QUESTIONS:
Q1. What makes Vinyl windows and
doors superior to
competitive products like wood or aluminum?
Answer:
- Superior Performance
- Vinyl will not fall prey to problems common to wood
or aluminum like:
- Corrosion
- Warping
- Peeling/Rotting Condensation
- Vinyl is virtually maintenance free.
- Never needs painting!
- Never needs Staining!
- Won't show Scratches!
- Superior Energy Efficiency
- 1000 times more energy efficient than aluminum
- Superior Environmental Impact
- Manufacturing process creates One Third the environmental
impact of aluminum.
- Low maintenance vinyl creates reduced threat of
soil and water contamination.
- Durability reduces hazardous waste disposal.
Shwinco Industries takes Vinyl window and door technology
to the next level with an intensive manufacturing process
stressing formulation and testing. Along the coast, structures
are subjected to weather conditions unlike anywhere else
in the country. Built on the coast, for the coast, Shwinco
products are specifically designed to withstand the harshest
effects of coastal weather, like wind, water, and over
exposure to the grueling sun.
Shwinco products are designed with combinations of vinyl,
nylon, stainless steel and welded seams with a unique
water drainage system to create a product that is unmatched
in the industry! Energy Star rated, Shwinco products significantly
exceed the energy efficiency of normal Vinyl products!
Laboratory tested in Arizona, Florida, Ohio and Australia,
Shwinco products have also been field tested by Mother
Nature herself in homes and businesses along the coast
since 1989! Designed with sever weather in mind Shwinco
products have weathered such storms as: Opal, Roxanne,
Cesar, Fran, Hortense, Georges, Joan, Mitch, Floyd, Lenny,
Keith, Allison, Iris, Michelle, Isadore, Lili, Fabian,
Isabel, Alex, Bonnie, Charley, Danielle, Earl, Frances,
Gaston, Hermine, Ivan, Jeanne.
When it comes to coastal contruction, the choise is CLEAR:
Custom Vinyl and Doors from Shwinco Industries!
Q2. Why purchase IMPACT Windows?
Answer: Catastrophic damage to
a home occurs when the structure is breached (usually through
a broken window). As outside winds pour in the opening,
incredible pressures build inside, eventually blowing the
structure apart from the inside out.
Impact-resistant windows consist of specially designed,
impact-resistant glass surrounded by a heavy-duty frame,
securely fastened to the interior window header and frame.
Their construction and anchoring keep high winds and flying
debris caused by extreme weather from breaching the home.
Impact (Laminated) glass consists of two sheets of glass
with an inner shatter-proof membrane between them. Once
the glass receives a significant impact, it may shatter,
but the inner membrane holds the pieces firmly in its
frame so that the barrier is not broken. These windows
are designed to handle wind-borne debris hurled at high
wind speeds and repeated impact from would-be intruders.
In both cases, penetration or wind or water is nearly
impossible.
Q3. Impact Glass vs. Shutters
Answer: Download
Chart
Q4. What is insulated Glass and
why does Shwinco use it in their
windows and doors?
Answer: Insulated glass consists
of two pieces of glass sealed to a spacer. This creates
an insulated air space between the two pieces of glass,
resulting in better thermal performance. Insulated glass
also reduces condensation while keeping the heat in during
the winter and the heat out during the summer.
Q5. What is LOW E Glass?
Answer: Low E stands for low
emissivity. The lower the emissivity the higher the percentage
of long-wave radiation blocked thereby improving thermal
performance. Low E glass is coated with a microscopically
thin, virtually invisible, metal or metallic oxide layer.
The primary function is to reduce the U-Value by suppressing
radiation heat flow. A secondary feature is the blocking
of short wave radiation to impede heat gain.
Q6. What are R-Values & U-Values?
Answer: The R-value is the resistance
a material has to the flow of heat (the higher the R-value,
the greater the resistance).
The U-value is the amount of heat that is transferred
through a material. (the lower the U-value, the better
insulating quality).
Q7. How can I determine the energy
efficiency and durability of
Shwinco Windows or any other window?
Answer: The American Architectural
Manufacturing Association (AAMA) and the National Fenestration
Rating Council (NFRC), test the performance and quality
standards for windows.
The NFRC established standards for thermal performance.
• U-factor: This is a measure of heat loss. The lower
the U-factor the better.
• SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient): Once again the
lower the better.
• VT (Visible Transmittance): The higher the visible
transmittance, the more daylight is transmitted. A high
VT is desirable to maximize the amount of daylight entering
the home.
Q8. What is ENERGY STAR®?
Answer: ENERGY STAR was created
by The United States Department of Energy. ENERGY STAR helps
businesses and consumers become aware of what products save
energy (saving money) while protecting the environment for
future generations. When a product, such as a Shwinco window,
meets the requirements for ENERGY STAR that product then
qualifies for the program.
Q9. What is condensation and what
causes it?
Condensation is the result of excess humidity,
or excess water vapor in the air coming into contact with
a cooler surface such as a window causing visible droplets
of water. To minimize this effect, Shwinco’s windows
and doors are built with features to keep the surface of
the glass warmer. When the humidity conditions are extremely
high, use the following suggestions to help reduce the moisture
in the air:
• Open windows frequently to "air-out"
your home.
• Use a dehumidifier.
• Use venting fans in the kitchen, bathroom and
laundry room.
Q10. WIND ZONE MAP
New building codes and requirements have recently been
enacted in several states to provide increased protection
for lives and property in areas subject to hurricanes.
Since standards and requirements vary from state to state
and within states, you should check with local building
authorities for the most recent and authoritative information.
Q11. General Care & Maintenance
General Care and Maintenance
Congratulations you have purchased some of the finest
window and door products on the market today. Your products
have been built with the highest quality materials available
and with proper care will provide you with years of high
performance.
These vinyl products are assembled using stainless fasteners
and nylon parts as well as vinyl frames. Your care requirements
will be minimal as compared to other products, such as
wood. Following are monthly steps and requirements to
provide years of service.
WARNING:
Some windows are equipped with a limit stop that limits
the opening of the sash to 4”. It is illegal to
remove these stops.
NOTE: Never tilt window if located on a sheer wall (elevation
with no walk surface on the exterior side of the window).
WARNING!
Impact Products
Please pay very close attention when operating and cleaning
an impact product!
An impact product is extremely heavy and it is not recommended
to tilt and function these products if you are not able
to lift and handle more than 70 to 100 pounds by yourself.
It is very easy to lose control of the sash in the tilting
operation and could cause significant injury in the process.
Please take the necessary precautions and enlist assistance
or have a professional satisfy your needs in these situations.
(1) Lubrication
Even though stainless steel is used, some surface oxidation
can occur as a result of being in close proximity to salt
water or exposure to salt spray. Once each month, wipe
all stainless parts with a silicone (non petroleum products)
dampened cloth to remove any surface oxidation even though
it might not be visible. The peace of mind comes from
knowing any oxidation is only “skin deep.”
A: Windows:
(1) Wipe down all screw heads and lock mechanisms. Raise
sash and locate hardware pin at each of the bottom corners
of the operable sash and spray a directed spray on the
hardware pin and adjacent materials and wipe off any excess.
(Never use petroleum based cleaners or lubricants)
(2) It is important to operate your window weekly so
that the balance mechanism remains lubricated. The action
of raising the sash does this because the balance is self-lubricating.
Once per month raise and tilt the sash (if tilt able /
SEE WARNING) and spray a direct spray of silicone based
lubricant on the balance rod (spiral spring) in each jamb.
B: Doors:
(1) Wipe all hardware surfaces, handle sets, hinges, lock
plates, locks, and screw heads with a silicone dampened
cloth. Spray a directed spray of silicone into the lock
mechanism on the side of the door and function the lock
to insure full coverage. Wipe off the excess. Remove the
roller adjustment hole covers located at the bottom of
the operable panel and spray a directed spray directly
into the panel to fully lubricate the stainless roller
system. Replace the plug cover.
(2) Door Sills: Vacuum sill where roller rack is located
or under hinged door panel. Wipe down roller track with
silicone dampened cloth.
(2) Weep System
A:
During construction it is not uncommon for a build up
of construction
related materials i.e.: sand/mortar to collect in the
sills of windows and
doors. Upon initial occupancy we recommend checking all
weep systems so that
they may be cleaned out to prevent water back up. This
can be done by flushing
the system with water or air. This is done by first vacuuming
the sill area and
then pouring water or spraying air into the interior side
of sill and flushing out
through the exterior weep holes. Next, spray air back
through from the exterior
weep holes to the inside. Repeat this process as necessary
or until foreign debris
is eliminated. Please contact Shwinco/Service for specific
instruction or
schedule a Shwinco Technician to perform this operation.
B:
Once every three months raise the sash and pour 8-12 oz.
of 75/25 water to bleach mixture into the sill to keep
the weep system free of any undesired build up.
(3) Exterior
Once per month wipe down the exterior surface of the window
or door with Armor All or similar material (non-petroleum).
While doing this, check the perimeter seal for any gapping
or cracking and fill as necessary with a vinyl compatible
sealant or caulk. I.e.: Low Modulus silicone or urethane.
It may be necessary to verify the material that was originally
used in order to insure compatibility and the longevity
of the sealant life.
(4) General Cleaning
For general cleaning purposes most clean up can be accomplished
using a mild cleaner such as Windex or alcohol. Always
apply cleaners to the rag or towel being used and not
directly on the window or glass itself. By gently wiping
over the area to be cleaned you can remove most undesired
dirt or stains. Any tough dirt or stain can most often
be removed with a mildly abrasive cleaner such as “Soft
Scrub.” Always dampen the cleaning towel and NEVER
use a dry towel. Be careful when using any abrasive containing
cleaner as it can leave surface scratches if using TOO
Much elbow grease! If your window was supplied with “self-cleaning”
glass Never use a razor blade or abrasive cleaner. Do
not even wipe with a paper towel on the exterior surface.
Simply lightly spray the exterior glass surface with water
to mimic a light rain shower.
Never Pressure wash!
Never Clean with muratic acid or petroleum based products!
You may desire to have a Shwinco technician perform all
or part of these tasks. Feel free to contact the Shwinco
Service Department at 1-800-749-4626 or (850) 271-8900.
Q12. What makes the EXT Series so
different from other
Impact Resistant products?
Answer:
SHWINCO Industries takes Vinyl window technology a Quantum
Leap forward with its latest innovation: The DOMINATOR EXT
9000 Series!
FEATURES:
• Narrow Line Frame Design
• Multi Cellular Wall Design
• Shwinco's Patent Pending "Unitized Structural
Construction System"
• AAMA Heavy Commercial Rating
• Superior Deep Interlocking Sash System
• Multiple Balance System Options
• Heavy Duty Sash Carrying System
• Stepped Sill Design
• Superior Water Performance Up to 15.0psf Water Rating
• Up to 1" Insulated Glass
• Stainless Steel Pivot System
• Stainless Fasteners
• Uniquely Designed Glazing System
• Integral Nail Fin with J-Channel Option
• Large Sizes Available
Combining Strength and Energy Efficiency, the Dominator
is the strongest Vinyl window in America, able to withstand
200 mph wind forces (DP +110, -150). It is also the first
vinyl window to be rated for HEAVY COMMERCIAL structures!
If it's strong enough for High Rise Condos and Hotels, with
their stringent building codes, you can bet it FAR EXCEEDS
the codes for any residential structures! Now you can protect
your home and family with the same commercial rated protection!
Q13. Installation Manuals
Link to Installation Manuals page.
Q14. How do I become a Shwinco Dealer?
Answer:
To become an Authorized Shwinco Dealer, contact us at:
Shwinco Industries
Lynn Haven Commerce Park
P.O. Box 1496
400 Aberdeen Loop
Lynn Haven, FL 32444
Phone: (850) 271-8900
Toll Free: 800-749-4626
Fax: (850) 271-3050
Email:
