Vinyl is one of the window materials that has made leaps and bounds in the last few years. Old windows, or poor quality vinyl, would warp, sag, chip, yellow, or fade. Many homeowners who installed first generation vinyl windows were disappointed. Larger windows, especially those facing the hot sun, were usually the victims. The material would soften in the heat and sag because of heavy glass. Then, when the material cooled, it would retain the warped shape. Today, there are so many technologies available that prevent sagging and fading. Here is what you need to know about the best vinyl windows on the market and where to find them.
Not all Vinyl is the Same
Manufacturerseach have their own unique processes. While competing window frames may look the same, there are many key differences in the material’s recipe and the construction of vinyl windows. Here are a few ways to compare vinyl windows to make sure you have a quality product.
Ingredients to Watch for in the Best Vinyl Windows
Making vinyl is a lot like making a cake. Polyvinyl chloride is a compound and there are several ingredients to choose from. Manufacturers use different chemicals, plasticizers, fillers, and pigments. Two key ingredients to watch for include titanium dioxide (TiO2) and organic tin. These not only strengthen the material and improve energy efficiency, but also keep white vinyl looking pure. Aside from asking about the ingredients, how do you know if it is quality vinyl?
You can test the quality by looking at the color of white vinyl windows. Products without these ingredients are often tinted a light blue to delay the inevitable yellowing. Simply take a sample to a showroom and test the color against the highest priced vinyl windows. That said, some manufacturers still tint their high quality vinyl because the blue coloring is attractive. So your best assurance is making sure the vinyl windows have the American Architectural Manufactures Association (AAMA) certification label.
Seamless Corners
The corners of your vinyl windows can also tell you a lot. There are two processes. One is where the edges are chemically welded or screwed together. While this is functional, it doesn’t always produce the best results. The seams can still break in transport or installation and leak. Instead, look for fusion-welding. The pieces are heated together for an unbreakable bond.
NFRC Labels
Once you know how to read them, the energy labels are an easy way to compare products. The U-factor tells you how well a window prevents heat transfer and lower values are better. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures how well the window blocks heat gain from the sun and again, lower is best. Another good rating to know is the Condensation Resistance (CR) and a higher rating means the window better resists formation of condensation.
Benefits of Vinyl Windows
The best, high quality vinyl windows are:
• Extremely durable
• Non-corrosive
• Virtually maintenance-free
• Highly energy efficiency
• Recyclable
• Offered in various styles and colors
Finding the Best Vinyl Windows
Milgard is one of our featured window brands. They process their vinyl to exacting standards in a controlled environment. Their products do not contain fillers. Instead, they have developed their own compounds and components with high quality titanium dioxide and stabilizers. Your final product is heat stable, durable, and strong. Recently, Milgard even developed a two-coat finish. This technology allows harmful UV rays to pass through the color coat and bounce off the vinyl frame. This preserves your finish and your windows look new for years.
Looking for the best vinyl windows in Tualatin, OR? Call EnergyGuard Windows and Doors at 503-554-5500 or stop by our showroom at 516 E. 2nd St., Newberg, OR 97132 today.