CLEARMAX KNOWLEDGE BASE

1. Company Overview

ClearMax is a supplier of custom vinyl windows and doors for residential and commercial projects.

Service areas include:

  • California
  • Arizona
  • Washington
  • Oregon

Projects outside these areas may be possible with custom pricing.

Delivery is available as long as a truck can access the job site.

The company has been operating since 2018.

2. Product Catalog

Window Types

Single Hung
Bottom sash moves vertically. Top sash is fixed.

Double Hung
Both sashes move vertically.

Casement
Side-hinged window that opens outward using a crank.

Awning
Top-hinged window that opens outward from the bottom.

Horizontal Slider
Panels slide horizontally. Available in 2-lite and 3-lite configurations.

Picture Window
Fixed window with no opening.

Specialty Windows
Custom shapes and configurations available upon request.

Door Types

Sliding Patio Doors
Panels slide horizontally.

French Doors
Hinged doors, available as single or double.

Multi-Slide Doors
Available with installation in San Diego only.

Bi-Fold Doors
Available with installation in San Diego only.

Product Options

Material
Vinyl (primary material)

Glass Options

  • Dual-pane (standard)
  • Low-E (energy efficient)
  • Tempered (safety glass)
  • Obscure/privacy glass
  • Climate-specific glass packages

Sizes
Standard and fully custom sizes available.

3. Product Specifications

General Construction

Milgard V250 Series (Vinyl)

  • Frame material: Vinyl (PVC)
  • Frame construction: Fusion-welded corners
  • Finish: Smooth, low maintenance
  • Frame depth: approximately 2-7/8 inches

Size Ranges

Typical limits (vary by product type):

  • Minimum width: approximately 12″–18″
  • Maximum width: up to approximately 96″+ (slider and picture)
  • Maximum height: up to approximately 72″–96″

Custom sizes are available within manufacturing limits.

Large units may require tempered glass and structural consideration.

Available colors

Vinyl windows are available in a selection of standard and upgraded finishes:

Standard colors

  • White
  • Adobe

Premium colors

  • Black (typically available as an exterior or dual-color option)

Black and other dark finishes are considered premium upgrades and may cost more than standard colors.

Dual-color options

Some configurations allow different colors for interior and exterior:

  • White interior + Black exterior (very popular)
  • White interior + Adobe exterior

Availability depends on window style and size, and may include an additional cost.

Finish & durability

  • Factory-applied finishes (not paint)
  • Designed to resist fading, peeling, and chipping
  • Low-maintenance surface that does not require repainting

Important notes

  • Vinyl frames cannot be painted or stained after installation
  • Color selection must be finalized at time of order
  • Darker colors (like black) may show more heat exposure and long-term wear
  • Availability may vary based on size, configuration, and manufacturing limits

4. Window Types – Technical Details

Single Hung

  • Bottom sash operates vertically
  • Top sash fixed
  • Tilt-in cleaning feature
  • Moderate air tightness

Typical size:

  • Width: 14″ – 48″
  • Height: 24″ – 72″

Horizontal Slider

  • One or more panels slide horizontally
  • Lower air seal compared to compression windows

Typical size:

  • Width: 36″ – 96″+
  • Height: 24″ – 60″

Picture Window

  • Fixed, non-operable
  • Highest energy efficiency
  • Maximum glass area

Typical size:

  • Width: 10″ – 96″+
  • Height: 11.5″ – 68″+

Awning Window

  • Hinged at top, opens outward
  • Operated by crank

Performance:

  • Strong air seal (compression seal)
  • Better insulation than sliders

Typical size:

  • Width: 16″ – 40″
  • Height: up to 30″ (larger configurations available)

Best use:

  • Bathrooms
  • Kitchens
  • Areas exposed to rain

Casement Window

  • Hinged on side, opens outward
  • Operated by crank

Performance:

  • Highest air tightness among operable windows
  • Best energy efficiency among operable types

Typical size:

  • Width: 16″ – 36″+
  • Height: 24″ – 72″+

5. Frame Types

We offer three primary frame types. The right choice depends on how the window is being installed.

Nail Fin Frame (New Construction)

What it is:
A window with an exterior flange (nail fin) that attaches directly to the wall framing.

Key specs:

  • Flange width: 1-1/16 inches
  • Setback options:
    • 1 inch
    • 1-3/8 inch (standard)

Best for:

  • New construction
  • Full window replacement (down to studs)
  • Projects where siding or stucco is removed

Why choose it:

  • Strongest weather sealing
  • Most secure installation method

Block Frame

What it is:
A window without a nail fin, designed to install directly into an opening or masonry.

Key specs:

  • Standard jamb depth: 2-7/8 inches

Best for:

  • Masonry openings (brick, concrete)
  • Replacement where no exterior flange is needed
  • Common in East Coast installations

Important note:

  • In some regions, this may be referred to as “retrofit”

Retrofit Frame

What it is:
A window installed directly into the wall opening, with all exterior sealing done from the outside.

Key Specs:

  • Flush fin (Z-bar) / flange: ~1-1/2 inches wide
  • The flush fin (flange) sits on top of the siding from the outside of the home for a secure, weatherproof fit

Best For:

  • Replacing windows without removing exterior siding or trim
  • Faster, less invasive installations
  • Homes where the wall opening is in good condition

Trade-offs:

  • Slightly reduces glass area (about 1–2 inches per side)

Important Terminology (Prevents Confusion)

  • West Coast:
    • “Retrofit” = Insert frame (inside existing window)
  • East Coast:
    • “Retrofit” often refers to block frame

7. Glass and Energy Performance

U-Factor

Measures heat transfer through the window.

  • Lower value = better insulation

Typical values:

  • Dual pane clear: 0.45 – 0.50
  • Dual pane Low-E: 0.28 – 0.35

SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient)

Measures how much solar heat enters the home.

  • Lower value = less heat gain

Performance Ranking (Best to Worst)

  1. Picture
  2. Casement
  3. Awning
  4. Single Hung
  5. Slider

Reason:
Compression seal windows (casement, awning) perform better than sliding systems.

Energy Benefits

  • Lower energy bills
  • Improved indoor comfort
  • Reduced drafts
  • Better noise reduction

8. Glass Requirements

Tempered glass is required for:

  • Doors
  • Large windows
  • Windows near floor level
  • Bathrooms and wet areas

9. Delivery and Logistics

Lead Time
 Typical production time is about 4 weeks.

Delivery Areas
 We deliver to job sites in: CA, AZ, WA, OR.

Outside these areas:

  • Pickup from manufacturer OR
  • Paid delivery (custom pricing)

Delivery Cost
 Most deliveries cost around $250. Free when ordering 5 or more products.

Requires truck access

Pickup Option
 Available depending on manufacturer, typically between 9am–3pm.After Delivery
 Once your order arrives, we contact you to schedule installation (if applicable).

10. Installation Process (Expanded)

Overview

  1. Order is placed and confirmed
  2. Products enter production (~4 weeks)
  3. Delivery or pickup scheduled
  4. Installation scheduled (San Diego only)
  5. Installation completed

Installation Types

Retrofit Installation

  • Window installed inside existing frame
  • Fastest method
  • Minimal exterior work

Steps:

  1. Remove existing sash and hardware
  2. Clean and prepare opening
  3. Insert new window into frame
  4. Shim for level and square
  5. Secure window
  6. Seal perimeter with foam and caulk

Nail Fin Installation (Full Frame)

  • Entire window frame removed
  • Window installed into rough opening

Steps:

  1. Remove existing window completely
  2. Inspect rough opening
  3. Apply flashing
  4. Set window with nail fin
  5. Fasten through flange
  6. Seal and waterproof
  7. Reinstall exterior finish

Block Frame Installation

  • Installed into masonry or framed opening

Steps:

  1. Prepare opening
  2. Apply sealant
  3. Insert window
  4. Secure with fasteners
  5. Seal perimeter

Critical Installation Requirements

  • Window must be level, plumb, and square
  • Proper flashing required for nail fin installs
  • Proper sealing required for all installs
  • Incorrect installation may void warranty

Homeowner Preparation

  • Clear access to windows and doors
  • Move furniture away from work areas
  • Ensure someone is present

Installation Timeline

  • Installation typically takes 1–2 days depending on project size

11. Warranty

Coverage varies by manufacturer.

Typically includes:

  • Frame defects
  • Glass issues
  • Manufacturing defects

Not covered:

  • Improper installation (if not installed by ClearMax)
  • Damage after delivery
  • Normal wear and tear

12. FAQs

Can I get custom sizes?
Yes.

Will retrofit reduce window size?
Yes, slightly.

Do retrofit windows have a fin?
No.

What is frame thickness?
Approximately 2-7/8 inches.

Are windows energy efficient?
Yes, especially with Low-E glass.

13. Key Buying Considerations

  • Large windows may require tempered glass
  • Frame type must match installation method
  • Accurate measurements are critical
  • Installation quality directly affects performance

14. Lead Qualification Questions

To provide an accurate quote, we need some details about your project:

  • Full name
  • Job site Zip code
  • Number of windows and or doors
  • Measurements of each opening
  • Phone number and/or email

15. Contact and Next Steps

Customers can:

  • Request a quote
  • Submit measurements
  • Schedule consultation (San Diego)
  • Request phone or video consultation