• Are block windows good for showers?

• Best methods for removing residue from glass?

• Burglers and block windows?

• Can block windows be used on a curved wall?

• Can scratched glass be repaired?

• How are block windows installed?

• How do I clean my block windows?

• How does the cost of a block window compare to glass?

• Individually purchased block windows?

• Removing condensation from window/patio door glass panes?

• R-Factors, U-Factors and Energy Efficiency?

• Single hung and double hung windows?

• What are the best block patterns for privacy?

• What if I break a block window?

• What is "Low-E" glass?

• Will block windows scratch?

• Will block windows yellow?

Are block windows good for showers?

5/12/2003

Q: Are block windows good for showers?

A: Hy-Lite acrylic block panels are great for showers. Every block is hermetically sealed to prevent any leakage. Also, Hy-Lite's non-porous caulk resists mold and mildew. Hy-Lite offers end and corner caps that allow for a variety of configurations. Just keep in mind that just like other acrylic products (such as bathtubs) you need to use the proper products for care and cleaning. Do not use an abrasive cleaning product or any cleaner that is not safe for se on plastics.

Best methods for removing residue from glass?

4/9/2003

Q: What is the best method for removing residue or other stubborn materials from glass?

A: There are a few recommended products and procedures for cleaning stubborn materials from glass. IMPORTANT: Do not clean glass while it is exposed to direct sunlight. Cleaning with soap and mineral spirits Apply mild soap, mild detergent, mineral spirits or naphtha solvents to glass either by spraying or using a clean, grit-free cloth or sponge saturated with cleaning solution. CAUTION: When using solvents, do not use too much solvent. Damage to the glazing or insulating unit seals can occur. After cleaning the glass with solvents or mineral spirits, immediately clean the frame with soap and water to prevent staining. Follow solvent manufacturer's directions on label for toxicity, handling and flammability warnings. Wipe the cleaning solutions on the glass in a circular motion, applying light to moderate pressure. Approximately three to five passes of the affected area may be required to remove the residue. Rinse the glass surface immediately with generous amounts of clean water, removing the cleaning solution from the glass surface. Using a squeegee or clean, lint-free dry cloth, remove water from the glass surface. If glass residue is still evident, repeat steps 1, 2, 3 and 4. Cleaning with toothpaste Use a damp cloth and toothpaste for glue, pitch, and other less harsh contaminates. Apply toothpaste to damp cloth and buff circular motion until clean. Cleaning with polishing compounds For harsher contaminants and scratches, there are polishing compounds on the market such as cerium oxide, which works well for reducing fine scratches and scuffmarks. Rare Earth can be purchased at most hardware stores, glass repair centers, or directly from the manufacturer, Sommer and Maca Industries' sales department (1-800-323-9200 or 1-708-863-5446.) Follow directions carefully and heed all product warnings. We are not responsible for damage caused by misuse of cerium oxide or other damage that could happen in trying to remove scratches.

Burglers and block windows?

5/12/2003

	Q: How easy is it for a burglar to break through an acrylic block window?
	A: Although acrylic blocks can be broken with a hammer or crowbar, acrylic is harder to break than a glass window. Plus, because the window is made of individual blocks, each block would need to be broken or removed in order for someone to enter through the window. It would be much quicker and easier for a burglar to break through a regular glass window or door.

Can block windows be used on a curved wall?

5/12/2003

	Q: Can block windows be used on a curved wall?
	A: Yes. Now available from Hy-Lite are radius block walls. These units are available in a variety of radiuses and arcs. As with all of our windows and panels, every radius wall is prefabricated as a complete unit.

Can scratched glass be repaired?

4/9/2003

Q: Can scratched glass be repaired?

A: Typically, scratches in glass are the result of debris during construction or dirt on the glass. If care is not taken to lightly flush and remove the debris it could etch the glass surface resulting in a scratch. We don't offer or manufacture a product to remove glass scratches but there are companies that manufacture polishing compounds that remove scuffs, light scratches and deposits on glass that can't be cleaned with regular washing. As a guideline, if the scratch is deep enough to catch the edge of a fingernail, it's too deep to remove. Sommer and Maca Industries offer a product called Rare Earth which is a cleaning compound for glass. You can purchase Rare Earth from many glass suppliers, or directly from Sommer and Maca Industries' sales department (1-800-323-9200 or 1-708-863-5446.) Follow directions carefully and heed all product warnings. We are not responsible for damage caused by misuse of cerium oxide or other damage that could happen in trying to remove scratches.

How are block windows installed?

5/12/2003

	Q: How are block windows installed?
	A: All block windows are completely frammed and ready to install from the manufacturer. New construction windows are installed using nail fins and retrofit windows are installed like most replacement windows.

How do I clean my block windows?

5/12/2003

Q: How do I clean my block windows?

A: A Hy-Lite block window is a quality acrylic product and requires a small amount of care when cleaning. Wash only with a mild soap or detergent and lukewarm water, or a good quality plastic cleaner such as Novus Plastic Polish (available from Hy-Lite). Use a clean sponge or soft cloth to minimize scratching. Rinse well with water. Do not scrub or use brushes. Harsher cleansers are not necessary--always check with the cleanser's manufacturer for compatibility with acrylic. USE: Mild soap or detergent, such as Joy® Dishwashing Liquid, or an approved acrylic plastic cleaner or polish. For a sparkling shine, use Pledge® furniture polish after cleaning. DO NOT USE: Tile cleaners, or abrasive cleaners, such as Tilex®, SoftScrub®, or Clean Shower®. DO NOT USE: Benzene, acetone, gasoline, or carbon tetrachloride. DO NOT clean in hot sun or at elevated temperatures.

How does the cost of a block window compare to glass?

5/12/2003

Q: How does the cost of a block window compare to glass?

A: In most areas the installed cost of a Hy-Lite acrylic block window is about the same or less than traditional mortared glass block. But there are costs with glass block that are harder to assign a dollar figure to, such as job site delays, headaches relating to scheduling, quality of installation, etc. When considering all these factors, Hy-Lite acrylic block windows are less expensive than glass block.

Individually purchased block windows?

5/12/2003

	Q: Can I purchase individual block windows to make my own custom window?
	A: In order to maintain high quality standards and to provide a fully rated product, Hy-Lite only sells complete block window units.

Removing condensation from window/patio door glass panes?

4/9/2003

Q: How can I get rid of the condensation that forms on my window/patio door glass panes?

A: The answer varies, depending upon whether the condensation is on the Exterior Pane, the Interior Pane or Between the Panes. Exterior Pane Condensation on the outside of your windows or patio doors may occur during spring and in the fall, usually when cool nights follow a warm day. It is a result of moisture in the air exceeding certain limits and the temperature of the glass falling below the dew point in the air. Condensation on the exterior glass panes is a natural phenomenon, especially for energy-efficient insulating glass which restricts the airflow between the panes of glass. This condensation will evaporate once the day warms. Interior Pane Edges or entire pane. Condensation on the inside of your windows is a result of too much moisture in the air of your home. This condition is common in new homes, where it may take months for the moisture from paint and fresh building materials to dissipate. This condition is also common in winter. Humidity levels in winter months should not exceed 30-35%. To maintain these levels in your home, you may want to: check your venting, use a dehumidifier to remove moisture, turn your humidifier on furnace down or off, turn on exhaust fans during showers, and allow ceiling fans to run and circulate the air. Oval in center. An oval condensation ring on the interior glass surface is an indicator that interior and exterior panes of glass have collapsed toward each other. You need to repair or replace the window sash or door panel. Between The Panes When the seals along the outer perimeter of glass fail and allow moisture to penetrate the space between panes of insulated glass, your window or door will appear cloudy or fogged. Please check and make sure the glass does not have chemicals or pollutants on the outside surface. Once you confirm that the condensation is between the panes, you will need to replace the window sash or door panel.

R-Factors, U-Factors and Energy Efficiency?

4/9/2003

Q: What are R-Factors and U-Factors? What do they have to do with energy efficiency in glass?

A: Both of these factors indicate the insulating performance of the glass. You can use these factors to compare products to determine which windows and patio doors are best used in your climate. U-Factors indicate the amount of heat that escape through a window, wall, roof or other surface in an hour's time. Lower U-Factors lose less energy than higher ones. R-Factors are just the opposite of U-Factors. They indicate the resistance to energy loss. If a piece of glass has a high R-Factors, it loses less energy.

Single hung and double hung windows?

4/9/2003

Q: What is the difference between "Double Hung" and "Single Hung" windows?

A: Single hung and double hungs windows look very similar. They are made from the same materials and both both operate using balance systems built into the sides of the window frame. The difference is in the details of how they open. Single hung windows have a top sash that is fixed in place and only the bottom sash opens and tilts inward. Double hung windows on the other hand allow both sashes (top and bottom) to be opened, titled and removed.

What are the best block patterns for privacy?

5/12/2003

	Q: Which block patterns should I consider if privacy is my main concern?
	A: Many people find the Cross Rib pattern provides the privacy they need. However, for ultimate privacy, you'll want to use the Frosted Wave blocks based on the popular Wave pattern - one side of the block is "frosted" to make it nearly opaque.

What if I break a block window?

5/12/2003

	Q: What happens if I break a block window?
	A: If the block is cracked or broken, a block replacement kit is available. The damaged block is removed and a replacement block is installed in its place. Total replacement time is about 25 minutes. Our vinyl framed windows feature a replaceable insert unit. Simply install a new unit as you would any traditional insulated glass unit.

What is "Low-E" glass?

4/9/2003

	Q: What is Low-E glass and how does it work?
	A: Low E stands for low emissitivity. It is a technologically advanced glass that utilizes a microscopic coating to reflect heat and block ultraviolet rays.

Will block windows scratch?

5/12/2003

	Q: Will block windows scratch?
	A: With normal use, scratching isn't a problem. However, if your blocks become scratched, those scratched are easy to remove using plastic polish.

Will block windows yellow?

5/12/2003

	Q: Will block windows turn yellow?
	A: The acrylic used in our block windows has passed Fed. test and A.S.T.M tests for UV stability. In 25-year accelerated tests, our blocks lost only 4% of their color (the cause of yellowing.) The human eye can only detect a 6% or greater loss.