The benefits below are the high-level answers but we’ll get into more detail further down this list.
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a. Energy Efficiency and Savings on Utility Bills
b. Beauty that lasts
c. Ease of Operation
d. Draft protection
e. Noise Reduction
f. Pricing
g. Warranty

U-value measures how well a window insulates against heat loss. It is the window's "insulating power." The lower the U-value, the better the window is at keeping heat inside during the winter and blocking heat from entering during the summer. For example, if you have a U-value of 0.40, it means that it allows 40% of the heat to pass through. A lower U-value, like 0.30, would mean only 30% of the heat passes through, making it more energy-efficient. In Virginia, a window needs a U-value of 0.30 or lower to qualify for an Energy Star rating, as the state falls within the North-Central climate zone. The Gold Series Earthwise window with Argon Gas by RJT has a U-Value of 0.27.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is essentially a measure of how much heat from the sun passes through the window. Think of it like a "sunblock rating" for your windows. This rating is on a scale from 0 to 1, where 0 means no solar heat comes through at all, and 1 means all the sun's heat passes through. For example, if a window has an SHGC of 0.25, it allows 25% of the sun’s heat to pass through. This can be beneficial in colder months to help warm your home, but in hot summers, you generally want a lower SHGC to keep your home cooler and reduce air conditioning costs. For Virginia, an Energy Star rated window's Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) should be 0.40 or lower as it falls within the North-Central climate zone. The Gold Series Earthwise window with Argon Gas by RJT has a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient of 0.26.

Deceuninck's proprietary SunShield PVC stabilizer compound ensures long-lasting color retention and low maintenance for the vinyl frames. SunShield is uniquely formulated to withstand the harsh effects of weather, ultraviolet light and southern exposure. Deceuninck is a global company with more than 75 years of knowledge and experience that stands behind the SunShield promise with a lifetime warranty against rotting, cracking, pitting, corroding and peeling. See more in the downloadable brochure on our window webpage.

The secret to preventing condensation is insulating glass made with the TSS Super Spacer. The thermoset polymers of the Super Spacer have 100% memory, meaning they cannot be reshaped through reheating. This is vital in our Virginia climate where we have expansion and contraction of the window sashes during hot humid summers and cold winters. The edge of the insulating glass unit is indeed the most vulnerable to heat and cooling loss, condensation and frosting. Super Spacer’s NO-Metal formula blocks the heat escape path and provides one of the best thermal performances in the industry. Super Spacer assures comfortable humidity levels without worries about condensation and mold. If you really want to geek out, see more technical details in the downloadable brochure on our window webpage.

a. RJT Industries is a family-owned window manufacturer with 45 years of manufacturing success.
b. The windows are made in Virginia and designed for the unique climate of Virginia. The factory is just 90 minutes up the road in Woodbridge, VA. You can schedule a tour, visit the factory, and watch the windows get made.
c. There is No middleman – so the homeowner gets a great price.
d. A clear, strong warranty. The Earthwise window has a Lifetime warranty and is also transferable.
e. Tredegar Construction is a local contractor where both owners grew up and live in the community. Standing behind their work is their #1 priority.

The cost of vinyl replacement windows varies widely depending on the style, size, and features of the window. Plus, if the home is built prior to 1978, the cost could increase significantly because Lead Safe RRP protocols will most likely need to be followed. It’s important to consider all of these variables and determine what are the right features for your replacement project. Then get about 3 quotes from reputable, licensed, and insured contractors. The lowest
price is not always the way to go and the highest doesn’t mean the best window. Be aware of the company that tries to get you to sign a contract during a presentation. There’s usually a reason why they don’t want you to compare.

There are a variety of window styles that include double-hung, picture, casement, sliders, bay windows, etc. Look around your neighborhood and that will give you many hints on what is typical for your area. Generally, it’s a good
idea to stay in line with your home’s architecture style, but sometimes you can give your home a whole new look by changing window and siding styles together. This is a great question to ask your estimator when they visit for your home consultation. It will help to have a budget in mind to discuss with your estimator, so they can keep suggestions in line with what you want to spend.

For homes built prior to 1978, it is federal law for contractors to be certified by the EPA to work on homes where painted surfaces are being disturbed. Lead dust is very toxic when inhaled or ingested, especially to children, so special precautions must be taken to prevent the spread of lead dust or paint chips during these types of projects. Unfortunately, these precautions require extra material and time so they are completed correctly, which does drive up the cost of the project. However, these precautions are not only important for the homeowner’s family but also for the families of the workers, so they don’t take lead dust home on their clothing. You can check the following website to make sure your contractor is certified as a Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) contractor with the EPA: https://cdxapps.epa.gov/ocspp-oppt-lead/firm-location-search

Earthwise windows are very easy to clean. The sashes tilt in for easy cleaning of both sides of the window. The vinyl frames can be cleaned with common, gentle, household cleaners.

The Silver and Gold Series Earthwise windows have a Limited Lifetime Warranty. See the downloadable warranty brochure on our website.

a. Timely Communication: This is one of the first principles from which we founded our company. Customers want calls and emails returned, they want proper notice and planning for when and how the work will be performed, and they want answers to their questions. That is precisely what we do.
b. Quality Craftsmanship: Our crews are not only skilled craftsmen but they are conscientious about their work. As an additional quality control measure, our field superintendent reviews all their work and ensures the customer’s home is treated like their own.
c. Affordable Pricing: Compare us to other high quality replacement window contractors and you will be excited to work with us.
d. Credibility & Our Promise: We stand behind the work that we do. Johnny Olgers grew up in New Kent and Jack Thompson grew up in Richmond. We both know our name and reputation are everything. We also know that we and our team members will make mistakes. What’s critical is that we correct those mistakes and make sure our customers get the experience and product that they were expecting.