What's The R-Value | Framing System | Structural Ratings | Air Infiltration

Get Serious: Learn About the SeriousWindows Difference

What’s the R-value?

High R-value means better insulation, improved comfort, and higher savings on your energy bills.

Windows are the biggest source of energy loss in homes. By dramatically increasing the energy efficiency, SeriousWindows can generate the significant heating and cooling cost savings that make them a cost-effective investment.

Poorly insulated window and door frames can transfer unwanted heat or cold into your home. That’s why it is important to know the insulating capabilities of the entire window, not just the center of the glass.

An important measure of window thermal insulation is R-value. The higher the R-value, the better. A single pane window has an R-value of approximately R-1, dual pane is about R-2, and Energy Star window R-value requirements depend on geography but do not exceed R-3.3.

Super-insulating Framing System

At the heart of every SeriousWindows is an advanced insulated glass unit, which uniquely combines key technologies, including krypton/argon gas fill, suspended coated film, and a warm edge spacer system. All of which deliver high energy savings and superb insulation.

• Slim interior sash design allows for greater glass area
• Dual seal weather stripping keeps air and moisture out
• Virtually maintenance-free exterior
• Fully welded frames and sashes designed with multiple chambers that reduce heat loss
• Six degree sloped sill keeps water away from window and includes an integral track to support screen
• Low-e coated glass and suspended film reflects heat, dramatically reducing energy consumption and improving comfort both in summer and winter
• Twin airspaces filled with krypton/argon gas provides superior insulation against the transfer of heat to and from the outside

Structural Ratings

SeriousWindows’ R480 windows are third party verified by AAMA; this voluntary standard covers requirements for all windows for new construction and replacement applications. All products rated in accordance with this standard conform to all of the stringent requirements of air, water and structural load requirements. The R480 series not only exceeds the thermal performance ratings required by the Department of Energy Volume Purchase Program, but also all air, water and structural ratings.

About AAMA:

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) sets stringent performance standards for all fenestration products, and provides third-party validation of product performance and quality. Serious Materials has partnered with AAMA to provide some of the highest performing windows on the market the meet the toughest fenestration specifications in the industry.

Every AAMA certified SeriousWindow R480 window ensures you get:

• A window that has passed required performance tests for resistance to air leakage, water penetration and wind pressure.
• Performance tests that were conducted at an independent AAMA-accredited lab.
• Individual components used in the window have passed their own separate performance tests in order to be eligible for use in an AAMA-certified window.
• The production line units are built to the same specifications as the window that was tested.
• Manufacturing plant production lines, component inventory, and quality control records are checked annually through two surprise inspections by an independent third-party.

Air Infiltration: Critical to the Energy Performance of Your Windows

When understanding the benefits of super-insulating SeriousWindows, it is important to understand the amount of heating or cooling that can leak around the window, or "infiltrate". The air infiltration rate measures the amount of air that passes through a window. The lower the air infiltration rate, the lower amount of air passes through gaps in or around the window. In other words, the less heating and cooling is leaking out of your window frames.

Air infiltration is typically measured in CFM/ft² (cubic feet of air per minute/square footage of the window). The Efficient Windows Collaborative recommends selecting windows that have an air infiltration rate of 0.3 or below. Many styles of super-insulating SeriousWindows have an air infiltration value of less than 0.05. SeriousWindows keeps your heating and cooling inside, helping to reduce your energy bills and provide you with more consistent, year-round comfort.