Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I see the window, do you have a showroom?

Window Traditions of Georgia has two showrooms for you to view some of the products we supply before you purchase them.  Our showrooms are located in Woodstock and Alpharetta.  Our service department is in our Woodstock location.  Unlike the “window expert” who operates from the back of his truck, we have invested in comfortable and current showrooms for you to meet us and touch and feel some of our products.

What is “Low-E” glass?

Low-E refers to Low-Emissivity, the amount of radiant heat that passes through the glass. Low-E glass products give you year round energy savings and comfort by helping manage two types of energy: the sun’s, and that of your home’s heating system. Low-E glass products contain coatings of microscopic, optically transparent layers of silver sandwiched between layers of antireflective metal oxide coatings. In the summer, Low-E glass products let in visible sunlight. At the same time, they block infrared and ultraviolet rays that drive up cooling costs and damage window treatments, carpeting and furnishings. In the winter, Low-E glass products reflect the heat inside your room back into your home, lowering heating costs while raising the comfort level. In hot climates, Low-E coatings work best on the interior of the outside window pane. In cold climates, the Low-E coatings work best on the inside window pane.

What is U-Value?

The U-Value, also called the U–Factor, is a measure of how well heat flows through an object (thermal conductivity). The lower the U-Value, the better the insulation value of the material. Many building and insulation products carry labels that indicate their U-Value. A U-Value of 0.35 or less is recommended in cold climates. In warm climates, a low U-Value is helpful during hot days or whenever heating is needed; however the low U-value is less important than SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient – see below) in warmer climates.

What is Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)?

The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures how well a window blocks heat from sunlight. The SHGC is the fraction of the heat from the sun that enters through a window. SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The lower a window’s SHGC, the less solar heat it transmits. A SHGC of 0.30 or less is recommended in warm climates..

What is Visible Transmittance (VT)?

The visible transmittance (VT) is an optical property that indicates the amount of visible light transmitted through the glass. VT is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The higher the VT, the more daylight is transmitted. To maximize daylight, a high VT is desirable.

What is Air Leakage (AL)?

The air leakage rate (AL) is a measure of how much air leaks through the crack between the window sash and frame when exposed to a 25 mile-per-hour wind. The lower the AL, the less air will pass through cracks in the window assembly. An AL rating of 0.30 cfm/sq ft or less is recommended.

What is an NFRC rating?

This rating is developed by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), a non-profit collaborative of manufacturers, builders, designers, government officials, utilities and consumers. The NFRC provides unbiased energy performance ratings for windows, doors and skylights (or “fenestration”). NFRC’s labels provide product-specific performance ratings for technical qualities such as U-Factor  (the rate of heat loss from your home through the window), and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (how much heat your house gains from the sun as a result of the window’s performance). Look for lower U-Factor  and appropriate SHGC numbers for highest efficiency performance in your area of the country.

What is Energy Star?

ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy designed to help consumers save money and protect the envrionment through the use of energy-efficient products and practices. ENERGY STAR- qualified windows, doors, and skylights lower energy bills while making your home more comfortable. Energy Star labeled windows are twice as energy efficient as the average window produced just 10 years ago. Do you cover all areas in Georgia or just Greater Atlanta? •    We cover Atlanta and beyond. If you live within 150 miles of Atlanta, we are your source for high performance windows and doors. We are based out of Woodstock, but we have supplied clients as far as Tennessee, North and South Carolina, Florida and Alabama.

For Homeowners:

Who will install my windows?

Great question! Proper installation is critical to the performance of your windows and doors. Our certified team of AAMA certified professional installers will properly install the products we supply according to manufacturers’ guidelines. Our installers are fully trained and they only work for us!  They will make sure you’re satisfied with your window purchase. Of course, if you have a contractor who is planning to install them for you, we will work closely with him or her to make sure that the sizes and features are correct and ensure a seamless project.

When should I consider replacing the windows in my home?

There are many reasons you may want to consider replacing your windows. If your windows are “single pane” windows, they are very energy inefficient. Almost all windows sold today are double-pane, or “insulated” glass. Insulated glass is simply two panes of glass sealed together with an air space between them for insulation purposes. In addition to using two panes of glass, most windows today include some type of energy glass. At a minimum, most come with a Low-E (Low-Emissivity) coating for additional thermal efficiency. Low-E coatings are applied to one of the inside surfaces of the double-pane glass, so the coating cannot wear off. By lowering the amount of harmful UV rays that are able to pass through the window, Low-E windows significantly reduce fading and heat buildup. Many are filled with argon gas or another inert gas to improve the thermal qualities even more. Another common cause for replacing windows in the Atlanta area is wood rot. Many wood windows were “builder grade” (or “shop-built” as we say in the industry) and were not manufactured to the quality standards of a premium brand wood window manufacturer.  In many cases the wood has prematurely rotted and has allowed mold, mildew and moisture into the home. Additionally, if your windows don't slide well or close snugly, they are probably not sealing well, and you may be losing hot/cold air to the outside. This might be a good reason to replace them. Or, if your windows have aluminum frames you might want to consider replacing them with new framed windows. These provide good insulation against hot/cold air transfer; old aluminum windows do not.

What do I need to do to prepare for my window installation?

You will need to remove any window coverings and move any furniture at least 3 feet away from the window to allow our installers to work.

Why can't I just buy windows off the shelf at my local home improvement store?

There are windows available off the shelf, but most replacement windows in existing homes will require a custom fit or additional features that are not available off the shelf. Several factors will determine how to measure for replacement windows, including the kind of surface surrounding them (i.e. brick, stucco or wood) and how they were installed in the first place.

What is the average cost to replace a window?

There is no really good answer to this question. Every home has a different average window size and each home owner will decide which window manufacturers' product to use. Features such as exterior materials, grill (muntin) types, glass type, size, trim options and many other considerations can change the price. We offer free estimates and can easily arrange an appointment for you with one of our sales professionals, who will help you select the product that’s right for your home.

How much lead time is required?

Lead time depends on several factors. After you've decided to replace your windows and you’ve signed an agreement, our installation department will come to your home, measure each opening, evaluate the work area, and try to anticipate any unique situations before the window order is placed. This process takes time, but we believe it is necessary for a hassle-free installation. Once the order is placed, it will take an average of 3 to 5 weeks for your product to arrive at our warehouse. This schedule can vary widely. Once all of your product is in our warehouse, we check it for accuracy and order completeness. Only then will we call you to schedule your installation. During busy months, this may take another few weeks. As you can see, the process may take several weeks. However, experience proves that thoroughness is more valuable than speed at this point. We want to get things right the first time! Of course, if you have an important deadline to meet, we will do our best to try to accommodate your schedule! We just want to do your job right.

Can I trust my measurements?

If we install your windows we will trust our measurements. This means that your windows will be re-measured by our installer at your pre-installation meeting before your window order is placed with the manufacturer.

How long does the actual window installation take?

This depends on the type and size of windows, any trim, the nature of your home and many other factors.  Our sales consultant will try to give you a rough estimate, but remember, this is only an estimate.  Every replacement job is different, and sometimes we can’t anticipate the time it will take.  However, we will do our best to meet your schedule and keep you informed of our progress.

Do I need triple pane glass?

Not usually. These windows are designed for areas with prolonged, extreme cold. With a third pane of glass the air space between the inside and outside pane is typically the same as two panes. The third pane adds 30% more weight to the sashes, placing an additional strain on moving parts. Three panes require two spacers, which double the surface area that can fail. With new technologies in Low-E coatings, you can achieve better results against heat gain with two panes of 1/8 inch glass than you can with three panes.

Do replacement windows qualify for any rebates?

Yes. Currently the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) allows for a tax credit on windows and doors for up to 30% of material costs, not to exceed $1500.00 total credit. Because this Act promotes energy savings, some windows, entry doors and sliding doors may not qualify for the tax credit. Window Traditions offers a broad range of qualified products to help you meet the ARRA requirements. Please ask your sales consultant for more information.

Do you take credit cards?

Yes, we accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover up to $5,000.00.

Do you have any financing options available for Window and Door Installation services?

Yes, we do have a financing program.  Please ask your sales consultant for details.

How long will the initial appointment last?

Usually not long at all and generally less than one hour. We can work around your schedule. Our sales representatives can make a quick trip to your site, make some door or window measurements and then call you with a quote with the various options for installation or replacement.

Are your sales reps going to harass me until I buy?

Absolutely not! Window Traditions of Georgia, Inc. does not believe that is the way to earn your business. Our estimates come without obligation to buy.

Why Window Traditions of Georgia, LLC?

We have been in business for over 19 years and during that time we have made long-lasting relationships built on quality and trust. Window Traditions of Georgia, LLC is a family- owned company so our employees know that excellent service drives our future success. We are also a member of the Better Business Bureau and National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). We pride ourselves on developing relationships that will result in future business and referrals. We’ll be happy to provide you with references.

Are you the least expensive?

Well, as they say, it depends on how you define “expensive”!  If you are truly comparing “apples to apples” in terms of products, we are very competitive.  However, we are certainly not “apples to apples” in what we offer in terms of services, expertise and your overall project experience. We know that you may get other quotes. Make sure you check for any underlying charges that are sometimes seen in home improvement work. Some things you need to look for, in addition to product features, are warranty (our installation warranty is three years), ability to perform the job, service after the sale, liability and workers compensation insurance coverage, and other hidden factors. You need to feel comfortable with the company doing work in your home. We would be happy to review any other quotes you get and offer our advice regarding them.

Are you licensed and insured to install windows and doors?

Yes. We have a business license, and carry both workers compensation insurance and liability insurance. Copies of our documentation can be provided at your request. In addition, we are certified by the AAMA Installation Masters program for window and door installation.

Do I need a permit to replace my door or replace my windows?

Not in most cases. If you are just replacing windows and doors without any new construction, permits are not required. If you are working with a contractor on a renovation, he or she will likely work with you on getting a permit.

I have friends and neighbors who are interested in buying replacement windows. Do you offer a referral incentive?

Yes we do. For each referral you send us that purchases a minimum amount, we will send you to dinner!  We appreciate your trust and confidence in us!

About Repairs & Services

What happens if I break the glass and need to replace the glass or parts?

Window Traditions of Georgia has a full service department.  We can order new replacement parts or glass for you, and we have the capability of performing the repair in most cases. If the damage is covered by warranty, we can also repair your product. In fact, we are the authorized warranty service provider for all of the windows companies whose products we represent, as well as some companies whose products we don’t carry!

Are your windows and doors guaranteed?

Yes, the brands we carry do are warranted.  You will receive a copy of the manufacturer’s warranty with your receipt; or you can log on to the manufacturer’s website for full details.