FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We’ve got answers! Browse our FAQs to learn more about DWF, our products, and buying tips.
How much time will it take to receive my windows after placing my order?
The timeframe depends on the features and options you choose for your windows. Generally, our windows are manufactured promptly and shipped to our nationwide network of distributors. In most cases, your windows will be installed before you receive your next energy bill.
I’m not familiar with DWF. What makes your company different from other window manufacturers?
At Direct Window Factory, we aim to simplify the window buying process. We have heard from hundreds of people, including friends and family, that buying windows is like attending a Time Share Presentation; it’s a lengthy event with a high-pressure salesperson trying to get you to sign right then and there without allowing you the ability to talk it over with your partner.
What’s the ideal time of year to replace my windows?
Windows can be replaced successfully in any season and climate. During installation, the window opening is only exposed briefly before the new window is installed. Since older windows are often inefficient, the sooner they’re replaced, the sooner homeowners can start enjoying the energy-saving benefits of new, efficient windows.
Will I feel any drafts after installing replacement windows?
Even the most airtight window can feel drafty if it’s not installed correctly. Proper insulation depends on specific installation techniques that skilled window professionals understand and follow.
At DWF, we use advanced technology and materials—such as synthetic wool pile with Mylar fin weatherstripping and foam-filled compression seals—to provide strong protection against air infiltration.
What key ratings should you consider when choosing a quality replacement window?
When selecting replacement windows, there are several important ratings and factors to consider:
Visible Light Transmittance (VLT): This measures the amount of daylight that enters your home through the window. A higher VLT means more natural light.
U-Value: The U-value measures the window’s efficiency in insulating against heat loss. Ensure you’re looking at the U-value of the entire window unit, not just the center of the glass or the frame, for an accurate assessment.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): This rating reflects how much solar radiation passes through the window. It’s expressed as a number between 0 and 1. A lower SHGC means less solar heat enters your home, which can help lower cooling costs in the summer.
Aesthetic Appeal: Since windows are a long-term feature of your home, it’s essential that they complement both the interior and exterior design. Choose a style that enhances the overall look of your space.
Do you offer windows in custom sizes?
Each DWF window is custom made to fit a specific wall opening. All of our windows are tailored to ensure the most precise and efficient fit.
Does DWF sell directly to homeowners?
No, we sell windows to wholesale building material distributors nationwide who specialize in supplying products to professional dealers, contractors, and installers. We can help connect interested homeowners with an authorized distributor or dealer in their area.
How do DWF windows differ from the ones available at home improvement stores?
Every window we make is custom-built for each specific opening. A trusted contractor can help determine the best product for your home and climate. In contrast, many mass-produced windows found in big-box stores are often made with lower-quality materials, components, and hardware. These windows are typically designed for general use in various types of buildings, including single-family and multi-family homes. Our windows, however, are specifically engineered for durability and efficiency in single-family homes.
Is triple-pane glass necessary, or will dual-pane glass be sufficient?
Reasonably priced triple-pane windows are far from excessive, regardless of your location. A quality triple-pane window can provide an R-value over 5, block up to 95% of UV rays, and reduce outside noise by up to 50% compared to standard dual-pane windows. According to the Department of Energy, a triple-pane R-5 window is 40% more efficient than standard dual-pane windows with Low-E and Argon. Advances in technology have made triple-pane windows more affordable, offering a quicker return on your investment.
I've heard that argon gas escapes within the first year. Is that true?
There are various spacer systems used between glass panes, and each has different performance levels when it comes to gas retention. We use the Intercept Spacer System, which offers exceptional gas retention, with a loss of less than 0.1% per year. According to testing by the renowned Rosenheim Institute in Germany, this means that after 10 years, less than 1% of the gas will have escaped.
How much time will it take to receive my windows after placing my order?
The timeframe depends on the features and options you choose for your windows. Generally, our windows are manufactured promptly and shipped to our nationwide network of distributors. In most cases, your windows will be installed before you receive your next energy bill.
I’m not familiar with DWF. What makes your company different from other window manufacturers?
At Direct Window Factory, we aim to simplify the window buying process. We have heard from hundreds of people, including friends and family, that buying windows is like attending a Time Share Presentation; it’s a lengthy event with a high-pressure salesperson trying to get you to sign right then and there without allowing you the ability to talk it over with your partner.
Do you offer windows in custom sizes?
Each DWF window is custom made to fit a specific wall opening. All of our windows are tailored to ensure the most precise and efficient fit.
Does DWF sell directly to homeowners?
No, we sell windows to wholesale building material distributors nationwide who specialize in supplying products to professional dealers, contractors, and installers. We can help connect interested homeowners with an authorized distributor or dealer in their area.
How do DWF windows differ from the ones available at home improvement stores?
Every window we make is custom-built for each specific opening. A trusted contractor can help determine the best product for your home and climate. In contrast, many mass-produced windows found in big-box stores are often made with lower-quality materials, components, and hardware. These windows are typically designed for general use in various types of buildings, including single-family and multi-family homes. Our windows, however, are specifically engineered for durability and efficiency in single-family homes.
How much time will it take to receive my windows after placing my order?
The timeframe depends on the features and options you choose for your windows. Generally, our windows are manufactured promptly and shipped to our nationwide network of distributors. In most cases, your windows will be installed before you receive your next energy bill.
I’m not familiar with DWF. What makes your company different from other window manufacturers?
At Direct Window Factory, we aim to simplify the window buying process. We have heard from hundreds of people, including friends and family, that buying windows is like attending a Time Share Presentation; it’s a lengthy event with a high-pressure salesperson trying to get you to sign right then and there without allowing you the ability to talk it over with your partner.
What’s the ideal time of year to replace my windows?
Windows can be replaced successfully in any season and climate. During installation, the window opening is only exposed briefly before the new window is installed. Since older windows are often inefficient, the sooner they’re replaced, the sooner homeowners can start enjoying the energy-saving benefits of new, efficient windows.
What key ratings should you consider when choosing a quality replacement window?
When selecting replacement windows, there are several important ratings and factors to consider:
Visible Light Transmittance (VLT): This measures the amount of daylight that enters your home through the window. A higher VLT means more natural light.
U-Value: The U-value measures the window’s efficiency in insulating against heat loss. Ensure you’re looking at the U-value of the entire window unit, not just the center of the glass or the frame, for an accurate assessment.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): This rating reflects how much solar radiation passes through the window. It’s expressed as a number between 0 and 1. A lower SHGC means less solar heat enters your home, which can help lower cooling costs in the summer.
Aesthetic Appeal: Since windows are a long-term feature of your home, it’s essential that they complement both the interior and exterior design. Choose a style that enhances the overall look of your space.
Do you offer windows in custom sizes?
Each DWF window is custom made to fit a specific wall opening. All of our windows are tailored to ensure the most precise and efficient fit.
How do DWF windows differ from the ones available at home improvement stores?
Every window we make is custom-built for each specific opening. A trusted contractor can help determine the best product for your home and climate. In contrast, many mass-produced windows found in big-box stores are often made with lower-quality materials, components, and hardware. These windows are typically designed for general use in various types of buildings, including single-family and multi-family homes. Our windows, however, are specifically engineered for durability and efficiency in single-family homes.
Will I feel any drafts after installing replacement windows?
Even the most airtight window can feel drafty if it’s not installed correctly. Proper insulation depends on specific installation techniques that skilled window professionals understand and follow.
At DWF, we use advanced technology and materials—such as synthetic wool pile with Mylar fin weatherstripping and foam-filled compression seals—to provide strong protection against air infiltration.
Is triple-pane glass necessary, or will dual-pane glass be sufficient?
Reasonably priced triple-pane windows are far from excessive, regardless of your location. A quality triple-pane window can provide an R-value over 5, block up to 95% of UV rays, and reduce outside noise by up to 50% compared to standard dual-pane windows. According to the Department of Energy, a triple-pane R-5 window is 40% more efficient than standard dual-pane windows with Low-E and Argon. Advances in technology have made triple-pane windows more affordable, offering a quicker return on your investment.
I've heard that argon gas escapes within the first year. Is that true?
There are various spacer systems used between glass panes, and each has different performance levels when it comes to gas retention. We use the Intercept Spacer System, which offers exceptional gas retention, with a loss of less than 0.1% per year. According to testing by the renowned Rosenheim Institute in Germany, this means that after 10 years, less than 1% of the gas will have escaped.