Learn how the Gentek 1700 Series single-hung new construction window works, including its welded vinyl construction, nailing fin, sloped sill, weatherstripping, tilt-in sash, locks, glass options, grids, screens, egress considerations, and installation requirements.

Article 52 of 100 | New Construction Window Product Guide

Gentek 1700 Series Single-Hung Window: Features, Benefits, and Sales Guidance

The single-hung window remains a practical new construction choice because it combines traditional proportions with one primary operating sash. That straightforward description, however, does not tell a contractor whether a particular window meets the project’s structural, energy, ventilation, safety-glazing, emergency-escape, accessibility, or installation requirements.

The Gentek 1700 Series single-hung window is designed for new construction applications. This guide explains its published features while identifying the details that must be confirmed for the exact size and configuration before it is specified or ordered.

What Is a Single-Hung Window?

A single-hung window generally has a fixed upper sash and an operable lower sash. The lower sash moves vertically to provide ventilation. In the Gentek Model 1700 design, the lower sash also includes tilt hardware intended to assist with cleaning when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Single-hung windows are commonly selected for bedrooms, living areas, rental properties, multifamily construction, and other projects where traditional styling and straightforward operation are priorities.

Contractors can review the broader collection through Suburban Wholesale & Supply’s Gentek 1700 Series new construction window page .

Single-hung does not mean “half a double-hung”

The two styles have different operating designs, cleaning methods, ventilation patterns, clear openings, hardware, and price points. The correct choice depends on how the window will actually be used.

Gentek Model 1700 Construction Features

Gentek’s published 1700 Series technical literature describes rigid extruded vinyl profiles with mitered, fusion-welded frame and sash construction. Fusion welding joins the vinyl corners into an integrated assembly rather than relying solely on mechanically fastened corner joints.

Fusion-welded frame and sash

Welded corners are designed to contribute strength and durability to the vinyl frame and sash. The completed unit still depends on correct handling, storage, and installation.

Integral nailing fin

The pre-punched nailing fin provides an attachment surface for new construction. It must be connected with the flashing and water-resistive barrier according to current instructions.

Sloped sill and drainage openings

Gentek describes a sloped sill and weep openings intended to promote water runoff and direct collected water toward the exterior.

Multi-chambered profiles

The frame and sash incorporate internal chambers as part of the vinyl profile design. Complete thermal performance must still be evaluated using the rating for the actual window.

Reinforced locking rail

Gentek identifies a full interlock and reinforced locking rail as features intended to improve strength and security at the sash meeting area.

Accessory grooves

Interior and exterior accessory grooves support compatible frame, trim, and assembly options for qualifying project details.

These features contribute to the product design, but no single feature guarantees performance. Frame size, glass, reinforcement, anchoring, wall construction, exposure, and installation all affect the completed window.

How the Lower Sash Operates

Gentek’s published Model 1700 specifications identify a block-and-tackle balance system that supports the lower sash as it is raised and lowered. The system is designed to counterbalance sash weight and provide controlled operation.

A properly installed and adjusted sash should operate consistently without being forced, dropping suddenly, or drifting excessively. The exact amount of operating force can vary with sash size, glass weight, weatherstripping contact, temperature, and hardware.

The tilt feature

The published product information identifies low-profile tilt latches and pivot pins for the lower sash. This allows the sash to tilt inward for cleaning when the current operating instructions are followed.

The sash must be supported while tilted. It should not be left hanging from its balance components or used as a shelf. Confirm that both tilt latches fully reengage with the frame after cleaning.

Sales tip

Demonstrate the tilt feature before describing it as “easy cleaning.” Homeowners should understand which sash tilts, how it is supported, and how the latches reengage.

Locks, Vent Latches, and Optional Control Devices

Gentek’s published specifications identify a color-coordinated cam-style lock with a slotted keeper on operable Model 1700 windows. Vent latches are also listed as standard on the single-hung configuration.

A vent latch may allow the sash to remain in a limited open position, but it should not be represented as a security lock, fall-prevention device, or substitute for required ventilation controls.

Published options include an ADA-compliant lock and a Window Opening Control Device. These options address different needs and should not be treated as interchangeable.

Window Opening Control Device considerations

A WOCD is intended to limit the initial opening of a qualifying window and include a release method defined by the applicable product requirements. It is not the same as permanently preventing the sash from opening.

The selected device, window, installation height, occupancy, code requirements, and emergency-escape provisions must be evaluated together. Adding a control device without understanding those requirements can create a new problem while attempting to solve another one.

Security claim to avoid

Do not describe a cam lock, vent latch, reinforced rail, or WOCD as burglar-proof. These components can contribute to security or opening control, but their functions and limitations are different.

Weatherstripping and Air-Control Features

Gentek describes double-barrier fin-seal weatherstripping around the operating sash and a foam-filled weatherstrip at the bottom rail. These components are intended to help limit air, water, dust, and noise infiltration.

Weatherstripping must make appropriate contact without being crushed, folded, torn, painted, or blocked by debris. If the frame is bowed or out of square, the sash may contact the weatherstripping unevenly.

A homeowner who reports a draft may be experiencing leakage through the sash interface, perimeter installation joint, wall cavity, trim, electrical penetrations, or another nearby source. Diagnose the path instead of assuming the weatherstripping is defective.

Glass Packages and Glazing Options

Gentek’s 1700 Series technical guide describes a 3/4-inch insulating-glass unit consisting of two panes of glass sealed around a warm-edge spacer system. The historical guide lists clear, Low-E, Low-E with argon, tinted, obscure, laminated, and tempered glass options.

Because the cited size and specification guide was published in 2018, every glass option and specification must be verified against current Gentek ordering information. Older literature is useful for understanding the product design, but it should not be treated as proof of current availability.

Glass type	Potential application	What to verify
Low-E insulating glass	Thermal and solar-performance planning	Exact coating, U-factor, SHGC, Visible Transmittance, and climate-zone suitability
Argon-filled glass	Improved insulating-glass performance	Current package, elevation requirements, capillary tubes, and NFRC rating
Tempered glass	Locations requiring safety glazing	Applicable code, glazing location, size, and permanent safety marking
Obscure glass	Bathrooms and privacy-sensitive locations	Pattern, privacy level, orientation, safety-glazing requirements, and availability
Laminated glass	Specialized safety, security, or sound objectives	Tested construction and whether it satisfies the project’s specific requirement

Laminated glass should not automatically be described as impact-resistant, hurricane-rated, soundproof, or forced-entry resistant. Those claims require the appropriate tested and approved complete assembly.

Screens Are for Insect Control

Gentek’s published Model 1700 specifications describe an optional full-view fiberglass insect screen in a color-coordinated aluminum frame. The same technical literature clearly warns that insect screens are intended to admit air and light while helping keep insects out.

They are not designed to prevent a person, child, pet, or object from falling through an open window. This limitation should be explained during the homeowner handoff, especially when windows are installed above the first floor.

Grid and Finish Options

Gentek’s historical 1700 Series guide lists 5/8-inch flat, 3/4-inch contoured, and 1-inch contoured grids between the glass. Listed patterns include Colonial, Single Prairie, Single Perimeter, and Craftsman.

White, Beige, and Classic Clay are identified as through-color vinyl choices in that guide, along with several historical exterior painted options. Current colors, grid profiles, and combinations must be verified using current samples and ordering information.

Design sales tip

Prepare a window-elevation schedule showing grid pattern and profile by opening. A generic note that says “grids to match” is not precise enough when the existing home contains several patterns or window generations.

Extension Jamb and Interior-Finish Planning

The historical 1700 Series technical guide lists primed wood extension jambs intended to support several common wall depths. Suburban Wholesale also describes 1/2-inch and 5/8-inch drywall-return options within the 1700 Series program.

Wall depth should be measured rather than assumed from framing size. Sheathing, continuous insulation, drywall, plaster, tile, paneling, furring, and exterior cladding can all affect the finished relationship.

An extension jamb that is too shallow creates additional finishing work. One that projects beyond the wall can interfere with casing and reveal alignment. Confirm whether jamb extensions are factory-applied, shipped loose, or field-fabricated.

Egress Must Be Verified by Exact Size

Bedroom and basement windows may be required to provide an emergency escape and rescue opening under the locally adopted building code. A single-hung window does not qualify merely because it opens.

The clear opening depends on the exact frame size, sash design, meeting rail, sill, and maximum unobstructed sash position. Nominal window dimensions and visible-glass area are not acceptable substitutes for clear-opening data.

Gentek’s historical size guide includes clear-opening tables and formulas, but contractors should obtain current data for the exact ordered window and compare it with the locally adopted code. The 2018 guide itself cautions that certain configurations may not meet egress requirements and directs users to verify them.

Egress verification should include

Minimum clear opening width
Minimum clear opening height
Minimum net clear opening area
Maximum sill height above the finished floor
Window-well dimensions and ladder requirements where applicable
Effect of guards, screens, WOCDs, locks, and interior finishes
Locally adopted code edition and project-specific requirements

Do not make this sales claim

Never call a window “egress-sized” based only on its nominal call size. Verify the actual net clear opening of the exact manufactured configuration.

Performance Ratings and the AAMA Gold Label

Gentek’s 1700 Series literature states that qualifying products are rated and labeled under NFRC requirements and tested and certified to applicable AAMA requirements. Current labels and certification records should be used when confirming a project.

The AAMA Gold Label Certification Program is administered by the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance. It provides a certification framework involving product testing, manufacturing-site inspections, and continuing program requirements.

Read the label rather than relying on the brand or series name. Window style, size, glass, mull configuration, performance class, performance grade, and tested dimensions can affect the applicable rating.

A Gold Label identifies a certified manufactured product configuration. It does not certify the field installation or guarantee that the selected window satisfies every project requirement.

InstallationMasters Principles for the Model 1700

FGIA’s InstallationMasters program provides training and certification for new construction and replacement installers of windows and exterior glass doors. The curriculum addresses the installation process from site inspection through final cleaning and maintenance.

For a nailing-fin single-hung window, careful rough-opening preparation and flashing integration are essential. The window should not be expected to straighten defective framing or compensate for an incomplete drainage plane.

Verify the opening dimensions against the current Gentek requirements.
Check the sill for level, continuous support, and deterioration.
Confirm that the jambs are plumb and the opening is reasonably square.
Install the required sill flashing or pan before setting the unit.
Integrate the nailing fin with the water-resistive barrier in the prescribed sequence.
Use approved fasteners in the specified locations without distorting the frame.
Shim and insulate the perimeter without bowing the jambs.
Keep the sill weeps and drainage paths unobstructed.
Test sash, tilt latches, balance operation, lock, vent latches, and screen.

InstallationMasters training supplements professional knowledge, but Gentek’s current installation instructions, project specifications, engineering, and applicable codes remain controlling.

Contractor Sales Checklist

☐ Confirm Model 1700 single-hung rather than a double-hung or sliding style.
☐ Verify exact unit and rough-opening dimensions.
☐ Confirm current size limitations and regional availability.
☐ Check current color, grid, screen, glass, and hardware options.
☐ Determine whether tempered, obscure, or laminated glass is required.
☐ Verify current NFRC values for the exact glass package.
☐ Confirm AAMA certification and required performance rating.
☐ Calculate and document actual egress data when applicable.
☐ Determine whether a WOCD or accessible lock is required.
☐ Coordinate the nailing fin, flashing, siding, and interior return.
☐ Review current warranty and installation requirements.

Get Help Specifying Gentek 1700 Series Windows

Suburban Wholesale & Supply helps contractors, builders, remodelers, property professionals, and homeowners compare Gentek windows for projects throughout Davenport, Bettendorf, LeClaire, Eldridge, Moline, Rock Island, and the surrounding Quad Cities.

Bring plans, rough-opening dimensions, window schedules, wall sections, required clear openings, performance criteria, glass selections, colors, and grid details. The team can help identify information needed before a Gentek window package is finalized.

Explore the Gentek 1700 Series Request a Window Quote

Sources and Technical References

Suburban Wholesale & Supply — Gentek New Construction 1700 Series
Gentek Building Products — 1700 Series Window Collection Size Guide
Gentek Building Products — Windows and Patio Doors
Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance — AAMA Gold Label Certification Program
Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance — InstallationMasters Certification
Current Gentek product specifications, size charts, installation instructions, certified product records, NFRC labels, warranties, and applicable building codes.

Technical note: The cited Gentek 1700 Series size guide is dated February 2018 and may not reflect current options, specifications, formulas, ratings, or availability. Use current Gentek ordering documents and certified product information for every project. This article does not replace manufacturer instructions, code review, engineering, or project-specific egress calculations.

Gentek 1700 Series Single-Hung Window: Features and Sales Guide