VINYL

Vinyl is rapidly taking over the window industry through advances in energy efficiency, strength and versatility. Vinyl is resistant to moisture, impervious to pollutants, self extinguishing to fire and resistant to heat loss and cold transfer. Vinyl will not blister, peel, rot, rust, warp or discolour. Vinyl is virtually maintenance free and can be painted to match just about any decor. There is no other material that is so suited for windows as vinyl.

U-VALUE - (Heating Energy Loss)

Measures the rate of heat loss through glass and other products. The lower the U-Value the better the insulating qualities of the glass which will reduce heating costs in the winter as well as keeping the interior glass surface warmer which will reduce the likelihood of any glass condensation.

SOLAR HEAT GAIN CO-EFFICIENT (SHGC)

(Cooling Energy Loss) Measures how well glass and other products block heat entering a home caused by sunlight. The SHGC is the fraction of incident solar radiation admitted through a window, both directly transmitted and absorbed, and then subsequently released inward. SHGC is indicated at a number between 0 and 1, the lower the number the less solar heat is transmitted.

ENERGY RATING (ER)

Measures the overall energy performance of a window. The higher the number the better the performance. R-VALUE (R) Measures heat loss through various products. The higher the R-Value the higher the resistance to energy loss.

ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT TRANSMITTANCE - % (Fading)

The amount of ultraviolet light that enters a home causing fading to interior draperies, floorings and furnishings. The lower the percentage the lower amount of fading.

VISIBLE LIGHT TRANSMITTANCE - % (Light)

The amount of solar energy that enters a home as light. The higher the percentage the more light.

CONDENSATION

The source of condensation is humidity, or air borne water vapor, which is present in all air. When this water vapor comes in contact with a cooler surface, it will condense and form condensation.

AIR TIGHTNESS (A) RATINGS A1 TO A3

The air tightness test measures the volume of air that would pass through a closed window at an air pressure differential that represents a wind speed of 25 mph (3 kph). Performance is indicated by a number rating from A1 to A3. The higher the number the better the performance.

WATER TIGHTNESS (B) RATINGS B1 TO B7

Water tightness testing involves applying a uniform water spray at increasing air pressure (to simulate wind driven rain) until water penetrates the window. Performance is indicated by a number rating from B1 to B7. The higher the number the better the performance.

WIND RESISTANCE (C) RATINGS C1 TO C5

Resistance to wind is a measure of the windows structural strength and is tested by applying increasing levels of air pressure to simulate wind force. Air pressure is applied until the windows operation is impaired. Performance is indicated by a number rating from C1 to C5. The higher the number the better the performance.

FORCED ENTRY (F) RATINGS F1 TO F2

The forced entry test indicates how well the window will withstand attempted forced entry for a period of 5 minutes. F1 means the window has a lock. F2 indicates the window has a lock and that it passes hand and tool manipulation tests. F2 represents the higher level of security.

LOW E GLASS

A virtually transparent metallic oxide coating which reflects long-wave infrared energy, thus improving heat flow from the interior in the winter and from the exterior in the summer. Almost 3/4 of total heat loss in a standard window occurs because the warm inner pane of a double glazed window readily emits heat to the cooler outside pane. LowE glass disrupts the heat loss emitted to the outside pane as well as filtering out damaging UV rays which cause fading to draperies, flooring and furnishings. ARGON GAS A clear inert gas which replaces the air sealed between the glass panes of an insulated sealed unit. Argon gas is denser and has a lower thermal conductivity than air, thus reducing heat loss and improving energy efficiency.

WARM EDGE SPACER

Spacer is what separates the panes of glass of a sealed unit. Warm edge spacer is made of a low conductive material that keeps the inside edges of the windows warmer therefore not allowing condensation or frost from forming around the perimeter of the window. Condensation is a breeding ground for mold and mildew. By preventing this it helps you to maintain a healthier indoor environment.

EMISSIVITY

The rate at which the surface of a material radiates long wave heat energy, usually referring to glass surface properties, Low Emissivity (LowE) results in less overall heat loss.

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

Humidity expressed as a percentage of the maximum possible humidity at a given temperature. CONDUCTION A process of heat transfer whereby heat moves directly through a material by molecule agitation.

DEW POINT

The temperature at which water vapor will condense, as warm moist air is cooled. EGRESS The space in which the operating portion of a window is required for clearance for fire regulations. Egress requirements vary from region to region. uited to fit any application whether individual, in combination, or assembled with any of Vinylguard's wide variety of architectural shaped windows. As with all Vinylguard Windows the Casement is supported by Vinylguard’s no nonsense, non pro-rated, fully transferable Lifetime Warranty.