The thermal performance of high performance vinyl replacement windows are significantly better than standard vinyl, wood and metal windows. Vinyl window and patio door manufacturers have a lower cost of materials and labor than do manufacturers of wood, metal and composite windows and patio doors. Right there, is the reason for what should be the significantly lower price to the consumer of vinyl replacement windows. Why are vinyl replacement windows and patio doors so easy to maintain?
It all has to do with surface porosity. Vinyl polyvinylchloride , is virtually non-porous. Therefore it cannot absorb moisture and breed the fungi that cause rot. Vinyl windows and patio doors do not require finish maintenance and painting. In contrast, wood is extremely porous.
The composite compound reduces the porosity of the frame material and therefore reducing, but not eliminating, the potential for moisture absorbtion. Wood window companies teach their clients that proper maintenance of their windows is brushing off the windows and inspecting for mold, cracks or low spots, then treating the deteriorated areas by filling them in and refinishing the entire surface. Fading of color is not an issue with vinyl windows as it is on wood, metal and some composite windows.
With vinyl windows color is extruded directly into or chemically bonded onto the vinyl at the time of manufacture. Vinyl replacement windows can me manufactured to exacting tolerances. So every window patio door is made custom, for every opening. A replacement vinyl window or patio door can be manufactured custom to the exact size of the opening. Compare this with about 60 minutes for mechanical frame, ridged wood, metal and composite windows. That means more windows can be installed in a single day greatly shortening the overall duration of your project.
Vinyl, also known as polyvinylchlorides PVC is a very versatile material with excellent insulating value, high impact resistance, and excellent resistance to abrasion, corrosion, air pollutants, and termites.
Recent advancement in formulation and extrusion technology have provided outstanding dimensional stability and resistance to degradation and fading from sunlight and temperature extremes.
Unlike wood, metal and composite frames, Vinyl profiles can be fusion welded to eliminate excessive movement caused by heating and cooling in the master frame and sash frames of the window. Not all vinyl window manufactures go the extra mile and design fusion welded frames. Some manufacturers do mechanically fasten the master and sash frames of their windows and patio doors.
Fusion welded vinyl frames are seamless and stronger than the screwed, stapled or glued together frames of non-welded vinyl frames. The seal in mechanically fastened frames can compromised by settling, climate stresses etc. That gives fusion welded vinyl windows a big advantage with excellent resistance to leaks due to temperature and handling stresses both at the jobsite and in shipping as well as to ongoing settling stresses once installed in the opening.
This is due to advancements in the industry such resin formula improvements, sophisticated extrusion and die technology and the development of beautiful high tech color process finishes, etc. This is one of the many reasons why high performance vinyl replacement windows have gained exponential market share over the last 25 years. When purchasing a home, the type and condition of the windows in the home do matter to the home buyers.
Metal windows do not insulate well and make staying comfortable very expensive. By contrast, vinyl replacement windows and patio doors provide superior energy performance when compared to wood, metal and composite windows. Developed by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association in conjunction with the National Wood Window and Door Association, this nonmandatory program puts windows through their paces with a series of performance tests.
Windows that pass the tests are granted a certification sticker. Choosing a window style that goes with the rest of your house is another crucial concern. The wrong choice can ruin the look of your house and lower resale value. Michael J. Crosbie, a writer and architect with Steven Winter Associates, an architectural consulting firm in Norwalk, Connecticut, provides these rules of thumb:.
And ask your dealer or contractor to show you how different styles look in their past jobs. Window style is critical when adding window area to a wall. Yet another concern is where to locate new windows on a wall — something that depends partly on ceiling and floor locations.
An easy way to determine placement, according to Crosbie, is to stand outside and line up the top of the new windows with the top of an existing window. When shopping, also look at a manufacturer's entire line of windows. Most companies offer their product lines in different materials, grille designs and sizes.
Some also offer windows designed specifically to complement older homes. Marvin's line of double-hung windows with curved glazing is an example. Walking unprepared into a window showroom or home center can leave you reeling. Some advance planning will help you choose windows that transform your home, save energy and provide years of service.
At home on this traditional house, these divided-light, double-hung windows from Marvin's Integrity line are made of Ultrex, a composite-plastic material that won't warp or rot and can be painted. Cookie banner We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from.
By choosing I Accept , you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Clear Choices for Windows. By Fran J. Pinterest Email Pocket Flipboard. Photo by Trevor Johnston New windows can make a dramatic difference in any home, whether you want to improve its appearance, open up a spectacular view or simply replace worn units that seem to let in more wind and rain than they keep out.
Material Choices Windows frames come in a number of different materials, including wood, vinyl aluminum, fiberglass and composite plastic. Photo by Trevor Johnston Wood-frame windows are slowly losing their market dominance to vinyl, though they're still considered the gold standard by many professional installers and homeowners. Home : Recommendations : Composite vs. Wood Windows If you are considering composite vs.
Composite windows are a bit of a mixed bag due to the variety of material mixes that manufacturers use. See how they stack up in terms of strength, aesthetics, energy efficiency, as well as cost and value. Have a question on window quotes, prices, or reviews? Composite windows are made from a combination of materials, such as wood, metal, and vinyl or another plastic. Some designs are made with wood on the interior side for aesthetic appeal and vinyl on the exterior for ease of maintenance.
Others consist of wood with aluminum or vinyl cladding. Composite windows are gaining popularity for their ability to combine the best aspects of several different materials. Composite window frames combine the strength and stability of wood with the rot-resistance and low maintenance requirements of vinyl and aluminum. The energy efficiency of composite windows depends on the materials used and the design, but well-made composite can be highly energy efficient.
Composite windows made with wood have the same thermal properties as wood windows, making them an energy efficient choice for your home. Like vinyl windows, composite windows come in a variety of colors and styles. Appearance is another factor. Windows that contain vinyl or metal work best with modern designs, but can look a little out of place on a traditional home with wood features.
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