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Myth #1: Heat Mirror is a highly-reflective "mirror like" glass product.
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Fact:
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Heat Mirror is not a visually reflective product and does not give a mirror image as its name might suggest. The name, Heat Mirror, has to be taken literally. Heat Mirror is highly reflective to the near-infrared or heat component of the solar spectrum. Heat Mirror provides an exceptionally clear "visual read" through the glass while reflecting heat back to its source--to the outside in the summer--to the inside in the winter.
There are nine different Heat Mirror products ranging from highly transparent to visually reflective. The intended use and visual criteria for the project dictates which product is recommended.
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Myth #2: All "low-e" coatings are the same.
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Fact:
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The term "low-e" refers to a group of metallic-coated glass (or suspended coated film) products that reflect heat and transmit light in varying degrees. The generic term "low-e" refers to how they work, not to how-well they work.
Low-e coatings fall into two main categories: (1) sputtered (soft-coat), a high-performance coating that must be sealed in an insulating glass unit, and (2) pyrolytic (hard-coat), a generally less effective coating. Pyrolitic low-e does not need to be sealed into an insulating glass unit. While pyrolitic low-e insulating glass is an improvement over double-pane glass for winter insulation, it performs poorly when used to keep out excess heat in the summer.
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Myth #3: Heat Mirror is a brand name for a type of "low-e" coating.
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Fact:
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Heat Mirror is a brand name for a type of high-performance insulating glass. The low-emissivity, coated, polyester film is only one of the components that contribute to Heat Mirror's "total performance" package of benefits. In addition to the low-e coated film, Heat Mirror's patented suspension system creates two air spaces for superior insulation.
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Myth #4: All "low-e" glass provides good insulation.
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Fact:
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A low-e coating by itself does not improve insulation-it has to be teamed with an air space to be effective. Two air spaces insulate better than one and wide air spaces insulate better than narrow. Combined with one or more air spaces, low-e coatings boost insulation performance to varying degrees. Heat Mirror products are the highest in overall performance.
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Myth #5: All "low-e" glass provides protection from solar heat gain.
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Fact:
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Many types of low-e insulating glass are designed to improve winter insulation. To effectively limit solar heat gain in summer, some low-e manufacturers have to use tinted or reflective glass, which blocks light along with the solar heat. Within the Heat Mirror family of wavelength-selective, suspended coated films, one can choose a product which provides a low shading coefficient to control heat gain while still effectively controlling heat loss as well. Combined with clear glass, this product appears visually clear and neutral in color.
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Myth #6: "Low-e" glass is more durable than Heat Mirror.
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Fact:
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Sputtered low-e coatings, whether on glass or polyester, last as long as the seal in the insulating glass unit. If the seal fails, the unit will fail regardless of whether the unit is a low-e unit, a Heat Mirror unit, or a standard insulating glass unit. Heat Mirror insulating glass is regularly tested for durability at independent test laboratories using industry standard test procedures, and repeatedly passes at the highest possible levels.
Heat Mirror insulating glass units are manufactured according to IGCC (Insulating Glass Certification Council) CBA "A" Level Certification and SIGMA (Sealed Insulating Glass Manufacturers Association) CBA "A" Level Certification.
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Myth #7: All "low-e" glass eliminates fading.
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Fact:
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No low-e product completely eliminates fading because both ultraviolet (UV) radiation and visible light cause fading.
The Heat Mirror products block most of the damaging ultraviolet, offering more fading protection than any other glass-coated, tinted, or reflective. The Heat Mirror products effectively block 99.5% of harmful UV radiation.
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Myth #8: "Heat Mirror is too expensive."
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Fact:
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The choice of the right glass is one of the most important, critical, and far-reaching decisions that one will make on a building. The type of glass used has more spin-off impact than virtually any other construction material. The glass decision impacts:
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DESIGN
HUMAN COMFORT
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
HVAC DESIGN & SIZING
CONDENSATION CONTROL
EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY
ULTRAVIOLET FADING
SOUND CONTROL
DAYLIGHTING
Check our quality and pricing. Our product is, without question, the best in quality and performance available in gazing today. And, you will be pleasantly surprised by how affordable it is.
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| Heat Mirror Performance Chart |
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With so many windows on the market, it's easy to become confused about what window fits your needs and budget. The ease of operation, fit, finish and overall appearance of the window are easy to consider. But when you look at insulation values, structural performance and air or water infiltration rates, things can quickly become complicated.
Why Vinyl?
Vinyl windows insulate as well or better that other window material, keeping you comfortable and saving you money. Insulated glass and dual weather-stripping maintains the efficiency of the window by creating a tight seal, effectively eliminating drafts.
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ENERGYSTARŪ was created by the U.S. Department of
Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to
help consumers identify products that help save energy
which reduces the consumption of natural resources and
to help protect our environment. The average household
spends up to 40% of it's annual budget on heating and
cooling costs. ENERGY STARŪ products can save up to
15% of your total energy bill.
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Look for the NFRC Label when shopping for windows and
doors. The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC)
is a non-profit organization created to provide accurate
information for measuring and comparing the energy
performance of windows and door products. It is
comprised of manufactures, builders, architects and
designers, code officials, utilities and government
agencies. NFRC rates windows and doors for the
following:
U-factor: How well a window keeps heat inside of a
home or building. The lower the U-factor, the greater
the insulating value
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): Measure how
well a window blocks heat caused by sunlight. The
lower a windows SHGC, the less solar heat it transmits.
Visible Transmittance (VT): Determines how much
light passes through a product. The higher the VT,
the more light is transmitted.
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Why should I buy Custom-Made
Replacement Windows?
First, custom-made windows are designed to fit your home, it;s opening and it's style, all based on your selections. Standard sized or stock windows, like those used by builders, or found in home improvement centers, are available in certain sizes. More often than not, those sizes are not the same size as your current window, which leaves you with inches of open space to fill so that "standard" sized window will fit.
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Can I install custom-made windows myself?
Sure you can, but perhaps the right question might be "Should I install custom-made windows myself?" Professional installers are trained and equipped to do the job correctly, neatly and painlessly the first time. This insures the most accurate installation possible. Most are bonded or insured so they can be responsible for any damage to your home or window during the installation and are prepared for any unexpected challenges they might encounter while installing the window. Also, measuring for the window is extremely important to insure the proper fit and installation of your new window. |
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What features are considered standard in a Replacement Window?
Well, it depends on the manufacturer. Always be sure to find out what they offer as a standard feature and what is considered an upgrade. Many manufactures will promote the great feature of a window-which are actually upgrades, but advertise the price for a "stripped down" version. Below is a list of the standard features in Kensington Windows provides with every window you purchase. Naturally upgrades are available. We suggest you contact your dealer for a complete list of all upgrades and option.
7/8" Insulated Clear Glass (Upgrades Available)
Deluxe Weather-Stripping on Sashes and Frames
Balance Covers
Multi Chambered Profiles (Foam Filling Available)
High Impact Nylon Sash Retainers
Deluxe Half Screens with Heavy Duty Aluminum Screen Frames
Fiberglass Screen Cloth
Tilt in Sashes
Deep Receiver Head Pocket
Silicone Bulb Seal
Double Locks on all units over 28" wide
Vent Limit devices
Jamb Adjusters
Limited Lifetime Warranty |
What is Air Infiltration Rate?
Properly made and insulated windows are a must, because if air from the outside can enter your home through cracks in the window, then energy efficiency and comfort are comprised. To combat this, the industry adopted a measurement system from the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) called an Air Infiltration Rate.
The air infiltration rate is a measurement of the amount of air that can pass through a window. It is expressed in terms of a number assigned by an independent laboratory after significant testing. The lower the air infiltration numbers, the lower the amount of air passing through the window, thus less heat loss. Windows that are able to stop drafts will use superior weather-stripping and incorporate fusion welded corners that eliminate seams and potential leaks. Cold spots or that drafty feeling are eliminated, thereby reducing your energy costs. So look for a low numbers on air infiltration test results. Don't accept any window that has an air infiltration rate of more than 0.07 on a double hung or sliding windows, and expect even lower rates on casement windows.
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