Bay windows are beautiful window configurations and can be used in a variety of situations.  For instance, a bay window can be placed in an opening where there may be two side by side windows which would offer enough space (width) to realize the true benefits of the larger sill and the center picture (fixed) window.



Bay windows have the option of having double hung windows (up and down) on the ends or casement style windows (fully vented) flanking each side of the center window.

HVI's bay windows also have an insulated sill board for better thermal protection.  Gone are the days when the old sill would radiate cold air making the window a place that you do not want o spend time near when it is cold outside.



Give us a call for a free estimate or contact us online to set up a time to discuss your project today!

Window and door energy ratings are not totally understood by consumers, but they are critical to making a sound choice when considering which product to install.  Let's face it, the average person may replace windows one time in their life and it is a lot to learn.

The National Fenestration Rating Council is actively making the process easier by educating consumers through brochures and a new website with "down to earth" language and in ways that everyone can understand.

The program is not new, but it is being pushed a lot more since it was developed in 2009.  Understading the label and the various test results will help homeowner's make well informed decisions when investing in new windows and doors.



A = U-Factor (also referred to as U-Value) measures the amount of heat that escapes through the product.

B = Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures how well a product blocks heat caused by sunlight. C = Visible Transmittance (VT) measures how much light comes through a product. D = Air Leakage (AL) is indicated by an air leakage rating, expressed as the equivalent cubic feet of air passing through a square foot of window area. E = Condensation Resistance (CR) measures the ability of a product to resist the formation of condensation on the interior surface of that product.

Visible Transmittance is a required property on the NFRC Label located on any energy efficient replacement window.

VT is an optical property that indicates the amount of visible light transimitted.  VT is a whole window rating and includes the impact of the frame which does not transmit any visibile light.  While VT thoretically varies between 0 and 1, most values are between 0.3 and 0.7.  The higher the VT, the more light is transmitted.

Home Visions Inc. has friendly and trained individuals that can come out and answer all of your questions about windows.  Give us a call or schedule online today!

Extruded vinyl windows are predominately used for replacement of old windows and are custom built to fit existing openings.  There are hundreds of manufacturers and fabricators of vinyl windows and their quality, features and price vary widely.

Vinyl is a strong, well insulated material, ideal for constructing a window.  It never requires painting or refinishing like wood and does not corrode or attract condensation like aluminum.  It should have a smooth polished finish that will be easy to clean.

The method of constuction of a vinyl window frame is very important.  Better vinyl windows have fusion welded corners.  The fusion welding process unites the four frame pieces into a single piece, eliminating air and water infiltration and unsightly joints.  The best way to determine how strong a weld is, is to look at a cross section of frame extrusion.  The more surface area fused the stronger the weld will be.  Vinyl windows which have multiple chamber channels will have far more surface area than those that do not.

The quality of vinyl should also be considered.  Cheaper vinyl can contain regrind or recycled vinyl and may contain fillers that reduce the overall strength and durability of the window.  This is particularly critical in brown or bronze vinyl windows that absorb heat more readily and can be susceptible to sagging and warping.


4412 Powder Mill Road Suite 200
Beltsville, MD 20705

301.937.4663

R-Value - A measure of thermal performance expressed as resistance to heat loss.  The R-value is determined by taking the recipriocal of the U-value.  The higher the R-value the better.

U-Value - A mesure of thermal performance expressed as the rate of heat loss.  The U-value is determied by measuring the amount of heat lost through a material, over the time period of one hour, when the difference of temperature between the warmer and colder sides is one degree.  The lower the U-value the better.  The unit of measurement is particularly useful when determining the overall thermal performance of and insulated glass unit.

To learn more about replacement windows please visit www.homevisionsinc.com or to learn more about the National Fenestration Rating Council, click here.

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) was formed in December 1989 as a non-profit/private collaboration of manufactures, builders, designers, code officials, consumers, utilities and regulators that will establish a national energy performance rating system for fenestration products (windows, doors, skylights). The mission of the NFRC is to establish a fair, accurate and credible energy performance rating system for fenestration products.

How are the windows tested for Thermal Performance?

The NFRC’s rating system is based on whole product performance. It allows for accurate accounts of the energy related effects of all a product’s components parts and prevents misleading comparisons of a single components to whole product properties.

The rating system is a procedure for determining the thermal transmittance (U-factor) of a product. The U-factor is measuring the transfer of heat flow thru a product.

To find out more about Home Visions Inc.'s windows and our NFRC ratings contact us online today or call toll free 866-616-7864.

What is AAMA?

The American Architectural Manufactures Association (AAMA) is a trade association of firms engaged in the manufacture and sale of building fenestration components and related products.  Tracing its origins back over 60 years, AAMA is active in its role as the “Technical Information Center” for industry’s products such as windows, glass doors, storm windows and related fenestration products.

How are windows tested for structural performance?

AAMA is a third party certification agency with whom manufacturers must certify structural performance for all its products. Recently, AAMA and the NWWDA (National Wood Window & Door Association) have worked together and approved a new combined test specification called AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2-97. It allows vinyl, aluminum and wood products to be tested to the same criteria so consumers can compare products more uniformly and accurately.

Do all windows participate with AAMA programs and testing?

No.  Due to the very tough guidelines and increased costs, not all window manufacturers participate in the AAMA testing program.

Does Home Visions carry windows that are AAMA certified?

Yes.  Home Visions Inc. is proud to offer Simonton Windows as one of our preferred window solutions.  All Simonton windows carry the gold AAMA label which is the highest level of certification a product can receive.

                                             

Home Visions Inc. is proud to offer Simonton Windows.  With a vinyl extrusion plant, vinyl welding plant, a window fabrication location and a dedicated product development center - all located in West Virginia, USA - this replacement window manufacturer knows how to deliver a high quality, error free product each and every time and their recognition proves it!

For two years in a row, Simonton Windows ranks "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Windows and Patio Doors," according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Windows and Patio Doors Satisfaction Study.  The study measures consumer perceptions of their experience in six factors (in order of importance): Ordering and Delivery; Operational Performance and Durability; Price Paid for Products and Services Received; Appearance and Design Features; Warranty; and Repair and Replacement.

The Simonton window packaged with the professional installers at HVI are a great combination to our ensure our customer's long term overall satisfaction with their investment.

Get an estimate from Home Visions Inc. in Maryland, Northern Virginia or Washington, DC today!

Cockeysville, Md - BAY REPLACEMENT WINDOWS WITH PRAIRE STYLE GRIDS

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Home Visions Inc. takes pride in the fact that we can offer high quality locally manufactured windows and precision installation at affordable prices.

ALL STYLES & COLORS AVAILABLE INCLUDING: BAY WINDOWS, BOW WINDOWS, SHAPED WINDOWS, DOUBLE HUNG WINDOWS, TWO/THREE PART SLIDER WINDOWS, CASEMENT WINDOWS, AWNING STYLE WINDOWS, GARDEN STYLE WINDOWS, HOPPER WINDOWS, PATIO DOORS, ENTRY DOORS & STORM DOORS.

MD License #121921

Replacement windows are engineered for specific climates.  For example in the southeast the emphasis is placed on lowering the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) (keep the heat from the sun out) because the average annual temperature is much higher than the northern states.  But, homeowners in the northern states benefit from the sun's heat in the winter.  It is important to find a replacement window product that has a low enough SHGC to help in the hot Washington summers, but also allow some of the warmth from the sun in the cold, damp winters. 

As seen in the graph below, the Mid-Atlantic region is just about in the middle of the thermometer in terms of average median temperature (54.2 MD & 55.1 VA).    Call Home Visions Inc. today for a free in-home consulation about your windows so that you can make in educated decision that will provide you with the most energy savings in the long term.