Frequent Questions

1. What are various windows made of and what will work best for me?

Basically there are four types of materials used. Aluminum windows, with their easily scratched painted surfaces, conduct both heat and cold, so they're very poor insulators. Wood windows, which require constant painting and caulking, can absorb moisture, making them difficult to open and close. They can even rot. WeatherGard's solid vinyl windows, however, never need painting and won't show scratches, because the color goes throughout the material. This is why vinyl windows are quickly becoming the most popular choice for both new construction and replacement applications. In addition, you should certainly consider custom-sized windows for the very simple reason that they'll fit better. Stock-sized windows require extensive carpentry work both inside and outside your house. That can be very costly and inconvenient. WeatherGard custom-sized windows, on the other hand, are manufactured to fit your existing window opening. You get the style and options you want while maintaining your glass area.

2. Is there any difference in how windows are made?

There are two basic types of construction: (1) Mechanically fastened windows are screwed together at the corners such as Fiberglass windows. (2) And welded windows that use a chemical or heat process for joining the corners such as WeatherGard’s GardTech™ fusion welded windows. A window's weakest point is at the corner. Mechanically fastened corners, which are used on many cheap windows, often can't hold up to the pressures of a house resting on them. That causes the corners to open up, creating large gaps in your "energy efficient" windows. WeatherGard’s GardTech™ windows are fusion welded at the corners to overcome these problems. The two adjoining pieces of the frame essentially become one. That means an airtight, watertight seal for the life of the window. And more energy savings for you. Insist on WeatherGard's fusion-welded GardTech™ Windows for your home.

3. Can I replace my old windows with different styles or types?

Certainly. No matter what style or combination of styles you choose, WeatherGard can custom-manufacture it all for you.

4. Aren't all window manufacturers essentially the same?

Not at all. Many companies buy their parts and glass from various outside sources. At WeatherGard, we manufacturer our windows in our factory where we have for over 20 years. You should also know that although a lot of manufacturers claim their windows are American-made, many in fact may be imported from Canada and other foreign countries. We're proud to say that every WeatherGard window is manufactured right here in Metro Detroit in our very own WeatherGard Factory.

5. What about strength, protection and noise reduction?

You should look for a window that offers both superior strength and energy efficiency. WeatherGard's computer-controlled process ensures a perfectly square window sash and mainframe with superior strength. And for exceptional energy efficiency, a full interlock at the meeting rail helps protect your home against the elements, or unwanted intrusions. In addition, our insulating glass unit traps dry air, creating an exceptional comfort barrier. Moreover, homeowners with WeatherGard GardTech™ say there's a noticeable reduction in the amount of noise that enters their homes. A full interlock system at the point where upper and lower sashes meet helps stop air infiltration while providing an additional barrier against unwanted intrusions.

6. Do WeatherGard windows require a lot of maintenance?

Because our frames and sashes are made of vinyl and not fiberglass, you can say goodbye to painting and caulking. Fiberglass windows required painting. WeatherGard windows won't stick, and you don't have to remove storm windows in order to clean them. In fact, you can do it all from inside your home. An occasional wipe with a damp cloth will keep your windows looking like new for years to come.

7. I have been reading about different test results on windows. How should this impact my buying decisions?

Be careful when looking at extremely specific results since many of them do not really indicate how well the window will work for you. Some apply to just certain parts of the window, like the glass and its R-value, and do not give an overall picture. Tested in nationally-certified labs and our own modern test facility, WeatherGard windows are engineered to provide the optimum in energy savings and are monitored by the National Fenestration Rating Council.

8. What is more important in saving energy, the frame or the glass?

Since 80% of a window is glass, real heating and cooling savings come from what is known as "improved glass performance," not a high R-value on the frame. WeatherGard uses the latest technology, known as a high performance warm edge spacer system. This spacer system helps to improve the performance and the longevity of the insulated glass unit, and is standard on all WeatherGard windows. Furthermore, WeatherGard uses a titanium low-E glass on all its windows, which has the lowest emissivity rating ever recorded.

9. What should I know about energy efficiency?

WeatherGard windows are constructed with energy efficient, 7/8" thermal-pane glazing with double strength glass which provides superior thermal performance. Low-E glass and other available energy-saving options are available. Low-E glass works year round to keep your home comfortable. In winter, the low-E glass retains the heat inside your home that's generated by the warm rays of the sun and your home's heating system. In summer, low-E glass helps block the summer heat from entering your home, keeping it cooler and easier to air condition. Low-E glass also helps prevent the fading of drapes, carpets and furniture fabrics by rejecting much of the sun's damaging, ultraviolet rays, without blocking the light.

10. Will WeatherGard windows be a good investment?

Yes, for a variety of reasons. First, you may realize savings on your heating and cooling bills. Second, they're virtually maintenance-free, which eliminates painting costs. And finally, the transferability of one of the strongest warranties in the business may easily add to the resale value of your home.

11. How does Vinyl compare to Fiberglass as an insulator?

Vinyl is actually a much better insulator than pultruded fiberglass. Most people equate fiberglass with insulation value, but you need to remind them that the type of fiberglass they're thinking of has virtually nothing in common with the type of fiberglass that's used in a window frame. The 14" thick blanket of pink glass fibers that they see in their attic is designed to trap small pockets of warm air and it does a good job of it. The compacted fiberglass used in window frames can't trap any air and therefore is not nearly as good of an insulator. As a matter of fact, fiberglass window lineals actually transfer 3 to 4 times as much cold as an equivalent vinyl lineal. We've all seen the graph showing the measure of heat loss in BTU's per hour of different window framing materials. Wood has a factor of 1.2, vinyl is 1.4 and aluminum is 1400 plus. The equivalent factor for fiberglass is about 4.8. Since most people buy windows to reduce their energy costs, it is easy to see why vinyl is a far better value.

12. Vinyl vs. Fiberglass – how do they compare in cost?

Fiberglass windows cost nearly double what a good vinyl window costs, and they are less thermally efficient. On a cost/benefit or "payback" basis, a person is much better off spending money on an upgraded insulated glass package if they want a premium window that is actually better. We all know that roughly 80% of a windows area is insulated glass anyway. The frame material is of little significance. And, for the 20% of the window are that is made up of the framing material, vinyl is better!

1. How does vinyl siding compare with other siding materials?

In a way, it's almost no contest. When compared to wood, brick, stone, stucco, and metal sidings on the basis of initial cost, maintenance costs, appearance, durability and value, vinyl siding is clearly superior. WeatherGard offers a broad range of vinyl siding products, so you can choose one that's easily affordable. Whichever you choose, you can expect the highest quality and lasting beauty. And WeatherGard vinyl siding never needs painting or staining. It doesn't chip, peel, dent or rot, so you can forget costly repairs. Just rinse occasionally with a garden hose. In addition, WeatherGard vinyl sidings are backed by a strong Lifetime Warranty*. And because vinyl is the preferred siding for more and more homeowners, it retains most of its installed cost. Moreover, WeatherGard premium vinyl siding is provided in a wide choice of styles, colors and trim options, making it simple to create the look you want for your home.

2. What can be done to improve the appearance and durability of my home's exterior?

Maybe you're tired of dealing with peeling paint and rotting clapboards. And you wonder, "Will another coat of paint really hide the weather-worn condition of my wood siding? And even if it can, is it worth the cost?" Or maybe you're thinking about replacing warped hardboard siding...or getting rid of dated asphalt or asbestos siding...or eliminating dented metal siding...or giving a fresh, contemporary look to masonry walls. Then now's the time to switch to the easy-care beauty of WeatherGard premium vinyl siding. A wide choice of styles, colors and trim options makes it simple to create the look you want for your home–whether it's a contemporary colonial or a 120-year old farmhouse.

3. Isn't it less costly to just repaint my home?

If you plan to move within the next three years, the answer is probably "yes." But if you plan to stay in your home longer than that, the calculations begin to heavily favor vinyl siding. Of course, if your home has special problems–for example, warped clapboards that have to be replaced or lead-based paint that has to be scraped and sanded off–the cost of painting can become truly staggering. According to Remodeling magazine (October 1996), investing in new siding can prove to be an excellent choice in terms of payback. In the Midwest, a homeowner can recoup 69% of the cost of siding in terms of resale value added to the home. Compare the ongoing costs of painting every three to five years to a one-time investment in new vinyl siding. For most homeowners the conclusion is obvious–vinyl siding is by far the better long-term value.

4. Are there any other materials that are better than vinyl?

Not when it comes to siding. 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 previous question for details). It's the material of choice on new luxury homes...and the first choice for remodeling projects large and small. WeatherGard offers a broad range of vinyl siding products, so you can choose one that's easily affordable. Plus, WeatherGard vinyl siding never needs painting or staining. It doesn't chip, peel, dent or rot, so you can forget costly repairs. To maintain a like-new appearance, just rinse occasionally with a garden hose. And WeatherGard vinyl siding offers flexible design options that make it ideal for contemporary homes...and for stately century-old Victorians. You can choose from smooth or grained surfaces; rich, low-gloss colors; and a wide variety of classic siding profiles–plus low-maintenance trim products and accessory options that add to both the beauty and value of your home. What's more, WeatherGard vinyl sidings are backed by a strong Lifetime Warranty*, so you can count on getting all the quality you paid for. Exceptional beauty. Durability. Economical price. Easy maintenance. Long-term value. Outstanding warranty. If these are your criteria, there's no better choice than vinyl siding from WeatherGard.

5. How does the cost of vinyl siding compare to the added resale value it provides?

In terms of adding resale value to your home, vinyl siding is one of the best investments you can make. In its 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 vinyl 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." Another point to keep in mind: if, like many homeowners, you add insulation to an older home at the same time you're having vinyl siding installed, you add even greater value and market appeal to your home.

6. What exterior design options do I have with vinyl siding?

Vinyl siding is one of the most versatile exterior design products you can work with. WeatherGard, for example, offers many different vinyl siding lines. That broad selection lets you choose among a wide variety of design options, including horizontal and vertical siding; traditional clapboard and authentically detailed "shaped" sidings; wide and narrow panel exposures; smooth, subtle and deep wood grain textures; plus a wide assortment of traditional and contemporary colors.

7. My home is partially brick and partially wood siding. Can I still use vinyl siding?

Sure. Vinyl siding is extremely versatile and can be used with just about any exterior building material–brick, cinder block, even natural logs and field stones. If you have special installation concerns–such as running vinyl siding along a natural stone chimney, for example–talk to your WeatherGard sales representative. He's probably handled a similar installation in the past. If he hasn't, he always can get detailed installation instructions from a WeatherGard technical specialist. As a homeowner, that's important. Because it means you're working with a professional team–a qualified contractor with a knowledgeable, experienced technical support group behind him.

8. Is vinyl siding really as durable as everyone says?

Absolutely. The correct technical name for the material used in vinyl siding is polyvinyl chloride. It's a strong, durable, proven material that has earned a solid reputation for its beauty and permanence. It's used in automotive applications, medical devices, defense weapons, appliances, floor coverings, and of course, home construction. It's ideal as an exterior material because vinyl siding doesn't rot, crack, dent or warp. Plus it never peels or blisters. And because the color goes completely through WeatherGard siding, it never has to be scraped, sanded or painted. The relationship you have with your contractor is extremely important. Choose someone whose skills you trust, someone qualified to perform the task required, and someone you can work with comfortably.

9. If painting isn't required, how do I maintain my vinyl siding?

It's simple. There really is no maintenance, just occasional cleaning. Ordinarily, the cleaning action of a rainfall will be adequate to wash your vinyl siding. However, vinyl siding and soffit should be washed periodically by hosing 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 vinyl 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.

10. Is one season better than another to have my new siding installed?

Not really. You can have your vinyl siding installed in any season, as your schedule and budget allow. But keep in mind that some contractors are more available during the off-seasons. Regardless of when you have your new siding installed, you'll enjoy the immediate benefits of improved appearance, as well as the long-term benefits of durability and easy maintenance.

Fiberglass Entry Doors vs. Steel Entry Doors -Which do I Need for My Home?

It depends what you're looking for. When it comes to quality, both doors are the best designs the market has to offer right now.

WeatherGard Fiberglass Entry Doors are the best choice to make if you want to stain the outside to imitate the look of wood. The fiberglass skin of the door is molded to mimic the graining of a wood door, with deeper embossments than steel. A fiberglass door is not entirely made of fiberglass. Just the inside and outside face are made of a durable compression-molded fiberglass that cover a framework of composite waterproof stiles and rails. The inside cavity is filled with CFC-free polyurethane foam for structural value.

For strength and security, a steel door is most likely your best choice. Steel doors come with a smooth or woodgrain surface with 24 gauge steel skins and steel edges for strength and security. The hinges inside a WeatherGard Steel Entry Door are adjustable to make sure the door fits just right for the perfect seal. A steel entry door from WeatherGard is made with two steel skins that are fused together and then injected with high density polyurethane foam insulation. For quality and security, make sure you get a steel door with a steel edge rather than a wood edge.