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NSE Florida Window Solutions FAQs: Broward & Palm Beach
Frequently asked questions
General
The short answer is no. While the ENERGY STAR label can help identify energy-efficient windows, it doesn't account for the unique aspects of your home. ENERGY STAR offers general guidelines but doesn’t consider factors like the house’s orientation, window size, or the Solar Heat Gain. A window expert, like our team, can help determine the best products for your needs. ENERGY STAR also recognizes products that meet stringent energy-efficiency standards.
Certification programs such as those by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) and ENERGY STAR provide ratings to indicate a window or door’s efficiency. Various performance ratings – such as U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient – measure a product’s insulating effectiveness and ability to block solar heat, among other factors.
Energy-efficient windows not only reduce your utility bills but also make your home more comfortable. Additionally, they contribute to minimizing your home's environmental impact. Marvin offers a variety of window and door options designed for long-term performance and energy cost savings in any climate.
Marvin Windows are crafted from a variety of high-quality materials designed to enhance performance and complement the architecture of your home. The choice of exterior and interior materials significantly impacts both the comfort and appearance of your home, both in the short and long term.
Wood: Offers a classic look and excellent insulation.
Extruded Aluminum: Known for its durability and low maintenance.
High-Density Fiberglass: Provides superior strength and longevity.
Ultrex® Fiberglass: A proprietary material offering exceptional durability and energy efficiency.
Each of these materials provides unique benefits to meet various needs and preferences.
When it comes to a broader selection of windows and availability, Marvin windows come out on top. Marvin offers a much larger variety of colors and trim types, making them a standout choice for many homeowners. Additionally, Marvin provides a seamless warranty process, reinforcing their reputation for quality and reliability. If price is the only consideration, Andersen windows may appear competitive. However, when you look at all the options, Marvin tends to come out ahead. Comparison Details:
Exterior Material:
Marvin: Extruded Aluminum Cladding
Andersen: Vinyl Cladding
Exterior Appearance and Construction:
Marvin: Butt joints in corners
Andersen: Mitered & Welded
Exterior Color Options:
Marvin: 19 Colors
Andersen: 7 Colors
Interior Material:
Marvin: Wood (standard is pine, with upgrades available to six different wood species)
Andersen: Wood (pine only)
Interior Finish Options:
Marvin: 7 factory stains or factory white and primed
Andersen: 3 colors (white, black, or bronze), only available with coordinating exterior color.
Marvin:
Standard: Dualpane with Low E and Argon.
Upgrades Available:
Additional Low E and Argon options
Triple pane
Specialty glass (e.g., sound abatement)
Tinted, obscure, and decorative glass
Andersen:
Standard: Dualpane Low E/Low E4.
Upgrades Available:
SmartSun
Sun Glass
Passive Sun Glass
Obscure and art glass
ach window line is distinct, with varying materials and optional upgrades leading to a wide range of prices. When comparing windows, especially in regions like Westchester with extreme seasonal changes, price is always a factor. However, simply obtaining quotes won't provide a comprehensive comparison. It’s crucial to delve deeper by asking pertinent questions during a consultation.
Key Consultation Topics:
Duration of Stay: How long you plan to stay in your home.
Design Options: Your design preferences (Andersen offers fewer options).
Environmental Challenges: The specific seasonal challenges your home faces.
New Construction Windows:
Designed for installation during the construction process.
Typically installed prior to siding installation.
Often have flanges that are fastened to the window framing.
Replacement Windows:
Sized to fit into an existing window opening.
Installed without the need to remove siding.
Understanding window terminology is essential for making informed decisions. Here are some key terms:
Fenestration: The design and arrangement of windows.
Glazing: Glass panes in a window.
Sash: The independent, framed glazing within the window.
Stiles: Vertical members of the sash.
Top Rail and Bottom Rail: Horizontal pieces of the sash.
Jambs: Framed opening parts; side jambs, head jamb, and sill.
While there are numerous types of windows available, most homes typically feature six basic categories:
Double Hung Windows:
Consist of two sashes that slide up and down in tracks.
Offer excellent ventilation adjustable by opening either sash.
Airflow is limited to half of the window opening area.
Single Hung Windows: Have a fixed top sash and an operable bottom sash.
2. Casement Windows:
Often called crankout windows.
Singleframe windows hinged on one side, opening outward via a hand crank.
Provide full ventilation when open and seal tightly when closed.
3. Awning Windows:
Hinged at the top, swinging outward by means of a crank.
Mostly horizontal, often installed high on walls or in basements.
Hopper Windows: Similar design but open inward.
4. Bay and Bow Windows:
Project out from the wall, increasing light and providing a surface for plants or a window seat.
Bay Windows: Angular design with one large picture window in the center and tall, narrow side windows.
Bow Windows: Include at least four similarsized windows, creating a curvilinear projection.
Marvin Skycove: Innovative take on bay/bow windows, replacing the roof with overhead glass for an immersive experience that expands living space by up to 20 feet. Easier to install and certified with a warranty.
5. Picture Windows:
Nonoperable, generally large windows installed in prominent spots.
Typically square or rectangular, but available in various shapes like roundtop, octagon, and other specialty shapes.
A quality window unit generally features two or three panes of glass separated by inert gas-filled spaces (usually argon) and sealed to enhance insulation and reduce heat loss. Here are some key considerations: DualPane vs. TriplePane:
DualPane: Standard option with two glass panes.
TriplePane (TriPane): Offers better insulation performance compared to dualpane units.
LowEmissivity (Low E) Coating:
A microscopically thin metal coating (such as silver) that blocks UV radiation and radiant heat transfer, enhancing energy efficiency.
Impact Glass:
Required in hurricane prone regions and areas where glass breakage poses a safety risk.
A hybrid of tempered and laminated glass, it resists breakage and does not shatter like standard glass.
Selecting the appropriate glass options for your windows can ensure energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness for your home and climate:
Insulating Options: Standard dual or optional triplepane insulated glass units.
Surface Coatings: Manage the amount of light and heat entering and leaving your home.
By understanding your glass options, you can invest wisely in a package that meets your efficiency needs without unnecessary features.
Marvin Insulating Glass Dual Pane Glazing
Dual Pane:
Description: Two panes of glass with Low E coatings and argon gas insulation.
Benefits: Significantly cuts energy costs compared to a single glass pane due to the low emissivity coating and insulating gas layer between the glass panes.
Marvin Insulating Glass Triple Pane Glazing
Triple Pane:
Description: Three panes of glass with Low E coatings. Two spaces between the panes are filled with argon gas.
Benefits: Provides enhanced insulation and energy efficiency.
Triple pane glazing does not guarantee higher energy efficiency on its own. Factors such as glass coatings, the type of gas used between the panes, window design, materials, and installation quality all contribute to overall energy efficiency.
Poorly designed or installed windows, or those made with inferior materials like vinyl, may not be energy efficient despite the number of panes. Temperature fluctuations can cause materials to shrink and expand, potentially leading to seal failure and reduced energy efficiency.
Consult with a window professional to choose the right package for your home and climate.
Low E coatings are microscopically thin, nearly invisible layers on the glass surface that manage light and heat conduction. These coatings reduce a home's dependency on heating and air conditioning. Marvin offers products that meet climate and code requirements for all regions, recognized by the national ENERGY STAR® program.
Types of Low E Coatings:
Low E1:
Purpose: Maximizes solar heat gain and radiant heating properties.
Best For: Northern climates where heating is prioritized.
Installation: Optimal when windows are positioned for direct sun exposure.
Low E2:
Purpose: Balances solar heat gain and radiant heating properties.
Best For: Most geographic regions and climates.
Common Use: Widely used for its versatility across different climates.
Low E3:
Purpose: Reduces solar heat gain with multiple metallic layers.
Best For: Southern, sunny climates where cooling is prioritized.
Common Use: Ideal for regions with higher cooling needs.
Low ERS:
Purpose: Improves UFactors for better heat retention.
Best For: Combined with Low E2 or Low E3 coatings to reflect radiant heat back into the room.
Understanding and selecting the right glass options can help ensure that your investment in windows provides the desired energy efficiency for your home and climate.
Marvin offers a variety of decorative glass options to meet the unique needs of each project. Laminated glass is available in different tints such as clear, bronze, gray, and green with tinted interlayers, allowing for customized aesthetics and functionality.
Specialty Glass Options
Marvin's specialty glass options cater to specific project requirements, including:
Sound Abatement (STC/OITC): Ideal for reducing noise in busy or urban areas.
High Altitudes: Designed for optimal performance in higher elevations.
Sea Turtle Conservation Codes: Available on Signature Ultimate products to comply with conservation efforts.
California Fire Zones: Engineered to meet fire safety regulations.
Hurricane Zones: Laminated glass specifically designed for hurricane prone areas.
Windows and glass doors receive numeric energy efficiency ratings from oversight agencies. The most well-known rating system is the ENERGY STAR program, administered by the US EPA and the Department of Energy, and verified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). Key Measures:
UFactor:
Definition: Indicates how well a window keeps heat indoors.
Range: 0.20 to 1.20, with lower numbers indicating better performance, especially important in Northern climates.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC):
Definition: Measures how well a window keeps heat out.
Range: 0 to 1, with lower numbers indicating higher efficiency. This measure is particularly important in Southern climates.
Rating Labels:
The NFRC rating label provides detailed metrics, including UFactor and SHGC, allowing for direct comparisons of energy efficiency between different windows. This label helps you make informed decisions based on the specific climate and energy efficiency requirements of your home.
Cleaning windows effectively can be achieved through various methods. One cost effective and simple approach is as follows:
1. Prepare a Cleaning Solution: Mix warm water and a teaspoon of dishwashing soap in a 5 gallon bucket.
2. Scrub the Windows: Use a scrubber or a clean sponge dampened with the cleaning solution to scrub the window surface.
3. Remove the Solution: Start at the top and wipe off the solution with a lintfree cloth or a squeegee. If using a cloth, ensure that only dry areas touch the window with each pass to avoid streaks.
4. Optimal Conditions: For the best results, clean windows when they are not exposed to direct sunlight.
When selecting materials for window frames, jambs, and trim, consider the following four main categories. Sometimes, you can opt for a combination of materials, such as wood for the interior and aluminum-clad for the exterior. Each material offers unique characteristics, including design elements and performance features.
Wood:
Characteristics: Wood provides superior structural integrity and a slight flex to accommodate humidity and temperature changes.
Design Flexibility: Can be shaped into various profiles and accepts painted or stained finishes effectively.
Insulation: Efficient natural insulator.
Wood Species:
Pine: Common for both interior and exterior, often clad with aluminum or fiberglass for maintenance free exteriors.
Douglas Fir: Offers a strong vertical grain and slightly better strength than pine.
Oak: Selected primarily for aesthetics, with White Oak being the most common. More expensive due to machining difficulty and visual appeal.
Mahogany: Exotic hardwood with deep, rich tones. Ensure FSC certification for responsible sourcing due to scarcity.
Applications:
Wood Interiors with Wood Exteriors: Typically used in historic projects to replicate original wood windows.
Wood Interiors with Aluminum Clad or Fiberglass Exteriors: More common choice for combining aesthetic warmth with low maintenance durability.
Choosing wood brings warmth and richness to windows and doors, adding a unique and distinctive quality to any space. No two pieces of wood are exactly alike, enhancing the character of your home. When selecting the right material for your windows, consider factors such as your climate, home style, and personal aesthetic preferences.
Benefits of Wood
Resilience: Wood can resist warping even in extreme temperature changes. Coating and treatments can further protect it, extending its lifespan.
Customization: Wood can be crafted to fit virtually any size or shape, allowing intricate details to bring your vision to life.
Insulation: Wood provides excellent insulation, helping to maintain indoor temperatures.
Treatments: Stains and paints adhere well to wood, offering various aesthetic options.
Sustainability: Wood is a renewable resource, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
Durability: Contrary to the belief that wood rots easily, it only deteriorates if exposed to moisture for prolonged periods.
Fiberglass Marvin introduced Ultrex® fiberglass over 25 years ago and has since advanced its formulation to create high-density fiberglass for enhanced performance.
Quality: Fiberglass quality varies widely. Marvin’s fiberglass offers great insulation and dimensional stability similar to window glass, ensuring premium durability.
Material Composition: Avoid fiberglass with high concentrations of plastics, vinyls, sawdust, or wood fillers. Marvin’s premium fiberglass is made from fiberglass fibers and highstrength resins that resist sagging and brittleness in extreme temperatures.
Hybrid Options: Some windows combine fiberglass exteriors for weather resistance with wood interiors for better staining and painting results.
Ultrex Fiberglass:
Usage: This proprietary fiberglass is used for the exteriors of Marvin Elevate products and both the interiors and exteriors of Marvin Essential products.
Characteristics: Strong and durable.
HighDensity Fiberglass:
Usage: Used for the exteriors of Marvin Modern products.
Characteristics: Shares many characteristics with Ultrex but is even stronger, mimicking the clean look, feel, and strength of aluminum and steel with better insulating qualities.
Aluminum:
Common Use: Aluminum is often used on window exteriors to clad wood windows, providing resistance to impact and extreme weather, making it ideal for high wind and tropical storm areas.
Applications: Marvin Coastline windows and doors are entirely made of extruded aluminum to withstand hurricane winds.
Maintenance: Aluminum is low maintenance and resistant to color fading and degradation.
Material Quality: Look for extruded aluminum, which is thicker and more durable than rollform aluminum, offering better overall performance.
Marvin uses only extruded aluminum in its products, ensuring strong, durable, and low maintenance windows and doors. The added strength and durability of extruded aluminum enhance the performance and longevity of these products.
Extruded Aluminum
Strength and Structural Performance: Extruded aluminum offers outstanding strength, making it ideal for withstanding extreme weather conditions like hail, hurricanes, and tropical storms.
Durability and Low Maintenance: It has a long lasting finish that requires minimal maintenance, such as periodic cleaning.
Precision: Aluminum can be formed into precise shapes, allowing for customization in window design.
Recyclability: It is 100% recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
Vinyl:
Vinyl windows, typically made from PVC, offer affordability and low maintenance. However, their color options are limited to lighter shades to prevent warping or sagging from heat or direct sunlight. They can also become brittle in very cold temperatures.
Here’s a guide to the various components of windows:
Window Components
Glazing: Refers to the glass in a window, typically composed of two or three layers with inert gas (like argon) for insulation. Coatings manage light and heat transmission and can include tints and laminations for privacy and strength.
Daylight Opening (DLO): Total glass area in a window excluding sash stiles, rails, or the frame.
Sash: Holds the glass and operates to open or close. Materials include wood, aluminum, fiberglass, composite, and vinyl.
Stiles: Vertical components of a sash.
Rails: Horizontal components of a sash; check rails are the two meeting rails in double hung or single hung windows.
Storm Sash: Additional sash added to existing windows to enhance energy efficiency, especially during cold weather.
Direct Glazed: Nonoperating windows where glass is secured directly into the frame, creating a larger, unobstructed view. Common in modern and commercial applications.
Sash Tilt Pin: Mechanism allowing sashes to tilt in for easy cleaning.
Balances: Mechanisms in single hung or double hung windows that counterbalance sashes for smooth operation.
Frame Components
Frame: Encloses the sash or glass in a window. Includes jambs, sills, and moldings.
Jambs: Vertical components of the window frame.
Sill: Bottom component of the frame, with the exterior edge tapered to shed water.
Head Jamb: Top component of the frame.
Side Jamb: Vertical components of the frame.
Understanding these components helps in choosing or repairing windows effectively, ensuring they suit your home’s architectural style and functional needs. Here's an overview of the components:
Jamb Liner: Spanning the gap between the window frame and the interior wall, typically made of wood. It can be installed at the factory or onsite. Eliminated when plaster or drywall is applied directly up to the window frame.
Jamb Extension: Thin strips of wood added to the edge of a jamb liner when it doesn't align perfectly with the finished wall surface.
Operating Handle (Crank Handle): Found on casement or awning windows, used to open and close the sash by turning the crank. The handle folds down when not in use.
Operating Arm: Mechanism attached to both the window frame and the sash of casement, awning, and hopper windows. It works with the operating handle to open, close, and hold the sash in position.
Locking Handle: Leveroperated lock found on various window types. When closed, it pulls the two sashes tightly together for security and energy efficiency.
Cam Lock: Rotating type lock on various windows. When closed, it tightens the two sashes together for security and energy efficiency. Lift Lock is a modern alternative for double hung and single hung windows.
Keeper: Stationary part of a cam lock that holds the sash in place when locked.
Muntin Bars: Historically used to divide large glass panes into smaller sections. Now replaced with Simulated Divided Lite (SDL) bars for aesthetic purposes.
Simulated Divided Lite Bars (SDL): Bars that rest on the glass surface to simulate divided lites, enhancing the window's appearance.
Spacer Bars: Installed between two glass panes to replicate the look of authentic divided lites without separate glass panes.
Grilles: Bars that create the appearance of divided lites. GrillesBetweentheGlass (GBG) are permanently installed between glass panes for easy cleaning and low maintenance.
Understanding these components helps in identifying and maintaining various types of windows, ensuring they function effectively and contribute to the overall comfort and security of your home. Here's a breakdown of the additional window components mentioned:
Casing:
Interior Casing: Trim installed around the interior perimeter of a window or door frame. It covers the gap between the window frame/jamb liner and the interior wall surface.
Brick Mould Casing: Exterior trim thicker than interior casing, used to conceal the gap between a window or door frame and the exterior wall surface, especially when there's brick or other cladding.
Screens: Mesh screens made of metal or fiberglass that are tightly woven and installed in a frame. They allow light and air into the home while blocking insects and debris. Screens can be removed from the frame for cleaning.
Window Opening Control Device (WOCD): Designed to prevent falls, especially for windows located high off the ground or near floor levels. WOCDs restrict the window's opening to 4 inches or less. They require two independent actions to disengage and automatically reset when the window is closed.
Sash Limiter: Optional device that restricts how far a window sash can open. Unlike WOCDs, sash limiters are not designed to meet specific code requirements for fall prevention.
These components contribute to the functionality, safety, and aesthetic appeal of windows, ensuring they meet both practical and regulatory standards in various environments. Here are explanations for the additional window components mentioned:
Triple Pane: Windows with three panes of glass instead of the standard two. The space between the panes is filled with insulating gas (often argon) and LowE coatings are applied to enhance energy efficiency and performance. Triple pane windows are chosen for extreme climates or for noise reduction.
Glass Spacer: Spacers are strips that separate individual panes of glass within a window. They maintain the gap between the glass panes and help to insulate the window by preventing the escape of the insulating gas.
Stop Moulding: Various types of mouldings (such as blind stop, parting stop, and sash stop) used around the perimeter of a window frame to secure and align window sashes. They help maintain the structural integrity and functionality of the window.
Cladding: In Marvin products, cladding refers to colored extruded aluminum used to cover exterior portions of wood sashes and frames. It combines the durability and low maintenance of aluminum with the insulation and stability properties of wood.
Glazing Bead: Strips made of wood, vinyl, or capped aluminum that hold the glass in place within the window sash. Glazing bead on the interior side is sometimes referred to as sticking. Different profiles like Ogee, Ovolo, and square beads are available to match various architectural styles.
WeatherStripping: Material used to seal the gaps between different components of a window sash and frame. Modern weatherstripping is typically made from flexible materials like silicone, rubber, vinyl, or foam, ensuring a tight seal to improve energy efficiency and weather resistance.
These components contribute to the performance, durability, and aesthetic appeal of windows, catering to different climate conditions and design preferences. Here are explanations for the additional terms related to windows:
Mullion: When two or more windows are joined together, the vertical area where their side jambs meet is called a mullion. It provides structural support and often divides the window units visually.
Window Drip Cap (Head Flashing): A formed metal or vinyl flashing installed at the top of windows and doors. Its purpose is to divert water away from the window or door, preventing infiltration into the building.
Nailing Fin (Mounting Flange): Thin strips installed around the perimeter of a window frame. Nailing fins are used to secure the window to the wall sheathing during installation. They work in conjunction with flashing and weatherresistant barriers to prevent water and air infiltration.
Rough Opening (RO): The rough opening is the hole in the wall where a window or door will be installed. Windows are typically manufactured slightly smaller than the rough opening to allow space for adjustments and insulation around the frame.
Operation (OX or XO): These letters identify the operation of window units when viewed from outside the building looking in. "O" stands for stationary (nonoperating) units, while "X" stands for operating units.
Handing/Swing: Refers to the direction and orientation of how a casement window opens. Casement windows are labeled as FCL (From the Curb Left) or FCR (From the Curb Right) depending on where the hinges are located when viewed from the outside. This information helps in determining how the window operates and swings open relative to its frame.
Understanding these terms is crucial when selecting, installing, or repairing windows, as they describe important aspects of window construction, installation, and operation.
Hurricane impact windows and doors were developed in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Manufacturers in Florida began to create windows and doors designed to withstand the force of wind-borne debris and the pressure exerted by strong winds and sudden atmospheric pressure changes.
The key feature that sets hurricane impact windows and doors apart from non-impact products is the use of impact-resistant glass, also known as laminated glass. This type of glass is made with a vinyl interlayer that prevents debris from penetrating the glass and entering the home.
To provide an accurate cost estimate, our consultants will walk you through all our products and their options. Each project includes custom-ordered products from various manufacturers, along with installation, permitting, and sometimes additional services like engineering and concrete x-rays. We offer fair and competitive upfront pricing during your complimentary consultation.
Creating custom hurricane windows and doors typically demands extra time due to various reasons such as manufacturing adjustments, disruptions in the supply chain, and increased demand in the building industry, all of which have been further exacerbated by the challenges presented by COVID-19. Consequently, lead times can vary weekly.
All structures across Florida, ranging from residential to commercial buildings, are required to adhere to the most recent version of the Florida Building Code (FBC). This code is uniquely designed to tackle the specific climate and challenges faced in Florida, especially in South Florida, offering detailed guidelines for the mandatory hurricane protection of homes and families.
According to the FBC, hurricane windows and doors undergo extensive testing for approval to be used on a statewide scale. These products may receive a Florida Product Approval (FLPA), a Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA), or both. The exact requirements for hurricane impact windows and doors vary based on the location of the property, the size of the building, and its distance from the coast or other large areas. Our consultants have extensive knowledge of the Florida Building Code and can help you identify the most suitable code-compliant solution for your project.
HVHZ stands for High-Velocity Hurricane Zone, and WBD stands for Wind-Borne Debris. The WBD zone indicates areas of Florida where products need to meet wind speeds of 130 mph. The HVHZ includes Broward and Miami-Dade counties, and here products must withstand higher wind speeds and undergo more stringent testing.
Hurricane windows and doors provide protection against storm damage. After installation, all you need to do is close and lock your windows and doors to prepare them for a storm. This is especially beneficial for those who may not live in their home year-round, eliminating the need to scramble to find someone to deploy your shutters for you. Beyond storm protection, hurricane windows and doors offer additional benefits. The vinyl interlayer used in laminated (impact) glass helps to reduce sound and protect your home from intruders. They can also help lower energy and insurance costs and increase your home's overall value.
HVHZ stands for High-Velocity Hurricane Zone, and WBD stands for Wind-Borne Debris. The WBD zone indicates areas of Florida where products need to meet wind speeds of 130 mph. The HVHZ includes Broward and Miami-Dade counties, and here products must withstand higher wind speeds and undergo more stringent testing.
Hurricane windows and doors provide protection against storm damage. After installation, all you need to do is close and lock your windows and doors to prepare them for a storm. This is especially beneficial for those who may not live in their home year-round, eliminating the need to scramble to find someone to deploy your shutters for you. Beyond storm protection, hurricane windows and doors offer additional benefits. The vinyl interlayer used in laminated (impact) glass helps to reduce sound and protect your home from intruders. They can also help lower energy and insurance costs and increase your home's overall value.
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