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FAQs

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  1. How can I find an Authorized Dealer near me? We list the top 20% of our dealerships in the Dealer Search section of our website. If you prefer a dealer closer to your project, contact the factory (800-736-7363) and we will assist in locating one for you.

  2. Where is the closest showroom to me? All dealers listed in the Dealer Search section of our website have showrooms. The Showroom link next to each dealer's name will open a page giving showroom information and pictures of the products they have installed. Fleetwood has a factory showroom in Corona (CA) which your dealer can arrange for you to visit.

  3. How can I know which dealer is the best for my project? We encourage customers to interview at least two dealers in order to select the company you think will be best. We have some helpful information provided in Making The Right Choices section of our website.

  4. Who is best suited to install my new windows and doors? We recommend hiring installers that have undergone training in windows and doors. However, if the Installation Instructions are carefully followed, the product warranty will not be affected. An InstallationMasters™ certfication or state glazing license are two examples of specialty training in the field of windows and doors.

  5. Which product(s) are right for my home? There is not a simple answer to this question. We encourage you to investigate our website as thoroughly as possible and a good place to begin would be in the Making The Right Choices section. We also recommend reviewing Extreme Conditions.

  6. What is the right finish? First of all, educate yourself on the pros and cons of Anodized and Painted finishes (website and internet) so you can better determine which finish is best for your project. The factory or one of our Authorized Dealers would be happy to help.

  7. What is being done to accomodate large spikes in ordering?
    1. Software is being used to prevent "stacking" too many orders within any given time frame.
    2. Automated tooling is a key focus. During 2017 several machines with advanced technology will be added.
    3. Smart labor = Optimum Product Control. Additional labor is being added methodically.
    4. Engineering is working with each production line to reduce bottlenecks and make room for additional machinery.


  8. Is aluminum green friendly? Yes. Green & Sustainable

  9. What is the right glass? There are hundreds, perhaps thousands of glass choices. By design, Fleetwood has elected NOT to fabricate our insulated glass so that we can stay on the cutting edge of technology and offer our customers more options. As a means of giving you some direction, consider the following: If you live in an area that gets snow you should look into glass that provides a good u-value yet allow for a high SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient). This way you can keep warmth in the home during the winter and allow for solar heat to assist. If you live in a warmer climate, discount u-value as much as possible and focus on getting a low SHGC because it is the DIRECT SUN that is of great concern.

  10. Which is the better finish, paint or anodize? Familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of Anodized and Painted finishes

  11. What is Fleetwood doing about the new code? It has already been addressed. Our current product line is still viable in every US market. In fact, non-thermal aluminum is still being utilized in northern markets from New York to Washington State. The key for compliance is that Authorized Dealers work closely with the energy consultant/architect to select the right product. Review "Energy Code Compliance" "The Energy Code Trap" and "Fleetwood compliance tools?" (below).

  12. Fleetwood compliance tools?
    1. The standard NFRC energy report provided with each quote is typically all that is needed. With this information the energy consultant or architect can load these results into the computer and begin the process.
    2. If the values noted in the standard NFRC energy report are not sufficient Fleetwood offers a custom report illustrating the "actual sizes" of the project scope windows and doors. The report is titled Simulated Performance Alternative (S.P.A.) and is available at no charge upon request. This report can be used in dialog with the Building Code officials discussing allowances. Converting smaller windows to larger sizes is an effective way of driving the U-Factor weighted averages down.
    3. Upgrading the glass, spacer type AND adding argon gas can improve the U-Factor enough to bring the desired scope into compliance.
    4. Converting door opening into larger openings lowers the U-Factor when using the S.P.A. because multi-panel doors are only simulated as a two-panel door. Example: 20' x 10' OXXX is calculated like it is an XO 20' x 10'.
    5. As a last resort sliding doors should be converted to thermal frames, especially in warm climates see "Thermal Aluminum Twisting". However, by converting to thermal frames the U-Factor will improve.

  13. How can I make my Fleetwood windows last longer? Our Care & Maintenance Instructions direct practical maintenance which if followed will extend the life of the products for decades.


  14. What is the right hardware for my casement windows? It largely depends on the location of the window. If you are in a windy area we recommend the 4-bar hinge/Cam handle arrangement since the hinges have tension adjustment. We recommend that same hardware for coastal or caustic (e.g. near a pool) applications because the roto gear hardware requires more maintenance in corrosive environments. Visit our Hardware page for more help.

  15. What is the right hardware for my awning windows? Though awning windows come with a stainless steel hinge when roto gear is chosen, we recommend against this hardware in coastal or caustic applications. Review the Hardware page for more assistance.

  16. What is dry shrinkage? Dry shrinkage is a phenomenon which exists in thermally broken aluminum extrusions. In rare cases, the thermal material (typically poured in place polyurethane) contracts to less volume than originally poured into the extrusion. This is typically NOT an issue unless the extrusion is the threshold because the affected thermal material may allow water to enter the dwelling. Fleetwood recommends a sill pan or compatible flashing be installed to capture and safely evacuate water if dry shrinkage occurs.  Extreme Conditions

  17. How does Fleetwood address energy codes?  Energy Code Compliance   The Energy Code Trap   Energy Efficiency Lingo   Energy Efficient Glass   Frost & Condensation

  18. How is Fleetwood addressing FUTURE code revisions? In addition to current and upcoming products (see Coming Soon and Spotlight on the homepage), Fleetwood is on the hunt for higher performing glazing that blends with residential modern architecture.

  19. What is the right hardware for my hopper windows? Our hopper windows are only available with 4-bar stainless steel hinges but there are latch choices. The default latch is a cam handle with a pole operated hole for operation. Some prefer the optional Spring Loaded Latch for its ease of use, however, it does not seal as tightly as the default hardware. The Hardware page is worth reviewing before buying this style of window.

  20. What is the right hardware for my sliding doors? Our sliding doors all come standard with some form of actuator as the lock. Customers may choose from a wide variety of custom pulls if our standard recessed pulls are not desired. Check out the Hardware page and our Optional Pulls.

  21. What is the right hardware for my hinged doors? The latching system and escutcheon plate come standard but customers may select a custom lever style if our default lever is not wanted. See Lever Choices.

  22. What is a "thermally broken aluminum window"? It is an aluminum window with extrusions designed with a cavity to receive liquid polyurethane to create a thermal barrier. In products utilizing I-Strut technology, the process involves mechanically joining a polyamide strut to two seperate extrusions creating the thermal barrier. Thermally Broken Framing   The Energy Code Trap

  23. How can I get a lower U-Factor? Review "Fleetwood compliance tools?" in question #10 above.

  24. How can I get a better SHGC? Review "Fleetwood compliance tools?" in question #10 above.

  25. Do I really need thermally broken frames? With all the hype surrounding energy efficiency, it seems that practical reasoning is overlooked in warmer climates. Specifically, unless your project is in an area that receives snow you most likely do NOT need thermally broken frames. In large sliding doors, e.g. 96"+ height, the thermal break weakens the aluminum and invites twisting in warmer climates. Additionally it does not adequately reduce the surface temperature of the inside of the extrusions resulting from heat. More so, thermal break costs more. Here are a few articles regarding this topic: Extreme Conditions  Frost & Condensation   What Is Thermal Break?   Energy Compliance   Glass Sweating   The Energy Code Trap.

  26. How can I avoid condensation? All materials condense moisture; some simply do it faster due to surface temperature. Frost & Condensation    The Energy Code Trap   Extreme Conditions

  27. What is spontaneous glass breakage? A phenomenon by which tempered glass may spontaneously break without any apparent reason. The most common theory is that internal defects exist during glass creation, e.g. nickel sulfide inclusions. Spontaneous breakage is extremely rare.

  28. Who do I contact for delivery questions? Delivery questions need to be directed through your Authorized Dealer.

  29. How can we protect our Fleetwood products during construction? Fleetwood offers aluminum pans to protect sliding door sills but protecting the glass and the remainder of the aluminum framing is a challenge. Many aftermarket products will not work on certain finishes or in certain geographies. We do not recommend any of these products but have heard that products from SkudoUSA.com have been used successfully.

  30. Why doesn't the Shipping Department contact us at least a week earlier if there are delays? Orders require custom components (e.g. sill pans) that need QC before proceeding. This coordination takes several weeks. Therefore, order fabrication commences about (5) days before the scheduled ship date.

  31. What is Fleetwood doing to offer earlier notice of delays? New programming exists to identify potential order delays at least three days early.

  32. What can dealers do to reduce the stress on their end?
    1. As any custom product is volatile, dealers should pull in orders at least two weeks early.
    2. Provide your customer with a copy of Your Order with every confirmed order.
    3. DO NOT ask "Is my order on time?" since orders are produced in the final week of scheduling. If a call is required, ask to speak with the Shipping Department and ask for options, e.g. partial shipment.

  33. Who do I contact for warranty questions? Warranty questions need to be directed through your Authorized Dealer   Lifetime Warranty

  34. What is Low-E glass? It is short for "low emmissivity glass" in which the glass has been infused with microscopic coatings which aid in inviting or suppressing energy. For example, some "hard coat" low-e coatings keep the room warmer by keeping heat from escaping through the glass to the elements. That same glass allows direct sunlight to pass through the glass to assist in warming the room. This glass would NOT be a good choice in the Sunbelt. Instead, locate a glass that deflects direct sunlight (short wave radiation).

  35. What is anodizing? Anodizing is basically controlled corrosion on the surface of aluminum to create a natural, VERY durable barrier. Read more about anodizing and painting.

  36. What is Kynar™ paint? Kynar™ is a brand name similar to Coke, Band Aid and Q-Tip wherein the Kynar™ refers to a high class of organic metal coating called fluoropolymer. It is THE best paint on the market and therefore the ONLY paint Fleetwood offers. Here is a link to their site Kynar500.com.

  37. Can I buy directly from the factory? No. We have chosen to involve dealers so your buying experience is as personalized as possible. To make this possible we have reduced factory profit to make room for Dealers because we KNOW they bring great value to the process.

  38. What is your warranty? Our warranty is a Lifetime Warranty and we encourage you to review it. We like to refer to ours as perhaps the only honest warranty in our industry because we do not offer a lengthy time period and then pull it back in the small print section. For example, a game is played wherein some might tout a "20 year warranty on paint finish" only to retract it in another section by stating "products near the coast get a one year warranty".

  39. Why should I choose Fleetwood over the other aluminum products on the market? Fleetwood has chosen to pursue the portion of the market that wants something better than the other products. The symptom of that pursuit demands we try to perfect every aspect of the design, infrastructure and path to the market. Leading The Market   Little Things   Innovative   Making The Right Choices   Archetype Sliding System

  40. Is aluminum sustainable? Yes. Green & Sustainable

  41. Do you have any fire rated products? No. Aluminum windows are a better choice than wood or vinyl (Aluminun Under Fire   Wild-Urban Interface) but for actual rated product you most likely need a steel window product. Extreme Conditions

  42. How can I get the fastest lead-time? Select a stock finish. Custom finishes typically add six to ten weeks. Some product options may add two weeks on top of stock finish lead-times. Your Order

  43. Where do I go for service on existing Fleetwood products? Contact an Authorized Dealer near you that lists "repair" as one of their Provisions. If they are unable to help you, contact the factory and we will help find a source.

  44. Do you offer Energy Star or rebates? No. The rebate program was designed around vinyl and wood products, which inherently achieve lower u-values than aluminum or steel.  Energy Code Compliance   Energy Star   Choosing The Right Product   The Energy Code Trap

  45. What is the recycled content of the aluminum Fleetwood uses? In short, the average is in the range of 40% - 50%.   Green & Sustainable

  46. Is aluminum energy efficient? If one considers all variables within a period of years instead of days, yes! - aluminum is energy efficient. Because our frames have a small profile, they allow huge expanses of glass, which make the overall unit very efficient. Fleetwood's 'Thermal frame' technology further improves aluminum's efficiency by adding a thermal barrier with one of two methods. The Pour/De-bridge process involves pouring liquid polyurethane into an extrusion pocket and the I-Strut process involves mechanically joining a polyamide strut to two seperate extrusions. Thermally Broken Extrusion   The Energy Code Trap   Energy Code Compliance

  47. What is U-Value? It is a measurement of radiant heat loss, similar to an R-Value (used in other building components) but inverse. Our NFRC Document offers more information on this topic.

  48. Do you offer custom colors? Yes. Review our finish choices. Feel free to provide your dealer with a custom color chip for matching in our Kynar™ 500 finish. You can specify the color or create your own color to be computer matched.

  49. What about VOC's? Green & Sustainable

  50. Is there a premium charge for custom sizes over standard sizes? No.

  51. How can I get the best pricing from your dealers? All dealers are mandated to follow an MRP (Minimum Resale Price) ultimately set by market forces. We want our dealers to focus on knowledge, experience and service THEY bring to the mix rather than play the discount pricing game.

  52. Does Fleetwood offer single glazing? Yes, Fleetwood is one of the few left that offer monolithic glazing.

  53. Does Fleetwood offer triple glazing? Yes. Visit any of our product pages and follow the TESTING link to review NFRC test results. You will be able to locate ALL glass tested on each report. Here is an example: Series 3800-T.

  54. What is dual glazing/insulated glass? There is an entire LARGE industry dealing with this topic and we encourage you to search the internet for more details. In short, "dual glazing" or "insulated glass" is the joining of two lites of glass surrounding an insulated air space.

  55. What is the difference between the temporary and permanent NFRC labels? The permanent label is primarily to indicate the product has been tested for air, water and structural whereas the temporary label focuses on U-Factor and SHGC values.

  56. Can I get my entire house package keyed the same? Yes. Simply ask our dealer to make sure the order states this option.

  57. How can I make sure the dealer is ordering exactly what I want? We provide each Authorized Dealer with our proprietary quoting software. Your order will have a six-digit number so simply ask the dealer for a printed copy of their Confirmed Order. This confirmation will include all specifics of the product. Your Order

  58. What is laminated glass? "Lami" glass, which it is often dubbed, is the joining of two pieces of glass by affixing them to a tough plastic interlayer. The process is facinating and we encourage you to search the internet for more information. Glass Choices

  59. Does Fleetwood offer night latches? No.

  60. Can I get motorized windows? Yes, but Fleetwood does not provide them so as not to add redundant costs to the process. We have arranged for our dealers to buy our windows without hardware and with our proprietary screen system to facilitate their field-installation of aftermarket window motors.

  61. Can I get motorized doors? Fleetwood sliding doors operate so easily they do not need auto assistance. If automation is desired, our dealer can assist you in locating an aftermarket system that can be field attached.

  62. Does Fleetwood offer keyless entry locks? No, but our hinged and sliding door products can be made without hardware so a locksmith can install custom hardware.

  63. Can I get magnetic locks? No, but our hinged and sliding door products can be made without hardware so a locksmith can install custom hardware.

  64. Can I get doors or windows without locks? Yes, but only the hinged and sliding door products. It is assumed that such products are used to enter the house and should therefore allow field fabrication for custom locking hardware.

  65. Why are Fleetwood's u-values higher than some other windows? Aluminum does not trap heat, cold and moisture as other window materials. Perhaps the reason aluminum lasts decades longer than wood and vinyl is because it efficiently transfers energy. In frost environments aluminum needs to be bridged with a thermal barrier to eliminate the frost transfer. Green Conscious   NFRC Document   Frost & Condensation   The Energy Code Trap   Energy Code Compliance

  66. How is the builder meeting the energy codes? There are two basic choices a builder has to achieve energy compliance on the house: Prescriptive or Performance. The former method was established primarily for tract builders that would use one design and produce many houses with subtle differences. The Performance method was created for those wishing to have more choices. In this method an energy consultant is typically hired to input the component values of the house (wall insulation, HVAC...) into software that was created for energy compliance. The designer, builder and owner now have the ability to use trade-offs to achieve the desired end. An illustration is for an owner to increase the wall insulation in order to use metal windows rather than vinyl.

  67. What can be done if the builder is using a prescriptive method for envelope compliance? Hiring an energy consultant is an effective way of offering the homeowner MORE choices in their build or remodel. The energy consultant will be using software, e.g. REScheck, to bring about envelope compliance.

  68. What are the advantages of aluminum windows? Here are some attributes to consider: Longevity, Beauty, More glass, Support better components, Versatility, Crossover design ability, Lifetime coatings, Limited maintenance. Green Conscious

  69. Why are some products listed as "interior use" or "no weather performance"? Some products we offer, such as our Series 3050 Hidden Track sliding door, are in high demand for their obvious benefit of heightened indoor/outdoor living. However, because such products do not perform as well as products designed for exterior use we provide these warnings.

  70. What are examples of "the little things" that make Fleetwood better? Consider these traits: Slower extruding process, Proprietary pre-anodizing process, American made components, Family owned and operated, Engineering support, Standard paint is Kynar™ 500, Standard anodizing is Class 1, Stainless steel hardware, Does NOT make our own insulated glass, 95% of its business is high end residential. Making The Right Choices   Green Conscious   Better Not Cheaper   Archetype Sliding System

  71. What are the advantages of Fleetwood multi-sliding doors over "lift & slide"? Below is a partial list: Narrow sightlines, Continuous weather-stripping, Hardware with few moving parts, 100% stainless steel hardware, Stainless handle and actuator with electro-polish finish, Two sill choices: Hidden Track or Sub Sillpan.  Archetype Sliding System

    NO other sliding door operates as easily and as smoothly as a Fleetwood sliding door. Fleetwood doors designed for exterior use do not require the "lifting" of panels to make them movable. Why would you want to lift your doors?


  72. What are the advantages of Fleetwood multi-sliding door over folding "bi-fold" doors? We offer one of the finest folding doors on the market (Series 3600) but in most cases it is NOT the right product for these reasons: Smaller pieces of glass, Door is viewed closed most of the time, Requires more bulk in the header to support the weight, Demands more "call backs" due to settling, Encroaches on furniture footprint, Difficult to screen, Pinches fingers. Archetype Sliding System

    In limited circumstances, folding doors are a good choice. In most applications Fleetwood sliding doors have far superior appearance and operating characteristics. Doors are typically closed most of the time, and sliding doors are much less obstructive of your view.

  73. Does Fleetwood recycle factory cut-offs and remnants? Yes. Green & Sustainable

  74. How do I install ADT alarms to my doors/windows? Contact the security company for guidance on how they attach devices to Fleetwood products. If the windows or doors are modified in such a way as to reduce operation or performance the warranty is nullified.

  75. Do some of your dealers receive better pricing? Yes, but this earned revenue is directed back into the dealership infrastructure (staff, advertising, displays, etc.). Dealers are not allowed to sell below the MRP regardless of their buying power. Making The Right Choices   Green-Conscious   Better Not Cheaper

  76. Can I have a buzzer at the entry door to buzz in guests? This would have to be installed aftermarket.

  77. Can I get my slider doors on a flush track? We offer several low profile tracks for different design needs. We direct you to our Series 3050 Hidden Track or our Series 3070 Sub Sillpan. The latter is designed for applications requiring accommodation of rainwater.

  78. Are your products ADA compliant? Our Series 3050 sliding door offers an operating force of 5 lbs and a lever that meets the requirements. Before making the purchase, be certain the planning department will approve it. ADA Requirements   Archetype Lever   Archetype Sliding System

  79. What are your standard sizes of windows and doors? There are none. You get to choose the size you want.

  80. Where do I go to learn about different glass options? The first place we recommend is to consult with one of our dealers. They will have intimate knowledge regarding the best glass for your area AND whether or not that glass is available from Fleetwood. Fleetwood purchases the best glass from the best local fabricators. We offer hundreds of glass choices.

  81. Who installs the windows/doors you sell? Most of our dealers offer installation in one form or another. Your Order

  82. How are the aluminum extrusions made? There are videos readily available on the internet but we offer a summary sheet to answer some of your questions. Aluminum Production

  83. What is thermally broken thermal shrinkage? Dry shrinkage is a phenomenon which exists in thermally broken aluminum extrusions. In rare cases, the thermal material (typically poured in place polyurethane) contracts to less volume than originally poured into the extrusion. This is typically NOT an issue unless the extrusion is the threshold because the affected thermal material may allow water to enter the dwelling. Fleetwood recommends a sill pan or compatible flashing be installed to capture and safely evacuate water if dry shrinkage occurs.  Thermally Broken Framing   The Energy Code Trap  Thermal Aluminum Twisting

  84. Can I get split finishes? Not at this time but Fleetwood is working on a line of products that will eventually allow this option.

  85. Why don't you provide NFRC labels on shipped products? NFRC labels are seldom requested, perhaps because the Order clearly states each product's performance. The factory can ship them within a few days if needed.

  86. Can I get electromatic "smart" glass? Contact your dealer to verify if the exact glass you want is offered.

  87. Do you offer hurricane impact tested products? Yes and our product line is growing. Impact Products Brochure  Extreme Conditions

  88. Why do Fleetwood sliding doors operate more smoothly than the rest of the market products? Fleetwood makes its own rollers for more than its sliding door products. So fanatical is the factory about the Little Things that the wheels are sent to Switzerland for the addition of an authentic precision bearing. Archetype Sliding System

  89. What is the largest door and window you make? It "largely" depends on the glass you want. If the size is most important we can make sliding doors as tall as 18'. Archetype Rolling System

  90. Why do you make your own sliding door hardware? Simply put, people expect Fleetwood to have the best product in EVERY respect. Little Things   Archetype Sliding System

  91. What is the best finish to offer for coastal projects requiring thermally broken product? There is a fair amount of debate in the industry about this very topic. We encourage you to dig deeper in information available on the internet and to read a few of our papers as well. Anodized / Painted. Without a doubt, anodized finishes hold up better on the coast EVEN if not maintained because painted finishes can flake whereas anodized finishes are integral to the metal and cannot. Making The Right Choices  Extreme Conditions

  92. Can I substitute the factory provided sill pan and maintain the factory warranty? Products tested with sill pans (e.g. 3070) with ship with the pan. Consult the installation instructions for each product.

  93. Are the transom or sill pan included in my overall net frame dimension? No, you will need to account for these.

  94. What is the thickness of the provided sill pans and transoms? Our door sill pans are .060 and our windows and transoms are .040.

  95. What are "dealer drawings"? Dealer drawings are what some commercial manufacturers call shop drawings because they float through the fabrication process. However, Fleetwood's software is sophisticated wherein these drawings are not needed. These drawings are usually an elevation and plan view cut section of every window and door type on the quote. The factory will provide drawings on request as a service to our dealer and their clients. Example   Your Order

  96. What is a "sales drawing"? A sales drawing is similar to a dealer drawing except it is done on a smaller scale, usually just one product on an 8-1/2" x 11" sheet. Example   Your Order

  97. What are the basic differences between you Premium and Entry Level products?
  98. Series 3000 and Series 1000:

    • 2" diameter wheels versus 1-1/2"
    • Swiss precision bearings versus sealed bearings
    • Stronger bottom rail versus smaller rail for rollers
    • #316 Stainless Steel locking hardware versus silver painted brass
    • Stronger lock stile versus narrow stile
    • Three sill choices versus one
    • Maximum panel height of 14' tall versus 9'

    Series 3070 and Series 1070:

    • 3" diameter wheels versus 2"
    • Stronger bottom rail versus smaller rail for rollers
    • #316 Stainless Steel locking hardware versus silver painted brass
    • Stronger lock stile versus narrow stile
    • Sill, jamb and head fillers versus open tracks
    • Maximum panel height of 18' tall versus 10'

    Series 3050 and Series 1050:

    • 3" diameter wheels versus 2"
    • Stronger bottom rail versus smaller rail for rollers
    • #316 Stainless Steel locking hardware versus silver painted brass
    • Stronger lock stile versus narrow stile
    • Jamb and head fillers versus open tracks
    • Maximum panel height of 18' tall versus 10'

    Series 3900-T and Series 3200-T:

    • Multipoint hardware versus basic lever and thumb turn
    • Stronger extrusion walls versus thinner walls
    • Maximum panel height of 12' tall versus 9'

  99. Can I get a faster ship date?   Your Order