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Window FAQs

No, If you need your windows or doors rreplaced, then we can help! Here at Windows of Greater Tucson we realize that you have a choice when it comes to door and window replacement companies. You may be asking yourself, “why should I choose Windows of Greater Tucson?” More than 75% of our business comes from repeat or referral business. We take great pride in taking care of our customers. In business since 2008 here in Tucson, we’ve learned what it takes to earn and keep our customers’ business.
Basically there are three types of materials used. Aluminum windows, with their easily scratched painted surfaces, conduct both heat and cold, so they're very poor insulators. Wood windows, which require constant painting and caulking, can absorb moisture, making them difficult to open and close. They can even rot. Alpine's solid vinyl windows, however, never need painting and won't show scratches, because the color goes throughout the material. This is why vinyl windows are quickly becoming the most popular choice for both new construction and replacement applications.
There are two basic types of construction for vinyl windows. Mechanically fastened windows are screwed together at the corners. Welded windows are becoming more popular and use a chemical or heat process for joining. Alpine utilizes a state-of-the-art welding process called fusion-welding, which uses a heat joining process. Beware of windows with mitered corners screwed together or chemically welded corners, as they probably won't perform as well for you.
A replacement window is a window that’s custom built to fit within the opening of an existing window. It is a custom measured item designed to fit exactly and can be normally installed without removing or disturbing the interior and exterior stops/trim work around the window.
When your home was built, the window openings were made to accommodate a stock size window, whereas replacement windows are typically manufactured to custom fit existing openings. The biggest differences are reduced maintenance, ease of operation, and thermal performance features driven by new technologies.
Your house now has finished siding, walls, and trim which you probably want left intact after the windows are replaced to minimize disruption and cost. A replacement window is made to fit into your old window’s sash opening (the area of glass including its frame and any hardware) and doesn’t require the removal of interior or exterior casings. The installation of a new construction window (most likely what is being replaced) would require removal of the entire window including its jamb, head, sill, and casings to expose the stud opening. Although certainly an option, this method is more labor intensive and invasive and would involve walls and siding beyond the casings.
Yes, for a variety of reasons. First, you will realize savings on your heating and cooling bills. Second, quality replacement windows are virtually maintenance-free, which eliminates painting costs. Many of the considerations that future home buyers look for in a new home are kitchens, bathrooms and windows. Curb appeal is very important to your home and investing in new energy efficient windows will definitely be a great advantage if you ever want to put your home up on the market. Windows of Greater Tucson is one of the only companies in Tucson that offers a Tucson Windows product that can save you 40% or more on your energy bill.
To just look at them, it's very difficult to see any difference in quality between various vinyl windows. However, there is a difference. Some window manufacturers use less expensive compounds and extrusion techniques. These frames can be very brittle and have a dull blue or gray cast. Alpine products, however, are comprised of nothing but the finest vinyl (PVC) powder along with the latest water cooling extrusion techniques to ensure that you get the best frames and sashes possible.
Of course – If you're considering New or Replacement Windows for your home - you can replace your windows in stages or all at once. Windows of Greater Tucson offers a BUY ONE WINDOW AND GET ONE WINDOW FREE of equal or lesser value. You just have to mention that you saw this BOGO deal on the website.
Certainly, since all Alpine Windows are custom-made. (You may want to consult an independent design specialist to find the type of window that best complements your home's design). No matter what style or combination of styles you choose, Alpine can custom-manufacture it all for you, including the combinations which require a special shaped window.
Be careful when looking at extremely specific results since many of them do not really indicate how well the window will work for you. Some apply to just certain parts of the window, like the frame and its R-value, and do not give an overall picture. Others avoid R-value or U-value ratings altogether. Tested in nationally certified labs and our own modern test facility, Alpine Windows are engineered to provide optimum energy savings and are rated by the National Fenestration Rating Council.
The U-factor is a standard measure of heat transfer through an entire window unit. The methods for measuring U-factor ratings were developed by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) at the request of the U.S. Department of Energy and the Federal Trade Commission. The lower the U-factor the better the window's insulating ability. (A window's U-factor is the reciprocal of its R-factor, they both measure its insulating ability.) Look for windows with low U-factors and high R-values. See "R-factors."
Please take down curtains, blinds, or any other window treatments. Security sensors should also be removed and turned off by your security company. Please provide our installation expert with a clear path to the window(s) being replaced by moving anything that may be in the way. It is also advisable to remove all wall decorations from the walls close to the windows as they may fall during removal or installation.
The letter "R" stands for resistance. The higher the R-factor, the greater the amount of insulation a window provides. The R-factor rating of a window frame and glass is very important since it directly affects the cost of heating and cooling your home.

All Alpine products undergo extensive testing, which is performed by independent laboratories in accordance with industry certification requirements. Alpine is a member of, or has met the qualifications of, these performance and quality rating groups:

  • ENERGY STAR® Windows Program of the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy
  • National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) Certified
  • Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) Member
  • American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA)
Since 80% of a window is glass, real heating and cooling savings come from what is known as "improved glass performance," not a high R-value on the frame. Alpine uses the latest technology, known as high-performance warm-edge spacer system. This spacer system helps to improve the performance and the longevity of the insulated glass unit, and is standard on all Alpine Windows.
You should give careful consideration to Alpine's Low-E Insulated Glass Package, featuring Low-E glass and argon gas. Low-E glass is an excellent barrier against ultraviolet rays which fade carpet, furniture, draperies, and even woodwork. Argon gas is colorless, odorless, nonflammable, non-toxic and above all, a safe, inert gas that is heavier than air. Not only does argon gas help to increase the energy efficiency of a window, but it helps to make your home quieter as well. When Alpine Windows are equipped with the Low-E Insulated Glass Package, they automatically meet or exceed the energy-saving requirements for all climate zones set forth by the ENERGY STAR® program.
Because our frames and sashes are made of vinyl, you can say goodbye to painting and caulking. Alpine Windows won't stick, and you don't have to remove storm windows in order to clean them. In fact, you can do it all from inside your home. An occasional wipe with a damp cloth will keep your windows looking like new for years to come.
The ENERGY STAR® program was created by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy to help consumers in the recognition of energy-efficient products. This program also promotes the environmental and economic benefits of these products through the ENERGY STAR® label and other program activities.
Yes, for a variety of reasons. First, you may realize savings on your heating and cooling bills that others won't, with aluminum windows or some wood products. Second, they're virtually maintenance free, which eliminates painting costs. And finally, Alpine offers a solid Lifetime Limited Warranty for your peace of mind.

Not really. There are as many warranties as there are window manufacturers. Some brand name factory warranties cover just the sash and frame. The rest is left up to the local fabricator who may or may not cover it. Your warranty is only as good as the company behind it. With Alpine, your unit is warranted from the extrusion and parts to the glass and construction by our Lifetime Limited Warranty. It's one of the most comprehensive available.