Welcome To The Window Man

Located in Fairfax Virginia, we offer Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia area customers superior products, excellent advice and outstanding customer service. The Window Man has been serving the Northern Virginia and Washington Metropolitan area since 1989. Our consultants can help you choose the finest window and door products available to the Residential, Commercial and Architectural markets. We have showrooms located in Fairfax, Chantilly and Alexandria Virginia for you to visit and enjoy as well as free in-home consultations with no obligation. Click here for directions to our Showroom.

Composite Windows

Wondering about the different types of materials windows are made from and which is the best for your home?

You may want to consider composite windows. Composites combine different strengths together, offer a variety of color choices, boast low maintenance and durability but can be expensive. Also, there are a limited number of companies that manufacture composite windows...

If you'd like to speak to one of The Window Man's representatives about the different types of window materials available to you or if you'd like to preview composite windows, stop by one of our three Northern Virginia showrooms.

What are U and R Values & How Do They Relate To Window Insulation?

One way that insulation is created is with dead-air space between panes of glass. That's why a double-paned window gives more insulation than a single-paned one. Other factors contribute to the insulation qualities of a window, such as the gasket, the material type, and the gas used in a gas-filled window. The U/R value tells how the product insulates. It is a formula derived from the efficiency of the product, and that formula takes into account many of the factors just mentioned. A good R measurement is a high one, while a good U measurement is low since U is the reciprocal of the R. Homeowners are more interested in the R value, while builders are interested in the U value.

For more information on a specific window model's U and R values, stop by one of The Window Man' three Northern Virginia showrooms or call us at 703-978-9888.

Six Practical Steps to Controlling Condensation and Excess Humidity

Have problems with condensation along your windows? Here are some easy steps The Window Man for controlling humidity--and therefore condensation:

1. Replace old worn out windows with insulated glass. This will better insulate your windows from the outside air. This won't prevent excess humidity in the air, but it will make looking out your windows a lot easier!

2. Be sure that louvers in the attic or basement crawl spaces are open and that they are large enough.

3. Run your kitchen or other ventilating fans longer and more often than you usually do.

4. Shut off your furnace humidifier and any other humidifying devices in your home.

5. Open your fireplace damper so moisture can escape more easily.

6. Use a dehumidifier to reduce interior condensation. If you don't have a dehumidifier, air out your house for a few minutes each day.

If these common remedies don't work, the condensation problem should be looked at by a qualified heating contractor. He may suggest an outside air intake for your furnace or installation of venting fans. These inexpensive options will be less costly than a major painting job or plaster work caused by excess water vapor.

For more information, visit one of The Window Man's three Northern Virginia showrooms.

19th Anniversary Sale

Here at The Window Man we're celebrating our 29th anniversary sale. Stop by one of our three showrooms to enjoy special discounts, a savings pledge of 35% off your home fueling costs depending on the type of window you choose, our huge selection line, and financing plans.

There's never been a better time to replace your old, inefficient windows.

Thinking about replacement windows? Consider Optimum’s Self Closing Sliding Steel Window.

Series SC7600 Optimum's fire rated sliding steel window features a self-closing mechanism that automatically closes the window in the event of fire. This sliding steel window incorporates the same type of fusible link in Optimum's other fire rated products.

SC7600 Series Specifications

Steel horizontal sliding window shall be Series SC7600 as manufactured by Optimum Steel Window Corporation. All windows shall carry either an MEA or Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) fire resistance rating of 45 minutes in accordance with the fire standards for Fire Tests of Window Assemblies, ANSI/UL9 (NFPA 257, ASTM E163).

Materials: All principal cold rolled formed members shall be ASTM A528 low carbon steel. Frame members shall have a minimum thickness of 20 gauge.

Weatherstripping: Sliding sash panel shall have EPDM gaskets throughout entire perimeter (unless otherwise noted).

Finish: All units shall be reasonably free from scratches and blemishes having the following:

* Zinc coating (ASTM A525 Z200) on both surfaces, applied by a continuous hot dipped process (the Sendzimir system) followed by a "skin pass" (smoothing) procedure, which eliminates roughness.
* Primer consisting of a thermosetting epoxy-ureic paint, applied at a thickness of 5 microns on both surfaces.
* Baked polyester powder coating. (Baked at 180-200° C for 18 to 20 minutes) with an average thickness of 80 microns.

Glazing: Windows shall be factory glazed with obscure or clear 1/4" wire glass. Lites shall have a minimum of 24-gauge wire and a maximum mesh size of one square inch, as per Underwriters Laboratories requirements. Individual lites of glass shall not exceed a day lite dimension of 895 square inches each. Glass shall comply with ANSI Z97.1 and ASTM C1036.

Construction: Frame to be formed of 20 gauge steel sections, with corners which are mechanically assembled and reinforced. Sash members shall be 20 gauge formed sections, which are coped and assembled. Corner joints shall be fully sealed to prevent leakage. Vent sash shall roll on an 18 gauge track with 1/4" diameter steel ball bearing rollers. Horizontal muntins, when required, shall consist of two sections of 20-gauge steel forming an "H" section. Approved 1/4 " wire glass to be held in a 3/4" uniform edge bite.

Hardware: Sliding panel shall be furnished with a white bronze operating handle, which is attached to the jamb of the operable sash. A spring activated automatic closing device is used in conjunction with a 165-degree fusible link assembly mounted on the unit. This assembly functions as a self-closing mechanism.

Installation: The installer shall set all window frames in a level, plumb and square condition without distortion. Units shall be promptly anchored, flashed and caulked in accordance with good window installation practice.

For more information on Optimum's SC7600 Series windows or other models, stop by one of the Window Man's showrooms in Fairfax, Chantilly and shortly in Fairfax, VA.

Why Do Some Double Paned Windows Have Injected Gas?

As you're shopping around for your new or replacement windows, you may run into some terms you don't understand or question some of the manufacturing choices. Why, for example, do some manufacturers injecting gas into the space between panes of glass in double paned windows?

The answer is: insulation. There are actually two types of gas are used to fill the space between panes of glass: argon and krypton. These two gases are denser than air, which means they contribute to better insulation. Krypton is even denser than argon, which is why windows that use it are slightly more expensive.

If you've got any more questions, or merely want to take a look at the window options available to you, stop by one of our three showrooms in Chantilly, Alexandria, and Fairfax today. One of The Window Man's consultants will be delighted to speak with you!

Composite Windows

Thinking about new or replacement windows for your Virginia, Maryland or DC home? There are so many materials to choose from now that it can be confusing as to which is best for your home. Wood, clad wood, aluminum, and vinyl are all popular choices.

Another option is composite.

Composite windows combine diffferent strengths together, come in a wide variety of colors choices, are low maintenance and very durable. Some of the drawbacks include the high price and the fact that there are a limited number of manufacturers.

Stop by one of The Window Man's three showrooms to find out which window material is right for your home.

Window Insulation: U & R Values

As you're looking for new or replacement windows for your DC, Virginia or Maryland home, you''ve probably run into some terms you're not familiar with, such as (U) and (R) values. U and R values relate to a window's insulation capabilities.

One way that insulation is created is with dead-air space between panes of glass. That's why a double-paned window gives more insulation than a single-paned one. Other factors contribute to the insulation qualities of a window, such as the gasket, the material type, and the gas used in a gas-filled window. The U/R value tells how the product insulates. It is a formula derived from the efficiency of the product, and that formula takes into account many of the factors just mentioned. A good R measurement is a high one, while a good U measurement is low since U is the reciprocal of the R. Homeowners are more interested in the R value, while builders are interested in the U value.

To learn more about different window materials and models, visit one of our three show rooms in Northern Virginia.

How Much Do Replacement Windows Cost?

Choosing replacement windows for your Maryland, Virginia or DC home can be a daunting prospect. How much could it actually cost, after all? Luckily, The Window Man's many skilled consultants are ready to discuss your options and provide a free estimate for all your window and door needs. Contact The Window Man or stop by one of their two showrooms today.

What's A Clad Wood Window?

As you're shopping around for replacement windows for your DC, Virginia or Maryland home you're probably running into some terms you don't recognize--like clad wood.

Clad just means the covering on the window or patio door's exterior. So clad wood means a covering of wood. From inside your home all you see is the beauty of natural wood while the aluminum outer shell preserves your wood windows for many years to come. The perfect union of beauty and functionality!

Should You Restore Or Replace Windows?

Deciding whether to restore or replace older windows can be a difficult decision. (Some pre-WWII wood windows coupled with a high performance storm window have advantages over newer windows.) One of The Window Man’s qualified consultants can help you mull over some of the key issues before making this important home renovation decision.

Some important issues to consider are:

- Function
- Comfort
- Energy Efficiency
- Appearance
- Easy maintenance

Whatever your needs, there's a perfect window for your home and The Window Man will help you find and install it with no fuss!

Schuco Windows

If you're looking for a beautiful and dependable replacement window for your Northern Virginia or DC home, look no further: Schuco's german engineered and USA-manufactured windows offer unparalleled performance. Stop by The Window Man's Fairfax show room to discuss how Schuco windows can fit into your remodeling needs today.

Worried About Condensation? Replace Your Windows!

We’re all concerned with creating tighter envelopes in our homes these days. (An envelope is basically a seal around your home so air conditioning can’t escape in summer and heat in winter.) But that same tight seal that translates into energy efficiency also means moist air can’t escape, creating condensation in your home and putting you at risk for mold and mildew problems. Condensation, or an excess of water vapor, develops anytime moist warm air comes into contact with a cold surface. This condensation can damage your plaster walls, form blisters along exterior paint and damage your interior paint job.

Some conditions that affect condensation include: your home may have poor ventilation; your HVAC system may need to be updated or its ducts resealed; your insulation may need to be replaced.

But here are six practical steps you can take to control excess humidity and condensation in your home:

1. Replace older windows with new insulated glass.

2. Make sure that louvers in your attic or basement crawl space are open enough to provide adequate ventilation.

3. Use ventilation fans in your kitchen longer than you normally would to ensure cooking vapors are dispersed.

4. Turn off your furnace’s humidifier.

5. Open your fireplace damper to allow moisture to escape.

6. Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture.

Vinyl Replacement Windows

Vinyl Windows are a popular choice for window replacements across the DC, Virginia and Maryland area. (Replacement windows also come in variety of other materials such as wood, fiberglass, aluminum-clad wood, vinyl-clad wood, vinyl, or a composite of wood or plastic.)

Because it’s so inexpensive and easy to maintain vinyl is the most popular type of replacement window in residential and commercial properties. But its ability to trap hot air inside your home during winter and prevent cold air from escaping in summer is vinyl’s real advantage. Energy efficiency means you’ll be helping the environment while dramatically reducing your monthly utility bills!

On the other hand, there aren’t a wide variety of color choices available in vinyl windows and the surface is not paintable, so unless you find the tint you love and that matches your home’s exterior, you may want to consider some of the other types of replacement windows for your property.

Contact The Window Man today at to discuss which type of replacement window is right for you and your home. We'd be happy to evaluate the pros and cons of vinyl versus fiberglass for your needs as well as explain the benefits of each type of window we carry.