Your choice of framing material goes a long way toward determining the longevity and energy efficiency of the total window system. Wood windows offer excellent thermal performance but are prone to weathering and require regular maintenance. Aluminum windows are very durable but offer little insulating value because they conduct heat quickly.

Vinyl windows are your best choice because they offer thermal characteristics similar to wood, are extremely durable, and provide a virtually maintenance-free finish. Also, keep in mind that the best-performing vinyl window systems have multi-chambered frames with welded corners.

Low-emissivity glass, commonly referred to as Low-E, is glass that has been coated with a micro-thin metallic film to improve thermal performance. The coating reduces the transfer of heat rays through the glass while still allowing light to pass through. In essence, the coating reflects heat back toward its source. Thus, heat from the furnace stays inside the home during cold weather, and heat from the sun stays outside in hot weather, resulting in greater comfort and lower energy costs. Low-E coatings also reduce harmful ultraviolet rays that cause drapes and upholstery to fade.

Target Windows is pleased to offer the best Low-E glass available, the latest and most revolutionary development in low-emissivity glass! The coatings on Target’s Low-E glass offer superior thermal performance.

View the Heat Lamp Demo Video to see Low-E glass in action!

Argon is a safe, odorless, colorless, non-toxic, non-flammable inert gas that is commonly used in place of air between the glass panes of an insulated Low-E glass unit. Argon’s thermal conductivity is lower than that of air, making it a better insulator and contributing to a lower U-factor. Argon is not an effective solar performer on its own; that is why it is used only in conjunction with Low-E insulated glass.

Most modern residential window systems use dual-pane glass because the air space between the two panes greatly increases the window’s insulation. An edge spacer separates the two panes. Many window manufacturers use a metal edge spacer, but because metal conducts heat, the contact between the glass and the spacer significantly reduces the window’s thermal performance along the edge.

Target’s windows use warm-edge technology instead of a metal spacer. No glass-to-metal contact occurs, thus reducing energy transfer at the edge of the glass and lowering the U-factor. This keeps the window edge warmer in cold weather and reduces heat loss into the home in hot weather. Target’s warm-edge sealing system also reduces condensation on the window sash.

The U-factor, or U-value, is the measure of a window’s thermal efficiency, based on its resistance to the flow of energy. The lower the U-factor, the more thermally efficient the window. Most new window technology has been aimed at lowering U-factors through the use of three important innovations: warm-edge seals, low emissivity glass coatings and argon/krypton gases.

Condensation is visible evidence of excessive moisture in the air. Â It may appear as water, frost, or ice on the interior surface of windows and doors. The warmer the air, the more water the air can hold, which means the air in the center of a room will hold more water than the air adjacent to the window or door walls, since this area is always cooler.

When the warm, moisture-laden air moves toward the cooler window or door wall, it becomes cooler and cannot hold the moisture it held when it was warm. The moisture then drops and appears as water on the glass and the frames of windows and doors. This occurs more frequently during the winter months due to the extreme difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures. If you wish to avoid condensation during the winter months, when the average outdoor temperature drops below 35â° F (2â °C), it would be wise to maintain a relative indoor humidity of 25% to 30%.

Ventilation is a very effective way to remove excess moisture from the air, which is why poorly insulated homes with older, air-leaking windows and doors often do not reveal condensation problems. This is because the air and moisture filters out through the gaps in older windows, doors, vents and other openings. Newer homes, which are constructed to meet current insulation standards and energy conservation requirements, or older homes which have been newly insulated through the addition of attic and basement insulation and the installation of insulated windows and doors, are now so airtight that they present a new problem.

All homes will, on occasion, have temporary condensation, which can result from the following three occurrences:

New Construction or Remodeling: Building materials contain a great deal of moisture. As soon as the heat is turned on, this moisture will flow out into the air and settle on windows, etc. Â This will usually disappear following the first heating season.

Humid Summers: During humid summers, houses absorb moisture. Â This will be apparent during the first few weeks of the subsequent heating season. Â Then the house should dry out.

Temperature change: Sharp, quick, and sudden drops in temperature, especially during the heating season, can cause moisture to form immediately but should dissipate in a short period of time.

It is not uncommon for homes with new insulated windows and doors to suddenly develop condensation problems. This is because the new insulated windows and doors don’t leak air like the older ones. The gaps in the original windows and doors were actually allowing air and moisture to escape the home, reducing the humidity to a point where it wasn’t visible on the interior surfaces. The moisture problem was always present, but the older, air-leaking windows and doors prevented it from being noticed.

If you have an existing moisture or condensation problem, do not count on correcting it merely by installing new windows or doors. You must remember that windows and doors do not cause condensation. Therefore, they cannot cure condensation.

Choosing a qualified contractor or remodeler is an important decision. You should consider the following factors before having work done on your home or property:

How long has the contractor been in business? Length of time in business is a good indicator of experience and trustworthiness.

How reliable and professional is the contractor? Is the contractor courteous? Are appointments kept? Ask for a list of commercial and customer references.

Is the contractor licensed and qualified to do the job? Verify the license and ask to view samples of previous work.

Does the contractor follow responsible business practices? Confirm that the contractor’s license, insurance, and/or bonding are up to date. Check whether the contractor is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau.

When you have made your choice, get the contract in writing. Make sure you fully understand all conditions before signing.

We are one of the oldest vinyl window manufacturers in the Midwest and have one of the most extensive product lines in the industry. Our products meet or exceed Energy Star criteria and are NFRC-certified for all of our window and door systems. Target offers window and door products that are both aesthetically appealing and highly energy-efficient. We closely monitor the quality of our products and back them with some of the best warranties in the business. In short, we care about our customers and value their trust.

We thank you for visiting our website and hope you will choose Target Windows and Doors for your next remodeling project.