Frequently Asked Questions About Windows & Doors in Binghamton, NY and Surrounding Areas

All windows at Madison Window & Doors come with half screens and a high-performing glass package featuring Low-E glass, Argon gas, and Duralite Spacer Warm Edge technology.

All windows at Madison Window & Doors come with half screens and a high-performing glass package featuring Low-E glass, Argon gas, and Duralite Spacer Warm Edge technology.

Low-E glass is an energy-efficient and comfortable type of glass that is created by sandwiching a layer of silver between layers of anti-reflective metal oxide coatings. The term “Low-E” stands for “low emissivity” which means that this type of glass reflects the part of the light spectrum that transmits heat. By doing so, it decreases the U-value and increases the R-value of a window, making it more energy-efficient and comfortable.

A U-Value measures the amount of heat that escapes through a surface such as a wall, roof, or window. The U-Value of a material indicates its energy efficiency, with lower U-Values indicating higher energy efficiency. On the other hand, R-Values measure the resistance of a material to heat flow. The higher the R-Value, the lower the U-Value, and the less energy the material will lose. In the case of windows, the R-Value is determined by the number of glass layers, the type of gas between these layers, and whether one or more layers have been treated with a Low-E coating.

Argon and other inert gasses also will reduce the loss of heat through an insulating glass unit. Since inert gasses are heavier than air, their molecules do not move as easily. This makes the space between the panes of glass in the window less conductive. Inert gasses between the panes of glass make it more difficult for the warmer inside air to pass through the glass to the colder outside. With lower heat loss, the R-Value is increased.

Warm edge technology, such as Duralite Spacer, is used to improve the edge condition of windows. The material used to join the glass panes together is called the spacer material. Traditional aluminum spacer materials tend to be highly conductive, which means they transfer heat through them easily, similar to how heat travels through a steel rod that has one end placed in a fire. In contrast, warm edge spacer materials reduce the amount of heat that is transferred from the inside of the house to the outside by decreasing conduction at the window’s edge. This results in less heat being lost to the exterior of the home, which helps to keep the inside of the home warmer.

Air is made up of various gases, including moisture vapor. When the temperature of air drops to the dew-point temperature, it gets chilled, and the moisture vapor present in it condenses, leaving a residue of water on the surface of the glass. This condensation occurs due to excess humidity or water vapor present in the air that comes into contact with a cooler surface, like a window. However, Madison Window & Doors are equipped with features that keep the glass’s surface warm, thereby reducing the chances of condensation. In case of extremely high humidity conditions, you can follow these suggestions to lower the moisture in the air: Open windows frequently to allow fresh air inside your home, use a dehumidifier, and install venting fans in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room.

Actually, no. Condensation is caused by moisture vapor suspended in the air, and that’s something no one can guarantee to eliminate. However, high quality vinyl windows, incorporating warm edge technology and glazing systems, help reduce condensation because they’re much less thermally conductive than other window types. They also help keep the temperature of the window warmer, minimizing the hot and cold differences that turn moisture vapor into condensation.

The standard procedure for window installation involves removing the old wooden window from within the home. The interior trim is taken off, the old window is removed, and the new one is inserted, insulated, and caulked. The existing trim is then replaced. If you are replacing aluminum or steel windows, please note that there will be a small additional charge, as it can be a bit more challenging to remove them. The standard procedure for window installation involves removing the old wooden window from within the home. The interior trim is taken off, the old window is removed, and the new one is inserted, insulated, and caulked. The existing trim is then replaced. If you are replacing aluminum or steel windows, please note that there will be a small additional charge, as it can be a bit more challenging to remove them.

If you want, we can cover all exterior wood casing on each window with a custom-fit, finished aluminum trim for a maintenance-free exterior while installing the new windows. This is generally included in your standard installation cost, but it may not be necessary for some homes.

Before our arrival, please move all furniture and window treatments. We are happy to help with any heavy items. Before our arrival, please move all furniture and window treatments. We are happy to help with any heavy items.

For an average job (12 to 20 windows), the inside installation takes one to four days. If required, the outside finish aluminum trim work usually takes an additional day or two to complete.

There should be no wall damage. When we reinstall the interior trim casing on each new window there will be some finish nail holes that may need to be filled and touched up with paint.

Typically, we’ll only keep a window open for an hour. However, during summer, we may extend that time if we’re working on multiple windows at once.

Normally no longer than one hour per window. In the summertime, we may do more than one window at a time, which means a longer time that the space is open.

No. Unless you want the old windows, we will take away the old windows and clean up all the debris from the job site as we do the window installations.