Universal Windows Direct, of Minneapolis and St. Paul

Love UniShield Windows: Reasons our customers love their UniShield Replacement Windows

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Melissa Brager

Happy Valentine’s Day!

You'll LOVE UniShield Windows by Universal Windows Direct!

Whether you love the holiday or you dread it, it happens. You don’t need to break the bank by buying overpriced flowers or purchasing a token gift. You don’t even need to choose the best of the picked over Valentine’s Day Cards for your sweetie. All you need to do is spread the love. Be kind; and share the good that surrounds you.

So I think we’ll do just that. At Universal Windows Direct, MN we have been surrounded for years by customers that started out hating their windows. They desperately wanted and needed a change. And once they made their purchase of UniShield Replacement Windows, they were thrilled. You might even say they were in love. See what they had to say!

Reasons Customer Love UniShield Replacement Windows:

“We loved the direct sales approach with honesty and product knowledge. The estimate given on site was appreciated and the install crew was nothing but professional.”
“What other contractor actually cleans up after himself?”
“After receiving other estimates, Universal Windows Direct offered the best product and the best price by far! No hidden fees, no extra charges. It was amazing how quick they were able to install windows in the whole house!”
“I’m so happy with the final product. My new windows look amazing!”
“We are extremely happy with our new windows! Quality of the workmanship exceeded our own expectations. JOB WELL DONE! We love our new look!”
“I could immediately tell the difference. My home is already warmer!”

What will your reason be? Contact us today to get your free, no obligation estimate and before you know it, you’ll LOVE your new windows too!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Melissa Brager, Universal Windows Direct, Twin Cities

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Posted in Local thoughts | Tagged unishield, Universal Windows Direct, vinyl replacement windows, windows richfield | Leave a comment

Why are my windows fogging up?: 5 Ways to reduce indoor condensation on your windows

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Melissa Brager

We all know that condensation between the panes of glass on our windows is a bad sign. We also all know that brand new windows will reduce drafts, making out home more energy efficient and keeping us more comfortable.

So then why do we sometimes see more condensation on the inside of our windows after they’ve been replaced?

Easy. They are working.

Energy efficient windows might fog up if your humidity is high.

Before when you had those old drafty windows the normal moisture in your home (from showering, cooking, breathing, etc) could escape right outside. Your new, custom sized energy efficient windows are just keeping everything inside. They are blocking air movement between the inside and outside of your home. This is good. They are also lowering your heating and cooling costs, and keeping you more comfortable in your home.

More importantly, as the temperatures outside get colder and the humidity inside your home increases, you might notice more condensation building up on your windows. Obviously we can’t control the outside temperatures but we can control the humidity levels in our homes. So if you have some indoor condensation or you want to make sure you don’t get any, keep reading.

5 Tips for Reducing Indoor Humidity

Turn off your indoor humidifier.
Ventilate your home regularly. Open it up for a few minutes each day.
Run your exhaust fans more often, and for longer.
Add a basement dehumidifier.
Make sure your clothes dryers are adequately vented.

Remember, if you’re seeing condensation build up between the panes of glass that means your window has failed and it’s time to start thinking about a replacement windows. When this happens contact Universal Windows Direct for a free, no obligation estimate. We offer windows styles and options for every home and our factory direct pricing will save you money.

Melissa Brager, Universal Windows Direct, MN Operations

How to find a window contractor you can trust

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Posted in Customer Answer Center, Replacement Window Guide | Tagged energy efficient, vinyl replacement windows, windows fogging | Comments Off

Angie’s List Super Service Award: Universal Windows Direct earns Service Award for 2011

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Melissa Brager

Universal Windows Direct, MN Earns Coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award

Award reflects businesses’ consistently high level of customer service

Universal Windows Direct, MN has been awarded the prestigious 2011 Angie’s List Super Service Award, an honor bestowed annually on approximately 5 percent of all the businesses rated on the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews on local service and health providers.

“It is our goal to treat every customer of ours as if they are family. Offering a fair price on a quality product and sending out the best installers are several aspects of our business we pride ourselves on. We are honored to receive this award.PR” says Stephen Brager, President.

“Only a fraction of the businesses rated on Angie’s List can claim the sterling service record of being a Super Service Award winner because we set a high bar,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “The fact that Universal Windows Direct, MN can claim Super Service Award status speaks volumes about its dedication to consumers.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award winners have met strict eligibility requirements including earning a minimum number of reports, an exemplary rating from their clients and abiding by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List, but members can find the 2011 Super Service Award logo next to business names in search results on AngiesList.com.

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Angie’s List collects consumer reviews on local contractors and doctors in more than 500 service categories. Currently, more than 2 million consumers across the U.S. rely on Angie’s List to help them make the best hiring decisions. Members get unlimited access to local ratings via Internet or phone, exclusive discounts, the Angie’s List magazine and help from the Angie’s List complaint resolution service. Take a quick tour of Angie’s List and view the latest Angie’s List news.

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Replacement Windows: 5 Reasons Why Choosing Replacement Windows is Like Choosing a Wedding Dress

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Melissa Brager

Curious, aren’t you?

Here is the thing. I am behind on my blogging because I have been caught up in the excitement of planning our wedding!! We are celebrating with 200 people we love and are planning the whole big party in 5 weeks. Crazy, maybe, but fun.

As I get ready for my final dress fitting it comes to me. Choosing replacement windows and choosing a wedding dress actually have quite a bit in common.

Choose your perfect look. Are you thinking traditional, modern, or purely functional? Do you want to stick with white or something more interesting like a color? What options do you have to choose from?
Know your deadline and order in advance! Wedding dresses can take up to 6 months to come in but you can get your custom vinyl replacement windows installed in as little as 6 weeks. Family coming to town? Hosting for the holidays? No problem. Call today to get started!
Order the right size! Doesn’t it make more sense to order the exact size you need so you don’t have to force fit the product, or worse, pay for the labor of unnecessary alterations later? Our UniShield windows are all custom sizes for your convenience! Not only that, but with a custom fit they are guaranteed to reduce drafts and keep your family more comfortable in your home!
Think about how you want to complete your final look. With your dress you think about shoes, jewelry and veils. With your windows you consider trimwork, painting or staining, and new custom window treatments. It’s really the same.
Show it off!! Once everything is decided and paid for and complete don’t you want to show it to everyone you know? Take pictures!! Post them on Facebook!

See? Replacement windows and wedding dresses actually have more in common than you think! While we can’t help you choose your wedding dress, we can certainly help you make a replacement window decision. Quotes are always free and we’d love to visit with you. Contact us today!

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Posted in Local thoughts | Tagged custom replacement windows, energy efficient, installation of windows, Universal Windows Direct, vinyl replacement windows, window terminology | Comments Off

Busy Busy… What has Universal Windows Direct been up to?

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Melissa Brager

It’s been a month, dear reader. Sadly we have allowed ourselves to get behind in our blogging but do not worry, we did not forget about you! We are back at it and ready to get caught up. Business has been good, our personal lives have been good, we’ve just been running like crazy.

We have successfully finished our summer show and event season. Gone are the days of hanging in the tent, hoping for good weather overnight, and searching out our next great meal from a food truck. I think that Taco Cielo from the Dakota County Fair was my favorite this year! Mmmmmm!!!

Our fall and spring home show season gets underway soon and we have all of our dates finalized. Sometimes I feel like we’re a rock bank booking our next great tour. We always have free or discounted tickets for shows so definitely check our website or call us if you’re interested in enjoying a home show and vising your favorite window company!

Speaking of home shows, we are moving forward with some awesome new displays for our larger products. They will debut in 2012!

New product options! Our UniShield siding has come out with new colors to provide you with even more options for customizing your home and creating the look you’ve dreamed of. Our UniShield fiberglass entry doors have just release new styles that include 3/4 glass on the front. A nice way to get the look on the front of your home “just right”.

We are growing! We have brought on another installer and are currently looking to grow our sales department. If you know anyone looking to get some sales experience, send them our way.

All work and no play? No way!! We have a vacation scheduled in December and are looking forward to our annual sales meeting in January. Not only that, but with fall TV underway, we are glad to “see” all of our old friends. Hey, there is nothing wrong with some quality couch time, right?

Beyond all of that, we are happily selling high quality, energy efficient windows, siding, and doors at factory direct prices to homeowners all across the Twin Cities. To learn more about our products or to schedule a free, no obligation estimate, contact us today.

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UWD MN at a Summer Events: A behind the scenes look at UWD working outdoor events

Posted on August 29, 2011 by Melissa Brager

Raise your hand if you’ve been to a Fair or Outdoor Festival this year. Raise both hands if you’ve been to more than one. Now smile because you feel silly with both your arms in the air.

Summer in MN is the best thing on Earth. Every weekend you can find a summer festival in a local city, Celebrations center around everything from raspberries to potatoes to stock cars to just the city itself. No matter what they are celebrating you are almost guaranteed to find yummy food, activities for kids, a midway, a live band, a car show and a business fair.

Show and event marketing is a huge part of our marketing plan at Universal Windows Direct MN. Throughout the summer (June – August) we spend the majority of our weekends working in a booth to promote our business, and our awesome line of UniShield windows and doors. Needless to say, we have it down to a science.

We can go from everything in the truck to “open for business” in about 20 minutes.

We have the perfect size cooler that ensures we drink a gallon of water a day.

We have perfected the “show food” shopping trip to keep us eating and snacking right in the midst of full on fair food temptation.

We have made events into networki ng and social events. Building relationships and enjoying the connections with familiar faces and other local business owners. Some days would get very long without our friends.

We have a section in our closets dedicated to UWD wear – which ensures that no matter how many days the event is, and no matter what the weather has in store for us… we will be branded. In layers.

Last but not least, we know that working these summer shows are different than working home improvement expos. We know you didn’t head out to the fair with a window replacement project in mind. So we show you our windows, we give stickers to your kids, we answer your questions and if you don’t want to schedule a free estimate, we’ll give you a brochure to take home. We know that when you’re ready, you’ll call us.

Thanks to every single person this summer who stopped by our tent to talk with us. Days can get long and we can get a little crazy.

Thanks to previous customers who made a point to visit. Thanks to all the show sponsors who make us feel appreciated and welcome, and thanks to that girl at Pride with the pink and purple pigtails who bounced in to give us a smile because we looked lonely. It isn’t easy to work those events, but it’s worth it. We love our company and we love offering such a great product at a factory direct price.

If you’re looking to get a free quote on replacement windows, sliding glass patio doors, front entry doors or vinyl siding, contact us today. We’d be happy to stop out.

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Tempered Glass: Why do I need my windows tempered?

Posted on August 19, 2011 by Melissa Brager

Tempered glass is a type of safety glass that is 4-5 times stronger than regular glass. Because of how its made (through a process of extreme heating and rapid cooling) it is a much harder and more brittle type of glass. When tempered glass breaks, it shatters into little pebbles without any dangerous sharp edges. Check it out, its quite cool.

Tempered glass turns into tiny pebbles when broken.

Your car windows are tempered, for example.

The State of MN building code actually requires tempered glass in several locations of your house and your window replacement will not pass inspection if certain windows do not have tempered glass in them. It’s all in the name of protecting you and your family from potential hazards.

This is why it surprises me a little bit when homeowners and/or contractors are confused about why they need tempered glass. So here we are on the Friday morning blog and I’m going to lay it all out there. Me. The office girl. The advocate for tempered glass.

Ask yourself these questions about a window you are putting in. If the answer is YES, then tempered – or safety glass is required.

Is the window less than 18 inches from the floor?
Is it a patio door? (UniShield Patio Doors come standard with tempered glass)
Is it a large window more than 9 square feet?
Is the window in a bathroom and close to the bathtub?
Is the window within 3 feet of a door?
Is the actual top of the window within 3 feet of the floor?

Tempered windows are your safety net. They are like a little bit of insurance, or peace of mind that if someone falls, if the furniture gets pushed hard into the glass, if a lamp falls off the table, if you slip getting out of the tub, that at least the glass won’t shatter and cause additional harm.

If you are thinking about replacing some windows and are looking for an in home consultation on which windows may need to be tempered, contact us today.

Have a great weekend!

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Windows at the Fair?: Top Questions asked about Windows at the Dakota County Fair

Posted on August 14, 2011 by Melissa Brager

How many replacement windows and siding companies are at the Fair? If you are anything like me you’re freaking out about the fact that its mid-August. County Fairs mean that summer is coming to a close. As much fun as we have looking at the animals, watching the demo derbies, eating the fried food and looking at all the cool stuff in the exhibitor buildings we can’t deny that school is around the corner, and winter isn’t far behind.

As a window girl the County Fairs mean that I basically leave home for a week. I pack fruit, healthy snacks and sandwiches so I am less tempted by all the Fair Food. (If you’ve ever met me, you know this doesn’t work very well.) I bring a book for the hours where no one is around, and I look forward to meeting my neighbors. I also do my best to tell interested fair -goers about our awesome UniShield windows and doors and answer their questions the best I can.

After 5 days and 55 hours at the Fair, I have compiled this list of Top Questions asked at the Universal Windows Direct Booth at the Dakota County Fair.

Q: Is that a wood window? A: No, the UniShield window is a vinyl replacement window. We are excited to offer three different wood grain finishes that give you the look of wood to match your cabinets, floors or woodwork, but in a 100% maintenance free vinyl finish.

Q: Are these replacement windows or new construction? A: Both. The majority of the windows we sell are replacement windows, but we do also do also sell to remodelers and we can order any window you need with a nailing fin.

Q: What if I want to install the window myself? A: We do sell windows directly to individuals and contractors. However, installing windows isn’t for amateurs. If you’re not totally comfortable installing a window please allow us to install it for you.

Q: What is your warranty? A: Universal Windows Direct offers the double lifetime warranty on windows. This means that your new windows will be covered for as long as you are in your house, and 30 years to the next homeowner. This is a non-prorated warranty. We stand behind the quality of our windows!

Q: Do you make awning windows? A: Yes. We can build any style window you need. Double hungs, sliders, casements, awnings, hoppers, garden windows, bays and bows.

Q: Where are the cows? A: The did leave for a night for a barn cleaning, but no worries… the next afternoon we had a huge cow trailer parade and they were all returned, safe and sound.

Universal Windows Direct at the Dakota County Fair

The cows are back!

Q: My window is really weird size. Can you do custom sizes? A: Yes! All of our windows are custom ordered to fit your rough opening. So bring us your weirdest size window and we’ll replace it.

To everyone who stopped by our booth at the fair, thank you. I appreciated the chance to tell you about our great windows. If it was a particularly slow time of the day, I appreciate the visit. If you have any additional questions, or are interested in a free quote, contact us today.

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Posted in Customer Answer Center, Uncategorized | Tagged energy efficient, installation of windows, replacement windows mpls, unishield, vinyl replacement windows, Vinyl Siding | Comments Off

Windows Fogged Up: The Number One Reason Why Windows Fog up.

Posted on July 26, 2011 by Melissa Brager

Are your window fogged up? Instead of peering through clear glass to enjoy the view outside are you stuck looking at dirty, drippy, fogging glass? Do you hate driving up to your house and being greeted by fogged windows? Have you ever wondered why this happens?

Windows fog up when your glass package has failed. At some point the seal that was holding that glass package together popped, causing all the insulating gas to escape. Without that barrier, and with an opening, wind and condensation have been getting in and causing the mess. Not only that, but without the Argon gas, the window is no longer energy efficient at all.

Glass packages with metal and aluminum spacers in them will fail. It doesn’t matter if

your house is 3 years old or if you just had the “best” windows put in 10 years ago. Look closely at the bottom of your glass. See that silver metal? It’s your cause of failure.

Independent tests done by the NFRC test exactly how long each type of window spacer is expected to last. Windows that use metal or aluminum spacers are proven to fail in as little as 3 years and in some cases have lasted as long as 27 years.

When you are shopping for replacement windows focus on finding a quality product at a great price. Quality starts with the spacer system. Choose a windows with a warm edge super spacer. The super spacer is a flexible material that can actually move with your glass package, allowing it to last 70-100 years longer than any other spacer on the market

I was in a home recently describing the different spacer systems to a homeowner.

You’ve worked too hard for your money. Home improvement decisions need to pay for themselves over time and need to add to the value of your home. Don’t waste your money on a replacement window with a metal spacer that will need to be replaced again in the next 10 years. Choose the highest quality spacer on the market. Choose the super spacer.

Universal Windows Direct, MN offers homeowners across the Twin Cities the highest quality replacement window at a factory direct price. Our exclusive UniShield window comes standard with the warm edge super spacer and a warranty that backs it up. Contact us today for a few quote.

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Posted in Customer Answer Center, Replacement Window Guide | Tagged failed windows, fogged windows, super spacer, unishield, Universal Windows Direct, warm edge spacer | Comments Off

Replacement Windows: How replacment windows are the same and different

Posted on July 13, 2011 by Melissa Brager

Isn’t a windows just a window? Let’s clear this up once and for all. Yes and No. Every window you see is both the same and different. As you’re evaluating windows for your home, focus on what is different. Focus on the construction and the quality of the window See below.

UniShield windows from Universal Windows Direct

Not all windows are created equal.

Windows all have the following things in common!

They all open and close, letting the fresh air into the house. (unless they are painted shut or the weights are shot so they can’t stay open on their own)
They all have glass in them allowing you to see outside. (unless the glass is broken and the window has been taped shut)
They keep the bugs out. (unless the screen is damaged)
They let the light in. (and sometimes the UV rays too, which is why your sofa is faded).
They sit in frames in your house. (Sometimes they sit crookedly in the frames because the wood is rotting)

I think that is it. Now here are what windows have that make them different

Windows are built with materials ranging from wood to fiberglass to aluminum to vinyl
Windows may have one, two , or three panes of glass.
The glass package may be spaced using metal, aluminum, or structural foam.
The glass package may be insulated with nothing at all, argon gas or krypton gas.
The “fill rate” of the insulating gas varies by manufacturer. Yes, argon gas is nice but would you rather have a window with 50% or 98% fill rate of gas? (hint: this is not a trick question)
The window sash and frame may be glued or screwed together or it could be fused together for ultimate strength.
Window glass may be clear or glazed with multiple coats of Low E, which is basically sunscreen for the glass; protecting your living space from the harmful UV rays.
We all have a window that sits behind furniture. Some windows require two hands and a little strength to open and close. Some require just a finger. Construction matters.
Warranty is essentially how long the manufacturer expects the window to last. Some windows that look exactly the same will fail after 3 years. Some will not fail after 5o years. Which would you rather have? (again, not a trick question)
Finally, we have price. You can get a poorly made cheap window for anywhere from $189 to $900. Or you can get an excellent high quality window that will last for anywhere from $500-$1000. Don’t be fooled by price. Choose a high quality window at a factory direct price and you’ll be glad you did.

If you’ve been dreaming about replacing windows in your home and you’ve been overwhelmed by the options on the market, we understand. Contact us today for a personal consultation in your home and a free quote.

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Posted in Customer Answer Center, Replacement Window Guide, Uncategorized | Tagged foam filled frames, home improvements, installation of windows, unishield, Universal Windows Direct, vinyl replacement windows, window, windows richfield | Comments Off

Window Terminology Guide: Introducing Window Terms from Universal Windows Direct

Posted on June 21, 2011 by Melissa Brager

Hello friends!

If you’re anything like me then you’ve started a new job in a new industry and felt like everyone was talking a different language. It’s no different when you’re shopping for something you’ve never shopped for before.

What kind of window is it? A crank out?

What is the difference between a bay window and a bow window?

Argon or Krypton?

What does glazing mean?

Don’t let a window salesmen overwhelm you with technology, terms and details. Check out this easy to understand glossary of window terms and help get yourself to a place where you feel comfortable.

Did I miss anything? ( I bet I did!) Let me know!

To schedule your free consultation on replacement windows, siding, or doors from Universal Windows Direct, contact us today!

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Window Terminology: Window Terms Starting with “A”

Posted on June 21, 2011 by Melissa Brager

Air Chambers

Spaces built into a window frame that makes the window stronger and more energy efficient. UniShield windows offer a foam fill in the air chambers for additional insulation.

Air Infiltration

Measures how much air can get through a window or door. The lower the number, the better.

Aluminum Spacer

A window spacing option used in lower end windows. Tends to conduct temperatures more from the outside to the inside and generally comes with a lower warranty.

Argon Gas

Common window insulator. It is nontoxic, colorless, odorless and tasteless gas. It is 6 times denser than air, and drastically reduces heat loss between the panes of glass.

Awning Window

Window style commonly used in basements, porches and spaces close to the ceiling. Window operates like a casement except it is hinged at the top and always swings out.

For more information on window terminology, and to get your free quote on replacement windows from Universal Windows Direct, MN contact us today

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Posted in Window Terminology | Tagged air chambers, air infiltration, aluminum spacer, argon, argon gas, awning windows, unishield, Universal Windows Direct, vinyl replacement windows | Comments Off

Window Terminology: Window Terms Starting with “B”

Posted on June 21, 2011 by Melissa Brager

Balance

A mechanical device (normally spring-loaded) used in single- and double-hung windows as a means of counterbalancing the weight of the sash during opening and closing. UniShield windows come with a true balance system, and no weights for a cleaner look and for consistent performance.

Bay Window

An arrangement of three or more individual window units, attached so as to project from the building at various angles. In a three-unit bay, the center section is normally fixed, with the end panels operable as double-hung or casement windows.

Bow Window

A rounded bay window with 5 or more sashes – often all of them open.

Building Permit

A requirement in most cities to ensure the installation meets state building code requirements.

For more information on window terminology, and to get your free quote on replacement windows from Universal Windows Direct, MN contact us today

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Posted in Window Terminology | Tagged balance, bay window, bow window, building permit, energy efficient, minneapolis, st paul, unishield, Universal Windows Direct, vinyl replacement windows | Comments Off

Window Terminology: Window Terms Starting with “C”

Posted on June 21, 2011 by Melissa Brager

Casement

A window sash that swings open on side hinges. Commonly referred to as a “Crank out”.

Caulking

A mastic compound for filling joints and sealing cracks to prevent leakage of water and air. Caulking is typically used on the outside of your window during an install.

Condensation

The deposit of water vapor from the air on any cold surface whose temperature is below the dew point, such as a cold window glass or frame that is exposed to humid indoor air.

For more information on window terminology, and to get your free quote on replacement windows from Universal Windows Direct, MN contact us today

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Window Terminology: Window Terms Starting with “D”

Posted on June 21, 2011 by Melissa Brager

Double Casement

Style of window where two individual casements are mulled together.

Double glazing

In general, two panes of glass separated by a spacer and air space within an opening to improve insulation against heat transfer and/or sound transmission. In factory-made double glazing units, the air between the glass sheets is thoroughly dried and the space is sealed airtight, eliminating possible condensation and providing superior insulating properties.

Double-hung window

A window consisting of two sashes operating in a rectangular frame, in which both the upper and lower halves can be slid up and down. Sashes also tilt in for easy cleaning. A counterbalance mechanism usually holds the sash in place.

Double pane glass

Two panes of glass separated by a window spacer, creating the sash of the window. UniShield replacement windows come in double pane and triple pane options.

For more information on window terminology, and to get your free quote on replacement windows from Universal Windows Direct, MN contact us today

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Posted in Window Terminology | Tagged casement, double casement, double glazing, double hung, double hung window, double pane glass, minneapolis, st paul, twin cities, unishield, Universal Windows Direct, vinyl replacement | Comments Off

Window Terminology: Window Terms Starting with “E”

Posted on June 21, 2011 by Melissa Brager

Egress Window

Is a law that specifies that a window opening must be able to open wide enough for a person to get out or a firefighter to get in. MN requires egress windows in every room used as a bedroom.

Energy Star

ENERGY STAR is a government-backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency.

Exterior Stop

The removable part of the window that holds the glass or panel in place when looking at the window from the outside. Also called outside stops.

Exterior Wrap

Finishing option where the outside of the window and the exterior stops are wrapped in aluminum. Wrap may be smooth or textured and comes in a variety of colors to add visual interest to the room.

Extrusion

The process of producing vinyl shapes by forcing heated material through an orifice in a die.

For more information on window terminology, and to get your free quote on replacement windows from Universal Windows Direct, MN contact us today

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Posted in Window Terminology | Tagged egress windows, energy efficient, energy star, exterior stop, extrusion, minneapolis, st paul, twin cities, unishield, Universal Windows Direct, vinyl replacement windows | Comments Off

Window Terminology: Window Terms Starting with “F”

Posted on June 21, 2011 by Melissa Brager

Factory Direct Pricing

Reduced cost pricing where you don’t pay any middle man markups on your product. When the vinyl windows pass from the factory directly to the person you buy them from, you save money.

Fire Code

City or State Code that define requirements needed to keep a family safe from fire.

Fixed Panel

The side of a sliding window or slider glass door that doesn’t move.

Fixed Window

A window that doesn’t open. Also called a picture window.

Float Glass

Glass formed by a process of floating the material on a bed of molten metal. It produces a high-optical-quality glass with parallel surfaces, without polishing and grinding. Makes the finished product very easy to clean. This is a feature on the UniShield Window

Foam Fill

An option on the UniShield window where insulation is blown into the air chambers of the window frame, providing even more insulation. Perfect for a climate like MN where every bit of insulation counts.

Fogging

A deposit of contamination left on the inside surface of a sealed insulating glass unit due to extremes of temperatures or failed seals.

Frame

The outer part of the window that holds the sash or casement as well as hardware.

For more information on window terminology, and to get your free quote on replacement windows from Universal Windows Direct, MN contact us today

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Posted in Window Terminology | Tagged factory direct pricing, Fire Code, Fixed Panel, Float Glass, fogging, frame, minneapolis, st paul, unishield, Universal Windows Direct | Comments Off

Window Terminology: Window Terms Starting with “G”

Posted on June 21, 2011 by Melissa Brager

Garden Window

A window type that is 3 dimensional and projects from the exterior wall. Usually there is glass on all sides except the bottom. Generally used in kitchens or spaces looking for more light. Also called a Greenhouse window.

Gas Fill

Term given to describe how the space between the panes of glass are insulated. Usually argon or krypton is used in windows and patio doors.

Glass

An inorganic transparent material composed of silica (sand), soda (sodium carbonate), and lime (calcium carbonate) with small quantities of alumina, boric, or magnesia oxides. Technical, right? Glass is why we can see through the window.

Greenhouse Window

For more information on window terminology, and to get your free quote on replacement windows from Universal Windows Direct, MN contact us today

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Posted in Window Terminology | Tagged garden window, gas fill, glass, greenhouse window, minneapolis, st paul, Universal Windows Direct, vinyl replacement windows | Comments Off

Window Terminology: Window Terms Starting with “H”

Posted on June 21, 2011 by Melissa Brager

Heat Gain

The transfer of heat from outside to inside by means of conduction, convection, and radiation through all surfaces of a house. Reducing this makes your home more energy efficient.

Heat Loss

The transfer of heat from inside to outside by means of conduction, convection, and radiation through all surfaces of a house. Reducing this makes your home more energy efficient.

For more information on window terminology, and to get your free quote on replacement windows from Universal Windows Direct, MN contact us today

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Window Terminology: Window Terms Starting with “I”

Posted on June 21, 2011 by Melissa Brager

Insert Window

A window that does not require altering the opening of the home, or re-framing the window space. Insert windows are installed in the existing opening as is and then re-insulated. Also referred to as “pocket” windows or “replacement windows”

Insulating Glass Unit

Two or more panes of glass separated by a spacer and hermetically sealed to form a single glazed unit with one or more air spaces in between.

Insulating Value

See U-factor.

For more information on window terminology, and to get your free quote on replacement windows from Universal Windows Direct, MN contact us today

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Posted in Window Terminology | Tagged energy efficient, insert window, insulating glass unit, insulating value, Universal Windows Direct, vinyl replacement windows | Comments Off

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