Coastal Industries manufactures a wide variety of products such as vinyl sliding windows, double hung windows, awning windows, bay and bow windows, as well as vinyl welded sliding doors.
In addition to our vinyl products, we manufacture commercial aluminum double hung and sliding windows, steel entry doors, fire doors, aluminum sliding doors, porch enclosures, storm doors and windows, deadlites, and picture windows.
We manufacture products for new construction, vinyl replacement windows, and commercial construction
Owned and operated by William J. Cunningham, Sr., Coastal Industries has been a manufacturer of windows and doors since 1973. Our many years of service to builders, contractors, and distributors, and our commitment to quality products and professional service make Coastal Industries a leader in our field.
We are located at 77 Newark Street in Haverhill Massachusetts. We ship our products to most New England locations and will assist with shipping arrangements outside our delivery area.
What is Low E Glass?
One of the newest innovations in energy efficient windows is Low Emissivity, or Low E glass. This glass has an invisible coating which reflects long wave heat radiation back into your home (keeping heat in) while allowing short wave heat radiation to enter.
This provides solar energy to help 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 ultra violet rays which cause fading of interior finishes.
What does Argon gas do?
Argon gas is most commonly used in the ordinary incandescent lightbulb. It is clear, non-toxic, and non-flammable. Since thermal conductivity of this inner gas is lower than air, the chamber between the two panels of glass is filled with Argon gas. Result? Heat loss is reduced and energy efficiency is improved!
Condensation
What Causes Condensation?
Condensation on windows is an alarming signal of excess humidity in a home. When water, fog or ice form on a window, the consequences can be devastating. Peeling pain, rotting wood and rusted metal can all result from this excess humidity.
Condensation occurs on windows when warm moist air comes in contact with the colder surface of the window. Although it is natural to assume that the windows are to blame, the fact is that the windows are merely a visible sign that humidity exists in the home.
Indoor moisture is caused by a variety of factors. Common household activities such as cooking, showering, running washing machines and dishwashers -any activity that uses hot water – adds moisture to the air.
Newer homes are more often subject to condensation because they are constructed with more weathertight materials and methods than homes built before energy costs were a concern.
Weather-stripping, improved insulation, vapor barriers and modern construction techniques are designed to reduce air leakage. At the same time, however, these can act to seal in moisture. Unless provisions are made to allow this moisture to escape, moisture buildup can result.
Can Window Condensation Be Only Temporary?
There are several instances when temporary window condensation can occur, including:
- During showers and baths, cooking, dishwashing and other steam producing occasions
- During the start of each heating season. Houses absorb moisture during humid summers. This will generally dry out after a few weeks of heating.
- During sharp temperature changes. Sudden drops in temperature, especially during the heating season, can create temporary condensation problems.
- During new construction or remodeling. Building materials contain a great deal of moisture. When the heat is tuned on, this moisture will flow into the air inside the home. It usually will disappear after the first heating season.
What Can Be Done to Reduce Condensation?
There are many simple steps that can be taken to reduce the humidity level in the home:
- Vent clothes dryers, gas burners, etc, to the outdoors.
- Check to see that all ventilation equipment is adjusted properly.
- Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans.
- Air out the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room during and after use by opening a window for a few minutes.
- Make sure attic louvers remain open all year round and that crawl spaces are properly ventilated.
- Consult a local heating and ventilation contractor to help determine whether ventilation is adequate and whether it can be improved.
- Insure humidifiers are correctly set according to the outside temperature.
