MAINTENANCE TIPS

Maintaining Vinyl Window and Door Frames

The true beauty of vinyl windows and doors is that they come closer to being maintenance-free than most exterior building products.

Although rain usually does a satisfactory job removing dirt from vinyl window and door frames, follow these simple instructions if necessary to keep them clean and looking as good as new.

Normal Maintenance Tips

• Use a soft cloth or long-handled soft-bristle brush to wash frames.
• If necessary, use a mild abrasive cleaner such as SoftScrub®, Ajax®, BonAmi®, etc. (Note: the use of any abrasive material could have a detrimental effect on the surface of glass and window or door frames.)
• Do not use cleaners containing aggressive organic solvents (such as chlorine bleach; liquid grease remover; strong soaps and detergents containing organic solvents) because they could damage the surface appearance of the vinyl.
• Use the readily available household cleaners listed below for tough dirt and stains such as top soil, caulking, rust or mold and mildew. Please refer to the manufacturer’s instructions on use of cleaners.

• Avoid washing windows with high pressure spray.

Cleaners to Remove Stains from Vinyl and Wood Door Frames*

Bubble Gum
Fantastik®; Murphy Oil Soap®; Solution of 30% vinegar and 70% water; Windex®

Crayon
Lestoil® DAP (oil-based caulk) Fantastik®

Felt-tip
Pen Fantastik®; water-based cleaners

Grass
Fantastik®; Lysol®; Murphy Oil Soap®; Windex®

Lipstick
Fantastik®; Murphy Oil Soap®

Lithium Grease
Fantastik®; Lestoil®; Murphy Oil Soap®; Windex®

Mold and Mildew
Fantastik®; Solution of 30% vinegar and 70% water; Windex®

Motor Oil
Fantastik®; Lysol®; Murphy Oil Soap®; Windex®

Oil
SoftScrub®

Paint
Brillo® Pad; SoftScrub®

Pencil
SoftScrub®

Rust
Fantastik®; Murphy Oil Soap®; Windex®

Tar
SoftScrub®

Top Soil
Fantastik®; Lestoil®; Murphy Oil Soap®

*Disclaimer:

North Star does not endorse proprietary products or processes and makes no warranties for the products referenced herein. Reference to proprietary names is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to imply that there are not equally effective alternatives.

Glossary

Low-E Glass

Low-E stands for low-emissivity. Emissivity is a measure of how much a glass surface transfers radiant heat.

LoE 366 (Cardinal)

LoE 366 – Is recommended when cooling costs outweigh heating costs in your energy usage, or where summer discomfort from heat build-up should be an important concern. This is the best glass for most applications in a southern climate. It has a very high reflection rate of the radiant outside heat to prevent heat gain in summer and in winter it still retains radiant once you turn on your furnace! LoE 366 has a lower Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) in order to minimize Solar Heat Gain that results in extra work for your air conditioning unit.

LOF (Libby Owens Ford) / Pilkington Energy Advantage

LOF – Pilkington Energy Advantage Low-E is the best glass for most applications in a northern climate. It has a very high retention rate of the heat in your home in winter and prevents heat gain in summer. Energy Advantage Glass has a higher Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) than Low-E glass designed for southern climates. It provides free winter heat for your home. Since as much as 95% of your energy expense for heating and cooling combined is for heating, this glass is more cost effective than other glass without a high SHGC.

R-Value

The R-value represents the resistance a material has to heat flow. It measures the effectiveness of insulation in stopping heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the heat resistance.

Screen Pull Tabs

Screen pull tabs are constructed from a durable nylon material and are installed as an integral part of the screen itself, for ease of removal.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)

When cooling is needed, the key rating parameter is the SHGC. SHGC measures how well a product blocks heat from the sun. SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The lower the SGHC, the better a product is at blocking unwanted heat gain. Blocking solar heat gain is particularly important during the summer.

Super Spacer

A highly UV-resistant and, flexible silicone foam designed as the spacer between glass panes in sealed unit production. Units constructed of super spacer satisfy the toughest warm edge demands by:

• resisting condensation
• reducing energy costs
• providing long-life durability
• reducing outside noise distractions

U-Value

When heating is needed, the key rating parameter is the U-value. The U-value describes how well a product prevents heat from escaping a home or building. U-value ratings generally fall between 0.2 and 1.2. The lower the U-value, the better a product is at keeping heat in. U-factor is particularly important during the winter heating season.

When purchasing energy efficient windows, doors, and skylights, it is more important to consider whole-unit U-factor (a measure of insulation) and Solar Heat Gain Coefficients (SHGCs) (a measure of how well the product blocks heat caused by the sun) rather than the specific materials or technologies used. The ideal U-factor and SHGC vary depending on the product and/or your climate zone.

Visible Transmittance (VT)

The VT is the relative amount of visible light transmitted through a pane of glass. The VT ranges from 0 to 1. The smaller the VT, the less visible light is transmitted through the product. The higher the VT, the greater the potential for day lighting to offset the need for electric lighting.

WINDOW FAQS

There’s a lot to keep in mind when purchasing new windows and patio doors, so we’ve compiled a list of commonly asked questions you might have. If you need more information, please contact us.

WHY DO OLD WINDOWS EVEN NEED TO BE REPLACED?

• There are several factors to consider.
• Energy loss: Perhaps 25 per cent of your energy bill is lost through windows. A 3′X5′ window with a 1/16″ gap around the sashes is like having a hole the size of a brick
• Condensation: Energy-efficient windows stay warmer on the interior surface, so humidity can be raised without getting moisture on windows, which can eventually damage walls. Less condensation also helps reduce growth of mold.
• Air quality: Tight windows keep out dust, bugs, pollen and sound
  – so the indoor environment is healthier.

• Avoid washing windows with high pressure spray.

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE VINYL WINDOWS?

Vinyl is an excellent option for windows and doors because of its energy efficiency, strength and versatility. Vinyl is resistant to moisture, doesn’t need painting and has a very good insulating value. Wood windows have similar insulating value but they will warp and rot if not painted, resulting in poor efficiency. Vinyl is an attractive low-maintenance option for renovators and homeowners.

WHAT IS "Low-E" GLASS?

Low-E stands for low-emissivity. Emissivity is a measure of how much a glass surface transfers radiant heat.

LoE 366 (Cardinal)

LoE 366 – Is recommended when cooling costs outweigh heating costs in your energy usage, or where summer discomfort from heat build-up should be an important concern. This is the best glass for most applications in a southern climate. It has a very high reflection rate of the radiant outside heat to prevent heat gain in summer and in winter it still retains radiant once you turn on your furnace! LoE 366 has a lower Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) in order to minimize Solar Heat Gain that results in extra work for your air conditioning unit.

LOF (Libby Owens Ford) / Pilkington Energy Advantage

LOF – Pilkington Energy Advantage Low-E is the best glass for most applications in a northern climate. It has a very high retention rate of the heat in your home in winter and prevents heat gain in summer. Energy Advantage Glass has a higher Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) than Low-E glass designed for southern climates. It provides free winter heat for your home. Since as much as 95% of your energy expense for heating and cooling combined is for heating, this glass is more cost effective than other glass without a high SHGC.

 

CAN CONDENSATION CAUSE DAMAGE?

Condensation can be a serious problem. The moisture produced by everyday activities such as cooking and showering shows up first on cool dense surfaces such as windows. Over the long term, this dripping can damage windows and nearby surfaces such as drywall and promote growth of mould, a potential health hazard. One solution is to reduce humidity but levels can’t always be lowered sufficiently, especially in the winter when moisture is needed to prevent drying. A better solution lies in the windows themselves. North Star windows feature Super Spacer® technology which boosts window R-values by 30 per cent. The advanced warm-edge technology in North Star windows keeps the glass much warmer so they are less likely to fog.

 

HOW GOOD IS NORTH STAR’S WARRANTY?

North Star stands behind its products with a transferable, limited lifetime warranty.

Window Condensation Info

What is Condensation?

Condensation is the passing of a substance from a lighter to a denser physical state. In this instance, water passes from a gaseous (vapour) state to the denser liquid one. Because it is caused by too much humidity, condensation is also the symptom of a more serious problem – excessive moisture at work in your home’s atmosphere.

In seeking cooler, drier outside air, water vapour exerts pressure and forces its way through most building materials. Wood, brick, and drywall are too porous to stop moisture from migrating to the outside. But because window glass is denser and its surface colder than the surrounding walls, vapour is stopped by glass and condenses on it. While glass – the coldest, least porous (and most visible) material in a building – may show condensation first, it may also be noticed on exposed nail heads and other metal surfaces.

Why Does Condensation Occur?

Problems arise because air can hold only a limited amount of water vapour, varying with the temperature. Condensation is related to two conditions always present in the atmosphere inside your home. It is likely to form whenever there is an improper balance between:

Relative Humidity

A ratio between the water vapour in the air compared to the maximum amount that air can hold at a given temperature. For example, 50% means the air is carrying 1/2 of the total water vapour it is capable of holding at that temperature.

Temperature

A particular temperature where the relative humidity becomes 100%, called the “dew point” (see chart). At the dew point, the air is saturated with moisture and begins to lose it in the form of condensation.

Where Does Condensation Occur?

In practice, condensation will occur first over the lower part of the window because glass surface temperatures are not uniform, being lower at the bottom than at the top. Windows with a metal sash usually have more severe problems at the base and sides. Occasionally, it may occur on cold spots, such as nail heads and in corners of outside walls and closets where insulation value is reduced.

Sources of Mouisture

The humidity level in a house during the winter will depend on both the moisture added to the air through family living habits (see chart) and the rate at which this moisture is removed by ventilation or condensation.

Solutions and Facts About Humidity

Solutions

• Turn off all humidifiers, particularly in homes  with forced-air heating.
• Move plants away from windows.
• Vent the clothes dryer and gas appliances outside.
• Do not dry firewood indoors.
• Ensure kitchens and bathrooms are well ventilated by windows or exhaust fans.
• Ensure that basement walls are kept as dry as possible.
• A de-humidifier may have to be installed
  (Note: a de-humidifier alone cannot eliminate the problem).
• Do not cover windows with heavy curtains, this will restrict air flow over glass.
• Produce less moisture inside the house.

Facts

• Unless indoor humidities are kept below 10%,  it is impossible to avoid some condensation.
• Lower outside temperatures require lower inside humidity levels (see chart).
• Electrically heated homes are difficult to rectify because there is very little movement of air.
• Ventilation is generally the most effective means available to reduce humidity and can be done by opening windows, operating exhaust fans and/or installing a ventilator from outside into the cold  air return plenum of a forced air heating system

Glossary

Air Infiltration

Air that leaks in and out of a home or building through cracks in walls, windows and doors is considered “infiltration”. The lower a window’s air infiltration rating, the more airtight it is.

Argon and Krypton

Argon and krypton are odorless, colorless, non-toxic inert gases that can be used instead of air between panes of glass to increase insulation and energy efficiency. Argon is the cheaper, more readily available gas, but krypton is a better insulator. Often, manufacturers will use a blend of air, argon, and/or krypton to balance cost and performance.

Cam Lock

Cam locks are thumb-turn locks that are traditionally used on vertical and horizontal sliders. They reduce drafts by tightening the sashes together and provide superior security.

Condensation

Condensation on windows occurs when the surface temperature of the glass (glazing), sash or frame is lower than that of the humid air around it. The moisture vapour in the air changes into liquid water on contact with these cold surfaces.

Exterior Condensation

Energy-efficient windows will occasionally have condensation on the exterior glass surface. This usually happens during periods of warm weather and high humidity near the time of sunrise. Because energy-efficient windows greatly reduce the amount of heat escaping to the outside (which is good during the long periods of cold weather), the exterior glass surface is cool enough to allow condensation to form for a short period of time.

Condensation Resistance (CR)

CR measures how well a product resists the formation of condensation. CR is reported on a scale of 1 to 100. The higher the number, the better a product is at resisting condensation.

Energy Rating System (ER)

A window’s ER rating is a measure of its overall performance, based on three factors: 1) solar heat gains; 2) heat loss through frames, spacer and glass; and 3) air leakage heat loss. All window Energy Ratings (ER) are evaluated in the same way.

Energy Star® Symbol

The international Energy Star® symbol is a simple way for consumers to identify products that are among the most energy-efficient on the market. Only manufacturers and retailers whose products meet the Energy Star® criteria can label their products with this symbol. Choosing an Energy Star® labeled product over a conventional model could save you hundreds of dollars in energy costs.

Canada and the United States have long been involved in the Energy Star® program and utilize a zone default qualification schedule. Qualifications are based on “U-Factors” and “SHGC” (solar heat gain coefficient), or “ER Ratings” in Canada.

Extrusion

Extrusions are made through a manufacturing process in which PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is melted, shaped into a continuous profile, and cut to length. North Star’s AAMA-certified multi-chambered vinyl extrusions are made in our own quality controlled state-of-the-art manufacturing plant.

Fold-Down Handle

Optional fold-down handles offer a sleeker profile, are less obtrusive to your opening and allow window treatments to close better.

Grilles

Contour and Flat grilles add a decorative element to windows and are available in many styles. Choose a standard size or customize to the dramatic shapes of our architectural windows. Available in white, ivory, hickory, chestnut brown, cocoa, sable, sandalwood, brass and pewter. These grilles offer a perfect accent to any window.

Insulated Glass

Any window that features at least two or more panes of glass spaced apart to form a sealed glazed unit. The space between panes provides added insulation.

Krypton and Argon

Krypton and argon are odorless, colorless, non-toxic inert gases that can be used instead of air between panes of glass to increase insulation and energy efficiency. Argon is the cheaper, more readily available gas, but krypton is a better insulator. Often, manufacturers will use a blend of air, argon, and/or krypton to balance cost and performance.

 

SIDING FAQS

There’s a lot to keep in mind when purchasing siding, so we’ve compiled a list of commonly asked questions you might have. If you need more information, please
contact us.

HOW DOES VINYL SIDING COMPARE TO OTHER BUILDING MATERIALS?

When compared to wood, brick, stone and stucco, siding can provide several advantages in terms of maintenance costs, appearance, durability and value.

Gentek offers a broad range of sidings in vinyl, steel and aluminum, so you can choose the style and finish that best suits your home and climate area. Siding beautifully combines the classic appeal of a freshly painted wood with high-performance materials that are easy to maintain. Built weather-tough, Gentek siding won't chip, peel, or rot like painted wood and requires very minimal upkeep. Just rinse occasionally with a garden hose to restore the siding's like-new beauty. With a variety of materials, profile designs, textures and colours to choose from, you can design a beautiful home exterior that will stand the test of time.

In addition, Gentek sidings are backed by strong lifetime limited warranties*--further assurance you have made an excellent selection for your home.

WHY IS VINYL SIDING SUCH A POPULAR CHOICE?

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 (see information above).  It's the material of choice on new luxury homes...and the first choice for remodeling projects large and small.

Gentek offers a broad range of vinyl siding products to fit every design and budget. Choose from a variety of profiles in Dutch Lap, Clapboard, Board & Batten and Vertical V-Groove with textured finishes and a wide array of colours, including classic hues, variegated and darker Designer Colours.

You'll also appreciate vinyl siding's easy-care upkeep.  Durable and dent-resistant, each vinyl panel is solid colour through and through, so it never needs painting or staining. Vinyl siding won't chip, peel, dent or rot, so you can forget costly repairs and time-consuming maintenance.  Just rinse occasionally with a garden hose to restore the siding's like-new beauty.

For added peace of mind, Gentek vinyl sidings are backed by strong lifetime limited warranties,* ensuring excellent quality and value for your home.

HOW DOES THE COST OF VINYL SIDING COMPARE TO ITS ADDED RESALE VALUE?

In terms of adding resale value to your home, new siding can be one of the smartest investments you can make. In a previous annual survey of project cost versus added value, Remodeling magazine said that "...the highest payback comes from projects that give an older home the same features that have become standard in new homes."

Exterior improvements such as the installation of new siding also make a home more attractive on the market. According to a real estate agent interviewed by Remodeling, "Things like new siding and new windows will not add dollar for dollar value...(but) they will cause the house to sell quicker for more money."

Choosing insulated siding for your home can add even greater value and market appeal, because it enhances thermal performance and energy savings, as well as softens outside noise for a quieter home.

HOW DO I MAINTAIN MY VINYL SIDING?

Ordinarily, the cleaning action of a rainfall will be adequate to wash your siding. However, siding and soffit should be washed periodically by rinsing with a garden hose and clear water, particularly in those areas not exposed directly to rain. If you desire to do a more thorough cleaning, or where high soil collection conditions occur, use a soft-bristled, long-handled washing brush. It attaches to your garden hose and makes washing your siding easier.

Do not rub vigorously. This may create glossy areas over the siding finish. For hard-to-remove dirt, such as soot and grime found in industrial areas, wipe the siding down with a solution that's recommended by the manufacturer. If you wash the entire house, start at the bottom and work up to the top, as less streaking will result. It is important that immediately following all washing operations, the entire surface be thoroughly rinsed with fresh water from a garden hose.

Plant Growth Behind Energy Advantage™ Low-E GIass

The question is often asked if the growth of plants within a house will be adversely affected by glazing the window units with LOF Energy Advantage Low-E glass. A healthy plant that flourishes behind glass is the result of many variables, some of which include the type of plant, necessary wavelengths of light for plant growth, the percentage of light transmittance through the glazing unit at each specific wavelength and the internal room temperature where the plant is located.

Solar radiant energy in the form of visible light will act as a source of fuel for the internal food factory of a green plant. Through photosynthesis, plants use this visible light to change carbon dioxide and water into the simple sugars and starches they use for food, , .. giving off oxygen in the process. At night, when no light strikes the leaves, the photosynthesis stops and they start absorbing oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide.

A green plant does not use all the light that is available to it for growth, however. Although natural sunlight appears white, it is actually composed of separate wavelengths, each with its own color - red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet. Plants will use some wavelengths more than they use others.

In most plants, green wavelengths are merely reflected, causing the plants to appear green to us. The influence. of the invisible infrared energy on plant growth is still unclear. Ultraviolet radiation is generally harmful to seedlings or younger indoor plants, although some data suggest that the longer ultraviolet wavelengths can slightly stimulate photosynthesis if visible light is also present in the correct proportions. Most of the important photochemical processes in a plant use the blue and red areas of the visible spectrum that best promote growth. Red light, for example, stimulates stem and leaf growth, while blue light regulates plant enzyme and respiratory processes and encourages low, stocky growth and dark green leaves. Providing your plants with the right balance of red and blue light is the key to successful indoor plant growth.

Insufficient window area or excessive shading can lead to inadequate light for healthy plant growth. The duration of light on a plant is just as important as the color and intensity of the light. Adequate light acting over a long duration will have the same effect as a very bright light over a short duration.

Therefore, plants will grow best behind a glazing having a high visible or daylight

transmittance. The visible light transmittance throug,h a double glazed clear insulated glass unit will equal 90%. · A double glazed clear/LOF Energy Advantage Low-E insulated glass unit will transmit 82% of the visible light that is available from the sun. Therefore, there is less than a 10% reduction in visible light transmittance with the LOF Energy Advantage Low-E option.

Excessive ultraviolet radiation is generally harmful to plants, and therefore a glazing having low UV transmittance is desirable: A comparison between the two glazing options noted above result in values equal to 83% for the double glaze clear unit and 66% for the double glaze unit with LOF Energy Advantage Low-E or a 21% reduction in ultraviolet radiation.

Finally, plants grow ideally in indoor temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees F (18 and 24 degrees C). Window units glazed with Energy Advantage Low-E will certainly keep plants wanner in the winter with less reliance for heating energy supplied by the home furnace.

Research into plant growth behind low-e glazings conducted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) concluded that " ... neutral-colored low-e products do not seriously influence yields, plant health, or growth rates if the plants are kept near room temperature".

Foam Filling

There have been several inquiries about the use of foam insulating material in the frame hollows of window profiles. The hollows in the frames and sashes of all windows are small enough to prevent natural convection and thus create dead air spaces. Dead air has a thermal conductivity (k) of approximately .17 BTU in/HR FT degrees Fahrenheit.

The foams which are generally used are urethane and have thermal conductivities of between .13 and .20 when first foamed in place. As the foam ages, the "k" value increases significantly. Thus, although some very minimal initial gains in insulating value can possibly be made by foaming open areas, in time, these gains will be lost and the window may actually have poorer insulating qualities than an unfoamed window.

If cheaper foams are used initially, the foamed windows will always perform worse than the unfoamed units. In addition, tests by independent laboratories have been unable to show any significant gain in the thermal performance of foamed windows over non­foamed units.

The lack of increased thermal performance coupled with the significant increase in cost associated with foaming window frames is reason enough not to use foam. However, foam can have another very significant problem. Urethane foams, which are the only foams which have "k" values as low as .13, can and in many cases, do continue to grow long after the foaming process is complete. This can cause warped frames and jammed windows six months, a year, or two years after the initial foaming.

(Source: The Professional Window and Door Guide, Volume 1, Issue 1)

The Dubious Benefits of Foam-Filled Vinyl Windows

Some manufacturers of vinyl-framed windows inject urethane foam into the hollow vinyl frame to improve thermal performance and/or increase rigidity. Although a foam-filled frame is visually impressive when viewed from a cross section, the actual benefits in terms of energy performance are apparently minimal.

As part of a recent research project, Enermodal Engineering of Waterloo, Ontario, modeled the thermal performance of vinyl frames with and without foam insulation. The R-Value of a hollow frame was R-23. In a climatic region with 6,000 degree days per year (Denver, fat example), that boils down to energy savings less than 50,U00 Btu per window per year - about 30 cents worth of natural gas.

Impact on Overall Window R-Vafue

When installed in a double-glazed window with low-E glass, the slight improvement in frame R-value produced by foam filling has little effect on overall window R-value. Using the Window 4.0 computer program developed by Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, we calculated the overall R-value of vinyl windows with and without foam filling. The results show only 0.1 improvement in r-value. The figures are theoretical calculations, but at least one laboratory measurement bears them out. Quality Testing Inc. of Everett, Washington, ran a series of tests on vinyl windows with and without foam filling. These results were very close to the theoretical results.

(Source: http://murphyswindows.com/Murphys-windows-problems-foam.htm)