mzwindows

Foam filling, good idea or just a gimmick?

Posted on February 10, 2012 by MZWindows

One of the more recent developments in the vinyl window industry is the introduction of foam filling the frames and sash. This is nothing new to the industry in general, as first the aluminum windows were offering it, and then the fiberglass windows, now some of the vinyl windows manufactures are offering it.

Foam filling would seem like an easy way to get better insulation from your windows, but is it really? The reason foam has been so successful in the aluminum and fiberglass windows are because the only have one or two chambers. Due to this, foam filling will increase their insulation. Also because these windows have a mechanically joined corner, the foam will not interfere with the strength of the joint. In a well designed vinyl window foam insulating will offer little to no increase in insulating value and can possibly cause other issues. A well designed window will have many chambers. The outer chamber in the sash offers the ability to vent and drain any water that might work its way into the glazing chamber. It also will help keep the vinyl from building up to much heat in a darkly coloured window. The other chambers will have contained air spaces and this is what gives the vinyl it’s good insulating values. Just think of fiberglass insulation. It’s all of the little air pockets that give it such good insulation properties. It also offers a greater surface area to help strengthen the corner welds. In a poorly designed vinyl window there will be fewer chambers, this makes the window weaker, and have lower insulation. Foam insulation will offer somewhat better insulation, but in an inferior window. The foam cannot go completely into the corners or it will contaminate the welds, causing them to be very weak. Another benefit people are selling about foam filling is that it will make the window quieter, so does more chambers.

In the end foam filling is more of a gimmick than it is good. All foam does is make an inferior window seem as good as a better window. But it’s still a weaker product with a lot of short comings.

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Winter installations

Posted on January 25, 2012 by MZWindows

When a customer comes into our showroom or I visit their home they frequently ask me “when is the best time of year to buy windows?” I then ask them… “best for what, installation or price?”

If it is price then winter is the best time because the industry is slower, manufacturers often offer discounts to keep their factories working and installers will reduce their prices to keep busy during this slow time.

There is a misconception that installations in the winter will be problematic. The truth is that unless there is a blizzard and the snow or, as is the case this year, rain is falling sideways there is no problem installing in mid winter. Of course our crews do one unit at a time and only leave the opening open for 5-10 minutes before the new window is in. On occasion when it is very cold we cannot caulk outside but the low expansion foam seals the perimeter against water and air infiltration and we can return on a warmer day to finish up.

In all my years in this business, I have yet to see a service call or deficiency related to an installation in the winter.

On the positive side you get to start feeling warmer and saving on you energy bills right away. As well, everyone has more time to dedicate to ensuring your job receives the attention it deserves.

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Just give me a price!

Posted on January 18, 2012 by MZWindows

There seems to be a lot of customers who shop for windows by asking, just give me a price. They either walk into the office, or call in, and have a list of sizes. Unless these windows are for a supply only job, and they have come into the showroom, we tend not to give a price. How can we supply an accurate installation price without ever seeing your house? Also you will miss out on the salesman’s expertise.

We have noticed that whenever someone wants just a price that we almost never get the job. The main reason is that the customer either wants to spend as little as they can, or they have nothing to compare but the price.

For us to do our job properly we need to see the windows. We can spot any potential installation problems, clash of window styles, and interference with furniture, walk ways, doors etc. Let’s say that you are only getting a quotation for the main floor of the house and will be doing the second floor next year. You are looking to change from hung windows to casements. If we don’t get the chance to see the house, how are we going to be able to see if all the other window sizes can be changed to a casement?

If you want to get a fair and accurate price for your windows invite the sales rep to your home. Let them look at where the windows are to be installed. If they are really interested in doing the right thing for you and your home they will ask a lot of questions. They need this information to help recommend the correct type of window and which of the manufactures they use to recommend. Maybe all you need is a repair; a good salesman will let you know this.

Most customers want to get the best deal. To do this you will need to let the salesmen do their job, come to the house, look at the existing windows, see what’s needed for the installation etc. The best value is never the cheapest price.

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Energy efficient windows vs sound abating windows

Posted on May 24, 2011 by MZWindows

Today we had a potential customer come into our Oakville window and door showroom and much of the discussion centered around the issues of sound abatement (blocking) properties of insulating glass and the various options for energy efficient glass. Usually there is a correlation between the two but not always. This client backs onto a major highway so he is hoping that when he replaces the windows and doors he will improve the level of quiet in his home while also improving the energy efficiency.
One of the challenges in the decision process is how much to spend and what kind of return you’ll get. He spoke of wanting to achieve an R-8 value which is twice the standard for low e + argon gas of most windows sold in the GTA. To achieve this meant going with triple glazed units, and double layers of Low e with Krypton gas in the air space. These types of upgrades will also improve the ability of the windows to block sound transmission. Energy efficiency is easier to verify by looking at future heating and cooling bills, reduced condensation and overall comfort. But sound abatement is trickier. Noticing an improvement is more subjective unless you have testing done before and after the windows and doors are replaced. Like energy efficiency options, there are many ways glass suppliers can improve STC (Sound Transmission Coefficient) ratings. Sometimes the situation warrants the costs. Many times improving the seals, applying low expansion foam all around the window during installation and properly caulking the windows makes a big difference. As well there is a diminishing return as greater levels are being achieved. What is most important is that good advice is provided and options are explored so an educated decision can be made before the investment is committed to.

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Oakville Windows and Doors Company – Meyer and Zapp

Posted on April 28, 2011 by MZWindows

From building contractors to renovating gurus and discerning home owners, our founders have helped thousands of clients with their window and door projects with great success. Each customer can count on their personalized attention, in depth knowledge and expert problem solving abilities.

Meyer & Zapp Windows and Doors, based out of Oakville, have set the standard in the industry because of their unwavering commitment to quality and absolute customer satisfaction.