Window Failure

What do we mean when we say a window has "failed?" Well, a window failure means there's moisture in between the panes of glass. There are actually two types of window failures: a seal failure, in which moisture (or condensation) leaks into the space between the panes; and 2) a window failure, in which the window is no longer keeping out the elements.

For more information on common window problems and how to prevent them stop by one of The Window Man's three Northern Virginia Window & Door Showrooms today.

Fire Rated Double and Single Hung Steel Windows

The Window Man is proud to offer Northern Virginia residents and commercial property owners fire rated double and single hung steel doors by Optimum. Stop by one of The Window Man's three showrooms today to preview Optimum's SC7650 and SC7650 series windows and to consult with one of our representatives.

Series SC7650

Optimum's steel double and single hung windows have been proven to withstand temperatures in excess of 1650 degrees (900 degrees C) in laboratory tests. Even after 45 minutes of fire exposure all individual muntins, mullions, jamb members and sash components remained in position. Each window features two fusible link components made of slow melting alloy. When exposed to temperatures of 165 degrees or more, the links melt and automatically seal the window shut, which prevents the spread of smoke and fire to adjacent buildings.


SC7650 Series Specifications

General: Steel vertical sliding window shall be Series SC7650 as manufactured by Optimum Steel Window Corporation. All windows shall carry either an MEA and or Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) label for fire resistance rating of 45 minutes, in accordance with the standards for Fire Tests of Window Assemblies, ANSI/ UL9 (NFPA 257, ASTM El63). 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 panels shall have EPDM gaskets throughout entire perimeter (unless otherwise noted).

Finish: All units shall be reasonably free from scratches and blemishes and have 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 epoxy-ureic paint, applied at a thickness of 5 microns on both surfaces.>
• Baked polyester powder coating, (baked at 180-200 degrees C for 18-20 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 with a maximum mesh size of one square inch as per Underwriters Laboratories requirements. Individual lites of glass shall not exceed a daylite dimension of 895 square inches each. Glass shall comply with ANSI Z97.l 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 scaled to prevent leakage. Horizontal muntins, when required, shall consist of two sections of 20 gauge forming an "H" Section. Approved 1/4" wire glass to be held in 3/4" uniform edge bite.

Hardware: Lower sliding panel shall be furnished with standard pull handles and sweep lock at meeting rail. A fusible link assembly attached directly to the front balancers, functions as the 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.

The Greener Side Of Things

The Window Man has our environment and your best interest in mind when considering what products we provide to our consumers. With the all of the new information available to us regarding PVC and its effects on the environment and on our health we have taken a closer look at what we are selling and how we are handling the disposal of the materials used and
removed in replacing your windows and doors.

As we are all aware products made of PVC, including “Vinyl Windows,” pose great risks to our
health and our environment. However, a “non-plastic nation” is virtually impossible. But we can
limit the use of this material. The Window Man offers only products that are made to last so that
they do not have to be replaced again. The truth of the matter is that vinyl windows are the most
economical way of conserving the use of fossil fuels and saving energy. With a vinyl window that is engineered to have the least amount of air infiltration and a “life of home” life cycle can create
a powerful reason for using vinyl windows in your home. We also educate consumers on ways to
save their existing wood windows and make them more efficient without replacing them, therefore reducing scrap materials produced during manufacturing and disposal of your existing windows--all while making your home more energy efficient and comfortable at the same time. We do understand that this option is not always the best option for the homeowner or that the existing window is not salvageable. In these cases, we offer windows made from a variety of materials such as fiberglass, wood, aluminum, steel and the best engineered vinyl windows available in the market today. This allows us to offer a solution that best fits your needs while doing our part to protect our environment and you.

As part of this fight we have added our sister company “The Solar Energy Co.” to our arsenal of
energy-saving products. The Solar Energy Co. offers solar energy systems for both
thermal (hot water) and photovoltaic (electric) ways to use our greatest source of energy: the SUN!

Our goal is to do our part to protect our planet, our quality of life, and the quality of life of our
future-our children.

Please join us in this fight, ask us how to save your old windows and make your more home energy efficient at the same time.

Visit one of The Window Man's three Northern Virginia showrooms today to meet with one of our representatives.

What Do You Want From Your Windows?

Before you replace or restore your home's windows, its a good idea to think about what your priorities are. Different windows will have different benefits, so thinking carefully about which features are most important to you will help you and your Window Man consultant find the perfect choice for your home and family's needs.

Rank these features in order or importance to you before coming to one of our three showrooms to discuss your window options:

• Function
• Comfort
• Energy Savings
• Looks
  
• Low Maintenance