Is there a difference in vinyl windows?

Vinyl windows insulate better than aluminum windows.

Vinyl windows excel when it comes to insulation and improving energy efficiency because the vinyl material minimizes heat transfer. Aluminum windows tend to conduct heat (and cold) and, therefore, are less energy efficient.

Is there a difference in quality of vinyl windows?

Each variation has different amounts of virgin and recycled vinyl in its make-up. While the end products will look identical, the type of window produced varies greatly in quality and durability.

Are there different grades of vinyl windows?

Building-grade vinyl windows generally have two to three internal chambers whereas premium grades have five, six or seven chambers offering superior energy efficiency. These higher end windows will also have polyurethane insulation in their frames.

What are the different types of vinyl windows?

How do you choose vinyl windows?

When shopping for vinyl frame windows, look at a cross section of the frame. The frame has multiple chambers of different sizes. More chambers means higher quality. Good-quality frames and sashes have more chambers to avoid deformation due to vinyl melting from the sun's heat.

Why Should You Choose Vinyl Windows?

What makes a quality vinyl window?

Vinyl windows are made from extruded polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as the base material. The best vinyl windows include metal as an internal structural element to stiffen the frames. High quality vinyl window have additives in the composite that protect the vinyl against brittleness, yellowing, or fading.

Do vinyl windows turn yellow?

Vinyl usually turns yellow because it's exposed to prolonged and frequent sunlight or because it's defective. A chemical reaction causes the yellowing so you may not be able to remove it. You may have some success with a solution of 1 part bleach to 2 parts water. If that doesn't work, try undiluted white vinegar.

How much does it cost to replace a vinyl window?

Window Replacement 101c

The average double-hung vinyl window will cost you about $600 to $950 to replace and it's reasonable to expect to spend $100 to $300 per window on labor. A typical hourly rate for a window installer or contractor is about $40 per hour.

Are Pella windows made out of vinyl?

Pella vinyl windows are comprised of multi-chambered vinyl frames with optional foam insulation for added energy efficiency. Insulating double- and triple-pane glass with argon gas further enhances the energy efficiency and durability of our new and replacement vinyl windows.

When should vinyl windows be replaced?

Many window design professionals agree that new, quality windows should last between 15 and 20 years before you start to think about replacing them. Most companies producing vinyl windows often provide a 20-25 year warranty, which is essentially a lifetime warranty – the expected lifetime of the product.

How long do builder grade vinyl windows last?

How Long Do Contractor's Windows Last? Unfortunately, builder-grade windows are less sturdy than other options, and on average, homeowners have to replace them within 5 to 10 years of their installation. By comparison, higher-quality windows last much longer—ranging from 15 to 30 years of performance, or more.

What is the downside of vinyl windows?

A leading complaint from homeowners is that vinyl window frames are too bulky. Because this material is not as strong and durable as fiberglass and aluminum, the manufactures have to use more of it in frame construction.

Is there a difference in window quality?

The lower the U-value, the greater a window's resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating value. In terms of performance, windows with lower U-Factors help to keep a home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)- measures how well a product blocks heat caused by sunlight.

How long does a vinyl window last?

On average, vinyl windows last between 20-40 years. Their life expectancy depends on the climate and conditions you live in. For instance, if your windows are exposed to harsh sunlight for extended periods of time, the vinyl will break down faster and their lifespan will be closer to 20 years.

Are windows all the same?

There are three major considerations when choosing replacement windows. They are frame material, glass package, and installation. Frame Material When it comes to frame material, you can choose from wood, fiberglass, aluminum, or vinyl.

Are vinyl windows all vinyl?

Vinyl windows are made using polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the same material used in many plumbing products and other household items. Vinyl windows come in different grades, the most popular being Recycled Vinyl or Pure Virgin Vinyl. Recycled vinyl is made from a variety of recycled vinyl products.

What windows are as good as Pella?

Andersen and Pella are two premier window brands. Both produce high-quality windows. Andersen windows are better overall and are of higher quality and craftsmanship. Pella windows are durable, more affordable, and come in a wider variety of styles and sizes.

Does Anderson make a vinyl window?

Where Andersen has innovated with vinyl is by using it as a protective cladding for its wood core windows. This combination of a weather-resistant vinyl exterior, the strength of a solid wood frame and the beauty of a wood interior performs well beyond what vinyl can achieve on its own.

Is fiberglass better than vinyl windows?

Fiberglass windows are up to eight times stronger than vinyl, which means they generally last longer. A good quality vinyl replacement window can last up to 30 years or more, while fiberglass windows can last 50 years or more. The reason fiberglass replacement windows are stronger and more durable is due to its makeup.

Should I replace all windows at once?

Yes. If your windows are more than 20 years old it is probably time to start thinking about replacing the lot. Many professionals agree that if homeowners can afford it, they are better served by replacing all their windows in one order. The installation team can complete the full job in a couple of days.

Why are window replacements so expensive?

Window replacement is so expensive mainly comes down to the custom nature of windows and their labor-intensive installation. Each home has different sized, styled windows, which means higher manufacturing costs for contractors.

Do vinyl windows crack?

Vinyl has some great characteristics that make it the perfect choice for windows. Vinyl is naturally a good insulator, which means that there is little to no heat and cold transfer through the window frame. The color in vinyl is actually part of the vinyl itself, so it will not warp, crack or fade.

Can yellowed vinyl be cleaned?

Bleach is a natural whitener and can sometimes remove the yellowing. Mix 1 part bleach with 2 parts water. Apply with a soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow to dry.

Why do vinyl windows sag?

They have the tendency to sag due to their flexibility. Their flexibility also limits their size and the weight of the glass they frame. Many people find them less elegant or natural-looking than wood. Vinyl window frames can soften, warp, twist and bow if heat builds up within the frame.