Basic FAQs on Windows and Doors

Common windows and door problems or situations are addressed below. If you have other concerns not found in this article, do not hesitate to contact us for specific answers and solutions.

My windows have condensation between the glass panels. How do I clean it?Condensation usually happens when you have double glaze windows and there is a crack or damage to one or both of the panel seals. Ideally, you should replace new glass especially if it is still under warranty. Although there are companies that can remove the condensation, the long term cost is higher because the condensation will occur again. In addition, the damage could be not found in the seals but in the glass unit itself which means it is dangerous to keep it since it might one day explode should the glass be hit by debris or object.

 

Should I replace my old outdoor sills after installing new windows?

When windows are replaced, it is common practice to also replace the outdoor sills. However, some companies don’t do it so before you install new windows, check with your supplier about the scope of the job and what exactly is included in the price quoted to you.

 

How do I get a discount on my insurance after installing impact doors and windows?

Insurance companies usually give a discount on impact doors and windows if all house opening are protected. In other words, if you just have 1 out of 5 windows that have impact protection, your provider will not consider giving you a discount on your home insurance. If you are fully protected, you are usually entitled to a premium discount. For instance, insurance companies in Florida are mandated to give discounts to residents who have a good windstorm protection system installed in their homes.

 

How do impact windows and doors protect a house’s structural integrity?

When there is a strong wind, the pressure can be strong enough to loosen the window allowing it to collapse and provide a point of entry. This point of entry can lead to massive destruction to the house structure and/or the interior.

 

What is a U-Factor and why is it important?

U-Factor refers to a measurement on the indoor heat retention of a window or door. Generally speaking, the lower the U-Factor is, the higher the resistance of the window or door to heat flow. This means you get better insulation. As a property owner, your goal is to keep the U-Factor low so you can save on power bills, avoid drafty rooms, and maintain a pleasant indoor temperature at all times.

 

How can I tell if the window is really impact-proof?

There is no window or door that is 100% impact-proof although impact windows have a high resistance to flying debris and other elements. To tell if you are getting a high-quality impact window or door, you can ask the supplier if they follow industry standards. Request for a copy of their Notice of Acceptance which is a certification that a product has passed an impact-resistance test.

Care and Maintenance of Hurricane Windows

KidCleaningWindow

After the windows and doors have been installed, it isn’t good enough to just clean it once a month or once every quarter. There are ways to maintain and make sure these fixtures stay strong and enjoy a long lifespan.

The Window and Door Frames

Frames should be cleaned regularly with mild soap and water. However, it is important to test a small area of the frame with the cleaning solution to see it will damage the frame or not. Other do’s and don’ts include:

  • Do check the seals or weather stripping
  • Do use clean water and a soft cloth when wiping down the frames
  • Do check the locks and sills
  • Don’t any harsh cleaner, solvent, or oil-based lubricants
  • Don’t make changes to the frame design or attach anything without consulting your window expert first

The Glass

For single pane glass, condensation can happen and is not unusual especially if the temperature differences (inside and outside the room) is extreme. To reduce condensation, you will need to circulate the air better by opening the window a little, installing an exhaust fan, change to double pane windows, or using a dehumidifier, among other options.

Some do’s and don’ts for glass include:

  • Do use clean water and mild soap
  • Do clean the screen separate from the window glass
  • Don’t use anything sharp when cleaning the glass
  • Don’t use a high pressure washer or nozzle to clean the glass

How to Clean your Windows

Forget about using that commercial blue glass cleaner. The color of that product is what makes it look appealing but you can concoct a better cleaning solution right at home with common kitchen ingredients.

The key to a good cleaning solution for glass is making sure you use just a bit of soap to avoid getting suds. Suds can stick to glass and cause a filter to coat the glass. The only time to add more soap is when the glass is particularly dirty and grimy.

The ingredients include 2 quarts warm water, half a cup of ammonia, a pint of rubbing alcohol, a quarter cup of vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of mild soap.

Never use paper towels for cleaning glass. It’s too expensive and is not the best tool for the job. A better idea would be a sea sponge, squeegee, and a clean lint-free cloth. You can also use a clean old diaper if you have one around and would like to be environment-friendly.

Preparing for a Storm

Fortunately with impact windows and doors, you have less to worry about and don’t have much to worry about prior to the arrival of the hurricane as far as your windows and doors are concerned.

Quick tips to follow:

  • Don’t open the windows and doors under the presumption that allowing a little air through will lessen damage to the window. Impact windows and doors are designed for rough winds and rain.
  • Take a photo inventory of everything inside and outside the house so you can check them after the storm. In case of damage or losses, you can use these photos to help you claim insurance

Finally, don’t forget to check your roof and install braces if need be to protect your roof from flying off.

Storm Chasing 101:

A man storm watching on the beach

Sites and Apps to Keep You Informed About Hurricanes and Storms in Your Area.

When there is a threat of a tropical storm or hurricane, it is best to stay on top of the situation so that you can prepare your family and your home for the storm’s impact. Below you will find a list of sites and apps that will be helpful in remaining abreast of the latest weather conditions in your area:

The National Hurricane Center is located on the campus of Florida International University in Miami, Florida. Its mission is to save lives, minimize property loss and improve economic efficiency by issuing better watches and warnings for tropical storms and hurricanes. On this site, the user can click on their state geographically, and it will report if there is a threat of a storm within 48 hours.

The Weather Channel is another great site that is up to date with the latest on tropical storms and hurricanes. Users can simply search for information using the name of their city or zip code.

Hurricane City has a countdown clock that is activated once advisories are issued from The National Hurricane Center. Users can watch a live broadcast of Hurricane TV when there is a threat of a hurricane or other major weather disaster.

Central Florida Hurricane Center offers a list of current advisories that have been issued for the State of Florida. There are also satellite images showing where the storms are moving and what path they are traveling.

Intellicast has local, national, and global weather reports. There is even a storm center that is used to track severe weather. Users can enter their zip code or city to get a more detailed forecast in their area.

The National Weather Service is another great resource for up-to-date weather alerts and forecasts. Users can see what is happening all over the country or they can input the city, state or zip code of their area and get a more in-depth forecast.

Hurricane Tracker is an app that is available for iOS users. The app has detailed storm maps, real-time feeds and push alerts, threat level maps, audio/video updates and National Hurricane Center information.

Hurricane Hound is an app for Android users. It uses Google Maps and track forecasts and the location of hurricanes in the Atlantic and East Pacific. It even points out areas that the National Weather Service is watching for potential storm development.

iHurricane HD is an app for iOS users. Users can track hurricanes using radar and satellite date. Users are also able to get email alerts and gauge distance between them and the storm using coordinates.

Hurricane — American Red Cross is available for both Android and iOS users. Users can monitor conditions in their area or throughout the storm track. Users can also find help and let others know they are okay.