Monday, July 26, 2010

Marketing pieces are now available on our website

Lindsay Windows now has many literature pieces available online!  Visit the Lindsay Windows Webpage to view PDF's or to order literature.

If there is a brochure that you are looking for, but cannot find on our website, please contact your customer service representative or call 507-625-4278.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Good Housekeeping

Our Earthwise Windows Brand has the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval
Through our commitment to quality and service, the Earthwise Window has earned the Good Housekeeping Seal! The Good Housekeeping Seal is only earned after a product passes a review by the Good Housekeeping institute laboratories. Since 1909 the Good Housekeeping Seal has given consumers peace of mind, know that products displaying the seal meet the highest standards of quality. We're proud to have earned this seal for you, our customer. Earthwise is one of only four window fabricating manufacturers to receive this prestigious honor. Brands like Andersen, Pella, and Marvin do not carry the Good Housekeeping Seal; neither does the likes of Silverline, Simonton or Phillips. The Good Housekeeping Seal has always been deemed a mark of superior quality and product excellence. Now the Earthwise Window provides this quality assurance for you. Why is the Good Housekeeping Seal so significant to your window buying decision? The Good Housekeeping Seal has been continuously recognized as a mark of quality and performance for over 120 years. The Good Housekeeping Seal is also the number one third party warranty in America. It guarantees product satisfaction directly to the consumer.

Contact your Lindsay Window and Door Dealer today for more information about Earthwise Windows and its Good Housekeeping seal of approval.

We want to hear from you!

We are currently seeking customer testimonials/reviews to be used on our new website and we'd like to hear from you! Tell us what you love about Lindsay Windows! You can either leave a comment on the blog or email your feedback to feedback@lindsaywindows.com. Your help is greatly appreciated!

New and Improved Web Site!!!

Lindsay's new website is up and running!  This website is much more visually appealing and easy to use.  Please let us know what you think!


Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Lindsay Windows uses Super Spacer

Lindsay Windows uses Super Spacer to build superior products for your home!
  • The all-foam formula of Super Spacer blocks the heat escape path and provides one of the best thermal performances in the industry.
  • Super Spacer is 950 times less conductive than aluminum spacers, 85 times less than stainless steel.
  • With improved sound absorption over traditional metal spacers, NO-Metal Super Spacer is a huge help in keeping the decibels down.
  • Condensation can lead to more than bacteria and molds. It cal increase the likelihood of fungi, viruses and mites that cause respiratory infections, allergies, and asthma.
  • Our all-foam formula offsets the effects of temperature changes, barometric pressure, wind load and glazing pressure. The end result is less seal failure and fewer stress cracks.

"Thermal efficiency through no presence of conductive metals" is the Super Spacer hallmark. The edge of the insulating glass unit is 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. That means it keeps the heat in during the winter months and keeps the cool in during the summer months. Super Spacer assures comfortable winter humidity levels with hardly any worries about condensation and mold.

Warm Edge Benefits
80% of a window's heat loss is through the glass itself, and the edge of the glass is a window's weakest link. When the glass edge is thermally inefficient, condensation forms - affecting the view through the window and potentially causing expensive damage to window sills, frames, curtains, paint and plaster. Super Spacer is 950 times less conductive than aluminum spacers and 85 times less conductive than stainless steel. This superior insulation means improved energy savings, dramatically lower thermal conductivity and substantially reduced perimeter condensation for overall window improvement.

Poorly insulated windows can contribute to 25% of a home's heating/cooling loss. The spacer... the edge of the insulating glass unit that separates the panes of glass... is the most vulnerable to heating/cooling loss. As a homeowner, it's important to choose the most energy efficient window spacer. Traditional window spacers were made with 100% aluminum and were poor insulators against heat/cold transfer. Later spacers combined less metal with other materials and were called "Warm Edge" spacers. These were more energy efficient but still transmitted heat/cold due to the metal portion of the design. Super Spacer is the latest advancement in energy efficient spacers and uses NO-Metal! Consequently Super Spacer allows almost no heat/cold transfer and is accurately called the TrueWarm Edge Spacer.


Contact your Lindsay Window Dealer for more information on Super Spacer

Humidity and Condensation

Definition:
Humidity is a term used to describe water moisture that is suspended in the air.  Humidity occurs naturally and varies with temperature.
Condensation is a formation of water that occurs on or around an object.  It is caused when warm moist air (humidity) comes in contact with a cold surface.

Warm air can "hold" more moisture than cold air.  When warm air comes in contact with a cold surface, the warm air can no longer retain its moisture.  Small water droplets will begin forming on the cold surface (fogging).  If the surface is cold enough, these droplets will freeze creating a white frosty glaze (frosting).  If the water remains a liquid, the small droplets will begin to form larger drops.  On a tilted or vertical surface these drops will eventually roll off into the surrounding environment.  This run off is the real problem created by condensation.  It can stain wood, remove wallpaper, and deteriorate plaster and drywall.  Damage to these surfaces may lead to expensive repairs.  Fortunately, if moisture gets on vinyl, it will not rot or cause mold.  You can simply wipe it off.

My new windows have condensation.  My old windows didn't.
You probably replaced your old windows because they were drafty.  Slight gaps and cracks around the sashes and frames allowed air to travel freely between the outside and inside.  The air movement actually prevented condensation in two ways.  Primarily, the warm moist air was able to escape from the house without resting on a cold surface.  Secondly, enough cold air was allowed to enter the home to create a thick blanket of cold air across the window.  This layer was thick enough to prevent the warm moist air from touching the cold window surface.

Your new windows improve the energy efficiency of your home, lower your energy bills, and add to your comfort by blocking air movement through your windows.  Blocking this movement however may raise the humidity levels in your home causing condensation.

My new windows are causing condensation.
New windows do not cause condensation.  Condensation is created from high indoor humidity and low outdoor temperatures.  Since we cannot control the outside temperature, our windows use no metal in our glass spacer and allows for higher humidity in homes than conventional windows with metal spacers.

In today's modern building and construction, we continually search for a "tighter" home that retains our winter heat and summer cooling.  Vapor barriers, high performance doors and windows, tile, and plastic wall coverings all conspire to keep whatever air is inside...inside.  By building an energy efficient home, we create other problems that may need special attention.  One of these problems is the control of moisture (humidity) in the air.  The "tighter" the home, the less likely excess moisture will escape.

What causes high indoor humidity levels?
Simply said, moisture is caused by everyday living.  Dishwashers, washing machines, furnaces, humidifiers, cooling, and showering are all major contributors to humidity.  Cooking for a family of four releases 4.5 lbs. of moisture into the air daily.  Each shower adds 1/2 lb. of water, weekly laundry adds 30 lbs., and human occupancy releases 6 to 8 lbs.  Some studies show that a family of four can easily release more than 18 gallons of water oer week into a typical household.

What is the maximum safe humidity level for your home?
Your home must maintain a certain level of humidity for comfort and health reasons.  The easiest way to test this level is through the use of a psychrometer.  The following table shows that maximum safe humidity levels are required for higher indoor temperatures.  Humidity levels above these form condensation on glass.








University of MN Engineering Laboratories

How do I control the humidity in my home?
Sometimes persistent humidity problems are difficult to solve.  You may have to call a qualified expert for advice and direction.  They will make recommendations based on an overall evaluation that includes:  the number and type of windows, the type of glazing system in those windows, the heating system, type of insulation and vapor barrier, and/or the type of soil and quality of exterior drainage.  They may suggest such measures as exterior air vents for your furnace or additional exhaust fans.  These measures can get costly and you should go through the following checklist to see how you may be able to solve your high humidity levels.

Nine ways to reduce household humidity levels.
  1. Shut off all household humidifier units (including the furnace humidifier).
  2. Ventilate regularly.  Air out the entire house for a few minutes each day.  Ventilate kitchen, laundry, and bathroom during use.
  3. Run exhaust fans longer and more often.
  4. Open the fireplace damper.
  5. Be sure attic and basement crawl space louvers are large enough and open.
  6. Add a basement dehumidifier.
  7. Adequately vent humidity producers such as clothes dryers and all gas burners to the outdoors.
  8. Open draperies and blinds so air is able to circulate next to the window.
  9. Bay/Bow:  place a small fan in the window to circulate air.


Other Sources:
MN Department of Public Service.  May 1995.  Windows & Doors.


Click Here to view Lindsay's Humidity & Condensation Brochure

Caring For Your Lindsay Windows and Doors

People love Lindsay's vinyl windows and doors because they are low-maintenance!  Please follow these simple guidelines to clean and care for your vinyl windows and doors:
  • Vacuum dirt from sill and track areas to ensure smooth operation
  • Clean frames with a mixture of mild dish soap and water
  • Check to make sure that drainage "weep" holes are clear of dirt and obstacles
  • Abrasive or caustic cleaners are not recommended because they can cause permanent damage to the vinyl finish
  • Chemicals can cause discoloration of the vinyl. Avoid all fuels, solvents, bleaches, and corrosive chemicals
  • To avoid scratches in the glass, never use a putty knife or metal abrasive pad to clean the glass

visit www.aamanet.org for more information on caring for your vinyl windows and doors.

Clear View Screen Mesh

Increased Visibility
This Clear View Screen Mesh will allow 50% more of the natural sunlight through, and also gives more room for increased air flow through the screen.

Increased Curb Appeal
The Clear View Screen is harder to see from the exterior of your home.  The curb appeal of your home is easily enhanced with the use of the Clear View Screen Mesh .

Pricing
The standard mesh is included in the cost when ordering a Lindsay Window that would normally come with a screen.  Clear View Screen Mesh is optional and additional charges may apply.  See your Lindsay Window dealer for more details.

Maintenance & Cleaning
A high-pressure washer cannot be used on the Clear View Screen Mesh.  To clean your Clear View Screens, simply use a sponge or soft scrub brush and a mild soap.  Then, gently rinse clean with water.

Durability
The Clear View Screen Mesh is thinner but more dense than the standard screen mesh, and meets all of the same industry standards that the standard screen mesh does.  Clear View Screen surpasses the industry minimum requirements for Tensile Strength and the Mullen Burst Test.



Clear View Screen Mesh
  • Allows 50% more light through than the standard screen mesh.
  • Uses a much finer gauge of fiberglass strand than the standard screen mesh
  • The Clear View Screen Mesh has more strands providing a tighter weave that keeps the bugs out.
  • There are currently no industry standards for this type of screen, but the Clear View Screen does meet and/or surpass all of the same standards as our standard mesh.
  • Optional for all windows.

Standard Screen Mesh
  • The standard screen mesh does not allow for as much air and sunlight to pass through because the screen uses a larger fiber strand.
  • Our standard screen mesh meets and/or surpasses all industry standards.
  • Standard screen mesh is included in the price when you purchase a Lindsay Window that would normally come with a screen.
  • Charcoal Color


The difference is clear!  Contact your customer service representative today to see for yourself!