal for places where the window is hard to reach for cleaning Two or three sash options available Three sash slider window Casement Windows A window that is hinged on one side and swings outward by using a crank Provides the tightest seal of any window style because the sash is completely encompassed inside the frame Exterior frame has a smooth, beveled edge design that creates dimension Beveled edge design of our casement windows adds dimension and beauty to the exterior of your home. This casement window, shown in tan, adds plenty of light to this room and offers a foldaway nesting handle. 9
Window Styles (continued) Bay & Bow Windows System of windows that project out from your home Create additional space and dimension within your room Allow you to combine multiple window styles to create one complete system (Picture window & Double-Hung windows shown) Hopper Windows Hinges at the bottom and swings inward to open Ideal for basements or spaces where there is no room for windows to open outward Easy to clean from inside the home Bow window with four tan casements. Awning Windows Hinges at the top and swings outward to open Benefit: Dual locking for added security Combining picture and awning windows together gives you an expansive view of the outdoors with just the right amount of airflow. Garden Windows Window that maximizes natural light, making it ideal for growing indoor plants Benefit: Operating casements provide ventilation and are standard with a full screen 10 A garden window in a kitchen gives you the ability to easily grow your herb garden indoors.
Picture & Shape Windows Fixed window with no movable parts. Can provide maximum energy efficiency if the right glass pack is used Maximize natural light Help fill large spaces in a wall Shapes can improve interest in your home by increasing curb appeal Multiple window styles can be combined to create beautiful window scapes on any side of your home. The only limitation is your imagination. Talk to your dealer to find out all the possibilities that are available to you. The combination of several picture windows adds curb appeal. Simply turning an interesting shape window the other way creates symmetry and interest on the side of this home. Adding an arch shape top to a double-hung or single-hung gives the window a completely different look. The meeting rail was lowered on these doublehung windows to create visual interest and picture windows were added to the top to give this massive window space height. Take a look around your neighborhood and notice all the window style combinations. If you see a style or shape you like, take a quick photo on your phone so you can show it to your dealer. Your dealer can explain what style/shape the window is and help you find a similar application for your home. 11
Performance Options... Improve the Function of Your Windows Decide on options by filling in the stars Like It Love It Want It Accidental Glass Breakage Warranty Coverage Added Protection This added protection is simple: if the glass accidentally breaks, it s covered. This breakage warranty covers accidents, such as a rock thrown from under a lawn mower or a stress crack caused by a house settling. This is a great addition to your window warranty. EEE-Z-Kleen TM Process Make Your Windows Easier to Clean This protective glass treatment can be applied to all of our glass surfaces, making windows dustand water-repellent and easier to clean. When you decide to apply EEE-Z-Kleen to the inside and outside of your windows, the Accidental Glass Breakage Coverage comes with it. Obscure Glass Make Your Windows More Private A pattern that can be added to diffuse the details of objects seen through the window. This feature is commonly seen in bathrooms. Blinds Between the Glass Never Clean Your Miniblinds Again Is choosing window coverings a challenge for you? Our miniblinds may be your answer. These blinds are sealed inside the glass unit of your windows. Thermal Reinforcement Bar Make Your Windows Stronger, Safer and More Energy Efficient Vista proudly offers a fiberglass reinforcement option for homeowners seeking added frame strength and superior thermal performance from their windows. Our innovative Thermal Reinforcement Bar is virtually impermeable to cold and heat. Made with renewable sources, it s a green product of which every homeowner can be proud. Hero Glass TM Make Your Windows Quieter and Safer Hero Glass is a laminated glass pane that protects against noise, airborne debris, forced entry and harmful UV rays. Like an invisible shield, Hero Glass can be added to any of our double-pane glass systems to give you increased comfort and security while still providing a clear view of the outside world. A window s sound-blocking ability is expressed as its STC (Sound Transmission Class). The higher the STC your window has, the better it will block out sound. A standard Vista double-hung window has an STC of 29. When you add Hero Glass, the STC rating increases to a 33-34. 12
Customization Options... Improve the Look of Your Windows Decide on options by filling in the stars. Place a check mark by the colors and styles you like. Like It Love It Want It Lock Finishes Complement the other hardware finishes in your home by choosing from our three premium hardware finishes. HINT: If you have windows in your kitchen or bathroom, you can match the locks on your windows with your cabinet hardware or faucet finishes. Dark Bronze Brushed Nickel Oil-Rubbed Bronze Premium hardware finishes are available on Single-Hung, Double-Hung, Slider, Tilt-N-Slide, Casement and Awning windows and Patio Doors. Exterior Paint Colors Customize your house with our durable, heat-reflective and environmentally friendly exterior color options. Choose one of these colors, or tell us what color you want them! Interior Woodgrains Get the look of wood without the maintenance or high costs. Cornsilk Sandcastle Brookstone Caramel Clay Cherry Dark Oak Cavalier Oak Light Oak Brown Ivy Green Evergreen Brandywine Mocha Bronze For exterior color shades and exact woodgrain finishes, please review samples with your Authorized Vista dealer. Available in Double-Hung, Slider, Tilt-N-Slide, Picture, Casement, Awning, Bay or Bow, Garden, Patio Door & Geometric Shapes. Etched Glass Colonial Express your unique personal style through a wide range of etched glass patterns. Diamond Tudor Trellis Florentine Single Prairie Double Prairie Petal Marquis Custom Grids Adding grids is the most popular way to customize your windows. Flat Contour Colonial Diamond Single Prairie Double Prairie Perimeter Prairie Custom Pattern ch... Visit VistaWindowReplacements.com/Combinations to mix and match interiors, exteriors and lock finishes. Choose your interior color Choose your exterior color Choose your lock color 13
Sliding Patio Doors Sliding Patio Doors are the most common option for the back or side of the house. Maybe you have an opening that leads to a patio or deck or even a sunroom. Whatever you choose, it has to be strong, easy to operate and able to protect you and your family from the elements and intruders. Two- or three-panel options in varying widths Include tempered glass for safety and security 3 separate locking mechanisms for ultimate security Heavy-duty frame and sill design includes superior roller system for easy operation Easy gliding screen is installed in a dual-track to keep it in place Many unique options are available on our patio doors: 2-panel patio door with Brushed Nickel hardware Blinds between the glass 3 Locking Devices 3-panel patio door Grids between the glass in a popular colonial pattern Premium handle finishes available in: Key Lock Handle Thumb-Turn Deadbolt Foot Limit Lock Brushed Nickel Dark Bronze Oil-Rubbed Bronze (shown) ch... To read more, visit VistaWindowReplacements.com/window-styles/patio-doors 14
What Makes Vista Different From Other Window Companies? We focus on consistency and precision at Vista. No matter which style you choose, our windows are high quality, easy to clean and all complement one another. Check off which features you want to ask your Authorized Vista Dealer to explain in more detail and point out on the sample they will show during your in-home consultation. We stand out from other window manufacturers because of the following unique features: LockAppeal Technology TM LockAppeal Technology is a patent-pending lock design exclusive to Vista. This secure lock has no visible screws, which improves the look of your windows and makes cleaning easier. Triple-Fin Weather Stripping Used in critical areas of our hung and slider products, three fins provide more protection to keep the weather out, and the mylar material helps keep its shape over time. Heavy-Duty Screens The frames of our screens are structurally stronger and extremely durable. Four-Point Vinyl Welding Unlike most manufacturers who use two-point welders, we use a fourpoint welder to increase the integrity, strength and precision of our frames and sashes. Virgin PVC Vinyl Some manufacturers use repurposed vinyl, which can diminish quality and contain impurities. Our formulation starts with pure virgin vinyl, not reground and reused vinyl, ensuring consistency in color and quality. Custom Manufacturing All of our windows are custom built to 1/16 th of an inch, providing a more accurate fit and requiring less insulation between the frame and window. LIFETIME LIMITED WARRANTY Backed by Vista Window Company Investment protection for as long as you own your windows Transferable to a second homeowner Lifetime Limited Warranty Your windows aren t just a purchase but rather an investment in securing and protecting your home. That s why our warranty isn t limited by a set number of years. Your investment is protected for as long as you own it and is transferable to a second homeowner. Every window is backed by our Lifetime Limited Warranty on all vinyl frames and sashes, working parts and insulated glass units. Visit VistaWindowReplacements.com/Warranty to read more and to download a copy of our warranty. 15
Resources to Help You Find Peace of Mind If you re looking to do some extra homework, we suggest checking out these additional helpful resources. ENERGY STAR Check out the premier organization on energy efficiency to find what you need to make your windows efficient based on the region you live in. National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) Have you noticed the rating label on the windows you ve looked at? Learn more about the NFRC and what the label means. Learn About Windows www.learn-about-windows.com for helpful articles containing tips, answers to common questions and more. Vinyl Windows Info YouTube Channel Check out www.vinylwindowsinfo.com for a collection of videos on window styles, products, manufacturing information, cleaning tips and more. Window Buying Guide This is a free guide available for download on our website on VistaWindowReplacements.com. Replacement Window Worksheet Prepare for your in-home consultation with the help of our free Replacement Window Worksheet available for download on our website. Learn more at: VistaWindowReplacements.com Look for us on: 2014. All photos and illustrations are copyrighted. Information contained herein is subject to change without notice. Printed in the USA. Vista Window Company and EEE-Z-Kleen are trademarks of Vista Window Company, LLC. Hero Glass and LockAppeal Technology are trademarks. ENERGY STAR and the ENERGY STAR mark are registered U.S. marks. The color GREEN used in the Thermal Reinforcement Bar is a trademark of Deceuninck North America LLC. Super Spacer is a registered trademark of Quanex IG Systems, Inc. Intercept and Intercept Ultra are registered trademarks of PPG Industries, Inc. VWWB 1114