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Composite Windows
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California Doors and Windows Composite windows are made from a proprietary composite formulation extruded for strength and encapsulated with an acrylic-based cap stock for durability that resembles the finish of finely painted millwork. It's also what makes our composite windows superior to any others on the market. Unlike wood, California Doors and Windows composite windows withstand even the harshest conditions year after year without the extensive maintenance that wood requires. Just look at everything this revolutionary material has to offer:
- Can be molded to any shape or size
- Will not absorb moisture
- Acts as an excellent insulator
- Offers superior dimensional stability
- Maintains stability even in high-heat environments
- Can be recycled easily
- Heat resistance
- Weather ability
- Air infiltration
- Water resistance
- Dimensional stability
- Impact resistance
- Weight tolerance
- Tensile strength
- Corner weld strength
In the 1970’s, Andersen Corporation developed a material called FIBREX to build window main frames and sash frames. Fibrex is a patented composite mixture of 40% recycled Ponderosa Pine wood pulp or fibers and 60% polyvinylchloride (PVC) by weight. Fibrex is a revolutionary composite material that combines the stability and strength of wood along with the low maintenance of Polyvinylchloride.
By combining these two different building materials, Fibrex is much stronger and twice as ridged and stable than vinyl and does not have the rotting or maintenance problems of wood. Since Fibrex is stronger than vinyl, it gives Andersen Corporation the advantage of building the Fibrex main frames and sash frames smaller and narrower than a typical vinyl window, which in turn, means larger glass sizes for its customers.
Fibrex expands and contracts much less than vinyl even in the harshest environments relating to heat, moisture and cold. Due to its strength and durability, Fibrex can come in dark exterior colors, whereas vinyl must be painted and usually only comes with a 10-Year Warranty on the paint. The Fibrex material performs very well compared to other window materials like Wood, Aluminum and Fiberglass. Fibrex never needs to be painted, sanded or scraped and will never rot, decay or mold or be eaten by insects.
The insulation qualities of Fibrex are also superior compared to its predecessors. In addition to the Fibrex material, Andersen Corporation has a High-Performance Low-E4 glass package available in its replacement windows.
Fibrex can be shaped to form curved and specialty shaped windows like arches, eyebrow arches, octagons, triangles, squares, rectangles and transoms.
California Doors and Windows can get the A-Series and 100 Series Patented Fibrex Frame Window.
If you’re looking for the best in performance and appearance, check out our California Doors and Windows composite windows.
Composite Windows
Where We Come from, "Builder's Grade" is a Dirty Word.
In the window business, "builder's grade" often translates to the cheapest thing available on the market that day. And when it comes to something as important as the windows that will be installed in your new home, you don't want any part of it.
California Doors and Windows offers a wide range of windows to fit any new construction budget – and every one of them is sure to be a better choice than "builder's grade."
Replacement
The old adage, "If it Ain't Broke..." Doesn't Apply to Old Windows.
There are many reasons to replace your old single-pane windows – and most of them have nothing to do with neighborhood baseball games. Here are just a few smart reasons to upgrade to a smarter replacement window:
Save Money on Energy Bills
If you have single-pane windows, upgrading to California Doors and Windows replacement windows with energy efficient features like double-pane, LOW E2 and LOW E3 glass will result in unbelievable year-round savings.
Improve Your Home's Appearance
Our high quality vinyl, unique composite and selection of styles and hardware options can improve the look of your home both inside and out. Often, simply changing the window style can dramatically change the entire appearance of a room.
Increase Ventilation
Get more fresh air circulating in your house by replacing fixed units with operable venting windows. You'll be amazed at the difference quality replacement windows make to the quality of life in your home.
New windows can be one of your homes most attractive features. New windows can provide you with convenient ventilation, ease of use, superior natural light and cleaning convenience not found in older windows. Today, windows come in many shapes and sizes—rectangles, triangles, squares, octagons and even round. The more unique shaped windows usually don't open, however, but provide a stylish design element and let light into the home.
Windows that open and allow ventilation come in these basic styles:
- double or single-hung windows
- sliding windows
- casement windows
- awning windows
The styles that are most appropriate for your project can depend on a number of factors and which are most important.
- How you operate the window—slide them up or down, left or right, or manually crank them out
- How much ventilation is needed
- What room are they being used in
- Which look best from the outside
- The location of the window and the amount of wall space available
- When code requires windows to be large enough for fire escape (Egress)
Ideally, the style of window should complement the design of your home whether you are remodeling or building new. If you are remodeling and have a home with double-hung windows, look for a replacement window to blend with your existing architecture. If you live in a contemporary ranch with casement windows, then stick with the same style when remodeling. If you plan to remodel in phases, select the style that works best when the project is finally completed.
Sound Control Windows
Reduce noise, save energy, enjoy peace of mind.Sound control windows are designed to reduce unwanted noise originating from the exterior of the home and provide great energy performance. Sound problems in the home can occur from many sources including the close proximity to transportation areas like busy highways or freeways, rail lines and airports as well as neighbor kids playing and dogs barking. While installing sound control windows won’t eliminate all noises, these problems can be greatly diminished, providing you with a more comfortable home environment in which to live, work and play.
How does a sound window work?In spite of all the technological advances, the two most important elements for reducing sound penetration in windows remain relatively simple: Glass and Air.
Adding glass and dead air space in between the glass is still the most effective way of controlling noise. Simply altering the thickness of the glass and the amount of air space between each glass pane changes the window’s sound transmission loss capabilities and its corresponding STC rating.
Sound windows are most commonly referred to by their Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating. STC is a single-number rating of a material’s or an assembly’s ability to resist airborne sound transfer at the frequencies 125-4000 Hz. The frequencies 125-4000 Hz is consistent with the frequency range of speech.
If you're looking for the best in performance and appearance, check out our California Doors and Windows sound control windows.
California Doors and Windows windows are typically available in single-hung, double-hung, horizontal sliders, picture windows, awnings and casement styles. You can also special order a wide variety of specialty shapes.
Matching Your Window Style to Your HomeYou love your home - but hate your windows. They may not be energy efficient - or maybe they just don't fit the home's style. Windows do more than let light and air in. They're a design feature that's visible from both inside and out. So how do you marry replacement windows to your home's design? Here are a few ideas: When cleaning California Doors and Windows windows and doors, use the mildest cleaners possible. NEVER use solvents or abrasive cleansers – some chemicals can harm vinyl, aluminum, PVC, SuperCap surfaces and other window components. We recommend Fantastik® and similar products to clean vinyl window frame surfaces. Over-the-counter glass cleaning products are recommended for cleaning windows.
- Sliders - these modern windows provide an unobstructed view of the outdoors while providing excellent ventilation.
- Single or double hung - this traditional style provides with grille pattern options and energy-saving with double hung and tilt out for easy cleaning with single hung models
- Geometric - need special shapes? How about a curved window over your reading nook?
- Picture windows - let the light in without obstruction when you don't need an operable window
- Bay or bow windows - increase the square footage and look of your home
- Garden windows - provide the space of a planter with greater beauty and light
Single-hung
Because they open up instead of out, single-hung windows don't take up exterior space when open. This makes them ideal for areas like adjoining walkways, porches, patios and other high-traffic areas. California Doors and Windows single-hung windows offer added security with our secure locking cam lock or easy-to-use positive action lock in our other vinyl windows, all built to exceed every industry standard for forced entry. And our high-quality block and tackle balance spring system allows for simple, seamless operation.
Single-hung windows differ from double-hung windows due to the fact that the upper sash is fixed and the lower sash is moveable.
Awning Windows
Often used in Ranch, Prairie, French, Tudor and Contemporary architectural styles as well as homes with traditional or double-hung windows. Awning windows can be positioned above or below a window/door to add ventilation and high on walls to add light to a room without sacrificing privacy. When placed in rows or even against other windows, they can create a "wall of light" effect that adds beauty and functionality to a room.
Awning windows are similar to casement windows except they are wider than they are tall and crank open from the bottom towards the top on the outside of the house.
The Encore® locking hardware offers multi-point locking capability. The standard nesting handle folds neatly into itself for a clean appearance that won’t obstruct blinds and shutters. Choose from hardware that is color matched to the window or select from a variety of popular metal finishes inspired from a bygone era, including Oil Rubbed Bronze, Brushed Nickel, Antique Brass and Polished Brass.
Casement
With a contemporary look, casement windows work easily in a wide variety of architectural styles including: Prairie, Tudor, French, Ranch and Contemporary. They provide unobstructed views and can be used to direct air flow into your home. And because they crank open on a hinge, they are ideal in awkward spaces such as over sinks and countertops.
The Encore® locking hardware offers multi-point locking capability. The standard nesting handle folds neatly into itself for a clean appearance that won’t obstruct blinds and shutters. Choose from hardware that is color matched to the window or select from a variety of popular metal finishes inspired from a bygone era, including Oil Rubbed Bronze, Brushed Nickel, Antique Brass and Polished Brass.
Double-hung
Because they open up instead of out, double-hung windows don't take up exterior space when open. This makes them ideal for areas like adjoining walkways, porches, patios and other high-traffic areas. Double-hung windows look best in more traditional architectural styles such as French, Colonial, Craftsman, Shingle and Victorian.
Double-hung windows differ from single-hung windows due to the fact that both sashes are moveable. In addition, both sashes tilt for easy cleaning.
Fixed
Fixed windows can be used by themselves to provide beautiful, unobstructed views, design accents or to add extra style to a window grouping. Fixed windows can't be opened.
Horizontal Slider (single-, double-vent)
Horizontal sliders are available in single-vent or double-vent styles where the vent sash slides along the sill of the window. Horizontal sliders work easily in a wide variety of architectural styles including: Prairie, Tudor, French, Ranch and Contemporary. And because they open and close horizontally they are often used for ventilation and egress purposes.
Double-vent windows are similar to single-vent windows but have two sash that operate on either side of a fixed window. A double-vent window is typically divided up in 1/4 - 1/2 - 1/4 or in equal thirds (1/3 - 1/3 - 1/3).
Our horizontal slider windows offer added security with our cam and positive action locks, all built to exceed every industry standard for forced entry. And our superior-quality adjustable* tandem nylon rollers allow for effortless operation and help line up reveals.
Cleaning & Lubrication
How to Keep Your Windows Clean and Lubricated
- Vacuum dirt and debris from sill and track areas before washing
- Clean glass and window or door frame with a mixture of mild dish soap and water. Rinse completely with clean water and wipe dry with a soft cloth to avoid water spots.
- Avoid washing glass in direct sunlight.
- Never use abrasive or caustic cleaners. They can cause permanent damage to the frame finish or the glass.
- Mild, nonabrasive soaps are usually the safest for most dirt and stain removal, but any cleaner you use should be tested in an inconspicuous area first.
- Always rinse completely with clear water and wipe dry if possible.
- Check to make sure drainage or "weep" holes are always clear of dirt and obstructions – both inside and outside the window or door in the bottom of the frame. Composite windows do not have weep holes. Note: If the window is "stacked," there may be weep holes between units.
- Clean screens by removing them, washing them on a flat, clean surface with mild soap and water and a soft brush. Then rinse, wipe dry and reinstall.
- Windows and doors with moving parts include hardware components that should be lubricated periodically. In salt-air environments, these components require monthly lubrication.
- After wiping clean, use a silicone spray with a non-petroleum-based propellant on door or sliding window tracks, rollers and locking hardware
Care & Cleaning
California Doors and Windows Makes Care and Cleaning Easy. When cleaning California Doors and Windows windows and doors, use the mildest cleaners possible. NEVER use solvents or abrasive cleansers – some chemicals can harm vinyl, PVC, SuperCap surfaces and other window components. We recommend Fantastik® and similar products to clean vinyl window frame surfaces. Over-the-counter glass cleaning products are recommended for cleaning windows
Cleaners to Remove Stains from Vinyl Window and Door Frames| Bubble Gum | Fantastik®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Solution of vinegar (30%) and water (70%), Windex® |
| Crayon | Lestoil® |
| DAP (Oil-Based Caulk) | Fantastik® |
| Felt Tip Pen | Fantastik®, water-based cleaners |
| Grass | Fantastik®, Lysol®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex® |
| Lipstick | Fantastik®, Murphy Oil Soap® |
| Lithium Grease | Fantastik®, Lestoil®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex® |
| Mold and Mildew | Fantastik®, Solution of vinegar (30%) and water (70%), Windex® |
| Motor Oil | Fantastik®, Lysol®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex® |
| Oil | Soft Scrub® |
| Paint | Brillo® Pad, Soft Scrub® |
| Pencil | Soft Scrub® |
| Rust | Fantastik®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex® |
| Tar | Soft Scrub® |
| Top Soil | Fantastik®, Lestoil®, Murphy Oil Soap® |
*Cleaning Materials are listed in alphabetical Order. California Doors and Windows does not endorse proprietary products or processes and makes no warranties for the products referenced herein. References to proprietary names is for illustrative purposes only, and is not intended to imply that there are not equally effective alternatives. All cleaners used must be thoroughly rinsed off and dried after use or discoloration of vinyl frames could occur.
Energy Efficiency
The California Doors and Windows family is concerned about the environment that we'll pass along to our children and grandchildren. This is why we've made the clear choice to implement manufacturing and quality control procedures designed to maximize efficiency and reduce waste in order to curb greenhouse gas emissions and reduce our overall carbon footprint.
A Green BusinessLong before going green was the popular thing to do, California Doors and Windows has been dedicated to the use of energy efficient products.
According to the U.S. government’s Energy Star program, replacing old windows wherever you are will save 7-15 percent on your household heating and cooling bill. And, by lowering your consumption will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants as well as your home’s carbon footprint.
If that’s not enough, Energy Star windows, like those from California Doors and Windows can help make you more comfortable year round. With their special coating, it’s like a sunscreen for your house.gn methodologies and manufacturing procedures to help customers reduce energy bills and protect our beautiful coastline.
Benefits of low-e glass:Installing energy efficient windows with low-emission (low-e) glass helps our customers to reduce the amount of ultraviolet (UV) light and radiation entering their home. By keeping the warm air out in the summer and the cool air out in winter, properly installed low-e glass can reduce your overall energy bills by up to a third.
Low-e glass contains a coating of microscopically thin, virtually invisible metallic oxide layers applied on the window surface. A protective, transparent coating ensures long lasting durability and aides in the suppression of unwanted noise from the street or jets flying overhead.
Not only does low-emission (low-e) glass help to keep the warm air out in the summer and cold air out in the winter, it provides protection for your artwork, furniture and drapes to prevent against sun damage and premature fading.
French Doors
The French look of wide rails adds elegance to any opening. California Doors and Windows combines this traditional look with the durability of fiberglass to provide our customers with custom French doors that last a lifetime.
Along with bringing beauty and elegance to your home, French doors can serve as a transition from indoor living environments to the outdoors. They can bring both light and sweeping views inside, making your home one with the landscape.
French doors provide a classic touch to any room and are so versatile in design that they can fit any decor. They're the perfect finishing touch in any well-appointed home.
Changing a window to a door
Whatever your choice, it will not only let the light in – it will let you out.
We love windows. They add light to a room, provide ventilation and sometimes even a great view. But what about when you’re tired of just looking at the view and would really like to have access to it? Maybe it’s time to change that window to a door.
Where do you start? We would recommend asking an expert – a window installer. He could determine the best way to make this structural change, depending on the size of the window and exterior material of your home (stucco, brick, etc.). And then, based on room and exterior space, you can select which type of door best suits your style: French doors (swinging or on rails), a single swing door or a sliding or swinging patio door.
Call today for your free estimate!
Window specialists vs. big box stores
You ran into the big box hardware store for grout, but your wife stopped at the window section. Maybe it’s time to replace those leaky old windows in the den. But with what – and from where?
Is the lowest price from the biggest chain the best deal? Not necessarily. So how do you determine where to go: big box or window specialist? Here are some key things to think about:
- Service. You want to be certain your windows will be supported with service, since they will last many years. A sales associate who is also selling appliances will not necessarily have the expertise that a window specialist has. You want a free estimate, expert measurement and post-installation service and support.
- Choices. Nothing about windows is off the shelf. You want to make decisions based on your home, your needs and your wallet. Windows are a custom product and should be treated as such.
- Cost. Cheaper isn’t necessarily cheaper. If you have a window supplier that does every step of the process – from manufacturing to installation – you will likely save in the end.
You don't need to change the character of your home
You've decided to make that move and replace your windows but think you need to choose: character over comfort. But here are some thoughts to make you more comfortable when choosing replacement vinyl windows.
You don't need to change the character of your home. You can add French doors or specialty shaped styles. If you loved your window box but hated (secretly, of course) what it looked like, choose a Garden Window for the kitchen. These choices don't need paint, are more cost-effective than wood and last longer.
What could be easier or more in character with your life?What's going to continue to provide a payback
When it is time to make upgrades to your house, it's important to keep an eye on what's going to continue to provide a payback, look good and fit with the entire project. And that can mean replacing windows.
You know they look tired against the newly renovated room - and are not energy efficient or especially safe, but you thought it was outside the budget. It's time to think again.
It's simply smart to replace old windows with good looking, energy efficient ones that will keep you cooler through the summer and warmer through the winter.
When you replace your old windows with quality vinyl, you immediately upgrade your upgrades.
ROI for Window Replacement
With home values on the decline there are 2 questions you're probably asking yourself; "Will I keep my home or will I sell it?" No matter the answer to the first question, the next question will probably be; "Should I invest in my home or save my money?"
Whether you choose to stay or sell, making small changes to your home enhances the look as well as giving you a substantial Return on Investment (ROI).
When it comes to getting the most for your hard-earned money, most people think a splash of paint, landscaping or bathrooms, all of which will help maximize a home's ROI. Window replacement is the most rewarding ROI, improving the look and feel of your home, increasing energy efficiency and ensure your family's safety.
A window replacement program will average an 80% return on investment. No other upgrade will give you an ROI as strong as window replacement.
Replacing your windows can make this kind of ROI a reality.
Making Your Home Energy-Efficient in Under 5 Minutes
Reducing utility costs and making your home more energy-efficient can be costly and time consuming. Here are 5 quick-fixes for short-term energy savings!
- Inspect the indoor / outdoor caulking around the electrical hoses and water pipes entering your home. Fill any holes or gaps with temporary caulking to better insulate your home.
- Install cost-effective insulation gaskets and child-proof covers for unused electricity outlets.
- Repair water heater leaks. A dripping tap will waste over 2,000 liters a month. Install low-flow fixtures for around $10 to reduce water bills by 60%.
- Turn down your thermostat by 1 degree and reduce your heating bill by 10%. Get chilly? Snuggle up with a blanket or a loved one.
- Buy a clapper! At $5.99 this cost-effective energy saver will reduce your utility costs by turning off unneeded lighting.
Bad advice that can COST you money!
Energy efficient windows and doors can save you up to a third on your utility bills. BAD efficiency attempts will damage your home and cost you hundreds. Here are a few "tips" to avoid:
Tip 1: Covering windows with an after-market window film as to reduce damaging sun rays.
Truth: These films may claim to reduce ultraviolet (UV) radiation when applied to glass on windows or doors, but they may also cause glass breakage. A better solution is to choose the most energy-efficient, factory-assembled, Low-E glass windows to meet your home insulation and UV radiation protection needs.
Tip 2: Sealing windows shut is an effective way to conserve energy.
Truth: Sealing windows is ineffective and threatens your family's safety! Windows used as potential emergency exits must be operable to provide ventilation and a possible escape route in a fire or emergency.
Tip 3: Putting towels or rugs around leaking entry or patio doors will keep cold air out and warm air inside.
Truth: This short term solution to poorly installed windows & doors is ineffective. When replacing entry doors for best performance, safety, or to improve energy-efficiency, select entry door systems that are factory-built to quality standards, like California Doors and Windows entry door systems, rather than doors assembled on-site from pieces or components.
Air Leaks = Big Energy Bills
As we've noted on The California Doors and Windows blog before, replacing your old windows with double-paned, low-emission vinyl windows from California Doors and Windows can reduce your heating bills by up to thirty percent by helping to keep the cold air out and trap warm air indoors.
The same holds true in California for keeping your home cool in the summertime by reducing the air conditioning that escapes due to insufficient insulation or old single-pane windows.
"One good way to locate air leaks inside, is to hold a lighted candle around the frames of windows, doors and electrical outlets, checking to see if the flame quivers. Unused outlets commonly expel cold air and can be plugged with outlet covers, available for a couple of dollars at any home supply store.
Weather-stripping installation kits - which usually come with three strips of metal, vinyl or wood (about $20) - and door sweeps (about $10) can help prevent leaks around doors. Nail or screw the strips into the door frame, and then attach the sweep to the bottom edge of the door.
Old windows can be particularly drafty. One easy fix is to buy an inch-thick strip of foam, sometimes called a draft stopper, that can be cut to size and inserted in the gaps along the sashes (around $10 for a canister). It can also be used along the edges of air-conditioning units installed directly in the wall or permanently in a window.
Another solution is to attach window-insulating shrink-wrap film around the frame with double-sided tape, and then seal it in place with a hairdryer (about $10 for enough to cover a couple of windows). There's one hitch, though: for the duration of winter, your windows will be covered in the film, which many people find unsightly.
Thick curtains can work wonders at blocking drafts, and they look much nicer, but make sure to open them when it's sunny so that the natural light can heat up the space."
Over the course of owning your home, the most cost-effective and energy efficient solution will be to have new windows and doors installed by the experts at California Doors and Windows.