In 1997, I established Badger Custom Windows, Inc. after purchasing a former window fabricator in Eau Claire. Since the first window rolled off the line, we at Badger Custom Windows, Inc. have been producing high quality, energy efficient vinyl replacement and new construction windows. We are considered a regional fabricator selling and servicing windows in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Badger prides itself on its employees and their great work ethic. A majority of our
production family has been with us since we started manufacturing in 1997. Being a
smaller window manufacturer allows us to be very flexible with the company family and in production of windows. We consistently do whatever we can to accommodate both customer and employee.
Nearly every window produced by Badger Custom Windows, Inc. is custom built to the 1/8” to fit your opening. Our niche is the replacement market, but we also do a large amount of new construction windows for the consumer that prefers a high-end window with low maintenance. Both windows are built with the same heavy duty, extruded vinyl replacement windows frame and double strength glass using only the highest quality hardware.
We offer various styles of windows such as Double and Single Hung, Sliders, Casement, Bays, Bows and a large variety of Architectural Shapes and Patio Doors. Our windows are widely known to be an upper end vinyl window with many options such as light and dark oak woodgrain to enhance the appearance of any décor.
At Badger Custom Windows, Inc. we stake our future on producing quality windows and patio doors in a timely fashion, servicing our products and offering an industry leading double lifetime warranty.
Argon gas is most commonly used in the ordinary incandescent
lightbulb. It is clear, non toxic, and non flammable. The space
between the two panes of glass is filled with Argon gas, because
thermal conductivity of this inert gas is lower than air. Result?
Heat loss is reduced and energy efficiency is improved.
When considering the Argon gas option, ensure your supplier is
selling you a window which has been tested and is capable of
retaining the gas once installed. A window that leaks Argon will
take away both the thermal and monetary value of your
investment. Swiggle seal is the only Warm Edge insulating glass
system to pass the DIN standard for Argon gas retention in
North America today.
One of the newest innovations in energy efficient windows is Low
Emissivity, or Low E glass. This is glass which has an invisible
coating which reflects long wave heat radiation back into your
home (keeping heat in) while allowing short wave (solar) heat
radiation to enter. This helps reduce heating costs of your home
in winter. By not allowing heat to escape, the temperature of the
glass inside your home is kept warmer which reduces that cold
uncomfortable feeling near windows. Low E coatings are also
known to reduce harmful ultraviolet rays which cause fading of
interior finishes.
Windows and Condensation
Q. Do windows cause condensation?
A. Windows are not a cause, as such. They provide a ready medium on which the vapor can condense. But the primary cause of condensation is excessive moisture in the air. Windows are simply indicators of that moisture.
Q. Why do I see condensation on my windows and patio door first?
A. Condensation is generally seen first on windows and patio doors because they tend to have the lowest temperature on any of the visible surfaces in the house.
Q. Are windows the only place condensation is forming?
A. Possibly not. There’s a point between exterior and interior walls that’s just as cold as the inside window surface. Chances are, if you can see condensation on your windows, it’s also forming between the walls. Room-side surfaces of exterior walls are normally warmer, but occasionally condensation occurs on cold spots such as nail heads and in the corners of
outside walls and closets. That’s because insulation is weaker and air circulation is restrict ed in those areas.
Q. What causes condensation on windows and patio doors?
A. Remember: cool air can’t hold as much moisture as warm air can. So when the warm, moist air of the room comes into contact with the cold glass surface, some water vapor which the cooled air can no longer hold is deposited on the glass. Condensation can also occur when the flow of warm room air over window surfaces is restricted.
Q. Does the amount of condensation depend on the window type?
A. Sometimes. Angle bay or bow windows, for example, usually experience more condensation than other window styles. This is because inside air circulation around those window types is usually more restricted. And, since they hang away from the insulated house walls, bays and bows could be a few degrees cooler in temperature. To diminish excessive condensation, it’s smart to insulate between the window head and platform, as well as between the seat and platform. In extremely cold climates, additional insulation above and below the window platform may also be necessary. As a secondary measure, placing a common electric fan near the window to promote air circulation may be helpful.
Q. Do drapes and window shades cause window condensation?
A. Drapes and other window coverings don’t cause window condensation, but they can contribute to the problem by restricting the flow of warm room air over the glass surface. Therefore, condensation is more apt to occur when drapes are closed and shades are pulled down. Today’s heavily insulated drapes and tighter shades can contribute to the problem even more.
Q. What damage can excess window condensation cause?
A. It can cause the paint to peel from the trim or stain the inside. Water can run down into and cause dampness around the window frame. It can sometimes cause paint to peel on the outside of the structure.
Q. Are there any cases where window condensation is only temporary?
A. Yes, there are primarily three: new construction or remodeling; the beginning of each heating season; and quick changes in temperature.
• Wood, plaster, cement, and other building materials used in new construction and remodeling produce a great deal of moisture. When the heating season starts, this moisture will gradually flow out into the air in the home. It will usually disappear during the first heating season and not cause any further trouble.
• At the beginning of the heating season, there may be a certain amount of temporary condensation. During the humid summer your house will have absorbed some moisture. After the first few weeks of heating, it will dry out, and you’ll have fewer condensation troubles.
• Sharp, quick drops in temperature can also create temporary condensation problems during the heating season.
Summary
Q. What steps can I take to reduce excessive humidity and control window condensation in my present home?
A. Recognize that the best way to stop condensation is to reduce the moisture in the inside air.
Be sure that attic and crawl spaces are properly ventilated. Add a vapor barrier to cover the earth in the crawl space.
Be willing to try living with low humidities.
Eliminate any controllable sources of moisture in your home.
In winter, provide more controlled ways for moist inside air to get out. Run kitchen or other ventilating fans longer and more often than you normally do.
If troublesome condensation persists, see your heating contractor about an outside air intake for your furnace (required by some state building codes on all new residential construction), about ventilation of gas-burning heaters and appliances, or about installation of ventilating fans. Heating and ventilating contractors are listed in the Yellow Pages.
Remember, the best way to avoid condensation is to reduce the humidity of the inside air.
All insulated glass will save energy. Badger's system has the edge, however. This technologically advanced insulated glass spacer system utilizes a unique, Swiggle Spacer to separate glass panels and interrupt the natural flow of heat to cold and is standard on most products. It also reduces the chill that can occur around the glass perimeter which may cause condensation and puddling.
While most spacers use four separate pieces of aluminum joined together by corner keys, our warm-edge design is a continuous piece. The result is a stronger, more energy-efficient insulated glass unit. In addition, the warm-edge's spacer's unique ability to flex with glass expansion and contraction ensures a strong seal for the life of the window.
