By Clyde Noel

Town Crier Correspondent

Window technology has come a long way since early Americans placed oiled cloth across the holes in their dwellings. Affordable glass with sashes to open and close the windows followed, then aluminum-framed windows. Now, double- and triple-pane insulated glass is state-of-the-art.

Argonaut Window & Door has been part of the evolution in windows since 1975, when Martin Ettema started the business in Saratoga. The company now has four locations including its year-old showroom at 4500 El Camino Real in Los Altos.

Scattered around the showroom are cutaways demonstrating the features of each product. For example, Anderson Doors are available in five different styles and the showroom cutaways show the features of each style.

“When a customer walks into the showroom, they go right to their ‘dream window,’” said Kris Hansen, design consultant. “It’s what the customer likes, not necessarily what they can afford. They start there with their wish list and then we try to help them accomplish that.”

Argonaut carries different brands, including Anderson Windows, Marvin, Weather Shield and Simpson.

People move to multipane windows primarily to economize on heating and cooling bills. They often find that replacing the old single-pane windows adds comfort by reducing drafty holes and condensation buildup.

“Most of the customers who come into the showroom are looking to replace old aluminum windows,” Hansen said. “They are taking them out because they leak, sweat and are cold.”

A significant improvement is the design and introduction of low E-glass, a coating applied to one of the inner panes of glass in a multipane window which reflects heat and improves the insulation value.

“We have the reputation of catering to clients looking for quality,” said Hansen. “Our customer base includes replacement as well as new construction markets. We can fill both those needs with our one-stop showrooms.”

Ford said their friendly, helpful, professional and knowledgeable sales staff has built a strong following of repeat as well as referred business. Using their own installation crews avoids problems of leakage or inadequate insulation resulting from faulty installation.

For more information, call 559-5700.