Construction and Materials
Interstate Windows & Door Company offers a diverse range of window styles, each designed with specific construction and material considerations to ensure durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. While the specific construction details can vary slightly between window types, the core principles employed by Interstate Windows & Door Company focus on robust framing, high-performance glass, and quality hardware.
Frame Construction and Materials:
- Vinyl: A primary material used for window frames is high-quality, multi-chambered vinyl. This material is chosen for its excellent insulating properties, resistance to weathering, and low maintenance requirements. The multi-chambered design within the vinyl extrusions creates pockets of air, which further enhance thermal performance by reducing heat transfer. Vinyl frames are also inherently resistant to rot, corrosion, and insect damage.
- Reinforcement: To ensure structural integrity and enhance security, vinyl frames are often reinforced with sturdy materials such as aluminum or steel, particularly in load-bearing areas like the main structural beams of the frame. This reinforcement prevents bowing and warping over time, ensuring the window maintains its shape and functionality.
- Fusion-Welded Corners: The corners of the vinyl frames are typically fusion-welded. This process melts the vinyl at the joints, creating a single, solid piece that is exceptionally strong and provides a tight seal against air and water infiltration.
Sash Construction and Materials:
- Vinyl: Similar to the frames, the sashes (the movable parts of the window that hold the glass) are commonly constructed from multi-chambered vinyl for consistent thermal performance and durability.
- Reinforcement: Sash construction also incorporates reinforcement where necessary to maintain rigidity, especially in larger windows or those with heavier glazing.
Glazing and Glass Options:
- Insulated Glass Units (IGUs): Interstate windows utilize double-pane or triple-pane insulated glass units. These units consist of two or three panes of glass separated by a spacer.
- Low-E Coating: A hallmark of energy-efficient windows, Low-E (low-emissivity) coatings are applied to the glass surfaces. This microscopic metallic coating reflects radiant heat, keeping heat inside during the winter and outside during the summer, significantly improving energy efficiency and reducing utility costs.
- Inert Gas Fills: The space between the glass panes is often filled with inert gases such as Argon or Krypton. These gases are denser than air and possess lower thermal conductivity, further enhancing the insulating properties of the IGU.
- Warm-Edge Spacers: The spacers that separate the glass panes are designed to be "warm-edge" technology. These spacers are made from materials that conduct less heat than traditional metal spacers, reducing condensation and improving the overall thermal performance of the window unit.
Hardware and Components:
- Locks and Handles: Window hardware, including locks and operating handles, is selected for its durability, ease of use, and security features. Materials are typically robust metals designed to withstand repeated operation and resist corrosion.
- Screens: Many window types come equipped with screens made from durable materials like fiberglass or aluminum mesh, providing insect protection while allowing for ventilation.
- Weatherstripping: High-quality weatherstripping is incorporated into the window design to create a tight seal when the window is closed, preventing drafts and moisture intrusion.
The product categories available indicate a range of window types, including:
- Awning Window
- Casement Window
- Double Hung Window
- Sliding Horizontal Window
- Casement/Awning Window (a combination unit)
- Bay Window
- Bow Window
- Picture Window
Each of these window types will be constructed using the fundamental principles of high-quality vinyl framing, reinforced structures, advanced glazing technology, and durable hardware to meet performance and longevity expectations.
